Liara walked into the medical bay and looked around at a disappointingly empty office...no Dr Chakwas. Liara was at a loss, as she intended to inquire as to the protocol for being invited to the commander's room for a private dinner. There was no one else on the crew who she felt she could get an appropriate, or more specifically, discrete, answer from. Thinking perhaps Karin went for tea or an early dinner, Liara headed back out the door to the mess. Sure enough, Karin was standing near the drink counter, her tray of food already in hand. Liara approached, not sure how to broach the topic, when Karin noticed her and asked if she cared to join her, finishing with, "Eating alone is such a bore."

"Thank you, Karin, but I'm not quite ready to eat yet. However, if you don't mind, I'll grab something to drink and sit with you for awhile...I have something I would like to ask you." Karin agreed, saying it would be nice to have some company, and for Liara to come find her, once she had made her drink selection. It was early yet, still a couple hours to the appointed time for dinner, so Liara grabbed an energy bar and some water before seeking out her friend.

Liara explained her predicament to Karin, relating her embarrassment in the commander's quarters earlier in the day. "I really have no idea what is involved. I looked up some vids, and it seems any time anyone is invited to the Captain's table, it is a formal affair. I have no such clothing available to me," Liara blushed as she continued, "and I am afraid if the commander is wearing her formal dress uniform, I'll probably not be able to eat anyway."

Karin smiled, "I think you are perfectly safe, my dear. I'm sure the commander's idea of dinner in her cabin is a burger, fries, and a beer, while she works on her e-mail."

Liara seemed to relax a bit, "Oh, there will be no e-mail...well, maybe later, but we do have things to discuss about Noveria... we shall see how the evening goes. Thank you, Karin. I do appreciate your advice... and your friendship. Things are getting better, but you were my savior in my first few weeks here, for certain. I cannot thank you enough for how welcome you made me feel." Liara suddenly looked sad. "You and Kaidan were my two best friends on the Normandy. I will miss him."

Karin's eyes misted. "So shall we all, Liara. Kaidan was a dear fellow to many of us. As the commander said today, the Normandy will be the lesser for his loss." Karin suddenly stood. "Well, I have medical reports to finish, and you apparently have a working dinner to prepare for. I shall see you later."

Shepard walked into her quarters and put the small crate under the table just inside the door. She stripped out of her dress blues, tossing them in the cleaning bin, and slipped into a comfortable pair of jeans and her old leather hovercycle boots. God, sometimes I really miss the freedom of that bike, the road and my troubles left behind me, even if only for a little while. She had on a black tank-top compression shirt, and figured she'd slip something else on over it a bit later. There wasn't really much to do in preparation for dinner. Her room was relatively Spartan, so she hung clean towels in the bath and made sure all her laundry was picked up and tossed in the cleaner with her uniform. The front half of the room was fairly empty, having only the small entry table, a cabinet that acted as her bar, and her small dining set. Then there was the bath and closet, and finally her desk, bookcase and bed toward the rear of the room. With all the laundry picked up and her bed made, there wasn't really anything else to do, so she moved to her desk to see what paperwork she could finish up before dinner.

She picked up the datapad she was working with earlier and pulled open her desk drawer, pulling out her old wide-tip fountain pen and a piece of nice parchment paper. Shepard felt strongly that grieving families deserved more than an impersonal electronic memo, so she always took the time to hand scribe a personal letter. Good script was a lost art to many; it was horribly old fashioned, but it's how she did every notification letter she had ever sent, and it seemed to her, the families appreciated the personal touch and understood the time and care it took to produce it. It was the least she could do. She was slow and methodical, but the letter wasn't really very long, less than a page, and it was already written; all she had to do was transcribe it from the datapad on which she had composed it earlier. She left it on her desk to dry; she'd fold it into an envelope and place it in the crate later, after dinner. She knew the personal items, the flag, and her letter would all be delivered to Kaidan's dad by some Alliance representative, most likely the Vancouver District Commander, along with the obligatory formal and legal documents and an Alliance Flag. Assuming Shepard somehow pulled this whole Saren thing off, she would be sure to visit Mr Alenko in person, after the war. I wonder how many others...

