Loyalties:
Mass Effect Trilogy is a Bioware game. For any reference to the Official Game All rights are owned by Bioware. The Fan Fiction "Mass Effect At Dawn Again" is fruit of my imagination and my work, it is a free tribute, passionate and personal to a great video game. It is not allowed any use partial or total for profit and not.
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*** Just a little note: this is the last chapter before the summer holidays. Of course, the story will continue, and I plan to restart posting in September. So, my heartfelt thanks, to all of you who are reading, and my best wishes of a great summer to everybody! :)
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Chapter 31
Little wings wounded!
… When I heard the door unlock from outside, I knew it was you! As I glanced your eyes, I couldn't hold back my tears! Your voice gently took me like in a hug. Little by little, getting my pain bearable.
S: Hey, Sweetheart, please, don't cry!
As we talked, your encouragement, your confidence, gave me back a thread of hope, at first very tiny, then increasingly tenacious, resilient. As long as your conviction literally snatched me out of that bed, pulling me to the terminal, showing me a new purpose, a newborn hope ... that made me feel like I really had a chance to help my species!
L: I'll need a little time, Shepard, but ... thank you! You always make me feel better!
Your voice was resolute, as you did get closer, the inflexible tone. Your words, all I wanted to hear ...
S: Hey, my little Baby Girl! Of course I know, and you've all the time you need! Just one thing you don't forget! We'll find that bastard, and I'll rip our data out! I'll get him for this, Liara, even if it means I'd officially descended into hell! We'll take revenge for Thessia ... I promise!
The strength of your conviction kindled me with courage, like a small light turned into a beacon. Able to cut through the dark, growing, to annihilate the darkness that was stifling my soul.
L: Oh, Emy! I believe you! I know you will! That you and I, we will ... together!
Your hands surrounded my face, but sweet touch and sentimental, as your voice became appealing, enthusiastic, seductive ...
S: Hey, l love you madly, Liara! I won't leave you alone tonight! I wanna hold you in my arms, as long as the sleep wraps us around into its comfortable refuge. I'll stay right here next to you, taking care of you, Little One! I wanna share your sadness, split all the pain in half, to get it a little less heavy to bear. And, tomorrow morning, when you wake up, I'll make you feel still dived in all the Love I feel for you!
A shiver went down my spine, locking my heart in my chest. I put my gaze down on the floor, as I kept turning my back because ... I couldn't stare in your eyes! Your words were so sweet, awash in tenderness that, I just wanted to slip in your arms, squeezing myself into your delicious relief, and let myself go. But ... there was something, which you didn't know yet, and I was really afraid to tell you. So, I couldn't help but appearing ... elusive, once again!
L: You are ... you're very kind Shepard, but ... it isn't necessary. I feel better, really! So, don't worry about me. I love you madly, too! I'll see you bright and early, Emy, to study the plan details ... Goodnight!
The kind of slight embarrassment, which betrayed my voice was clear in your heart, although I was trying to hide it, but in vain. You felt bad for me! So, you instinctively rested your hands on my shoulders, gently leading my gaze in your eyes, as your voice couldn't erase an obvious tinge of apprehension ...
S: Hey, you shouldn't be lying to me! ... What's so hard to hide?
Although the contact of your hands was mild, it caused me a shooting pain. I couldn't suppress a groan. Your reaction was both of anxiety and astonishment ...
S: Liara, you were hurt! Why the hell didn't you tell me?!
Suddenly, I felt very guilty, and the regret embarrassed my voice ...
L: I'm sorry, Shepard. Forgive me! I ... I didn't mean to lie! I was just scared, you wouldn't let me stay by your side the next mission, if I told. And ... well, you know, it would be more painful than any wound!
You were worried, not angry. Just a reflection of indulgence in your eyes, and a hint of reproach, disturbing your voice ...
S: Hey, there's no need to hide things, Liara! I totally trust you! I'm absolutely positive that you would never risk a mission. If your wound prevented you from having my back, you'd be the first to give up. You know, I just told Joker to set a course for the Citadel. There are some things, I must attend to, down there. Therefore, it's going to catch your breath before the next mission. So, don't worry. If you feel able to take part, I'm not getting stopped you. But now ... let me see!
I knew you meant it, but I also was sure that, your protective instinct would prevail, and you'd found a way to keep me safe aboard the Normandy. More of all I wanted, to stay by your side. So ... I lied to you again ...
