Shepard Stories

by Da Foaming Dragon

These stories are just fragments of Jonathan Shepard life through the first three games and his life afterwards. These stories will also be of his family. What lies ahead for him, his lover and his children? The stories are in chronological order, and one will explain another whether it's next or further down the line. Shepard Stories is currently being edited.

8. Head in the Clouds

Shepard Stories - Chapter 8: Head in the Clouds.

Main Characters: Liara and Shepard

Liara was working late into the evening. She stretched in her chair then looked at the time 2140. I should probably head home before anything else comes across my desk. She tapped at the computer to finish up her last document then powered it down. She grabbed her things and was heading for the door when her omni tool dinged. She hung her head as she groaned then mumbled "I knew it." She let out a breath as she tapped at her omni tool and raised her brow markings when she saw who it was from.

—-

Message from Tali'Zorah: Liara, I ran into someone of similar interests. Talk? Secure?

—-

Message from Liara T'Soni: Yes! I need to head home, give me twenty-five minutes.

—

Liara hurried into her apartment and over to her secure video comms unit then dialed Tali. She smiled when she saw her friend emerge on the screen, then she said, "Tali! By the Goddess, it's good to see you!"

Tali nodded, "It's good to see you too Liara, but I need to keep this short." She quickly looked around then lowered her voice, "I ran into Shepard!... Keelah Liara... he's working with Cerberus!"

Her eyes widened, "I see... and… how did he look? Was he... you know…the same?"

Tali shrugged and wrung her hands slightly "He looked like Shepard, but he was different."

She pinched her brow markings and, in a panic, said "Different! Different how?"

Tali shook her head slightly "Liara, it's hard to explain… just different."

She ran her hand over her mouth, "Hmmm…"

"I thought you should know that he's out there."

Liara smiled. "Thank you, Tali! I appreciate it."

"I must go now. We'll talk soon." She said before her screen went dark.

-/

As the days went by Liara looked out her window and sighed, "Ugh why hasn't he contacted me? Where are you, Jon?" She ran her hands over crest then mumbled "What if he doesn't even know me anymore?" She looked down when her omni tool dinged.

Message from Unknown Source: L, He's been awake for a few months now. I just found out. We've been given a task, and we have three days. We need info on a Justicar named Samara and an assassin Thane Krios. I'm already working on it -RD

A smile crept across her face, "Thank the goddess he's on his way here!" Her icy cold heart began to beat fast just knowing he'd be there soon. Her mind wandered... what's he going to think when he sees me now? I'm different... will he love me like this. Will he love me when he finds out I gave him to Cerberus? No... he won't... he hates Cerberus, and he'll hate me.

—/

Liara was in the middle of some collection calls when Shepard and his team entered her office. "... it's simple. Either you pay me, or I'll flay you alive…..with my mind..." Liara demanded.

His familiar voice sang through her auxiliary cavities, "Liara?"

Liara cut the call, then whipped around "Shepard!" She began to walk over to him then stopped when he crossed his arms and said, "You flay people alive with your mind now?"

"I.." she shook her head then continued "...no... it was just a scare tactic." She looked him over He's here! In my office, within arm's reach. Those beautiful eyes. Those lips. I just want to kiss them, Goddess. I miss you, my love.

Shepard arched his brow. "Mmhmm... So how are you?" he said then thought, "Who is this Liara? Her tone was so cold. She doesn't threaten people. It's been two years. Does she still love me? No, she's not even wearing my ring.

"I'm doing well, Shepard. I'm working as an information broker now. It's paid the bills since you…well for the last two years. Now your back and working for Cerberus."

He shook his head and replied "I'm working WITH Cerberus, Liara not for them. Speaking of, let me introduce you to Miranda Lawson Cerberus's head operative and my XO." He waved his hand over to Miranda then to Liara "Miranda, Dr. Liara T'Soni, as I'm sure you already know. Liara, you know Garrus."

Her eyes lit up as she smiled, "Goddess Garrus!" She hurried over to him, hugged him and kissed his mandible. "It's been forever. How are you?"

Shepard clutched his chest as he said, "Wow! I'm jealous. I didn't even get that reaction!"

Garrus chuckled "I'm telling you, Shepard, the ladies love me." then pointed to his face as he said "It's the scars."

Shepard smiled, then huffed. "Pssshhtt whatever not with that ugly mug."

He twitched his mandibles "Well, you just saw the proof! Who got the hug and a kiss? This Turian did!" he said with his talons pointing at himself.

Liara smiled softly as she walked back to her desk then said "It is good to see you too, Shepard. What can I do for you?"

"I'm building a team Liara, and I could use you back on the Normandy."

