Back to work {Shepard, Open}

[Liara T'Soni]

It had been a few days since Shepard had woken up and since then everything in the office and her personal life had been manic. Liara hadn't slept well since the war and she still didn't have the time to sleep now. The rebuilding of Thessia was going to be a long process and there was more than just building everything back up, there were now immigrants and refugees on Thessia not to mention those still at the Citadel. It was slowly clearing out with each race wanting to get back home to see if their loved ones were amongst the dead or injured.

Since Shepard had woken up Liara hadn't been back to see her, she knew the rehabilitation process would be long as well and getting back on her feet to see how things were moving along would be Shepard's priority. Well that was what she thought anyway. Today though Liara was in her office in her role as the Asari Councillor, Glyph was still at her apartment and would regularly beep with any reports regarding the Broker side of things. Though today Thessia was at the front of her mind. She pushed one of the ear piece buttons to answer a call from Thessia, she groaned a little before replying to the person in charge of immigration on Thessia.

"No that is not where the shipment was meant to go....I don't care it needs to be moved over to the home base. Those soliders and workers are working day and night to try and rebuild Thessia, the most we can do is offer our support to them."

Liara felt her words had been harsh but now wasn't the time to sit back and let things just flash before her, she knew how hard it was she had been there on the front lines. The doctor knew some would think she had a cushy life now but it was far from the truth. Liara brushed a few creases out of her black and blue dress as she walked over towards the windows behind her desk. The Citadel was almost back to full capacity which was a good sign, each race and home world had been hit hard everyone was trying to do their part the best they could. Liara crossed her arms under chest as she looked out over the Citadel.

"Do not worry about the refugees and immigrants, I am sending over a team now to help assist you....yes I understand. Please report in tomorrow and let me know how it is going unless there is something urgent you can contact me anytime."

[Amaliana Shepard]

It had been several days since she had seen or heard from Liara. That was fine though as she was needing the time to test herself out and rehabilitate her muscularture. The doctors had remarked at the fast pace that she was making as it seemed that whatever it was Cerberus implanted her with had assisted with keeping her muscle mass strong and healthy the entire time she was out. So it seems that the Reaper tech she had in her was once again responsible for keeping her amblitory. As for the skeletal issues those would have to heal over time naturally she was told so a walking cane was given to her and her was tied back in a sling.

She had been told that the next day she was going to be release so she was free to leave the hospital Shepard would take advantage of it. Heading up to the Embassy level she would wind her way through the scurry of diplomats, and their assistants. After a short detour to stop in the office for the Spectre's she was heading to the Asari Councilor offices. Running into an asari outside of it Shepard would speak with her. "Commander you are here to visit the Councilor? If so then do not let me delay your plans. She is not all that busy and could possible need the company."

Giving Liara's assistant a nod Shepard would pass her and enter the office. She would be slow in moving and would not be able to sneak up on Liara as she wished, but she was going to try. The only noise was the tap of the metal cane against the floor as Shepard crossed it slowly and with a little bit of difficulty. Making it to the desk she would hear Liara finishing speaking over her phone with someone. Waiting for the conversation to end she would stand and speak up.

"I thought you would have turned this entire office into a fortress by now and had Glyph with you Liara? But then again your being smart about everything I am assuming on that front..."

[Liara T'Soni]

A sly smirk slid across Liara's face as she heard Shepard's voice, it was inevitable that Shepard would come to see her. Liara knew it had been a little rude not to go back every day since she had woken up but life went on and things needed to be done. The young asari doctor turned around and began to walk towards Shepard. She kept a smile on her face as she approached her, it was relatively private in her office so she leant in and hugged Shepard lightly before releasing her.

"Well since the end of the war there hasn't been much call to protect myself in the Citadel that way. Glyph is back at my apartment....seeing to other business. I work from here and at home usually going back and forth in the same day."

With a slight chuckle Liara walked back over to her desk and sat down in the black leather chair, she was still getting used to being on the side of politics and going to regular meetings regarding politcial issues. It was a little boring in some ways but she was able to gain information before it came through on her broker system at home. Eventually once everything had calmed down even more she would see about getting some of the systems moved over into her office so she could keep an eye on things. Liara pulled herself closer to the desk and placed her arms flat on the desk.

