A/N: Just want to say thanks for all the kudos and comments we've been getting! Glad everyone is enjoying the story!

Leannán - Lover (Gaelic)

Enjoying Life

Serrice General Hospital, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 12 Apr 2198

"Hey, Mom." Samantha smiled softly at the groggy woman as she continued, "Welcome back."

Hannah drew a deep breath, a bit surprised she didn't feel like she hadn't just been crushed by a giant freighter and did her best imitation of a smile as she replied in a rough voice, "Good to be here, Sam. Thought for sure I was a goner when that ship came crashing down."

"Not your average day at work, that's for sure." Sam smiled as she continued, "But you do seem to end up under crashing ships more than the average person, that's for sure. It's a good thing you're a Shepard. There isn't much in this galaxy that can keep one of us down."

Hannah chuckled, then grimaced. "Ouch. Don't make me laugh, Sam. How long have I been out? What day is it?"

"Only two days, Mom… and it's Thursday." Samantha continued quietly, "It didn't look good, that's for certain… but both Karin and Miranda were here within hours, looking after your recovery."

Hannah's eyes lit up. "Only two days? They still here?"

At that, Shepard laughed. "You're kidding, right? The on-duty nurse almost had to call security to get them out of the room, enforcing the only one visitor at a time rule for critical care patients." Her voice turned somber as she continued, "It was bad, Mom… I honestly thought I was going to lose you. The hospital didn't have your blood type here… so, I gave them enough to keep you going until the resupply arrived from Dassus."

Hannah gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Of course you did. I would expect nothing less from you, no matter who it was lying in this bed." She turned her head and looked around. "Think I could get some water?"

"Nope," Shepard answered with a gentle smile. "But I can give you some ice chips."

Once Hannah had the ice chips in her mouth to sooth her raw throat, she inquired solemnly, "So, did I lose anything important?"

"Other than nearly your life?" Sam was shaking her head as she continued, "No, you did not, but I do have something to tell you." She paused and drew a deep breath, Hannah looking at her expectantly until she continued, "Just as you didn't realize it when I spoke about donating some of my blood to you, I didn't think about it either. You didn't just get my blood, Mom. You also received some of my nanites. You're not only going to survive… but you're going to heal faster than you ever have before, and you'll likely have an extended lifespan, to maybe 200 or 230 years of age." Shepard smiled as she added, "You just might live long enough to see our first baby blue."

Hannah's eyes flew wide open in surprise as she rapid-fired, "What? How does that even work? I thought they were specially coded to your DNA?"

Samantha chuckled, "Apparently, Miranda isn't as all-knowing as we thought. Very much to her pleasant surprise, Miri discovered our DNA is similar enough… they simply… adapted." She shook her head and shrugged, continuing the explanation. "I didn't carry Michael in my womb, so he couldn't receive them directly. But, once he's old enough, he'll have the option for the implant procedure. For you, however, if you ever considered having another child, the nanites could possibly transfer through the placenta to the babe before birth."

"That's simply amazing… but fat chance of that ever happening." Hannah shook her head in disbelief. "I doubt I'll ever remarry, Sam. I am quite content with you and my memories of your father. Both of you are tough acts to follow." She paused for a moment, then added, "I assume those little things are why I feel so relatively well after only two days?"

Shepard looked down at the floor before answering quietly, "Yeah. I didn't even think about them… and, if you don't want them, Miranda has a way to filter your blood and remove them." She looked up to meet her mother's eyes. "But I hope you'll keep them at least long enough to complete your recovery. They'll make it much faster and less painful than if you ask to have them removed."

"Don't be silly, Sam." Hannah squeezed her hand. "They were part of you, I'm having no bad reactions, and they give me more time in this life to spend with you, Liara… and my grandchildren! How could I possibly refuse such a gift?" Another squeeze of her daughter's hand was immediately followed by, "Of course I'll keep them!"