At 1845 hrs, Food Specialist Carlton Tucks delivered the meal settings as requested, with the warming platters, wine glasses and a bottle of Thessia Red. He efficiently set the table, with a linen table cloth and napkins, china and real silverware. Truly, it was the one advantage of being the ship's commander, but Shepard was still surprised at the level of service. She was allowed a small private stock, and the specialist would provide private meals in her cabin on demand. She'd worked on ships with both extremes; once, with a captain who never ate with the crew, and then with Anderson, who didn't ever not eat with the crew in the mess. Shepard had stocked some stores in the private locker just in case, but this was the first time she'd used them since boarding the Normandy. The meal she had selected was a modified family favorite. I hope Liara likes it. She thanked Carlton for the effort and he responded, "My pleasure, Commander. Just leave the stuff here when you're done. I'll come in tomorrow morning after breakfast and clean it up for you. See you tomorrow, ma'am!" He was gone as fast as he came, and Shepard stepped over to her closet, grabbed a loose fitting over-shirt to slide into and tucked it into her jeans. She then turned on some soft classical background music, went to the table and lit a candle, and had just finished pouring the two glasses of wine when the door chirped again.

Shepard placed the cork back in the wine as she yelled, "Come on in, Liara..." The Asari walked in the door, still in uniform, and it suddenly dawned on Shepard that Liara had no civilian clothes. She groaned inwardly. Sometimes you are too mission focused for your own good Samantha Shepard! Everything she owned had been left on Therum, and they had yet to stop at a port of call where Liara would be able to get any replacements. As she walked toward the door to greet Liara properly, she started speaking, "Hey Blue, hungry?"

Liara smiled, "I am, as a matter of fact. Do we work, or eat, first?"

Sam laughed, "If we want the food hot, we eat, and maybe work at the same time. No rules against that in Asari culture, are there?"

Liara laughed with her as she said, "Absolutely not, Samantha." Liara glanced around the room and took in the scene. "This is very nice, and you look...very...comfortable." As Liara ran her hand lightly across the open collar of Shepard's emerald green shirt, she commented, "This complements your eyes beautifully." Shepard's breath caught at the touch, and her body involuntarily trembled. Samantha tipped her head slightly to the side, wondering if Liara was teasing on purpose, or if she had no idea what she had just done. Is sensuality so natural to Asari she doesn't even realize the power of a touch like that? God help me!

Samantha took a deep breath to settle herself and introduced dinner, "I hope you have no objections to a mainly human menu for the evening. Tonight, you get a traditional Shepard family meal; Italian herb roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and a fruit salad...and, of course, wine. In your honor, I selected a bottle of Thessia Red; not the best, there was no '47 to be found. I hope it meets with your approval." Sam flashed a huge grin as she pulled out Liara's chair, indicating she should take a seat. Liara took the proffered chair without hesitation, so Sam noted the Asari must have similar customs.

Liara quipped, "I have no idea what the first half of that is, but I do know I will like the fruit salad and the wine. I'm sure the rest will be delicious," smiling as she spoke.

Samantha pulled the dishes out of the warmers, removed their covers and placed one at each setting, pulling out her own chair and sitting with Liara. "So, Dr T'Soni. Watching you come in my door this evening, however pleasant a sight you may be, it suddenly came to my attention that I have been terribly remiss in my duties of taking care of my crew."

Liara looked puzzled, and Shepard thought she'd been doing that to Liara a lot lately, she must learn to be a bit more straight forward with the young Asari until she learned more of human speech patterns, or at least, Sam's speech patterns. "We abandoned everything you owned on Therum, and I have not provided you opportunity to replace any of it, including civilian clothes. All I ever see you in is Alliance issue."

Liara flushed, "I am sorry if my appearance does not meet your approval, Commander..."