"I see you are recovering well and that you managed to give an interview. I heard it was the highest ratings in some years, everyone wants to hear about it straight from Commander Shepard."

[Amaliana Shepard]

Shepard would watch as Liara would slowly walk over to her. It still felt as she was in a dream, but these thoughts always would go away when she felt the touch of Liara. A hug, not too strong but a hug that Shepard would return without much thought. Releasing Liara she would listen to her explanation as to why her office was not fortified like a tank. Shepard would nod at her as she spoke. Standing in place Shepard would watch Liara walk back to the desk. After a few seconds she would begin to follow Liara over to her desk. The clicking of the metal on the floorboards would signify her following footsteps.

Taking a seat on the other side of the desk Shepard would place her cane up on the desk so as to not misplace it. Turning her attention back to Liara she would hear her speak about her recovery and about the interview she had given. Shepard's cheeks would redden a little at the mention of the interview. After finishing the interview she had been so out of it she had forgotten what it was she had admitted to within it, but she had watched a replay of it and was shocked at how easily she admitted to everything.

"Yea I did do that interview. It is rather funny how it seems so popular to everyone to hear it coming from my mouth. I guess people just wished to hear my side of the story. Just wish that the Admiral had survived so I could shrink away and let him have this moment in the sun. Kinda blindsided me with that final question though. No matter how much I would love to walk around and openly admit how I feel for you Liara I have always held your interests before my own. But after waking up and having you there within minutes and after what we have been through in these last few months..."

As she spoke she would seem quite nervous and apprehensive. It was unusual for Shepard to feel so nervous about something but this was going to be the rest of her life she was toying with. Slowly and gingerly Shepard would stand her hand on Liara's desk for assistance. After getting to the standing position she would let go of the desk and ever so slowly begin walking without any assistance around the desk. Stopping beside Liara's chair she would look down into the eyes of Liara and speak up again.

"Liara T'Soni... We have been through so much, and I know with your new position things would not be easy for us... But I have given much thought to this since waking up. I... I want us to actually go out as a couple. No more hiding out behind closed doors from everyone. No more being afraid of what others will think..."

[Liara T'Soni]

The last thing Shepard had to say caught Liara by suprise that she actually pushed her chair out to get up and walk back towards the large windows behind her desk. She knew this would be seen as a defensive gesture and it was in a way, it was something so sudden and it shouldn't have been suprised in the least. The war and the fighting was finally over with and now came the next chapter of rebuilding worlds and personal lives.

"I...I see."

Her voice was a little croaky as she spoke. Liara turned around to face Shepard taking a few more steps back towards her. In truth Liara had never thought a day like this would actually come, ever since they had first met it was under battle circumstances. Ever since then they had been fighting for the peace of every race, to have actual peace was an idea that scared Liara. The future was uncertain, before it was simple. Chase the bad guys, defeat the bad guys then rinse and repeat the process. Dr T'Soni stopped a few inches in front of Shepard and took a deep breath.

"I guess a part of me has never really thought in depth about actually coming out as a couple. Our love could be seen as something to keep the insanity from closing in on the missions we took together, then again you have always done what you felt was right regardless of your popularity. As for my position they will just have to accept it, my relationship status should have no effect of their opinions of whether I am suitable to be the Asari Councillor."

[Amaliana Shepard]

Shepard was nervous when Liara stuttered and stood up. A woman who had faced down a Reaper mano e mano was afraid of something as simple as this interaction. Weakily Shepard stood keeping herself standing and watching Liara. At the moment Shepard wished she had her cane but she would not regret her decision as this was the most important thing to her at this moment.

"Well that insanity was fun while it lasted... But we... No I need to go away from the battlefield. Liara I was told that I was lucky this time... Any sort of deviation from what occurred and I would not be here to be with you."

As Shepard spoke she would raise her hand up and place it on Liara's shoulder. She had heard everything that Liara had said and was digesting all of it. Shepard knew full well she would never have to work or do anything for the rest of her days, but there was other things to consider. Foremost in her mind what of all the Reapers not destroyed by the Crucible. They must be hunted down and slain by any means necessary. Opening her mouth again as she looked over into Liara's eyes Shepard would speak as normally as she could with her insides in a constant turmoil.

"Liara... This is what I want and will go through with. That interview made it clear to me that hiding it would only lead us both down a bad path. And well I could not think of anyone I would rather spend my retirement from military action with than you..."