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 16 Jun 2198

Even with the nanites, it had still taken nearly two months for Hannah to get released from the hospital, and Shepard had been at her bedside almost every day. The only time she was absent was for Ashely Williams' promotion to Captain on June 2d. During her time in recovery, Hannah had weighed her options and had, surprisingly, attempted to take a medical retirement. Much to Samantha's joy, however, Ines Lindholm had refused Hannah's request, asking her to take the entire period of medical leave she had been granted to reconsider what she thought of as a premature and rash decision. Since Hannah's surgery and initial recovery had been completed on Thessia – with just a little bit of encouragement from nearly everyone in House T'Soni, all of whom considered her family – Hannah had opted to complete her medical leave at the Estate.

She was given a ground floor room, so she didn't need to worry about traversing the sweeping staircases, and the more she learned about her newly acquired nanites and how quickly she would heal, the more she realized Ines had been correct. Now understanding she was not quite yet ready for retirement, she placed a call to Ines and told her as much.

The Admiral of the Fleet simply grinned and gave a little chuckle. "Of course you're not! You have just been traumatized by a near death experience… but, if I remember correctly, it's not the first one of those you've experienced, either. Weren't you nearly crushed by a crashing shuttle… that ended up giving Samantha her biotics… with an eezo exposure that pushed her over the edge?"

Hannah smiled in response. "Close… but not quite. First of all, it was an attacking pirate's corvette, not a shuttle… which was her first exposure. The second and deciding one for her was her hovercycle crash at the ship boneyard in London, where she was next to that improperly sanitized wreckage for way too long while we figured out where she was and got her transported to the hospital."

"I stand corrected." Ines voice definitely held poorly disguised humor as she continued. "Anyway… end result is that you'll still be in my employ?"

"At least for a little while longer, yes." Hannah smiled softly. "And I know what you want to hear, so I'll say it. You were right. I just needed some time to think about it all."

"Excellent." Ines nodded. "So, on another topic, how are things on Thessia? How are you doing, spending so much time with the family?"

"If you're asking if we're driving each other crazy yet, the answer is no, and I still plan to spend my entire medical leave right here. So… if you feel it necessary to check up on me in person, Liara finished up her semester just last week, so everyone will be at the estate for the summer. Come visit. We're not going anywhere anytime soon."

"Especially since you have Alban Hefin and little Mike's birthday coming up, yes?"

"Correct," answered Hannah. "The 21st and the 24th. Does that mean you're coming?"

"Wouldn't miss it for anything in the galaxy!" Ines grinned and signed off. "See you soon!"

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 24 Jun 2198

Michael's and Ace's birthdays fell on a Sunday, so Garrus and Desis, along with their nearly 3-year-old son, Coz, had managed to make it to the Estate for another joint birthday party. It was hard to believe the two children were turning seven years of age already. Since it was a weekend and the party was only three days after Alban Hefin, the house was still full of all the holiday guests whom, for a welcome change, included Wrex and Bakara.

"So, how old does Mike need to be before you'll let me give him a rifle?" boomed Wrex, immediately followed by a swat from his mate. "What? It's ten for Krogan… and that boy is only three years away from that. And he's part of my Krantt!"

"You know Human children develop at a slower rate than Krogan, Wrex!" Bakara gave him a glare. "Their world isn't nearly as dangerous as Tuchanka, so they don't need to mature as quickly as our children." She looked at Samantha, asking, "How old must they be, before your children are considered adults? Sixteen or so?"

"It's actually eighteen for firearms, but even then, it's only the first step. We don't consider our youth as fully mature until they hit 21 years of age."

"Twenty-one?" Wrex growled. "As you saw with Grunt, by then our whelps have not only used firearms and made their first kills, they're fighting Klixen and Maws for their Right of Passage!"

At that, Liara balked, "Michael will not be fighting Maws!" at which Shepard chuckled quietly, only to receive a deadly glare from her Asari mate.

Not in the slightest bit reticent, Shepard responded quietly. "Liara… You know he's a member of Wrex's Krantt by birth. So, it's inevitable that you and I will be joining Michael for his Rite of Passage shortly after he turns eighteen." She paused, reaching over to gently grasp her bondmate's arm, she continued, "But we'll be there to help him… to make sure he passes the test and nothing bad happens to him. You're a quarter Krogan and a Krantt member as well… and you know we have to let this happen when the time comes."