She shook her head as she replied "I'm sorry Shepard but I can't; I have a business now, and I have commitments. Things I need to take care of."

He pinched his brows. "What kind of things? Are you in some sort of trouble?"

"No. No trouble. It's been… a long two years. I had things I had to do while you were gone, and I have debts to repay." She looked at him as she quickly thought I need him to come back here. We need to talk. Think..think... "Shepard, if you want to help. I need someone with hacking expertise." Goddess that's lame. He'll see right through that. "If you could disable security at key points and get the information I need. That would help me out a great deal."

Shepard crossed his arms and replied with irritation, "Really, Liara? Hacking terminals... don't you have people for that?"

I knew it! Ugh. Think... "I do Shepard... but... I need someone I can trust."

He stared at her for a moment then said "Fine, I'll do it." This is a fucking joke. What's she playing at?

Liara looked toward the door when she heard a knock then her assistant Nyxeris said "Ma'am your information has arrived."

Liara smiled, "Thank you Nyxeris. You can let him in."

Red walked in and smiled at Miranda as he walked by, and she returned a slight smile. He walked over to Liara and handed her a few dossiers. "Here's the information you requested."

"Thank you, Red."

Shepard's eyes widened as he said, "The Red Dragon? Really?"

She smiled as she placed the dossiers on her desk then replied. "Well... I like to employ the best Shepard and... he's one of the best in many fields."

Shepard scoffed. "Well… That answers that. Liara let's get down to the main reason why we're here. I need information on two people that are on Illium. A Justicar name Samara and an Assassin name Thane Krios."

She nodded, then said, "I have that information for you right here." She turned slightly and picked the dossiers up then handed them over to him.

Shepard gently tapped the dossiers on his palm then said, "Ok, umm thank you."

Liara had her back to Shepard as she looked out the window and said. "You're welcome. If you could get me that information."

He pinched his brows as he slightly glared at her. What the hell? This is not how I imagined this. He let out a breath then said, "I'll talk to you later." then walked out of her office.

—/

Once outside her office Shepard addressed his crew "After we hack these terminals I'm going to change and hit up the Eternity Bar to grab some food and drinks. You guys want to come with me?"

Miranda said, "No thanks, I have some business to attend to."

Garrus said, "You're buying right?"

He rolled his eyes slightly then said "Yes, Garrus I'm buying." He looked at both of them then said. "Let's go hack these lame-ass terminals."

Hacking the terminals took all of an hour or so to do. Shepard turned to Garrus and Miranda then said "Time to change out of this damn armor. Garrus, Miranda after I change, I'm going to go turn these in to Liara. Garrus, I'll meet you at Eternity in about thirty to an hour." said Shepard.

Garrus nodded then replied "Ok, I'll meet you there."

Shepard headed back to Liara's office and waited for Nyxeris to get Liara. Nyxeris knocked on her door, "Dr. T'Soni? Commander Shepard is here to see you."

Liara smiled, "Thank you. Send him in." She looked him over as he walked through the door. Oh, goddess, I love it when he wears those jeans.

He walked up to her desk and tossed the information down in front of her. With annoyance in his voice. "Anything else? More terminals you need me to hack?"

She jerked her head back and in a slight tone, she replied, "Shepard..."

"What Liara?" He pointed at the info then replied. "Me doing that was bullshit work, and you know it. So why bother?"

She flared her nostrils as her tone rose when she replied. "This is not bullshit work! I need this information!"

He crossed his arms "Uh huh. What's this really about?"

"Why does it have to BE about anything? I needed the information. Plain and simple."

He scrunched his eyes at her "Liara..."

She sat back in her chair and rubbed her temples. "Shepard… I can't do this right now... I have work to do."

"Oh, …ok, you have "work" to do. Right... my ass you have work to do. I'm right here Liara. I'm right here…"

She slammed her hand down on her desk and rose from her chair. "I know that Shepard and you're being an ass!"

He quickly raised his eyebrows and pointed to his chest as he responded, "I'm… being an ass… I'm being the ass… HA! Ok…" He turned on his heel and walked toward the door, but before he reached it, he raised a finger then said "Maybe, YOU should work on that ICY cold heart of yours!"

With her emotions getting the best of her, she grabbed the closest thing she could get her hands on, which was her tea mug and threw it against the wall next to him. As it shattered into several pieces she yelled, "How dare you! You have no idea what I've been through! NO IDEA!"

He stopped at the door. Oooh...She did NOT just throw that at me! He turned as he quickly replied "Oh, and you being like THIS justifies it!?"

She had no acceptable words to his reply except for, "Just, GET OUT!"