Before Liara would be given a chance to respond though Shepard would kiss Liara on her lips.

[Liara T'Soni]

It was the first time since Shepard had woken up that they had shared an intimate moment like this and it felt right. It was the right time and under the right circumstances. Liara didn't break away but pushed herself closer to Shepard wrapping her arms around her neck gently. Passionate yet soothing. Liara didn't want to let go of her, it seemed that every time they got close it was before the final showdown. Maybe that was always the right time to be close, who knew what was going to happen and if anyone would be coming back. After a few moments Liara broke the kiss smiling at Shepard, she leant in and rubbed her nose against Shepard's. This was some sort of human custom of affection she had read up on in the earlier days when she first became attracted to Shepard.

"I think this military retirement will be harder than facing down a reaper, I can imagine they will either want you to be a military advisor or....get you into politics. We both know how the second option will work out."

Almost like an explosion Liara began to laugh and really laugh. There was nothing fake about it and she wasn't holding back. Her arms dropped away from Shepard as she took a few steps back holding a hand up to her mouth to try and keep her voice down. Her eyes almost sparkled with happiness, oh this was a good feeling. War did bring people closer together but being with someone you loved that was almost dead and now back to you was such a feeling she didn't know how to manage.

"I haven't laughed like that in some time, I don't even think on board the Normandy I had the time to be myself like that. I had my moments with everyone but the ones with you had the most impact. I think back to when we first met and how everything transpired, it's funny how fate can work out."

[Amaliana Shepard]

There was a lot of pent up emotions inside of Shepard as they kissed that she let out. It felt like a culmination of everything the two of them had been through. Inside of Shepards mind she would remember finding Liara on Therum, The fight against Saren, Their final moments aboard the original Normandy, The reunion on Illium, all the events the two of them had shared made her pull Liara in tightly before realizing both of them probable would need air to breath soon. Shepard took in a breath as Liara would be the one to break their kiss, and place her nose touching Shepards. This would give Shepard the opprotunity to look deeply into Liara's eyes as she spoke to Amaliana. A sly smile would appear on her face and she would respond to Liara.

"Yea with me punching the person who opposes me out... I think that the first option would suit me more. Would allow me the ability to stay close by and if I had to go anywhere it would not be for long. Perhaps I can speak with Admiral Hackett about it one of these days when I see him again."

The smile would widen and Shepard would feel a greater weight than she ever knew she carried leave off her shoulders as she heard Liara laugh. Watching her move it made her almost break out in laughter herself. Though Shepard would let out a few laughs of her own. She would then listen to Liara speak once again. Each word was true as they did not ever have the time to be themselves as they always needed to place the needs of others ahead of their own. Releasing the desk as support Shepard would stand; with only a slight wince of pain before speaking up.

"We always had something to do, something to occupy our thoughts, someone to save... There was little time for anything else. Even the moments we had where fleeting as we where never far from deaths door, and usually I was about to rush forward and kick it down..."

With that spoken Shepard would let out a laugh, a laugh from deep down as if she had been holding it in this whole time. It was new to be allowed to openly act like a fool in front of someone, but she was starting to enjoy these little things. After a minute or so she would calm down enough to continue speaking.

"Those moments with you Liara where the happiest moments I have had in my life. Even as fleeting as they where. Liara there are many more moments in our future, but there is one moment that I have to thank you for more than any other..."

As she finished up Shepard would close the distance between them again. Reaching over she would hug Liara tightly to herself and speak up once again.

"Thank you for being the one to find me after the Collectors attack. Thank you for being there for me when I worked with Cerberus, but most of all... Thank you for being there for me during the darkest times of this war... I do not think I would have been able to make it through it without you there to pick me up. I love you Liara T'Soni and I always will..."

[Liara T'Soni]

Liara wrapped her slender blue arms around Shepard, she felt warm and ever so inviting. She nuzzled her face into her neck just to make sure that she was real and that this was actually happening. They had exchanged those three words before but this time it would be without the threat of actual death and interuption. Liara pulled away to face Shepard and smiled.

"I love you too Shep.."

Spoke too soon really. The low vibration and ringing was coming from the phone, Liara mouthed 'I'm sorry' to Shepard before pushing the button on her earpiece. This had better be a good reason for calling she thought. It was terrible to think that and Liara pushed it from her mind as she spoke.