Samantha cut her off before she could go any farther. "Stop right there. That is not what I meant at all, Liara. Seeing you actually pleases me...very...much... no matter what you're wearing. I meant exactly what I said. I have been remiss. You have nothing of your own, and it can't be very comfortable, especially since we weren't originally outfitted for any Asari crew members. I'm sure you're missing some basic essentials. That's my bad. Next time we get to the Citadel, I'm taking you shopping. Alliance gives us a bit of a stipend for that kind of stuff, so my treat...Now, let's see how well Specialist Tucks did on our dinner, shall we?"

Shepard and Liara were both very happy with the skill of chef, the meal done to perfection. Shepard was not surprised, since Capt Anderson had hand-selected the entire crew. The man definitely knew what a good cook can do for the morale of the troops. While they ate, Shepard kept the wine glasses full and questioned Liara on the Noveria information she collected, which, it turned out, wasn't much more than what Liara had already provided. The capital is Port Hanshan, and the main facility is run by the Noveria Development Corporation. While over two dozen companies leased space, their target would be Binary Helix, of which Saren was a key investor and Benezia his official executor. Their primary research facility was something called Peak 15, but the corporate security was very good, provided by Elanus Risk Control Services, or ERCS, and no maps of the individual research sites exist.

They finished their dinner and Shepard sighed, dreading the next topic of discussion. "Liara, with the reports of Geth activity, there is a good chance Saren or your mother may be on Noveria. I honestly want them to be there, and for this chase to be over."

Liara earnestly replied, "I understand, Shepard. It will be nice when this business is finished."

Shepard shook her head. "No, Liara, I don't think you do fully understand. If Saren or your mother is there, I can't count on them surrendering. I am hoping for a peaceful resolution, but we have to face the possibility it could end...otherwise."

Shepard stopped speaking for a moment and just watched Liara, waiting for the archeologist to process the data and truly understand the implications of what she was saying. When she saw Liara's face go blank, devoid of any emotion, and then her eyes start to tear, Shepard knew she had realized just what they may end up facing. Shepard slowly reached across the table and clasped the blue hand nearest her. The contact startled Liara, and she looked at Sam, then closed her eyes, mouthing one word, so quietly Sam saw her lips move but no sound came from the Asari. "Goddess"

Shepard didn't move, just waited for Liara to decide on her own what path she would take. The only thing Shepard prepared to do was keep Liara from leaving the room, should she decide to bolt. Shepard couldn't let her leave like this...now that the topic was in the wind; they had to resolve it to the commander's satisfaction, one way or another. Shepard was fairly confident Liara would do no such thing, but she had to be ready, just in case. Slowly, Liara raised her head and met Samantha's eyes, speaking "If everything we fear is true, that my mother is working for Saren, then we will do what we need to do. You have not tried to deceive me, nor have you hidden any of the truth of what you have discovered. You have accepted me as an equal crew member on the Normandy, you have cared for me, and you have trusted me." Liara let out a shaky sigh and continued. "If my mother is there, and she proves to be a..." Liara could not bring herself to say the word traitor. "...if she does not deny the allegations, then we must take whatever action is necessary. I am with you to the end, Shepard." Liara's eyes pleaded for a peaceful resolution on the day.

Still holding Liara's hand, Shepard stood, drawing the Asari up with her. She pulled Liara close, whispering gently in her ear, "We'll do what we can, Liara, and you don't have to come..."

"No." Liara pulled back a bit, and was adamant. "Please, Samantha. You have to take me. I have to know. If she is there, I have to be there too. I have to be able to talk to her. I might be able to convince her, to stop her... You have to let me at least try!" Tears were flowing down Liara's cheeks and it broke Sam's heart to see her so distressed.

Shepard pulled her tight again, "Ok, Blue, Ok...shhhhh... it's ok...I just don't want to see you hurt...but that's already happened and I can't do anything about it. I'm so sorry, Liara...Shhhh, it's ok..." Sam held her tight, gently rubbing her shoulders, swaying easily to the music, repeating her reassurances and soothing the Asari. After the tears stopped, Shepard continued to hold and comfort Liara, letting her dictate when to break the embrace.