L: Emy, it's okay, don't worry ... it's just a bruise!
The irritation in your eyes flashed like lightning. Your face twisted into a grimace of contempt. All your anger at the sound of your voice, and harsh, as you hissed ...
S: It was that bastard, wasn't it?!
L: Yes ... when he threw me against Javik, I fell down badly with my shoulder! However, Karin gave me an ointment, she says, is a miracle! I'll be fine in no time, you'll see!
My strange reluctance has got hurt you, to the extent that, you completely misunderstood my reasons. Suddenly, your voice became aggressive, your sharp tone was cutting my soul ...
S: Dammit! Get out of the damned armor, Liara, right now! ... That's an order! You know, I think I don't gonna get you into bed, just in case you were worried about!
Your frustration came straight to my heart, like a shot! I felt both guilty and worried, and I couldn't hold back my emotions. Suddenly, all that I wanted was to tell you the truth ...
L: Shepard, no! Of course not ... it's not that! How could you even think that?! By contrast, I … I'd need you very much, indeed! ... Of your love ... to feel you in every emotion! Oh Emy, the truth is that I ... I can't take it off by myself, and ... I just didn't want you to be worried! Look, you're suffering what's going on, I know. But, you've no reason to feel guilty, believe me! Oh, please Emy, I ... I don't want you to!
Your voice became sweet in a flash. You gently moved your hands over my face, as your lips was touching my lips with a soft kiss. You smiled at me, pouring your light into my heart, as you gently began to take care of me.
S: Ok, ok, it's alright. Don't worry, I will help you! Sorry, Little One, I'm such an idiot!
My left shoulder was completely bruised, swollen. A dark purple color large bruising, totally covered it. It was widened in the area of the neck, until reaching my spine.
S: Damn, it's such a great souvenir! I'm so sorry, Sweetheart ... does it hurt?
L: no, it doesn't. It's only when you touch ...
S: Hmm, sure! I think you need a little bit more ointment, right away. Let's hope the miracle will come along!
I briefly met your gaze, so sad, downcast. I felt you still didn't have peace, even though you tried to pretend. I was very worried about you. All that I wanted was to erase your pain ...
L: Thank you, Shepard... I'm better now! Hey, you don't need to come out of it alone, did you hear me?! Emily, you shouldn't blame yourself, we saved some lives on Thessia. Unfortunately, we were left alone to fight! The truth is that … the Reapers couldn't be stopped, not even with a whole fleet, today! You know that, don't you?! Do you remember when you said it wasn't my fault? ... Well, that's why this all can't be on you!
Your eyes were glistening with rage and tears, when you finally gave rein to your pain, in a mad voice and quivering ...
S: OK, but what about Kai Leng?! I walked straight into the trap like a damn sucker, Liara! That wretched asshole could've killed you! He stole our vital importance data, and on top of that, he is taking the piss out! ... Ah, shit!
L: Shepard, there were only three of us, while he had a Gunship! However, we survived, and you will be able to find him! You'll rip out our data from his spine, and finally, we'll know how the Crucible works! He thinks he is a whole lot tougher than you are, which is working for us here. He doesn't have a clue what you can do. So, that's what will be his downfall, next time!
You were silent, the look trapped in the floor, your hands forcefully clinging to my hands. The frustration well-drew the feeling of helplessness in your face.
L: Hey, look at me! Please, Little Star, stop blaming yourself! You did all you could do, and ... I'm sure, there was no way to do better than that!
A spark of relief glittered your gaze, tenderly plunged into my own. Your lips were looking for me, suspended on the edge of a thin smile. I slowly was dragged toward you, drifting into your breathing. All tension was dissolving, every pain relieved, as you urgently merged to my lips, with ardor, love and despair. We both flooded within heady emotions, so dizzying way, to make us tremble with excitement.
L: Oh Emy, I ... I want you so badly! … I need you, so madly! All I want right now is ... let myself go, finding some peace, here in your arms! I wish comfort you, getting all the pain faded away from your heart, and from my own, and ... that we might think only about us! I just wish to be in peace and quiet, together with you ... at least for one night!
S: Hey, my little Baby Girl ... I want you, too ... so badly it hurts! But ... well, you're injured, and ... I don't wanna risk to hurt you!
I couldn't stop touching your face with my lips, confusing myself in your breath, sharing it with my own. I just wanted to be tied to your senses, being a part, allowing my own senses to be filled with the infinite sweetness of yours. The excitement made velvety my voice, my breathing intriguing, daring my hand ...
