A/N: I'm going to answer RheasHelm review. First thing first, about I'm wrapping things up, well I sort of did but this story is far from over since I'm thinking this story needs a wedding and perhaps another blue baby. About Maddison, you just wait what I have plans for her and her boyfriend will make his appearance in this chapter. About Elaina asking some good questions, well you will know how she comes up with the question later on. Same goes with what Javik told Shepard about her special abilities and why her biotics has yet to show itself. And I agreed that I see Shepard as someone who won't let anyone interfere with her relationship with Liara, but I like to think that Shepard values her parents approval/opinions even if she sometimes disregard it. For example when her father asked her to quit the Alliance. And yeah of course there's the thing about having them as babysitters. Haha. Lastly about the financial situations, well I think with Shepard's job, she is paid pretty well but considering they are living in the Citadel which I like to think is a high class place especially since the war, so money can be an issue. And I like to have Shepard as someone who won't use 'I saved the galaxy' card and someone who don't want any special treatment just because she saved the galaxy... I might write a scene about it so you will understand furthermore. But if I didn't, I hope you understand. Anyway without further ado...

Chapter 10: The Next Stage

It's a sunny morning in the Citadel, nothing out of the ordinary since Shepard doubt anyone in Citadel know what is rain or storm or even snow. It seems like the weather in Citadel is just either sunny or dark, the only reason it was dark was because it's night. She is starting to miss the weather on Earth even though she always cursed the weather because it always has a great timing of ruining everything. But most of all she wants to see Elaina plays in the snow, building snowman and maybe even has a snow fight. After all it almost snow time on Earth.

"Admiral. Admiral Shepard!" called out Traynor as she tried to snap Shepard back to reality.

"Sorry, Traynor. What were you saying?" asked Shepard as she took a sip from her coffee.

It was Traynor idea to go out for some fresh air in Citadel Commons while she giving Shepard a low down about her schedule for the day. She said she needs to go out and about if she's going to find a girl and was hoping Shepard could be her sidekick. Shepard was only happy to comply her new personal assistant, thinking it's the least she could do after Traynor saved herself from having to deal with a stranger as her PA.

"I got a call last night from a man named, Ryan Brody, asking for an appointment with you. He said he's a close friend. I told him I never heard of him but he begged me to at least mention his name for you. He said it's important that he sees you."

"That's my best friend, Maddison, boyfriend. Tell him to come by my office this evening."

"Yes, Admiral."

"Anything else?" asked Shepard as she used her omni-tool to pay for their drinks.

"Councilor Shepard is asking for you to meet her at her office this morning."

"I will be on my way then." said Shepard as she stood up before walking to an elevator.

When Shepard arrived at her mother office, Hannah was nowhere to be seen. Clearly she is off with her Council business. Whatever that may be. This is precisely why she refused to be the new human councilor. Although she has to admit her mother is a perfect fit for the job. Fortunately, she's not like her mother, even though she has to admit she has her mother leadership and political ability. But she prefers to lead from the front line instead of from some desk... Which is kinda ironic now how she's now working behind the desk dealing with the rebuilding of Spectres, C-Sec and a new task force under the Councils.

"Sorry for the wait. There was some things I need to deal with the Alliance top brass." said Hannah as it interrupted Shepard thoughts.

"No worry. Can't say I'm jealous with your job."

"Unfortunately for you, one of those things I need to deal with has something to do with you."

"What did the Alliance wants now?" asked Shepard as she let out a small sigh.

"Your hand in a marriage." answered Hannah as she looked for her daughter reaction.

"What?! You're joking right? Since when the Alliance has a say on whom their soldiers should and shouldn't marry?"

"Since you saved the galaxy from the Reapers... You do know you have tons of marriage proposals, right?"

"And why should I care about any of them? As far as I'm concern before I saved the galaxy, they dubbed me as a "disgrace" when I joined Cerberus. Now all of the sudden I'm the hottest bachelor? It's not like they don't know I'm in a relationship with Liara."

"They do but as long as you're not married, you're still eligible. If only you listened to me when I told you to marry, years ago, you won't be in this situation."

"Oh yeah? You sure they won't put a hit on my husband instead?" asked Shepard before both of them burst into a laughter.

"You do know you can put a stop on all of this once you are married?"

"..."

"What's wrong?" asked Hannah as she saw her daughter conflict face.