Liara quietly sobbed against Sam's chest, strong arms protectively wrapped around her, like she was tucked safely in a cocoon. Even though the subject matter pained her, Liara somehow still felt warm and safe. She hadn't been held like that in years, probably not since she had been in her mid 40s. The horrible irony was the very person who held her then was the very person they were talking about possibly having to kill. The ache didn't stop, but Liara eventually ran out of tears. She tried to take a deep breath, but it hitched about half way through, prompting another circular rub and "shhhh" from Shepard. Liara was very unsure of herself at that moment and needed every bit of strength Samantha was willing to give her. The gently rocking and strong arms finally did their job, and Liara successfully took in a deep breath without catching. She exhaled a quiet, "Thank you, Samantha," and gently pushed back, looking up into those cloudy green eyes, filled with a tender concern.

Shepard studied the tear-streaked face, trying to establish Liara's emotional state, and couldn't help but try to wipe away the dried tears. Shepard's brow creased with worry, "You Ok?"

Liara nodded a yes, while running her hand over Samantha's chest. "I think I ruined your shirt," she said with a sad smile.

Shepard spoke lightly, "I don't believe a few Asari tears are going to ruin a shirt...though it is pretty wet. Guess I should change it." Not willing to relinquish her hold on Liara, Sam took her by the hand, brought her to the closet and pointed at her shirts. "You pick the replacement."

Willing to accept any type of distraction, Liara played the game, pulling her hand away so she could flip through the selections; she finally pulled out two shirts. Stepping back, she held them both up against Shepard, weighing their individual merits. "This burgundy one really pulls the red of your hair, but this cerulean one... this one compliments... this one is just nice... but it doesn't compliment anything." Laughingly lightly she asked, "Why do you have a blue shirt?"

Shepard shrugged her shoulders and simply said, "Because I like it." She stepped back and looked appraisingly at Liara. "Besides, blue is rapidly becoming my new favorite color...and it compliments a certain beautiful Asari at my side."

Liara blushed as she responded, "Oh, does it now? Then I think you should wear it."

Shepard took the burgundy shirt and hung it back up. Turning back to Liara, she said, "And now, you get to help me change." Shepard untucked her soggy shirt and started undoing the buttons, and Liara, embarrassed, went to turn away. Sam reached out, caught her shoulder, and slowly turned her back around, capturing Liara's eyes with her own. "Where do you think you're going with my shirt...? I'll be needing that." Maintaining eye contact, Sam finished unbuttoning and shrugged the shirt off her shoulders, let it slide off her arms to the floor, and took a step toward Liara. Shepard still had her tank-top compression shirt on, and Liara's eyes slid off Sam's and went to those now bare shoulders; her free hand followed, fingertips tracing across Sam's chest to caress a shoulder before wandering down a strong arm that had just offered Liara such comfort.

She heard Shepard groan at the caress...By the Goddess, did just my touch elicit that response?...and Liara's face flushed and her breath became ragged as she said, "Samantha... You are beautiful. So...sculpted... You are a work of art."

Liara fumbled to get the other shirt hung back up on the rack without tearing her eyes off of Shepard for even an instant; she missed, and the shirt hit the floor, forgotten. Her second hand now joined the first, and they started over again, together on Samantha's chest, starting in the center, massaging upward, then out to each side to grip the top of the trapezius muscles, craving a repeat of the sound that spoke of desire from Samantha, who was practically panting, just from the touch. Liara was so engrossed, she didn't even realize Shepard had slowly backed up, until she hit the wall and no longer had anywhere else to retreat. Liara had followed, her hands again wandering over Samantha's chest, then outward, feathering across the shoulders, seeking down each arm, individually. When Liara got to the hands, Samantha interwove their fingers, captured Liara's hands, and pulled them around her, encouraging Liara to wrap her in a hug. It also put them face to face, and Liara looked directly into Samantha's eyes and saw a dark intensity that caused her to inhale sharply. Her stomach fluttered, and she was exhilarated, enraptured and frightened, all at the same time.