He looked at her hurt then turned and walked out as he replied: "Yea... ok…"

She plopped down into her chair with tears in her eyes and put her hands over her face as she cried for a moment then called out. "Shepard! wait…" When there was no answer, she got up, wiped her face and hurried to the door. "Shepard?"

Nyxeris replied, "He's gone, ma'am. He left rather quickly."

She closed her eyes as the pain hit her heart. What have I done…"Thank you Nyxeris."

-/

Shepard mumbled as he walked into the Eternity Bar. The moment he saw Garrus sitting at the bar he smiled and said "Heeey Garrus, my man!"

Garrus turned and looked at him "Hey Shepard! How'd it go with Liara?"

He ignored his friend's question and whistled to grab the bartender's attention. She nodded at him and walked over then said "Hey babe, I'm Aethyta, an Asari Matriarch. What's your poison?"

Shepard's eyes flashed, "Holy shit, you're a Matriarch? Sweet! Well, Aethyta, I need a shot!" He slapped his hands together then rubbed them "I want the strongest you have and make it double!"

She tapped the bar then grabbed a glass then a bottle of alcohol as she said, "You got it, babe!" She placed the glass on the bar and poured him a shot "Here you go! It's sure to burn a hole in your gut."

He smiled as she slid it over to him. "Fantastic! Let's do this!" He shot it down and instantly heaved out a deep breath as he coughed. Hitting the bar with his hand at every word. "Holy… shit! What did you give me?!"

She threw her head back and laughed, "Strongest we have babe. Ryncol."

He rubbed his chest as he shook his head. "Holy shit! that burns. Fuuuuck!" He let out a quick breath. "Give me another one and keep them coming."

Garrus looked at Shepard and said. "That bad, huh?"

He threw his head back as he took another shot, "Yea, well, you know…" He shrugged, "She doesn't love me anymore and that's FINE…whatever."

Garrus cleared his throat then replied. "Shepard, don't take this the wrong way, but I find that hard to believe."

Shepard slammed back shot after shot then shook his head when he got woozy. "I don't know Garrus. Liara's heart is so fucking frozen over that I'd need a damn ice pick to even get to it." He shot back another Ryncol shot "Nooooo, better yet, she has so much ice flowing through her god damn veins it's coming out of her fucking eyeballs." He made a quick laugh then took another shot of alcohol. "No fucking hug. No kiss. No, I love you. No, I fucking miss you. Instead, I get…" He took another shot then mocked her "Shepard, I need some terminals for you to hack." He rolled his eyes as he waved it off "Pfffttt. Lame."

He sat there for a moment as he stared off into the distance then looked at Garrus as he made hand movements and faces when he continued "THEN at some point she threw a cup and was all like BLAH get out of my office. AND I was like WHATEVER. Pfffftt. Ya know?"

Garrus twitched his mandibles as he looked at Shepard for a moment then turned to the bartender and motioned for her to cut him off. "Shepard, I think you should slow down and calibrate your thoughts for a moment."

Shepard chuckled at his words then set his elbows on the bar, then rested his forehead on his clasped hands. "Oh man…I just expected something other than a cold shoulder."

Garrus patted his back. "I'm sure it wasn't THAT bad, Shepard."

He shook his head as he let out a breath. "She doesn't love me anymore, Garrus. I saw her eyes. Hell, she doesn't even wear my ring anymore." He waved his fingers in the air at the bartender then closed out his tab.

"Shepard… she's been through a lot. The last two years have been really rough on her." replied Garrus.

He patted Garrus shoulder then said, "Yea… well…I need to get out of here. Go for a walk and clear my head. I'll catch you later."

"Wait up, and I'll go with you. Just give me a minute to finish my drink and food."

He shook his head, "Nah it's ok… I just need to be alone… Thanks though…"

-/

Liara was tapping away at her computer when her omni tool dinged. She looked down to see it was from Garrus.

Message From Garrus Vakarian: Liara, I'm not sure what happened, but he's tore up. He's had way too many shots and he just left for a walk. He could possibly be headed back to your office. I don't know. -Garrus

—-

Message from Liara T'Soni: Garrus, Thank you. I'll look into it. -Liara

—-

Liara quickly shut down her computer and grabbed her stuff then quickly tapped at her omni tool to send Shepard a message.

Shepard looked at his omni tool when it buzzed and saw a message from Liara. He grumbled "Ugh, what do you want now?"

—-

Message from Liara T'Soni: Shepard, please meet me at my home, so we can talk. My info is attached.

