ME: Lost

Liara tossed and turned all night, a pale, haunted face consuming her dreams. She clung to the hope that a good night's rest would prove sufficient for curing Shepard; but logic whispered in the back of her brain, comparing the symptoms she'd witnessed to other cases they'd encountered over the last three years.

As soon as the clock registered an appropriate time, she tossed off the covers and hurried from the cabin.

Sharing a months-long habit of insomnia with her friend left her with intimate knowledge of Shepard's early morning routine, but a quick check in the mess hall revealed no commander drinking a hot beverage. The main battery also proved empty, although she passed a blurry-eyed Garrus on the way out.

The observation deck was another of their favorite tea-drinking locations, but Liara bypassed it this morning, hesitant to disturb Major Alenko again.

Confident that Shepard wasn't on this level, she returned to her office.

"EDI," she called, slipping out of the casual robe and shrugging into her customary white tunic and leggings, "is Shepard already at her station?"

The patient voice of the AI answered immediately, "negative, Dr. T'soni, the commander has not left her cabin since yesterday evening."

Liara quickly calculated in her head. The medication must have worked, that was a plus, but Dr. Chakwas assured her the dosage wouldn't keep someone under more than eight hours.

"EDI, please connect me to Shepard's cabin."

"The commander's intercom is disconnected at this time."

"Why?"

"It is disconnected, therefore I cannot ask her why."

"I do not appreciate sarcasm this morning, EDI."

"I apologize, doctor."

The asari settled at her desk, determined to work until she heard from her friend. There really was no need to disturb her if she was still resting.

Reports passed methodically in front of her eyes as an hour passed, but none of the information registered. Finally, Liara rubbed her eyes in defeat, closing the screen in front of her.

"EDI, try to connect me to Shepard's cabin again."

"It still appears to be disconnected."

"And you are sure she's in her room?"

"Affirmative, doctor."

The clock on the console now read 0630, past time for the full crew to be at station. Only an emergency would keep a ship's commander in her cabin this late.

<><><>

Hot water ran over her head, sweeping away the last remnants of drowsiness. Shepard smiled as Kaidan rested his forehead against her jaw, warm breath tickling her neck while strong hands caressed her waist.

"I think we should make this a habit," she teased lightly, "sharing a shower is a very responsible way to conserve water."

"Hmm," the voice behind her murmured in agreement, its owner more focused on imprinting a row of kisses down her shoulder.

"Kaidan," she chided, twisting gently out of his grasp and turning to face him, "I need to get dressed. I have a call scheduled with Admiral Hackett and-"

"I love your freckles."

His unexpected declaration took her by surprise and he used the brief hesitation to his advantage, capturing her mouth for a kiss.

"Kaidan, you're not listening to me." The admonition, though said in an amused tone, was sincere and he stepped back in resignation.

The door chimed before he could reply, and they both froze.

"Shit!" Shepard exclaimed, shoving the shower doors open and groping for a towel in the tiny steam filled room. "It's probably Liara or Dr. Chakwas checking on me. Stay in here!"

<><><>

The hallway leading to the captain's cabin was still dark when Liara stepped off the elevator, and she quickened her steps, suddenly sure that the worst had happened.

The chime rang loudly when she pressed it, but she could still make out the sounds of faint movement from behind the door. Thank the goddess, Shepard was awake. A minute passed, and then another, before the locks clicked softly as they disengaged.

The commander stood in the door, casually drying her hair with a towel. "Good morning!"

The words rang out unnaturally loud in the small room.

"Hello, Shepard, I wanted to check on you and see how your night went."

A faint flush crossed the human's face, and she stumbled slightly over her reply, "it...it was fine. I slept very well, thank you."

A distinct noise registered in Liara's brain, and she turned slightly, confused, "are you planning on taking another shower after your hair is dry?"

"Oh...uh...I must have forgotten to turn it off after I got out," Shepard stepped back, "no, no, I got it."

She crossed quickly to the bathroom door, sliding it open just enough to shove her arm through. The water trickled off and she turned, slamming the door closed and leaning against it. "Thank you for the medicine last night, it was exactly what I needed. I feel more alert this morning than I have in months."

"Is everything alright? You seem agitated."

"Fine! I just need to get dressed, Hackett won't be happy if I make him wait."

"Alright, if you're sure." Liara's eyes narrowed in doubt, but she allowed her friend to usher her to the door.

"Agitation could be a side effect with medication like this, I would definitely speak to Dr. Chakwas if-"

"I'm perfect, Liara, thank you for checking on me."

"You are welcome, Shepard. When you are ready, I would like to discuss EDI with you. I believe she is developing a little too much personality. She may need to be reminded that in the morning a little goes a long-"

"I'll make that a priority as soon as I can. Thanks again!"

Liara couldn't be sure, but she thought she detected a faint giggle erupting from behind her as the elevator doors closed.