"Liara T'Soni here....no thank you for reporting in so quickly. I see, so how is the actual architecture coming along? Yes well we knew this would be a slow process, more supplies are on their way to you now. I can assure you I am doing everything possible for Thessia and our asari. No I understand....I shall charter a flight to Thessia as soon as possible. Keep me updated."

During the conversation Liara had begun to pace again as she often did when working and speaking to someone via her headset. With a quiet sigh Liara pushed the button on her earpiece to end the conversation, she looked over to Shepard and began to slowly walk back to her desk. She pulled her chair out and sat down placing her elbows on the desk whilst resting her chin in her hands.

"It seems everyone is looking to me for moral guidance and support, it would be best if I got to Thessia as soon as possible. I know you are just starting your rehabilitation and I want to be by your side all the way but Thessia and my asari need me."

[Amaliana Shepard]

Listening to the words she wanted to hear come from Liara made her smile, but then she was cut off by the phone she had ringing in her ear. As Liara would back away she would read Liara's lips and Shepard would give her a little wave of assurance that it was alright. Shepard would then stand there and would listen to Liara's side of the conversation. It was odd to be on the non receiving side of a direct communication while having a moment for once. Now Shepard knew how Liara would of felt all the times that she had had that occur on their journey. So she would stand there and wait for Liara to finish the conversation.

As she hung up Shepard would notice that Liara was angling for her desk so Shepard would follow suit. Liara was faster than Shepard and Shepard would sit on the side of the desk as Liara took her spot in the seat. That would be when Liara would speak back up directly toward Shepard. Her words where true that Shepard had rehabilitation and yet needing to be by the side of her people. Shepard would understand the pain as there was a side of her who wanted to head to Earth and begin helping as much as she could. Yet there was a piece of her that just wanted to run away from it all. Thinking to herself she would figure out something to speak.

"It is true that I need to try and stay here and rehabilitate... But when has that stopped me from doing what I want. Hell a full security lockdown of the Normandy did not stop me from getting the ship back... Then again we had help on that one. Liara I would love to come with you to Thessia as an ambassador and more. I think that even you would need a shoulder to lean on for this."

[Liara T'Soni]

Liara rested back in her chair, the cool leather against her dress which had now become warm with her body heat was nice and refreshing. The doctor closed her eyes for a moment and a took in a few deep breaths. Everything was happening so fast she barely had time to think let alone react to Shepard. Aside from the political and media side of things, Shepard would also need a place to stay which wouldn't be hard to set up. It was all of those little things that you could forget which could turn out to be important in the near future. Liara made a mental note to compile a list of things Shepard would need once the hype of her waking up had died down a little.

"Perhaps. They won't expect me right away, those in charge on Thessia at the moment know how busy and political it is up here in the Citadel. Once Anderson's memorial has been held and we have all paid our respects then I can arrange for us to go."

She spoke while still trying to think two steps ahead of everyone else. It may have sounded as though she wasn't listening to her but she knew Shepard and she knew Shepard would understand. You couldn't travel across space and be apart the distance they were and not form a bond as close as theirs. Liara opened her eyes and spun her chair around to face Shepard.

"I think I will take one of my agents with me...just as extra protection of course. It's true that crime at the moment has gone down but one never knows what the enemy is thinking."

[Amaliana Shepard]

Relief came over Shepard when Liara mentioned that they would not be leaving until after the memorial for Admiral Anderson. It was a good thing as she knew that since she was awake and alive they would be asking her to speak up at the Admirals memorial. There where many words she wished to say for the man who had really saved her life and helped guide her into becoming who she was this day. Shepard would speak up in response to Liara was done.

"I understand that Andersons Memorial is in a week or so right? I know full well they will be asking me to speak up there. After that though set up whatever you have to Liara and I will just come along with you. I will try to not get in your way while you do your work."

As Shepard finished speaking her mind would flash back to the memories of being on the Citadel. Watching Anderson being shot by the Illusive Man and then dieing beside her. All those events weighed heavily on her mind as she could not shake them. Barely hearing Liara speak up she would just nod to her and seemingly look past her and her eyes would be gazing at the floor and glazed over.