"It just that... I was so close to propose to Liara before the war ended. I didn't because I knew that I couldn't promise her one thing she will ever ask of me... To always come back to her. Back then I swore that I will end the Reapers threat even if I have to sacrifice myself. Because I wouldn't let them kill the one person in this whole galaxy that I care about. The one person I came back from the death itself. Now... Everything has changed."

"But you love her and she loves you. That's the most important thing."

"Now, we have a daughter. There is someone else we should be worry about... And we're starting over. I'm not even sure if she will say yes if I propose."

"Then don't give her a reason to say no."

"It's that simple, huh?"

"It can be if you let it. Listen, Grace. I know you're afraid she rejected you. But I see the way she looks at you; there is no way on earth she will say no. Unless she's a fool, which I highly doubt it."

As she let what her mother told her sink in, Shepard right hand reach for the front pocket before she hold out a tiffany box.

"I bought this during our shore leave in Citadel. It was just after I defeated my clone. I saw it in a jewellery store and I thought it will look beautiful on Liara. It cost me a fortune but it's worth every credits." said Shepard as she opens the box and show it to her mother.

"This is a lovely gemstone. I'm pretty sure it's diamond, but not quite right?"

"No. It's a mixture of diamond and a Thessia gemstone and also a very rare Prothean gemstone. It symbolise me and Liara perfectly. There's a bit of human famous diamond, a Thessia remarkable gemstone and also a Prothean gemstone."

"It is special instead. There's no way you just simply stumble into it."

"No. What I saw in the jewellery store was a mix gemstone consists of Earth diamond and Thessia equivalent of diamond. The Prothean gemstone was something Javik gave me. I thought it would be nice if I can put it on the ring since Liara spends most of her lifetime studying Prothean."

"And you just happen to have the ring in your pocket, huh?" asked Hannah as she gives back the ring to Shepard.

"Since I regained my memories, I never let it out of my sight. I was afraid Liara found it... Also it's because it got me thinking."

"About what?"

"About how much I love Liara. And about when I swore I won't let Liara close to me again when I regained my memories. I love her so much that sometimes it hurt. I don't want to break her heart again. I died once and it was hard on Liara. I saw she changed because of what happened to me but I still love her because despite this new personality of hers, I know deep down, she still Liara T'Soni I fall in love with. Then I lost my memories when she was pregnant with my daughter. How many times I have to hurt her before I finally realized enough is enough? One day I'm going to die and I'm going to leave her. I just know that it's going to kill her. I shouldn't have tried to reconcile with her because that will save us a lot of feelings."

"But you can't do that to your daughter. You can't have her grown up without knowing who you are. You want to be a part of her life. And while doing so you can't help but being close with Liara again. I saw the way she looks at you and even if you try to push her away, I know that she will always love you."

"There is nothing else I rather do than being with Liara and our daughter for the rest of my life. But the thought of I will die long before they will..."

"You need to stop thinking about that. You don't know when you're going to die or when they will die. For all we know they might die before you or maybe all of you will die at the same time. We can't predict our death. I have seen you died first. No parents should ever outlive their children, yet I spent two years mourning you. So stop thinking about that. Forget all of that and live in the presence. Use every seconds you have to make memories, memories no one else can took from any of you."

"You're right, mom. Thank you." said Shepard as she gives her mother a hug, much to Hannah surprised.

"You know, I never thought I will see my daughter marry an Asari, but I'm glad it's Liara because you two are perfect for each other." said Hannah with a smile.

"So what are you going to tell the Alliance?"

"I will tell them to accept my daughter choice or go to hell if they don't agree because my daughter happiness is more important than anything else in this whole galaxy."

"Won't it get you in trouble?"

"I would like to see the Alliance try to take down a human councilor."

Ever since her talk with her mother, Shepard couldn't stop playing with the ring she bought to propose Liara. The thought of proposing Liara scared the hell out of her but she knows that there's nothing else she wants than being with Liara for the rest of her life, to have Liara as her wife and lead a happy life with Liara and their daughter, Elaina.

"Admiral, Mr. Brody is here to see you." said Traynor through the intercom.

"Send him in." said Shepard as she put back the ring into the box and keep it in her pocket.

"Grace, it has been awhile." said Ryan as he stepped inside Shepard office.