When Liara's fingertips rippled across her chest to her shoulders, Shepard's eyes almost fluttered closed, and she groaned at the sensual touch, a bolt of lightning literally flashing from those fingers to the very core of her being. When she had stepped up to Liara, she'd honestly expected the Asari either to continue her retreat, or hold her dry shirt out to put on...not get suddenly bold and start to explore. The last thing Shepard expected was for that exploration to include tiny biotic pulses...and she didn't think Liara even realized she was doing it. Oh God, what are you doing? That's...not...fair! When Liara dropped the shirt and hit Sam with both hands, those little pulses lit up her insides, wildly erotic, and had Shepard practically gasping for air. The only thing she could think to do was retreat. Liara followed, and Sam hit the wall, nowhere else to go. I've got to catch those hands before she drives me crazy for God's sake! When Liara finally made a sweep all the way down her arms to her hands, Shepard mustered enough self control to trap those fingers, and the blue tendrils of power died off, enabling Shepard to get a full breath without electric running through her insides. She was so close to release it was ridiculous. Samantha was always extra sensitive when she hadn't had any type of sexual activity for a while, and it had been almost two years since she broke up with her last girlfriend, so she was definitely primed; throwing the wonderfully beautiful biotic Liara T'Soni into the mix was definitely a deadly combo! She'd pulled her into a hug, and successfully distracted those hands, but now she found herself eye to eye with the alluring Asari. Liara quickly sucked in a breath, and Sam looked at her and softly whispered, "Do you know you have the most beautiful crystal blue eyes I have ever seen in my life?" Samantha didn't give her a chance to answer before leaning forward and capturing a soft mouth in a gentle kiss.

Liara pulled one arm free from Samantha's waist and wrapped it instead around her shoulder, her hand entangled and playing in Shepard's hair. Whimpering into Sam's soft lips, Liara opened her mouth, inviting Samantha to deepen the kiss, and Shepard almost responded, before catching herself and pulling back, clearing her throat. This time, Shepard did close her eyes, and leaned her forehead into Liara's before speaking. Shepard's chest was tight, her heart pounding, hardly able to breath, but she managed to squeak out, "Blue...wait...God, I'm sorry...I...we need to talk about this...about where this is going...or...or I'm not going to be able to stop myself...I didn't think...you said you weren't ready!"

It was like a glass of cold water was splashed in Liara's face and reality slammed in; the body heat, the heavy, panting breaths washing over her, Samantha's distinctive smell of leather and musk, the throbbing pulse of nearly overwhelming desire where their hips were still pushed tightly together... Liara tried to jerk away, exclaiming, "By the Goddess, Samantha! I'm so sorry... I didn't mean... I never..."

Samantha held the Asari tight around the waist with one arm, preventing her flight, and raised her other hand to Liara's lips, stopping the sudden torrent of words. "Easy, Blue...relax...it's ok. I love holding you, but we do need to talk..."

Liara, overwrought with emotion and blushing furiously, ceased her futile attempts to withdraw, and instead, crushed back into Samantha's shoulder to hide her face, crying softly, this time flustered over her loss of emotional control. Samantha took a deep, cleansing breath, releasing it slowly, once more in control of herself, the deep pulse of desire slowly tapering off. "Hey Blue, no more tears, my love." Receiving no response, Shepard scooped the non-protesting Asari off her feet and carried her to a chair, sitting down gently with Liara on her lap, her face buried against Shepard's neck. Shepard sat patiently in silence, holding Liara, until she was ready to rejoin the conversation. The tears had mostly stopped with the unexpected lift off her feet, and Liara's breathing finally smoothed out, but she was still too embarrassed to speak.