L: So ... you have to be very careful, My Love, because ... I just can't wait another second!
Your smile slowly slid down my neck, looking for my face. Your lips cuddled my cheeks, your hands clasped my hips with passion. You tenderly kissed my fingers, gathering me closer, until I felt wrapped with the incomparable sweetness of your voice ...
S: Hmm, maybe, are you putting … pressure?!
As you had gently been trapping in the seductive whisper of my voice ...
L: Well, actually, yes ... a lot of pressure!
S: Oh, great! Just like I like it! But, please, "Little Moonshine" wait just a moment ...
I felt intrigued, as you approached my radio on the bedside table. I was impatient, elated by the wait. I saw you were typing something on your omni tool, and I couldn't resist to ask ...
L: Shepard, what are you doing?!
The beautiful memories got through my emotions, like a cool ocean breeze on my skin, at the intriguing sound of your voice ...
S: Oh, I'm just keeping an old promise!
Soon, the wonderful Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" magical notes wrapped everything up, both of us plunged in its peerless enchantment. You started to take your clothes off, standing right in front of me, slowly, with such a sensuality beyond words. I felt fatally lured on your seducing smile with complicity, like in a beautiful dream. I was enthralled at every glance, intrigued, and then left literally breathless...
L: Oh Emy, you're so beautiful you take my breath away!
S: You look insanely gorgeous Liara, and ... every breath I take is for you!
The music spilled her warmth, like an echo resounding in our senses, making them shudder with euphoria. A great well-being radiated from the sweet melody, which crossed through our bodies, getting the anticipation to be exciting ...
L: I thought you wanna dance ...
S: Oh yeah, but first ... you'll have to be undressed!
L: Aw, here's a prospect that ... sounds really fascinating!
S: So, come on over here, Sweetheart!
I wrapped one arm around your waist, the other one stroking your hair. My hand played on your face, my fingers were joking along your neck, by getting all your chills ignited, making you hold your breath. You held me tight, gently brushing my back with your limitless tenderness, as I was wrapping in the warm touch of your skin. I felt all your thrills come back through my senses, in the arousing vibration of our bodies that swayed slowly, at the charming rhythm of such a prodigious piano ...
The music spread all around, like a delightful seduction, which penetrated our senses, inflaming them with a sweet excitement. We stayed long abandoned in that embrace, we both lost in a unique gaze and adoringly. As long as, we were no longer able to dance, and we slipped on the bed. We ended up, sitting opposite each other, tenderly interlaced in the most intimate contact. So close, so deeply bound that, I couldn't take my eyes off of the safe heaven in your eyes, which touched my soul, able to comfort me in such unreadable depths that, suddenly, there was no war, no monstrous enemy, or incurable pain, no fear, anymore.
Just your beautiful smile, which wrapped me like a cloak, warming my heart with the fire of the unwavering way you felt for me. So deep and absolute, to get any torment be erased like magic!
All I wanted was your sweet lips, which kissed me slowly, with a deep emotional zeal, thrilling my soul. Your throbbing body, interwoven with mine, turning my senses to passionate desire. I wanted to feel part of you, join me to your soul, confound myself in all your troubles, merging my heart with all your feelings, becoming a part of your infinite sweetness. Let myself go, belonging only to your heart, like in an endless flight of love. Finally, to feel my senses overwhelmed with emotion beyond words to be diving into your senses, and making them crazy!
… We stayed long without words, to fill us with glances, smiles, tenderness. That day was one of the most terrible of my life, but that night it was just you, and ... nothing else! So sweet, caring and loving, to make me forget that, outside that room, all the evil in the universe was waiting!
It was a really special night, so romantic! We both whispered a lot of beautiful things, which I won't forget in a thousand years. Things, I keep here carved into my heart, and every day they give me the strength to go on. You know, Shepard, if I shut my eyes, I can almost hear your voice, soft and enticing, which speaks to me of love. At first, you couldn't find the words, remember?
S: Oh, Sweetie! It was ... really ... really ... Ah!
L: Hey, I know! Even I can't find the words to describe what I feel to plunge myself in that ocean of emotions. When I confuse myself in you, crossing all your universe, to be part of it, merging it into my own. When I lose my balance on the rim of your lips, falling into your heart, and I feel so completely yours ... like inevitably to be a part of you, who are my whole Absolute ... everything I need to live!