-Liara

—-

He gave a quick side nod at her message, "Your place isn't too far; I'll just walk there." He walked for awhile then noticed that he wasn't getting any closer to her apartment. He laughed then said "Ok, maybe it is far to walk." He tapped his chin as he thought. Hmmm bus or taxi? He looked over when he saw the city bus rolling up to the stop then chuckled at the thought of making her wait.

-/

Liara looked at her omni tool at the time and began pacing. "It's been an hour; he should have been here by now." What if he doesn't show. Ugh, this is killing me.

Liara glanced over at the time and noticed that ten more minutes had passed. She jumped slightly when the doorbell rang then hurried over to the door. She tapped at the security panel and saw Shepard standing outside then quickly opened the door. "Please come in."

As he walked through the door, he looked at her and she was wearing gray gym shorts and a black tank top. When the door closed behind him, he said "Soooo what do you wanna…"

Before he could finish Liara leaped toward him and kissed his cheek. "Shepard… I'm sorry… Please don't be mad at me…"

He wrapped his arms around her and just held her. "I'm sorry too Liara, and I'm not mad."

She stepped back and said. "Have you eaten?"

"No, I haven't." he replied then looked down when his Omni-tool dinged.

—-

Message from Miranda Lawson: Where are you?

—-

Message From Commander Shepard: With Liara. I'll meet you back on the Normandy tomorrow by 0900.

—-

Liara looked at him as she frowned then said "Do you need to go?"

He shook his head, "No, just a message from Miranda."

She smiled "Ok good because I ordered food and it's getting cold. Let's go, eat, and talk."

—-

As they finish up dinner. Liara finished her story. "So… that's how you came back. How you're working with Cerberus. How I met the Red Dragon. All the terrible things I've done." She let out a breath then continued "…and how you and the rest of your family hate me. I was selfish, and I just wanted you back."

He ran his hands over his head, "Wow… Liara that's a lot to take in. Well, I certainly don't hate you. I'm sure no one else does either."

She wiped the tears from her eyes as she said. "You don't hate me?"

"Of course not! I love you."

She stood then walked over to him and kissed him. "I love you too. Now, come here, I want to show you something."

He followed her to the living room and over to the couch, set his wine down on the side table, then sat on the soft cushy couch. Oh, maaaan this is niiice. He looked over toward Liara then at the armor incased in a protective case. "Liara… Is that my N7 chest plate?….. in a glass case no less."

She chuckled. "Yes, it is, but that's not what I wanted to show you."

He saw her walking over with a long silver case, and with wide eyes, he said "NO way! You found my guitar?"

"I know! I couldn't believe it either. I found it by pure accident at the crash scene. I literally stumbled over it." She set the case down in front of him then bit her lip as she said, "Open it."

Shepard ran his hand down the case as he said "Oh, man. Please tell me it's not broken." He popped the locks on the case then said "Wow. I am truly amazed." He plucked each string and smiled at the harmonious tones. "Thank you. Did you find anything else?"

"I did! I found your N7 hoodie and shorts…you can't have those… I've cherished those too much, and they now belong to me."

He rumbled in laughter then said "ooook. I'll just have to get new ones. What else?"

"Oh, A few unbroken model ships. You can have those back. I know how much you love them. Let's see what else. Oh, I found your secret stash."

He smiled broadly and rubbed his hands together swiftly, "Yesss…." He waved his hand at her "So, where's it at? Hand it over."

She arched a brow marking "What? The guns or the metal box?"

He gave her a lopsided grin "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Now, hand it over."

She shook her head, "Nooooo I use it every day. It's kept me somewhat sane for the last two years. I'll have to get you another one."

He narrowed his eyes at her as he said "T'Soni… Hand over my music player."

She got up as she groaned "Ugggghhh Fine! At least let me copy the music so I can put it on my own player. I've really grown to love a lot of those songs."

His eyes followed her "What are you doing?"

She smiled then said, "I'm going to play some music." After she tapped at the music player, she walked back over to the couch then straddled his lap and kissed his neck. She whispered in his ear. "Jon?"

He grunted, "hmm?"

She continued to kiss his neck. "I've missed you, my love."

He slid his hands up her thighs. "You have?"

She kissed his lips. "mmmhmm."

He grabbed her ass and pulled her into him as he kissed her. His lips to her neck; while his hands shimmered up her sides and caressed her lower erogenous zones.

She moaned softly. "Oh, Goddess, have I missed you."

His tongue played in the crevice in her neck as his hands slowly moved down the front of her panties. He glided his fingers up and down her slick folds then rubbed her blue nub. "Mmmm Liara you're already wet."

She pushed her hips into him, and her breath caught as she said "Jon…" then quickly grabbed at his hand as she said "Wait wait …not here."

Shepard continued to kiss and suck on her neck, then mumbled "Why not?"