"It's good seeing you again, Ryan. So what bring you here?" asked Shepard as she points Ryan to sit in a sofa in her office.

"I'm here to ask for your permission to marry Maddison."

"Straight to business, I see."

"Well, there's no point in beating around the bush."

"I have to ask, why asked for my permission? Shouldn't you be asking for her father permission?"

"I already did and he already gave his permission but I know that how close you and Maddison are and how protective you are when it comes to her. So I think it's fair if I ask your permission to marry your best friend. I promise you that I won't hurt her and I love her with my whole heart."

"I'm flatter that you think you need to ask for my permission. I give you my permission but remember, if I see her cry because you hurt her, I will hunt you down and make you pay for it."

"Thank you, Grace. I won't expect anything else."

"So... When and where you're going to propose?"

"Tonight, during our romantic dinner. It just a simple proposal, nothing too fancy because I'm scared I will screw up."

"Good. After all Maddison hate it when it gets too fancy."

"Well... Before I excuse myself, any last tips?"

"No, no tips. I just going to tell you that it's about damn time you propose Maddison."

"In my defence, I was about to propose before Reapers arrived on Earth but of course when I was about to pop the question, the Reapers arrived. Talk about having the worst timing ever... I thought it wasn't appropriate to propose in the middle of a war. Forgive me for being a romantic and thinking it better to find someplace safe than kneel down on one knee." said Ryan to a light chuckle from Shepard.

"What about after the war?"

"She was busy recovering your memories and then she went off on a mission with you."

"For that, I'm sorry."

After Shepard done with her work, she decided to take a walk with Elaina around the Presidium since Liara has a late class at the University. Despite she's having a great time with her daughter; she couldn't help but feeling trouble whenever she thought about proposing to Liara. She tried her best to hide her trouble expression from Elaina but little did she know that Elaina could sense her trouble heart.

"Why are you so trouble, daddy?" asked Elaina. Ever since she learned the truth, she insisted on calling Shepard daddy. It was a little weird for Shepard at first but now, she treasured every time Elaina call her that.

"No, I wasn't. What make you said that?" lied Shepard.

"I can sense that something is troubling you."

"You can what?"

"I could sense that something is troubling you..." said Elaina as she looks down.

"But... How? You weren't melding with me."

"I don't know... I just could sense it."

"I'm not saying I know everything about Asari but even I know this can't be normal... How long has it been and did your mother know?"

"No, she didn't..."

"Elaina, how long has it been since you have this ability and keep it a secret?"

"It has been awhile..." said Elaina as she still looks down.

"Is that why you seem to know something troubling me? Is that why you always hugged me when something troubling me? And all those questions..." said Shepard as Elaina nods in agreement.

"Come on, let's go home. Your mother needs to be informed about this." add Shepard as she lifts Elaina chin so she will looks at her.

"...Are you mad?" asked Elaina.

"No, I'm not mad. Nothing you do can make me mad at you." said Shepard as she gives Elaina a kiss in the forehead.

When they got home, Liara was already at home and checking on Glyph regarding Shadow Broker network in the living room. Elaina rushes to her mother and gives her a hug as Shepard makes her way to sit next to Liara.

"What is this about?" asked Liara as she was taken by surprise by her daughter sudden gesture.

"There's something Elaina needs to tell you."

"What is it?" asked Liara as she starts to worry.

Elaina broke away from her mother grasp as she settles in between her parents before start telling her mother what she could do. Liara listened silently and looks deep in thought after her daughter finished explaining everything. Shepard just looks at Liara and waiting for a response from her lover regarding this situation because she honestly has no idea how to deal with this or if this is normal for an Asari. Although her gut feeling is saying this is not normal.

"I have heard of something like this but I'm not so sure." said Liara, breaking the silence.

"What do you mean?"

"There's a story about a group of Asari who can subtly meld with others without them noticing. But it just a myth passed down from generation to generation."

"A myth? From my experience, when it comes to myth, most of the time it can't be good."

"What I can remember from what my mother told me, this group of Asari came from the Goddess Athame itself."

"Which we know as the Prothean... I guess what Javik told me was right. That Elaina is special."

"Honestly, Shepard. I am clueless to what I should do."

"What about we call Javik here? And Samara too. She might provide us with more information of this "myth"."

"It will take time for them to come here."