Shepard decided to make light conversation to draw Liara back out of her shell. Shepard had a smile in her voice as she spoke, "You know, when you're running on high emotion, and not analyzing every word you say, you've started using contractions." That got a twitch, but no comments from the Asari; she was probably reviewing her comments in her head, to see if what Shepard had said was true. Shepard continued her oratory. "And it's a darn good thing I didn't get that shirt on, or we'd be starting all over picking a new one." That got a soft thump from a free hand on the opposite shoulder from where Liara was snuggled in, but still no comment. Shepard was getting warmed up now, feeling a bit of a smile forming on the lips pressing against her neck, and Shepard realized Liara was now just being stubborn about not wanting to talk. Maybe, for once, she was actually enjoying the teasing? "I suppose since the burgundy shirt took second place, it would be the natural follow-up, so maybe I wouldn't need your help to pick a new one..." That got a little snicker... "And you probably wouldn't be much help anyway, seeing as you've apparently lost your ability to speak." At that, Liara couldn't take any more, and she struck Samantha with a more sound thump on her shoulder as she sat up and retorted, "Samantha Shepard, you are incorrigible!" Samantha flashed a raffish grin, happy to get Liara talking.

"So...," Sam began, "I started that whole thing by teasing you. I did it to distract you, never thought you'd take me up on it. I should know better, you still have a hard time with teasing and joking, trying to figure out when I'm doing it or being serious. I just expected you to hand me the new shirt!"

Liara shook her head, "No, I knew you were teasing, and I was trying to play along...but then when you shrugged your shirt off...Goddess, I just lost my mind, got caught up in the moment. You really are beautiful, Samantha...your body is apparently a dangerous thing to tease me with." Liara looked down at the floor, a shy smile emerging on her lips.

In response, Shepard laughed gently, and caressed Liara's face. "I'll keep that in mind. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever known, Liara, and when you actually responded to me...it's... it's been a long time since...yeah...anyway, I almost couldn't stop...especially when you did whatever the hell that was with your biotics! God that felt great...beyond great!"

Liara sat up straight and looked at Sam, her forehead wrinkled with concern. "What thing with my biotics?" Shepard laughed and tried to explain the sensation, and how she eventually had to grab Liara's hands to keep things from going too far.

Liara listened in stunned silence, finally bursting out "Samantha! That is no laughing matter! I've never lost control of my biotics before! What if I had hurt you?"

"Easy there, big Blue! There was no fear of that! You most certainly did not 'lose control' of your biotics, believe me! You knew exactly what you were doing, be it subconscious or not, they elicited the exact response they were meant to!" Liara blushed deep purple at that point, but Shepard wasn't done. "And, by the way, if you didn't do it on purpose, you'd better figure it out, because it was very effective, and I just might expect some more of that!"

Liara couldn't blush any deeper, so all she could so was soundly thump Shepard on the shoulder and exclaim, "Samantha!"

Shepard was laughing in earnest now, at the same time clutching her shoulder, "Hey, easy, I need to stay mission ready here!"

The mention of the mission instantly brought a more somber mood to the conversation, and Liara's face fell. A look of concern flitted across Sam's face. "Liara, I need to be serious for a minute, and I need you to look at me." Shepard waited until she had solid eye contact, before continuing, "I need to know you can be focused. I need to know you won't hesitate, or second guess yourself...it could put lives in danger, otherwise. I'm sorry I have to ask this of you, but I need to be sure, or I can't take you on the mission."

Liara did not flinch when she responded. "I have my past, and I have my future. I need to try to understand the first, but I must live for the second. I know my duty, Commander, and I will not hesitate at the choices I must make. I am coming with you. You need not fear for my performance. I love you, Shepard, and I will guard you with my life. Please...Let us speak no more of it this evening."

Shepard nodded her head. "Deal. Now...uhmm... Would you mind getting up, because I'm pretty sure my leg is asleep."

As she stood up, Liara laughed lightly and rolled her eyes at the perplexing being in front of her. "What am I to do with you, Shepard? You shift topics of conversation like you hot-swap weapons mods! One out, one in...no break between! How am I supposed to keep up?"