She back toward the hallway then back at him "Because… Shandri and Kirre are just around the corner. That's why".

He stopped kissing her and looked at her as he plainly replied. "So? They're still going to hear you, either way, your room is wide open."

She laughed as she playfully slapped his chest. "Jon…"

He chuckled, "What? You're loud."

She blushed slightly as she said, "I am not."

He kissed her. "mmhmm…"

She got off him and stood in front of him with her eyebrow markings raised. "How about this…" She bent down slowly as she slid her shorts off. She eyed him as she slidherfinger from her lips then slowly down the valley of her breasts as she seductively said "… do you want this?" then turned and swayed her hips as she walked toward her room.

Shepard blinked his eyes as he inhaled deeply then exhaled "Wow." he got up from the couch as he said "You're damn right, I want you…"

"Then I suggest you come get it…" replied Liara.

-/

Liara's alarm began to beep at 0615 hours. She grunted, then turned toward the nightstand and hit the off button. She turned back toward Shepard, draped herself halfway across him and kissed his chest. "Good morning."

"mmmm.." He rubbed the sleep from his eyes "What time is it?"

"0615." She responded.

He grunted, "Why so early?!"

"Sorry my love, I have a business to run. I'm normally in the office by 0730."

"Well... I wouldn't be so tired if you didn't keep me up most of the night."

She giggled as she kissed his cheek. "mmm, I'm sorry, but I've missed you and what you do to me."

He wrapped his arms around her. "Mmm. I missed you too. Umm babe?"

"Yes, my love?"

"Let me see your necklace."

She unclasped it and handed it to him. He slid her engagement ring off it and clasped the necklace back on her. He looked at her. "Liara T'Soni?"

"Yes?"

"Do you still want to marry me?"

She smiled, "Yes, I do."

"Good!" He slid the ring back on her finger then kissed her. "I love you."

"I love you, Jon. I never stopped." She ran her fingers over the hair on his chest and smiled. "I miss this."

He pinched his brows. "What? My hair?"

She giggled, "... no... This... just being with you. I miss everything. Even your grunts."

"Nmmm.."

She laughed softly. "I don't even want to shower because I want to keep your smell on me. I love your smell."

He kissed her, "and I love yours. Let's go shower, and I'll be sure to rub my body on you."

"Ok, you have yourself a deal." She said as she rolled off him then got off the bed.

-/

Shepard called up to her from the kitchen. "Lia, do you not have any coffee in this place?!"

As she walked down the stairs, she said "Sorry, Love I don't. I just have tea. I'll have to get some and a machine for the next time."

Kirre and Shandri walked into the kitchen for breakfast, "Good Morning Shepard."

Shandri laughed, "You umm...smell pretty Commander. It's a very familiar smell. Like...Liara's... lavender and vanilla."

Liara walked up to him, wrapped her arms around him and kissed his lips. "Mmmm she's right." She paused as she laughed softly "mmm, you do smell pretty... like me."

He groaned and rolled his eyes." Good morning, ladies!" He narrowed his eyes at Liara. "That's NOT what I had in mind."

Liara laughed then said. "I know! I'll buy your body wash and keep it here as well. That way, you don't have to use mine."

He raked his hands down his face. "You know I'm going to hear this ALL day, right?"

She giggled. "Mmhmm."

"Oh, you think that's funny, huh?"

"Uh huh."

"Oh, ok. Well, how about this." He said as he tickled her sides.

Liara laughed as she squirmed. "Stop... please...Ok ok... ok! I'm sorry... I won't... laugh about it... anymore... or poke.. fun"

He stopped tickling her. "Ok"

She moved far away from him, as she tried to catch her breath. She smiled then said "You do smell pretty though."

He pointed at her as he walked toward her "Oooh..."

She hurried to the living room. "No... I'm sorry! I'm done!"

He glared at her "You know what? I'm so retaking a shower when I get back to the Normandy. I should go..."

"Oh, Shepard... eat breakfast with me then ride with me to the office." Asked Liara

-/

Shepard arrived back at the Normandy at 0750 hours. He heard EDI say, "Welcome back, Commander Shepard. Lt Adams is now relieved of command."

While walking to the elevator, he said "Wait what? EDI where's Miranda?"

"Commander Shepard, Ms. Lawson is currently off the Normandy." Replied EDI

Whaaaaat?! "And what time did she leave this morning?" asked Shepard

"Commander Shepard, Ms. Lawson did not leave this morning. She left last night at 1942 hours."

"Thank you, EDI." Hmm.. 1942 hours? That was right about the time she messaged me. Interesting... where did you run off to last night? Hmmm, a lil booty call maybe?