"Well, well. Look at that, I finally know something the Shadow Broker didn't know." said Shepard with a smirk. "Javik is on the Citadel alongside Wrex and Grunt. And Samara is also here since she has a meeting with Councilor Tevos, tomorrow."

"How did you know all of this?"

"I won't be a good partner for the Shadow Broker if I'm always out of the loop." said Shepard as Liara playfully shove her.

"I met with Javik, Wrex and Grunt at the bar before I went for a walk with Elaina because C-Sec requested my presence after they caused trouble. And of course, Grunt first instinct was to have C-Sec called me. I think I should start charging Grunt each time he asked me to bail him out of trouble. And as for Samara, I was scheduled to meet her tomorrow alongside Councilor Tevos." explained Shepard.

"I will send a message to Javik to come by the apartment and can you request Justicar Samara to come too? After all you're closer to Justicar Samara than I am."

"No problems." said Shepard as she starts typing into her omni-tool.

About half an hour later, Javik and Samara arrived at the apartment almost at the same time. Liara wasted no time to explain everything and after she finished explaining, Javik went closer to Elaina and touch her hand to start reading Elaina while Samara looked deep in thought as she tried to remember what she learned about the group of Asari who possessed the same ability as Elaina does.

"Your daughter genetic readings are consistent of Asari, Human and Prothean." said Javik after he finished reading Elaina.

"Nothing surprising about Asari and Human part, but Prothean?" said Shepard. "Could it be my Prothean cipher?"

"It seems likely." answered Javik.

"Is this what you mean by Elaina is special?"

"Yes. But I wasn't expecting this."

"Could this be what Protheans always hoped the Asari will become?"

"Possibly."

"What Elaina possessed is quite powerful, Shepard. Especially once she discover her biotic. She will need someone to teach her to control her power. Something Liara couldn't do. And we don't know for sure the extent of her ability." said Samara.

"Why not?" asked Shepard.

"My biotic ability is nothing compare to a Matriarch or a Justicar. We need a Matriarch or a Justicar to teach Elaina to control her power. There's only little I could do to help her but eventually I couldn't help her until my biotic ability evolve as I hit my Matrion and Matriarch stage." explained Liara.

"I am happy to help, if you wish, Shepard." offered Samara.

"It will be an honour, Samara. But wouldn't you rather stay close with Falere?"

"By my code, a Justicar should help an Asari if they possessed ability that only Justicar or Matriarch could help her control it."

"Just promise me that you will keep in touch with Falere regularly. I hate to see Elaina became the reason you spend less time with Falere."

"I promised."

"Justicar Samara will teach me?" said Elaina excitedly after staying silence as her parents talked to Javik and Samara.

"Yes." answered Shepard.

Liara then talked to Javik and Samara to learn more about what her daughter possessed as Shepard listening in before Elaina starts to whisper into her ears.

"Can I help?"

"Help with what?" asked Shepard.

"Asking mommy to marry you, daddy."

"This is going to get very tiring very fast." said Shepard as she still can't wrap around her head regarding her daughter ability to meld with her without she even realizing it.

"Can I?"

"Fine. You can help since I know you won't take no for an answer since it's in our family." said Shepard as she received a kiss to her cheek from Elaina.

A few hours later after Javik and Samara are long gone; Elaina was tucked in by Shepard and Liara before they retreated back to their bedroom, which they have been sharing for the last few weeks after Liara agreed to be beside Shepard each night.

"Wow. I know that any daughter of yours will be special, but this?" said Shepard as sit on the edge of the bed.

"No, Shepard. Any daughter of ours will be special." corrected Liara as she settles in beside Shepard.

"All this time... She might already know what's going on. She might be the reason why we are back together."

"Isn't that why we named her Elaina?"

"She's definitely our light in our darkest hour. We are extremely lucky to have a daughter like her. There's nothing I wouldn't do to keep her safe." said Shepard before she received a passionate kiss from Liara.

"What's that for?" asked Shepard after Liara broke the kiss.

"It warms my heart seeing how much you care about our daughter. After what I did..." before Liara could finish her sentence, Shepard put a finger on her lips to stop her from finishing.

"Hey, what did I told you? Stop feeling guilty about it. I will always love our daughter no matter what. I love you, Liara T'Soni." said Shepard as she gives Liara a deep kiss to reassure her lover. Liara respond by straddling her and push Shepard into the bed which took Shepard by surprise at Liara response but she was gladly comply her lover wish.