Shepard laughed as she stood and started stomping her foot, trying to bring her leg back to life. "I dunno, but you seem to be doing a pretty good tonight...besides, some of the shifts are your fault, so you're not one to talk!"

Liara got such an indignant look on her face, Samantha couldn't help herself; she reached out and drew Liara in again, holding her tight; Liara did not protest and set her chin on Sam's shoulder while wrapping her arms around the commander's waist. "Oh, Sam...this just feels so good...I could stay here forever."

Sam contentedly sighed, "That's the general idea, Blue. I would like that, very much."

Liara stiffened a little, and queried, "Do you really mean that, Samantha?"

Shepard grabbed Liara's shoulders and pushed her away so she could see her face. Liara's eyes were heavy swirls of doubt and hesitation as Sam answered her question. "I mean every word of that, Doctor T'Soni. I meant what I said about not taking relationships for granted. They are important to me...I don't 'do' casual. Is that a problem?"

Sam's heart melted as Liara's eyes softened and she whispered her response, "Absolutely not, Shepard...absolutely not."

Shepard glanced at the clock and was somewhat surprised at the time. She looked at Liara, "Wow, it's late... Stay for breakfast?" Liara was puzzled, glancing at the clock for herself, thinking it could not possibly be that late, could it? They had not talked all night! Shepard sensed her confusion over yet one more human saying, and explained, "Blue, it's an invitation, not really for breakfast, but to spend the night with me. We'll just sleep. I can give you one of my nightshirts to sleep in..." Shepard smiled, "because I don't plan on sleeping all night in my uniform like last time you stayed here." Sam watched conflicting emotions play across Liara's face, so she followed up with one last statement. "Given what we'll be facing, I think we can both use the mutual moral support of a good night's sleep."

Liara ducked her head a little and looked down toward the floor, whispering so quietly Shepard almost didn't hear her, once again the shy archeologist. "I think I would like that."

Sam grinned and grabbed Liara's hand, and started moving toward the closet as she asked, "Dare return to the scene of the crime, Dr T'Soni?" Shepard reveled in the musical laugher that snuck out of the Asari's throat, content in her ability to evoke such joy, however brief it may be. Once at her wardrobe, Shepard retrieved her blue shirt from the floor, throwing a disdainful look toward Liara that quickly turned to her lopsided raffish grin, and hung it back up. She pulled open one of the drawers, and pulled out a couple pairs of soft cotton gym shorts, and then dug in a separate drawer to find one of her long tail t-shirts. She quickly handed the shirt and one pair of shorts to Liara, then went back to digging for some sweats. Shepard was a bit nervous over the prospect of actually having Liara in bed with her, and not just laying on top with a sheet thrown over them, so she started speaking to cover the quiet anxiety. "I think it's rather convenient we're about the same size. I'll dig some sweats up for you too, in case you get cold. You can hang on to them until we can get you shopping to get some stuff of your own...shoot, I've got tons, you can keep them as long as you like. I think it'd be pretty sexy to watch you lounging around in my stuff." Sam paused for a moment, a silly little self gratified grin on her face, picturing Liara wandering the Normandy in her N7 sweats. Mine. Then, she returned to her discourse. "You can have the bathroom first if you like. I even have a couple of spare toothbrushes if you want one. I always buy 'em by the six-pack, 'cuz I never know when I'll have a chance to get a new one. They're in one of the vanity drawers... feel free to dig around, you'll find everything you need."

It was so quiet, Shepard assumed Liara had left, so she popped her boots off and dropped her jeans. As she stepped back out of the puddles of pant legs lying on the floor, she bumped into Liara... and froze. A blue arm snaked around her waist and pulled her tight; she could feel the Asari's chest pressing into her back. Oh, God help me... Liara's warm breath was caressing her neck; a soft, slightly shaky, voice tickled her ear, "Thank you, Samantha, for everything."