Shepard showered, dressed and headed down to the mess hall for some much-needed coffee.

-/

As Shepard is getting into the shower. Miranda arrived on the Normandy. She noticed that EDI didn't give a notice to relieve Lt Adams of command. Shit shit She quickly called out. "EDI where's Commander Shepard?"

"Ms. Lawson, Commander Shepard, is in his cabin." Replied EDI

Damn it! He said 0900 and I expected him to be late, not early she hurried to her quarters to shower. "Thank you, EDI."

After having several cups of coffee and chatting with the crew for a while, he saw Miranda come out of her quarters. She grabbed breakfast and coffee then headed back to her room.

Shepard excused himself from the breakfast table and crewmates then walked into her quarters. As he walked in, he said "Good morning, Miranda." He pointed at the chair in front of her desk and he said "May I?"

She waved her hand at the chair "By all means. What can I do for you Commander?" here it comes

"We need to discuss opening my communications with Liara and getting rid of the numerous surveillance devices in my quarters. I know you like watching me get naked, but it's getting tiresome."

She flashed her eyes at him then arched her brow "I beg your pardon, Shepard? I do not watch you get naked!"

"Oh, but you watch me?"

"Those surveillance nodes were Not at my request. The Illusive Man wants to know what's going on within his ship. Your communications with Liara were opened when you arrived on Illium. As for the removal of the nodes, I'll look into it."

He stood then said "Well.. good chat. I should go. I'm off to make some rounds."

"I'll see you later, Commander."

As he walked out her door, he smirked then said "I hope you enjoyed your evening." He heard her groan.

—/

—-

Message from Jon Shepard: Can I come by; I need to speak with you? -J

—-

Message from Liara T'Soni: I'm busy in meetings until 1400. Any time after that should be fine. Is everything ok? - Liara

—-

Message from Jon Shepard: Yes. No worries. I was hoping to run by now. I really need to talk to you. -J

—-

Message from Liara T'Soni: Ok, hurry, and I'll try to squeeze you in before my next meeting. -Liara

—-

Shepard headed back into Miranda's office.

She looked up from her computer "Back so soon, Shepard?"

"Yes, I need to run to Liara's Office. I won't be gone long. Maybe forty-five minutes or so. Then when I get back, we'll seek out Samara."

She stood as she replied, "I'll go with you. I need to talk to her anyway."

"What, why? I mean. I need to talk to her alone."

Miranda arched her brow. "ok…"

"Besides, you'll need to make an appointment; she's busy until 1400. She's just squeezing me in. Anyway. I have to go! I'll let her know though. Bye"

—

Message from Jon Shepard: Lia, I'm here.

—-

Message from Liara T'Soni: Tell Nyxeris I said it's ok for you to wait in my office. I'm almost done here. Five to ten minutes.

—-

Liara walked into her office, closed the door, and called out "V.I privacy windows." She looked at Shepard "Shepard what's wrong?"

He walked over to her and kissed her. "Nothing is wrong."

She wrapped her arms around him, put her cheek on his chest and breathed him in "Goddess, you had me worried…and you took another shower!"

He chuckled. "I did shower again. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I'll make this quick. I forgot to tell you this last night, but the ship is completely bugged, and I mean everything. Hell, they even watch me sleep".

She scrunched her nose "hmmm that's disturbing."

"I know tell me about it. I need something that's untraceable. So, I can send messages to you and whoever else without them knowing. I also need a scanner to detect the surveillance in my room."

She looked at him "Ok, so a coms box of some sort and a scanner. I know of a few distributors but let me get with Red about it first."

He pinched his brow, "Why him?"

"Because all his equipment is top of the line, and I want you to have the very best." She said then kissed him.

He kissed her. "Yea but I need it before I leave in three days." He kissed her neck. Breathing in her scent. Eezo with vanilla and lavender "Mmm you smell so good."

"Mmmm. I'll have something for you before you leave."

He slowly ran his tongue down a crevice in her neck and pressed his fingers softly into her lower erogenous zones.

Her eyes fluttered as she purred "mmmm goddess Shepard." Pulling him in closer and moving her neck, so he had more room. "mmmm…. wait… I.. can't... do this... mmmm right now."

He stopped and looked at her and noticed the slightest black tinge in her eyes. "I know, but I missed you."

"Ugh, I know that look. My eyes are tinged, aren't they?" She closed her eyes to calm her desire.

He laughed, "Yes, they are. I'm sorry. Oh, before I forget Miranda needs to make an appointment with you."

She scrunched her face, "She does? What for?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. She didn't say."

"Tell her I'm free after 1400 and to stop by."