Your eyes were wet with emotion, your words of endless poetry, as you said ...
S: Hey, my little Baby Girl! You're so soulful that, tonight I could lose myself at the edges of your eyes, and wander forever in that wonderful infinity that dwells within you! ... I'm in love with you, Liara, beyond all limits of what else in the universe, and ... I feel completely, and absolutely, and incredibly happy, together with you!
You know, Little Heart, when I hold you in my arms, and I touch your face, when I kiss your lips, I'm absolutely positive I could never have come back ... not without you! It was for you I found the strength, and only with you, I want to spend every moment, consuming every breath of my life, Liara. Now and for eternity because ... I am yours!
You told me those things so romantic, and deep, and beautiful, in such a sweet and poignant way. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed by a great happiness! I was pervaded by a wave of emotion I couldn't hold back. So, I couldn't help but burst into a flood of tears, my face hidden in my hands.
Your immediate reaction was a protective instinct ...
S: Hey, my little Baby Girl! Forgive me. I didn't mean to make you cry! I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me, how much I love you! ... Come on, Little One, don't cry. All I want is to make you happy!
I let myself to be collected, like a little bird wounded, into the endearing nest of your arms, pleasantly warmed by the loving sound of your voice, and caught in a painful vortex of happiness ...
L: I'm not crying! Well, yes, but ... they're tears of joy!
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I sought the solace of your gaze, myself wrapped around your fingers. Finally, I left running all my emotions at breakneck speed ...
L: Oh Shepard, you ... you are so amazing, so special! ... You know, I'm still not sure how the miracle happened that you've fallen in love with me! But, your Love is my most treasured possession ... so wonderful, and important! I'm crazy about you, Emy ... beyond all limits. It's a wonderful feeling, but so dreadful because, now I know that ... I can't live without you, Shepard! Oh, I couldn't, this time! No more!
I threw myself in your arms, which were waiting for me, prepared to pick me up, and console, and to take care of me, once again.
S: Hey, my little Baby Girl! Oh, don't worry ... you won't be able to get rid of me!
I felt the infinite tenderness of your hand, which stroked me, looking for my face sunk in your bosom. Gently you guided my eyes to catch your gaze, reassuring me. You wiped my tears with sweet caresses, as your smile lighted up my face. Time stood still for an instant, and then your lips came towards my lips, which had the taste of salt. Finally, you kissed me sweetly with tender passion, very slowly dissolving all my fears, erasing any distress. A touch of joy started beating in my heart, until I felt it was safe, and more and more madly in love with you!
S: Just take it easy, Little Heart, this nightmare will be over soon, and we never have to be afraid, to suffer this way, no more! We'll can be together, every night so deeply, to savor every precious moment, enjoy every second. We'll go anywhere we want, and do whatever will pop it into our heads ... just you and I, together! We shall finally be free to live our love, no limits, and beyond any limit!
I breathed your voice deeply inside me. Your words made feel more daring my spirit, getting my resolve stronger. Your trusting tone kept nourishing my hope, like a beautiful flower back in my heart, which was able to blossom, despite all the thorns.
L: Oh Emy, you can be so convincing, my Star! In the heart of my heart, I wanna believe you! You know, that's exactly what I wish for the two of us! I'm not letting that any cursed power in this universe could break us apart, once again! Not even the Reapers ... not even the Harbinger itself ... I had to kill him with my bare hands! I won't leave you, endless Love of my life ... I swear, never again!
S: Hey, my sweet Baby blue! Now you're talking! Thank you, I love you too! ... I agree with every single word! Come over to me. It's very late, we should try to get some sleep ...
L: Yeah, you know, I love to fall asleep in your arms! To be lulled by your breath, at the reassuring beating of your heart. It's so nice to be wrapped in the warmth of your body, completely immersed in the fragrance of your scent. Oh Emy, I really wish that night would never end!
The sweet whisper of your voice was the last thing I heard ...
S: Won't end, I promise! ... This night is just the beginning, Liara ... it's not over, you'll see ... it's not over!
… I fell into a deep slumber without even realizing it, refreshing, and surprisingly peaceful. The first thing I touched when I woke up has been your lips, which caressed my face, sprinkling all around with small, affectionate kisses, while a delicious scent of strawberries was spreading in the air, catching my nostrils. Ah, I love strawberries! I breathed you deeply, without opening my eyes, while I was looking for your lips with mine, which couldn't stop smiling.