Liara closed her eyes for a long moment, drawing a deep breath and blowing it out again before reopening them to return her lover's gaze. "Goddess, Shepard. I know you and Wrex are correct, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."

Shepard smiled, then turned back to Wrex. "You know Michael had been attending school at a private Asari academy for gifted biotics. Even though his biotics had yet to manifest, given his augmented DNA, the likelihood of him developing early, and powerful, biotics is very high, so we opted to enroll him at such a school as a preventative measure… to get him started on the right path." She shrugged and continued, "Miranda has warned us his biotics could begin to develop as early as age ten, so we'll just wait and see what happens when. He just might be ready earlier than any of us anticipate."

Shepard gave Liara a glance before returning her gaze to Wrex as she added, "Honestly, Liara and I prefer to wait until he's mature enough to make his own choice as to whether or not he wants to become a member of the Krantt, no matter what age that ends up being. Of course, if he says 'yes'…" She gave a shrug and stopped speaking, feeling no need to finish the sentence.

Liara responded quietly, finishing the sentence for her. "Then we will both be standing at Michael's side, in the arena, when the time comes."

"Now, that's what I want to hear!" Wrex's face split with a wide toothy grin as he punched his right fist into his left palm. "And we'll make sure he doesn't just survive, but gets his first Maw kill, just like his parents did during their Rights!"

At that point, the entire conversation was hijacked by Garrus when he made a comment. "That's assuming Mike even picks any of you to stand for him! Just maybe, he'll want to prove his independence and pick his favorite uncle to be on his team."

Grunt then chipped in, "And his big brother!" making Liara roll her eyes and groan in reluctant acceptance of the possibility of that actually being the truth.

"By the Goddess, Shepard." Her now somewhat-amused gaze met the emerald greens she loved so much as she asked, "What have we done?"

She had no time to answer before Wrex turned the whole conversation upside down by looking at Garrus and asking, "And what about you, Vakarian, with Ace, and Coz? I think it's about damned time you joined Clan Urdnot, too… and I'd expect the same of your children, as well. If we're good enough for Shepard, we're certainly good enough for you and yours."

"W-wait… what? Coz? He's only 3!" Shock and surprise were evident on Garrus' face as he stuttered his question, making the entire room, including Desis, break out in laughter.

They laughed even harder as Desis swatted Garrus in the arm, adding, "I just knew marrying a crazy soldier like you was eventually going to bite me on the butt!"

Záhrada S'Vatyne Resort, Sanves, Athena Nebula – 15 Aug 2198

With Liara not needing to be back in Serrice until the end of September, the couple was free to schedule a full two weeks, plus, at the resort for their ten-year anniversary celebration. They had arrived on Saturday, the 11th, and would not be departing until Sunday, the 26th. At times, it was still difficult for Samantha to wrap her head around the fact that this was only the first decade of several centuries of such celebrations.

Because of that, when she woke early in the morning on their special day, she decided to let Liara sleep. After getting dressed, made her way quietly to a comfortable chair out on the patio, so as to not disturb her lover's sleep while she once again pondered the long life with Liara that lay before them. Also already dressed and sitting on the veranda with a cup of hot Kaffe in her hands, Hannah was surprised by Sam's solo arrival. "Liara is obviously still sleeping... but what brings you out here without her, Sam?" Hannah gave her a teasing smile. "I would think you would be cuddling with her until she woke."

Blushing lightly, Shepard smiled and shook her head. "She needs her rest, and my mind is too busy to get back to sleep, soooo…"

"So, what?" Hannah took a sip of her Kaffe and raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know, exactly." Shepard shrugged. "I've just been thinking about how long my life is going to be now, with my nanites. And I worry about how Mike is going to cope with it. I mean, I have Liara, but Mike? I just remember how hard school became after my biotics made themselves known. How everyone looked at me like I was a freak. I just don't want that for him, but I also know I can't change it, so it's a bit frustrating."