Shepard was at a loss, so all she could muster was a weak, "Umm, sure...I mean, it's just a toothbrush...Sorry...I thought you had already headed to the bathroom." Liara giggled, "How could I? You had not finished speaking yet, and I thought it rude to leave in the middle of your...um...ramblings?"

"Ramblings? Commander Shepard does not ramble!" Samantha growled. "Alright, T'Soni, the gloves are off!" Shepard spun free of Liara's hold, turning and grabbing both of Liara's arms just above the elbow, turning her and pushing her back and getting in her face. Liara was caught off guard by the speed of Shepard's movements, though she saw evidence of it every time she watched the commander in battle. Liara just never expected it to be used against her. Plus, she was startled by the look of ...wildness?...that flashed through Shepard's eyes as she pinned Liara to the wall. Shepard stared at her, speaking through closed teeth, "You think of my eloquent dissertation as to the benefits of us being the same size as ramblings?" Liara started to smile, realizing the utter ridiculousness of the conversation. Shepard continued, "Don't even think it, T'Soni; wipe that smile off your face. I offered you clothes...to keep!" At this point, an abrupt flash of uncertainty on Liara's face was too much and Shepard's facade started to crack, the edges of her forced snarl starting to twitch up into a smile, but she tried to hold out, continuing, "Hell, I offered you a toothbrush! You have any idea how personal a toothbrush is?" At this point, Sam couldn't stand it anymore, and she burst out laughing.

Liara smiled and shook her head, saying "you know, you might have been more fearsome if you weren't in your underwear."

Shepard stopped cold, looked down at herself and just muttered, "ahhhh, shit!" She handed Liara the sweats she had dug out, put on her shorts and grabbed Liara's hand. "Come on, I'll get you that toothbrush."

They finished up, and Shepard left Liara alone in the bathroom to change her clothes in private. She tossed her dirty clothes into the cleaner bin, and then remembered the now dry letter to Kaidan's father, still sitting on the desk. She folded it carefully, placed it into the envelope, and was laying it into the packing crate when Liara came out of the bathroom. Liara watched silently as Shepard sealed the crate, then turned and looked at her with glistening eyes. "Well, I'm glad that's done. Throw your stuff in the cleaner and we'll run it overnight, so it'll be ready for you in the morning."

They climbed into the bed, and Shepard straddled Liara, sitting with her knees bent, legs tucked under, sitting over Liara's hips. Liara looked up at her, questioningly, and obviously nervous. Sam smiled softly and said, "Trust me," and took one of Liara's hands, gently stretching her fingers and massaging her palm. "Just close your eyes and relax." Shepard worked her way slowly up Liara's arm, working any knots she found, until she reached the shoulder. While repeating the process up the other arm, she glanced at Liara's face when she heard her purr with pleasure. Liara's eyes were open, and Sam realized she was being watched. "Like it?" she asked.

Liara responded quietly, "Hmm. Feels very nice, and I certainly enjoy the view as well."

Shepard released the arm she was holding captive and placed her hands on each side of Liara's head; she leaned down and placed a few tender kisses around on Liara's face...her forehead, the tip of her nose, her cheek, and eventually a soft flutter across Liara's astonishing soft lips. Liara's eyes were closed, her breathing rapid, when Sam whispered onto her lips, "I love you, Liara T'Soni." Sam moved and stretched out next to Liara, propped up on one elbow, cautiously leaning against the warm body of the Asari, gently caressing whatever her hand could reach.

Liara whimpered, "By the Goddess, Samantha, what your touch...your kiss...does to me. I've never felt more safe... I've never felt more loved...than I do right now at this moment. I want to share everything with you."

"We have a lifetime ahead of us to do just that, Liara. Just tell me what you want from me and I'll do my best to provide it, I swear."

Shepard laid flat on the bed, and Liara cuddled in close, whispering, "Just love me, Samantha. The rest will take care of itself."

They both fell into a peaceful sleep, the last thought across Samantha's mind being, that's easy T'Soni, I already do...