"I already did. Just jot her down for 1430. I'll just tell her to be here at that time."

"Ok." She opened her eyes and looked over at him "How do my eyes look now?"

"Absolutely beautiful, as always."

She smiled then said. "Flatter"

He held out his hand as he smiled "Let me walk you out." She smiled as she grabbed his hand and walked out of her office. As they walked, he said "So, dinner tonight or out somewhere?"

"I'd love to, but I'd rather have you all to myself at home." She said then kissed him. "I'll see you later. Love you."

He nodded. "Love you too babe. See you tonight."

—-

Message from Unknown Source: Red, I need a top-of-the-line undetectable coms box with decryption. I also need a surveillance equipment detector. Something you would use. I need it in two days, please. Money, not an issue. -L

—

Message from Unknown Source: I'll see what I can do. -RD

—-

Message from Unknown Source: Kas, I need a favor. Your A list distro on coms night decrypt and a bug snatcher. Two-day turn. Finder's fee spilt. -Red

—-

Message from Unknown Source: Hello friend, heard on the vine you are on Illium. Can meet if you want to discuss? - Kasumi

—-

Message from Unknown Source: You betcha! My place is secure. One hour. sent info. -RD

—-

Message from Unknown Source: L, Got a beat. Very pricey! Sent info. Let me know -RD

—-

Message from Unknown Source: Yes, I want three boxes and two detectors. Payment and finder's fee sent. Thank you. - L

—-

Message from Liara T'Soni: It's done. Love you.

—

Message from Jon Shepard: You're the best! Love you.

—-

-/

Later that night at 1900 he messaged her.

Message from Jon Shepard: Just finished up. I need to shower and change then I'll head over.

—-

Message from Liara T'Soni: Ok, I'll order dinner. It should be here by the time you get here. See you soon.

—-

On his way off the ship, he swung by Miranda's office.

She looked up over her computer, "Hello, Commander, what can I do for you?"

"Ms. Lawson. I'm heading over to Liara's for the night. I'll be back tomorrow morning."

She nodded then said. "Very well Commander. What time?"

He smirked, "Why? So, you can try to beat me back?"

She crossed her arms, "NO!"

He chuckled then arched a brow "Uh huh. And where exactly did you go?"

She huffed, "That Commander is none of your business."

He raised his hands in surrender. "Ok. Well, I'm off."

-/

Liara answered the door to see Shepard standing there. He walked in and kissed her. "Is dinner here? I'm starving."

She laughed, "Yes, it got here just a few moments ago."

As they ate dinner. Liara said, "You know how I had you hack those terminals."

"mmhmm.."

"Well, I'm trying to track down the Shadow Brokers informant called the Observer."

He finished chewing then said "The Shadow Broker! What's going on? You told me you weren't in trouble."

"I'm not in trouble. I mean I've had several attempts on my life while you away but between myself, my commandos, and Red we've held our own. As you know, he and I didn't start off on the best foot, but he's grown to be a good friend. He's done a lot for me."

"Yea. Well, he can be a dick, but I'm glad he was here watching over you, and you diverted my question."

"Well, this goes back to when I stole you from his base and messed up his transaction with the Collectors. I guess he's still mad about it. So, as I was saying, The Shadow Broker has this Observer watching me. I believe he/she is within my company or has bugged my office. Well, I know so because I'm constantly removing them, but they keep showing up. I need you to hack a few more terminals so I can pinpoint who it is. I have a handful of possibilities, but I still don't know who."

Shepard sat back in his chair, listening and drinking his wine. "Ok, I'll do that tomorrow. We'll nail who this is."

She smiled at him, "Thank you, my love."

He smiled back at her "You're welcome. hmmmm…"

She cocked her head at him, "What are you thinking?"

He stood from the table then walked to the couch, "Are Red and Miranda dating?"

Liara dropped their dishes into the sink. "Nooo, I mean, I don't know. There's a possibility. She walked over to the couch, sat next to Shepard and leaned against the arm of the couch. "Why do you say that?"

Well, I noticed when he first came into your office. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. She had this look on her face, and he kept looking at her. This morning when I arrived on the ship she wasn't there and got irritated when I asked her about it.

She draped her legs over his lap and took a sip of her wine. "Well, it makes sense now that you say that. When they first met, he was flirting with her quite a bit, and she seemed I don't know…. lost in him… Then they had a "meeting" on her ship. The whole time you were gone she only messaged, and video called him, and he would relay the information."

Shepard ran his hand over his chin "Interesting. Well, she is his type through and through. She's definitely easy on the eyes."