[Liara T'Soni]

Liara felt a little despair and sadness emitting from Shepard, she looked to her with a longing to want to help. Her comment about bothering her hit a little hard, she should know better than to say something like that. Perhaps Liara was being a little sensitive but never the less Liara wasn't going to let this comment go unnoticed. The asari doctor pushed herself bacl up from her chair and placed her blue hands onto Shepard's arms.

"You never get in my way Shepard you should know this. It has been tiring for you emotionally I understand that."

A small sigh escaped her pale blue lips as she attempted to lock eyes with Shepard, she seemed to sense that Shepard was asking for something but not out right saying it. Liara wasn't the best a subtle hints but she wanted Shepard to be open and honest with her, after everything they have been through a little stumble such as being afraid to ask her something seemed silly. Liara then leant up and kissed Shepard on the cheek.

"Maybe we should call it a day unless.....unless you want to ask me anything."

[Amaliana Shepard]

Shepard would look up at Liara. Her head moved slowly, sluggish as if she was shaking off a rather large blast. The feeling of Liara's kiss upon her cheek made her regain a small weak looking smile. A hand of Shepard would go onto Liara's shoulder as she would right herself. Staggering a little Shepard would take a step back from Liara as she felt the room spin a little and then stop with everything in its proper place. Without any hesitation Shepard would begin speaking.

"Liara... You wish to know what is bothering me... I will tell you then as if I cannot trust you with this I will never be able to tell anyone this... On Earth after I was hit by that beam. I had a vision, yet it was not the same as on Eden Prime or Feros or any of the other places. It was real as me and you are here now..."

As she spoke Shepard would slowly move over to Liara. It was evident that Shepard had never spoken of this toward anyone before.

"I.. I... heard the radioes of the attack. Heard them call out that noone made it inside the beam. Yet there I was as plain as day shambling toward the beam. Grabbing the Carnifex I had I shot down a group of husks and then a Marauder that stood in my way... My heart and mind where burned with the desire to get there and end this battle... To save the galaxy, the world, and you..."

The words kept coming from Shepard as she would walk past Liara and lean against the desk. Punching the desk with her good hand leaving a small dent in the desk itself. Shepard would be resisting tearing up as she would continue to speak.

"I then made it to the beam... I felt like warmed over shit and thats when I heard Admiral Andersons voice. Somehow he had made it there as well. I followed his instructions, shambling along past large piles of human bodies like the ones on the Collectors Base I told you about. Shambling I caught up to Anderson inside of a small control room. That is where the Illusive Man was waiting for us. Using some type of controlling technology he stood Anderson directly in front of me and made me.... made me... shoot Anderson in the abdomen. He then tried to kill us both... Yet I managed to talk sense into him and he shot himself."

As she spoke of shooting Anderson she could not hold it back anymore. The tough guy exterior that she had always been able to maintain over all the years of fighting the Reapers melted away and tears came out. A few would hit onto Liara's desk leaving wet marks. Despite it Shepard would continue speaking.

"We activated the console for the Crucible and then slumped over onto the floor. Me and Anderson spoke about the future... He joked with me about my future blue children and how they would get to say that their father was the famous Commander Shepard... It hit me then why I was there fighting so hard despite being so badly hurt."

As she got to the end of her speaking she would hit the desk again. It was evident this was upsetting and angering Shepard and yet she would not quiet herself.

"It was after that I tried to rouse Anderson and yet he still passed on right beside me... My heart ached for him and yet I hear Hackett speak to me. Telling me to activate the Crucible on my end. I tried but collapsed only to awaken in some strange place with three machines and a VI or AI or Reaper Consiousness... I am not sure on that to this day... But it explained that I had to choose what to do. First was to try and control them like TIM, the second was to combine organic and synthetic life, and the last was our goal from the beginning.... The destruction of the Reapers. I slowly moved toward the object that would destroy the Reapers. Pulling my out the Carnifex I would begin firing into the object. I could of swore as I fired I heard Harbringer scream at me. Each shot would ring true, each time I squeezed the trigger I thought of another lost one, another member of my crew that would live to see tommorow... Right as the tube was set to explode the last face I saw was yours Liara... I was at peace as I felt the explosion cover me... Next I know I am in that darkened hospital room and calling for you..."

As Shepard would finish up she would crumple forward, her knees would hit the floor and she would be laying her head on the desk facing toward Liara. Her eyes where redded over and her face looked worn and tired.