"And you're concerned because while you have your Asari family, there's no guarantee he'll find the same." Hannah nodded in understanding. "But I think you have nothing to worry about, Sam. Afterall, he is a Shepard. He'll find his way."

"I suppose." She smiled softly and met her mother's eyes. "I mean… I survived the whole growing up thing. I suppose I have to admit he'll somehow manage to do the same. Like you said, he is a Shepard." She shook her head and asked, "And we all have our challenges, don't we? Was it this hard for you, watching me grow up without Dad?"

"No, it wasn't." Hannah laughed and shook her head. "You had your Uncle Dave and Kahlee… and we both had Karin. Michael will find his own support system, just as we did; I promise."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Liv and Zan. "May we join you?"

"Absolutely!" Shepard grinned as she answered, then asked, "So, Zan. Weird being back here on vacation, knowing you don't work here anymore?"

"Not at all, Captain." Zan smirked at Samantha's expression at the use of her title. "It is like a happy homecoming, being able to visit with my adopted mother. We are free to converse without having the pall of any work-related responsibilities tainting our conversations." Zan's face held a happy smile as she finished, "I actually find it quite refreshing and enjoyable."

Before Shepard could offer any retort, Jaz and Kin walked over and stopped at the pool-side table. "May we join as well?" They were answered promptly with a chorus of 'yes,' 'by all means,' and 'absolutely,' making everyone chuckle good-naturedly.

"Where's Lennie?" asked Samantha.

"Oh, who knows," chuckled Kinlivi. "Ever since she finished her apprenticeship with House T'Soni, she's been her own person. My guess is she's following your commandos around, bugging them with all the questions she didn't know enough to ask before."

Shepard chuckled as she asked, "So, how's she doing at her job with House D'Klan?"

Jaz immediately chuckled, speaking before Kin had a chance to answer the question. "You kidding? She did her one year as a junior member of D'Klan and received an amazing offer from APCI." Jaz' face still held a grin as she added, "She did not hesitate to jump at the chance!"

Shepard's brow wrinkled. "I'm afraid I don't know what that is."

"APCI?" Jaz shrugged. "I can see why you wouldn't, as it's not super popular in some circles. It's the Attena Political Cybernetics Institute. They are one of the many centers that maintain Thessia's political VI network to ensure equity in voting, but they also have a research focus on artificial intelligence… and we all know how popular AI is… or as least was… until you brought the SILC into the Council. Things are beginning to change, but it simply takes a long time to gain a foothold strong enough to change people's minds."

Kin took over from there, adding, "Because of House T'Soni's connection to the SILC, combined with Lennie's apprenticeship with you, APCI believed her to be the perfect candidate. I mean, why wouldn't they think that? She had the best commando training available in the Asari Republic and they figured she must possess at least a tolerance of AI, assuming she isn't a full proponent of the same… which, of course, she is. It truly is the perfect job for her."

Jaz proudly added, "She's only been there a year, and she's already a squad lead... and looking forward to making lieutenant by the end of the year and getting assigned as a 2d to the captain of the Institute's First Team."

Shepard whistled quietly. "Wow. A First Team lieutenant after only a year? That is impressive."

Kin chuckled. "Not quite as impressive as it would be to do so at House T'Soni. Promotions are tough within a House, because the commandos are a loyal bunch and there isn't much changeover. Working at the Institute can be an unpopular and tough job, so they have a relatively fast turnover. Those who have the fortitude to stick around can move up in rank pretty quickly."

"I can see that, quite easily." Shepard nodded in agreement before smirking. "I'll have to chase her down later and give her some shit about that."

"Shepard…" Liara started, a warning tone in her voice, making Samantha chuckle as she slid into the seat next to her bondmate, obviously saved for her.

"Well, good morning, Leannán. Happy to have you join us!" Shepard grinned. "And don't worry, Liara. I will make sure she knows I'm joking."

Hannah chuckled quietly and shook her head, redirecting the conversation back to the whole reason they were at the resort, winking as she asked, "So... now that Liara has joined us, what are you two planning for the day… being the guests of honor and the whole reason we all get to spend time at the resort?"