Liara arched a brow marking at him and with a slight tone said. "Is she now…"

He smiled at her as he ran his hand up her thigh. "Yes but…." he leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her head. "...but I love you, and you are my sexy blue goddess." He said then kissed her cheek

In a jealous tone, "mmhmm…Do you look at her?"

He gave her a frown as he said "Lia…..I see her around the ship, but I don't look at her like that. I only have eyes for you."

She pouted then replied, "Can I see?"

He arched a brow as he huffed. "You don't trust me?"

"I do Jon, I'm sorry. It's just you bring this up and yet you still close yourself off to me."

He looked down as he shook his head slightly, "Liara, that has nothing to do with her. That has to do with my past and other things I've done that I'm not ready to share."

"I understand. I'm assuming it has to do with your father, what you've done while in the Alliance, and your shattered dreams. I've shown you all of me, and I'd hope that you could trust me enough to show me all of you."

He let out a breath as he said. "I do trust you Liara, with all of my being. Come here, I'll show you all of me."

She smiled as she straddled him. "Really?"

He placed his hands on her hips. "Yes."

She touched her forehead to his and whispered, "Embrace Eternity." She drifted into his mind and could see no shields up. She watched from his youth to the present day. Laughs, arguments, sibling battles, family, girls, happiness, sports, music, love, death, hatred, sadness, and darkness. She withdrew from his mind with tears in her eyes and kissed him deeply. "Oh, Jon. I'm sorry about what happened to your father. His death also disrupted you and your siblings' music career."

"Maybe but what happened, happened. He died, and our music days are over. If he didn't die, I probably would have never joined the Alliance, and I would have never met you. I'd be off singing at some concert somewhere with ladies all over me and not here with you."

"Argh... Jon." She grumbled then slapped at his chest.

He chuckled as he pulled her close "You're so cute. You just can't stand the thought of me with anyone else."

She scoffed, "No, I can't. I love you, and you are mine."

"And I am yours Liara until I am no longer. I love you."

"mmm Show me." She said as she kissed him slowly.

He began to run his hands over her erogenous zones when they heard Shandri call out to Liara. "Mistress?"

Shepard froze as Liara looked over toward Shandri and annoyingly said. "Yes, Shay?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, and I know you said you weren't taking any calls, but there's a vidcall waiting in the secure room from a Hannah Shepard. She's been calling for a while, and she refuses to be dismissed."

Shepard buried his face in her chest and said. "Uugghhh Damn it. I totally forgot to call her when I got here three hours ago. She has to be pissed!" He slapped her butt "Get up babe so we can get this over with. Shandri, tell her I'll be there in a minute."

He sat in the chair in front of the video display, then said "Mom! I'm—"

His mother immediately cut him off, as she spoke in her military tone "Jonathan William Shepard!"

He let out a breath as he rubbed the back of his neck, and mumbled "Yep, she's pissed!"

"You're damn right I'm pissed boy! How dare you NOT contact me, I'm your mother! I've been worried sick for years about you! To hear everything that's been happening from your brother! WHO by the way is on my shit list, along with Liara over there!" She hissed

Shepard flashed his eyes, then said "Mom!"

She curled her lip and snarled, "Don't you interrupt me when I'm talking to you, damn it!"

He looked down briefly then back at her "Yes, ma'am."

"You best call your sister at your earliest convenience because she is still freaking out and I know, you have YET to call her. You best get your ass in gear and pull your head out of the clouds, son. Do you hear me?!" She snipped

He nodded, "Yes ma'am."

She scrunched her face and snipped, "And what the hell is that shit on your face? You trying to look like your brother or something?"

He shook his head, "No, ma'am. My reconstruction was cut short, and they didn't quite fill in those red scars. I'm working with Dr. Karin Chakwas. You remember her, right?"

She huffed, "Of course, I do, we've been friends for years."

"Oh. Right. Well, I'm working with her and Miranda Lawson to get a machine to finish that up. Then I'll look brand new."

She nodded as she took a deep breath and her voice changed to a softer tone. "Jon, it's good to see your face son, and I would like to see you in person when we can sync up time. I must go now. I love you."

He smiled, "I love you too Mom."

She nodded, "Hannah out."

-/

Shepard turned in his chair to look at Liara then let out a breath. "That went well…"

Liara scrunched her face "I'm on her what list, and you think that went well?"

He let out a hardy laugh "Her shit list babe. Meaning you're not on good terms with her right now. Don't worry about it, it'll blow over when she sees me in person." Shepard got up from the chair and walked over to her. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him. "Now, come on… I believe I get to show you how much I love you."

She kissed him, "mmmhmmm. What did she mean by getting your head out of the clouds?"

He let out a hardy laugh, "She's referring to you, babe."