It was a rare thing, seeing the Citadel twice in one year. Shepard preferred to avoid it whenever possible, and Liara did not harbor many fond memories of it herself, but it helped some to see Beni's enchantment secondhand.

Having no pressing appointments, both had been content to let her wander, pulled every which way according to her whims. "The mirror pool" had been first, and Beni had stoutly disregarded Liara's teasing about her vanity, settling down to watch the way the water rippled when she dipped her fingers in to play. It hadn't lasted long; stillness was not a trait anyone would associate with her even on her quiet days; next had been the gardens, where she had collected quite an assortment of rocks and disregarded the plants completely. Shepard resigned herself to finding Beni another place to keep her 'fossils'; perhaps the shelves by Liara's desk had some free space left? It was only logical, she was the archaeologist in the family.

For now though, she would have given up shore leave privileges for a year just to use one of those tempting benches. "Don't you think we've wandered far enough, kid?" Shepard held her breath, expecting the very answer she received but disappointed nevertheless.

"No." Beni scoffed, dancing just out of reach. The last time they had brought her, Shepard had insisted on a leash; now she was beginning to miss the dratted thing, tangled line and all.

"Remember we have to walk back." Liara chirped, looking every bit as lively as she had when they stepped off the Normandy. Of course she did; Liara hadn't been the one that decided to stay up until the wee hours of the morning playing cards with Joker and Garrus. She could afford to be energetic while Shepard ran low on reserve power. She was fairly certain that last assurance was more daunting to her than Beni, who was showing no signs of flagging so early.

"I think we should drop her off with Aethyta." Shepard stifled a laugh at Beni's sudden stillness, the way her head cocked just so to hear better what her parents were whispering about.

"I'm not sure it's wise to ever leave the two of them alone together-"

"Please," Beni whined, materializing at Liara's side as though she hadn't been two meters away only a second ago. "I'll be good. Please?"

"I don't think it's you mama's worried about." Shepard chuckled, "Seriously though, why not? Just for a few hours."

"She doesn't know we're here, and if she finds out we came in without informing her-"

"Which she probably knows anyway."

"She will not be pleased."

"So, that's a maybe?" Beni latched onto Liara's pant-leg pleadingly, a pleased smile settling on her face. "Maybe" was almost always a yes, she had learned.

"I think it was a 'later'."

"It was a maybe," Liara reiterated firmly, glancing about worriedly almost as though she expected her father to appear and settle the argument. Shepard was willing to concede that stranger things had happened. Aethyta still maintained that bar-tending was the fastest way to acquire intelligence, and all Shepard's sarcastic remarks on the subject of 'intelligence' versus wisdom hadn't been enough to persuade her to give it up. Meaning one of her bar flies was bound to rat them out sooner or later.

Shepard and Beni were hoping for sooner; Liara was still devoutly hoping she could make her afternoon appointment at the medical center without parental supervision, and so far the odds looked passing fair.

True to form Beni sprinted off again, leaving them to able semi-peaceably. The Citadel was not quite as safe as the Normandy, and Shepard could see she wasn't the only one feeling twitchy this morning, but between the two of them they had managed to keep her in one piece with far worse odds.

"So, am I coming with you or did you mean alone alone? Because Garrus says he could take-"

"Stay with Beni. You two could use the time; she's been complaining that you don't tuck her in any more."

"I thought she was getting a little old for it. She rolled her eyes at me the last time I tried."

"She gets the unreasonable pride from you. Trust me, it's bothering her."

"All right, I'll see what I can do tonight-"

"See what you can do this afternoon. It's rare that Beni gets you all to herself; I don't want getting jealous when her sister comes along."

"Last I checked she was getting a little impatient. Something tells me we're going to be the ones left out of the loop."

"I suppose we'll have to see where the chips fall."

"Speaking of chips falling, you won't guess what I conned out of Joker last night-"

"Conned is the right word. You didn't have the hand to beat him and I think the chain of command had more to do with his folding than your bluffing."

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It had been no mean trick convincing Beni to leave her mother without a fuss. Several pleading looks, one stern lecture and a desperate flight from the hospital later and Shepard swore she could still feel Beni's eyes drilling holes in her from behind. Shepard wasn't sure whether she was proud of her persistence or annoyed that she agreed wholeheartedly with Beni's arguments. They were family, what impacted one would effect all and consequently everyone should be present to hear the expected news that Liara was fine and their fretting was unnecessary.

Of course, when Shepard had considered siding with her daughter, Liara had given her the sort of look that suggested there were lines a wise woman might consider leaving alone. Speaking to Beni and holding Shepard in her sights all the while, Liara had cajoled her into leaving the waiting room, reiterating that it was only a checkup, that she was an adult… everything Shepard already knew.

Yet Beni continued to blame her for leaving, no longer darting ahead to play but trailing sullenly behind.

"Why is it when your mama says something you listen to her, but the minute I say it I'm wrong?"

"'Cause that's usually what happens."

Not usually. That wasn't quite fair.

"So, your mama says she's fine and she wants to be left alone, you nod along and promise we'll have fun without her but now you take that back?" Shepard was pleased that her tone managed to be more questioning than annoyed. Barely.

"I thought we were just saying that to make her happy. I thought we'd wait until she left and then sit."

Ah. Shepard could remember a number of occasions where she had employed just such a tactic. Evidently, Beni took more after her than she had ever suspected.