"We simply plan on spending all the time we can with our extended family," Liara answered without hesitation. "With me working at the university. while also remaining the Cultural Attaché for Ambassador Colis, we simply don't have as much time as we would like to relax and visit with everyone."

Shepard nodded and added, "So, this year, we decided to dedicate this retreat to spending time with all of you. That is our gift to one another. No obligations or agendas other than to spend every second we can with those we love and care for."

Hannah's eyes misted as she replied, "Well, I have to admit that is not the answer I expected, but I can't think of a gift more lovely than that sentiment, especially seeing it is also a gift to each and every one of us, as well. Thank you, both!"

Jaz had to clear the unexpected lump in her throat before she added, "Me neither, Liara… Shepard. The invitation to spend time here, with you and all the people you have brought together? It's priceless. Thank you."

They were all surprised by the "damn" they heard from the side, Liara immediately standing to go to Aethyta and give her a welcoming hug.

"Good morning, Dad." Liara stepped back and met the wet gaze of her father. "Glad you and Mozia could join us this year as well… and glad you made it in time this morning to overhear that conversation. We love you both and don't see you nearly as much as we'd like to."

Mozia chuckled quietly, stepping forward to get her own hug from Liara. "And we are more than happy to oblige by accepting your invitation. We love the both of you, too, Liara, even if your father is too tongue-tied and overcome by emotion at the moment to say so."

Clearing her throat and wiping the unshed tears from her eyes, Aethyta finally growled out, "I love you, too, kid, and I'm glad we came... but none of that emotional crap actually answers Hannah's question about what you actually want to do today. Maybe we can go on that hike you promised?"

Shepard stood and chuckled, earning herself a bit of a growl from the matriarch as she moved to give her a hug. "There's the Aethyta I know. Always wanting a real answer to every question, instead of any of that nebulous, touchy-feely stuff."

"Damn straight, Shepard." Aethyta gave her a surprisingly gentle shove as she continued, "If my daughter didn't love you…"

Shepard simply smiled and nodded. "I know, I know. I'd be nothing but a smear on the wall."

With that, everyone had a good laugh, knowing such a fight was something that would simply never come to pass.

As it turned out, they did go on the wilderness hike, accompanied by – of course – the renowned wilderness tracker Tarrenis'Duke' Dukette and the Záhrada S'Vatyne Resort's newest employee, wilderness guide Tatharae – just call me 'Rae' – Makeshi. It was actually refreshing having a wilderness guide other than Zan, because Rae had different interests, so focused the group's attention on things which Zan had not. Between the fresh perspectives from both the guide and from those who were on their first visit to S'Vatyne, Liara and Samantha had the opportunity to discover things they had not learned before, even with their nearly annual sojourns to the resort.

Their special day ended with a celebratory dinner at the S'Vatyne household, including Rae's bondmate, Kaey, and their first-born, Val, only 27 years of age. The evening lasted well into the night, and when Shepard, Liara, and company finally returned to the privacy of their rooms to sleep, Samantha asked Liara, "Are most young Asari as talkative as Val?" She then chuckled and shook her head. "I sure hope you say no."

Liara smiled and gave the arm looped through hers a gentle squeeze. "That will all depend on who she takes after the most… you, or me. I know I wasn't like that, being very shy, but you? I imagine if I asked your mother, she would tell me that you were exactly the type of gregarious child you fear us having." She paused as her smile converted to a grin. "I may have to be very, very careful when I finally get around to making my selections from your genome, Shepard!"

"Hey, now!" Shepard's face held an answering smile as she replied, "All teasing and joking aside, Liara, I'll be okay with however things work out, because she's gonna be our kid, no matter who she takes after the most."

With that, Liara stopped and pulled the woman in for a quick kiss on the cheek. "Even I have to agree with that sentiment, Samantha."

Shepard couldn't help but smile as she looked into Liara's eyes. While the rest of the household was turning in, the two lovers knew their evening was just beginning.