I found you very quickly because, I knew right where to look. I kissed you intensely, with all the love that was bombing unstoppable in every beat of my heart. You had a delicious strawberry flavor. So, I opened my eyes, sneaking into yours, which were already smiling at me ...
S: 'Morning!
L: Hi, my Star! You know, you should wake me up this way every morning! So, tell me ... what about the delicious taste of that kiss?
Your tone ranged from teasingly vague, to sweet considerately, as you said ...
S: Well, I don't really know! Maybe ... it was the delicious flavor of your breakfast! You know, before coming over here, last night, I asked Tali if she could prepare one of her "galaxy-famous" strawberry pies, just to cheer you up! However, this morning, when she came with that smelling package ... well, sorry Little One, I know it was your pie, but ... I couldn't resist! I didn't wanna wake you. So, I started breakfast without you! However, Sweetheart ... I might keep you company ... if you ask me!
The large dish on my bedside table was surrounded by an eloquent number of crumbs. There was a delicious and inviting strawberry pie, from which a substantial piece was vanished. While the cake was spreading its irresistible fragrance all around the room, you smiled at me innocently. On your face the priceless expression of a little rascal, just caught with her fingers in the pie pot. Well, that was more than enough to make my day!
L: Oh Emy, of course you can! That's so thoughtful of you! I love the Tali's strawberry pie! ... There's nothing I like better in the whole universe! Thanks so much, to both of you!
You looked pretty satisfied, while you were cutting two slices even bigger, sitting on the bed next to me. Your good mood made me feel still better ...
S: Aw, you're welcome. Here, you'll be licking your fingers! So, do you feel a little better this morning?
L: After last night?! ... Oh, my Star, you don't need to ask! Sure, I feel better, but it's all thanks to you! Last night was so amazing, Shepard! You … were so amazing! Really beyond my imagination! However, it's not something I ever really get over. Ah, but you know how I feel, don't you? ... My soul is torn apart, Shepard, consumed about the fate of Thessia. When I close my eyes all I see is destruction, and I feel myself suffocating of sadness. There's a wound which torments me so deeply in my heart that, I'm afraid will never be able to be completely healed. But ... thanks the Goddess, you're there for me!
I always can see the courage in your eyes, Emy. That's makes me feel better, even on days like yesterday! No matter how bleak the circumstance seems to be, and awful ... when we're side by side, you make me feel like there's still a tomorrow! I hope it's the same for you too, Emy! You know, I'll never forget this ... so sweet and magical night, and ... not even every wonderful moment we share because ... every single breath becomes special when you're with me! Thank you, My Love, for everything!
You gently caressed my cheeks as you listened, your face lit with a sweet smile. You held me tight, in the warm embrace of your voice. Your eyes sparkled with joy, your words totally enveloped me of emotion, once again ...
S: Hey, you little Blue Baby! ... You're making me extremely happy, you know this, don't you?! The miracle, who can tear me off from whatsoever bloody hell, it's you! Sure, I feel better too, Little One, and thanks to you! Yeah, that's a wound that never heals, I know! I totally get you, Liara, I totally do because, I've one of those, too! But, with time, we can get better, you'll see! We'll overcome it together ... in the usual way!
We were sitting on my bed, eating breakfast. You even made coffee. You were so thoughtful! ... Actually, when we're together, you don't seem like the highly trained N7 soldier that you are. It's really amazing! The meekest and gentlest of everyone I've ever known, and... the best soldier in the Galaxy live both inside you, so natural way! You know, Shepard, I ... I could never do without either of them!
Thanks to Karin, my shoulder also was improving. While you were rubbing that ointment on my shoulder again, you had got an idea ...
S: We are about docking to the Citadel. You know, Councilor Tevos was really upset yesterday. Why don't you go and see her? You could show to her your plans to help your species. I'm sure, talking to Tevos it's going to make you both better!
The idea to speak with Tevos about the resources I could make available to enhance the aid scheme to the civilians evacuated from Thessia. How to secure the area, and provide increased aid to the civilians survived, setting up a perimeter around each town was filling me with new statements of reasons, like a wave of positive energy.
L: Hey, it's a great idea! You're right. Tevos and I, we'll have much to discuss. Thank you, Shepard, you rock!
You kissed my goodbye, intriguing face, as you said ...
S: Yeah, and you're the one gorgeous, sexy, and blue! Come on, let's move. We got a lot of work to do!
To be continue …