The next day, Liara went to Apollo's cafe to meet her father, Matriarch Aethyta and informed her about Elaina ability. After a lengthy talk, Liara finally found a courage to ask her father something that has been bothering her ever since she spend last night with Shepard and the real reason why she went looking for her father.

"Father, may I ask you about Asari joining."

"Thinking about spicing up your sex life with Shepard?" asked Aethyta as Liara face start to blush.

"No! I want to ask if it's normal during joining you're drawn to read your partner genetic heritage..."

"Are you pregnant again, Liara?"

"No! I managed to resist the temptation but I do not understand why I felt drawn to do so. It's different than before because back then I wanted to do it to preserve what I had with Shepard."

"It could be a sign that you're ready for you Matrion stage. Or it could be something else. You know, most Asari spend their entire lifetime without feeling the drawn to read their partner genetic heritage, especially when they weren't planning on getting pregnant. Even I never feel the drawn to do so. Some Asari will say that you're lucky because when you feel the drawn to read your partner genetic heritage, that show how much you two care about each other." explain Aethyta.

"Shepard is the only person you ever joined, correct?" asked Aethyta.

"Yes." answered Liara.

"I believe this tell that you and Shepard are as human says it, soul-mate. For Asari, when this happened, it is in our belief that you will be bonded with her for the rest of your life. You're lucky to find this kind of love so early and in this day and age... In other words, when is the wedding?" teased Aethyta as earlier; Shepard came by and asked for her permission to marry Liara.

"What?! We don't need to be married to stay together." said Liara as her voice was barely a whisper because honestly, she was waiting for Shepard to propose.

"It might be true, but I heard rumour that the Alliance is arranging a marriage for their saviour of the galaxy." said Aethyta to a look of horror from Liara.

"Shepard won't..."

"Don't worry, kid. I'm sure Shepard will come around." said Aethyta with a light chuckle as she just loved to tease her daughter.

When Liara got home, she was ready to confront Shepard about what her father said regarding the Alliance is arranging a marriage for her. But she wasn't expecting to see her daughter looking cute waiting at the door before leading her towards the living room where Shepard looks charmingly beautiful in her blue blouse and jeans.

As soon as she stands in front of Shepard, Shepard went down on one knee before pulling out a tiffany box and opens it to show a beautiful ring in it.

"Dr. Liara T'Soni, there's nothing else in this whole galaxy that I want to do more than marry you and build a family with the love of my life. I would like to spend the rest of my life with you and I promise that I will make you happy for as long as I breathe and when I was rudely taken from you, I will make sure you will always have a happy memories to come back to. And when the day comes when you will be joining me in the afterlife, I will be waiting for you with the brightest smile you will ever see. So will you do me an honour to be my wife?"

Liara couldn't believe what she is seeing and the words Shepard said bring tears in her eyes and she couldn't help but to nod in agreement. Shepard took that as her lover saying yes since clearly emotions are running high in Liara that she is left speechless by Shepard action. Shepard then stood up before putting the ring in Liara ring finger. She was then rewarded by a deep and longing kiss from Liara. In that moment, it felt like there's no one else around and as they slowly returning back to reality, they could finally see their daughter jumping up and down with joy which brought smile to their faces.

A/N: I'm just going to end it right there. How was the proposal? I hope it was sweet. And regarding Elaina ability, I hope I didn't go too far. I'm sort of experimenting on it and there will be more info on her ability in future chapters but won't it be cool of Elaina have the ability to read mind? Sort of like Javik do but without the touching. I'm open to feedback regarding that and if you guys happy with it, then I will go on with it. If not, I will try to fix it. Anyway I don't even know what the hell got into me when doing that intimate moment between Shepard and Liara. I clearly went out of my comfort zone there. I'm sorry if it seems awkward since I don't usually write that kind of stuff. I am trying to add that into my writing but also try to make sure I don't have to change this story to M rated. And before I forget, I decided not to write a scene where Shepard asked for Aethyta permission because I have no idea how to portray it since I screwed it up in my other story, Forever After and there's also a fact this chapter is already long enough. I will leave it to your imagination to what went down between Shepard and Aethyta. So... I hope you guys like this new chapter and leave me a review or PM if you have any questions or anything.