"D'you want to sit and do nothing?"

"No." Beni conceded grudgingly, finally stepping into place beside Shepard, but still plainly discontent, "But I don't want to do anything without mama either."

"Not even visit your grandpa?" She was getting better with using the word, having never had one herself, the syllables still felt odd on Shepard's tongue, but Aethyta was very insistent on what she preferred to be called.

Beni shook her head, accusatory glare melting in favor of worry. That wouldn't do either.

"Y'know, there used to be a whole bunch of statues lining the Citadel's walks. All kinds, from art to monuments; most of them were destroyed, but it figures the Krogan would survive. Your uncle Wrex would expect no less."

That won a reluctant snort of amusement and Beni's hand wrapping around her own. Shepard tamped down on the warm contentment that spread through her at the gesture- yet another tradition Beni felt she was growing too old for.

"A lot of new statues were put up though. Not as much art as there used to be- a lot more monuments now, but I guess after the Reaper War that's what we need."

Shepard slowed down, matching her steps with Beni's again. The Reaper War wasn't a subject that came up often aboard the Normandy unless it was to swap stories about old comrades still living or a thoughtless remark on what the dead might have had to say. It wasn't an intentional conspiracy of silence, only a creeping feeling of guilt perhaps, or weariness. She had caught Beni's attention thoroughly with those last few words, and that certainly provoked a stab of shame.

"We could find them, if you like. There's a memorial wall in the Presidium that has every name of those lost inscribed on it."

Something of Shepard's solemnity must have communicated itself, Beni only squeezed her hand in agreement.

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The Presidium was eerily quiet when they finally arrived; couriers scuttled by arms laden with pads and boxes, here and there someone else taking in the sights. Beni grew quieter the farther they went, infected by the atmosphere. Shepard would have preferred the endless barrage of questions Beni had pelted her with along the way. She'd been remiss in telling those stories, and Beni soaked them up eagerly, hardly aware of the sheer scope of destruction. The memorial wall would give her some idea.

There still weren't many gathered at the wall even now, a scattering here and there, families with the same idea as Shepard allowing their children to read the names. As many as there were, a handful more had to be added every few months when some of the 'missing' were confirmed dead. Shepard was glad they had missed this particular ritual; the crew had enough familiar names inscribed up there already.

"Were we supposed to meet Grandpa here?" Beni whispered, excitement bleeding into her tone again and a new skip in her step that warned Shepard she was going to take off at any second.

Shepard scanned the area quickly, eyes settling on exactly the source of Beni's excitement; their presence hadn't been noted yet, but-

"Grandpa!" Shepard smothered a laugh as more than one head turned at the high-pitched scream; not Aethyta of course.

Beni shook her hand off like it had turned to hot plasma, sprinting the last few meters between them and throwing her arms around Aethyta's waist from behind.

She shrieked with laughter when Aethyta lifted her biotically, murderous glare transforming to surprise before finally seeking out Shepard and fixing her with a reproaching stare. Aethyta lowered her gently, scooping Beni into her arms like it was the easiest thing in the world despite her excited kicking and squirming.

"Wasn't expecting to see you here, kid. Didn't anyone teach you it's dangerous to take me by surprise?" That tone suggested Shepard had failed in a key responsibility. "And where's your mother, hm?"

"The hospital."

Aethyta's eyes widened imperceptibly, flashing Shepard a questioning glance.

"Routine check-up. The baby."

She relaxed imperceptibly, offering Beni a lazy smile. "And the two of you were banished here?"

"That sounds about right." Shepard muttered ruefully, resisting the urge to run a hand through her hair. Liara insisted if she kept it up she'd be bald inside a decade.

"You too?" Beni questioned sympathetically.

"Nah; I'm just paying a visit for your grandma. 'M not sure she would've appreciated being called a grandma though."

"They finally put her name up?"

Aethyta gestured to a name just a few inches above her head, "They finally allowed it, but there it is. Right there." Beni craned back, dangerously close to tumbling from Aethyta's arms. Shepard subtly maneuvered behind her, ready to catch her if that grip failed.

"So when did you arrive?" Aethyta addressed the question to Shepard, settling Beni more comfortably in her arms as they moved toward a bench.

"I half expected you to tell me. Thought for sure you'd greet us at the docks."

"It might shock you to learn I have other things to worry about than what part of the galaxy you're in. I assume you can take of yourselves."

"We got in this morning. Garrus was supposed to be coming back for some sort of ceremony- a long-overdue award for service, I think. We picked up a few extra passengers along the way- turns out the Citadel is a popular destination."

"You brought the thief back? C-sec won't thank you for it."

Beni wriggled from Aethyta's arms, clearly bored with the direction the conversation was taking.

"I never said that."

"But you did. I've seen that sly look on my children's faces and I-"

"Why's mama with a lizard?"

"A what now?" Aethyta glanced up, shaking her head. "Never call a Drell a lizard, Beni, not if you value your life. They're quick little ba-"

"Let's go meet mama, shall we?" Shepard cut her off, tugging Beni with her gently. Aethyta didn't look remotely apologetic and Shepard could see Beni had caught her intervention. Wonderful, she was going to learn a new word today and the rest of the crew would never hear the end of it. Joker would be delighted.

Beni managed to walk for all of six paces before she was running again, latching onto her mother's hand and carefully arranging herself to keep distance between herself and the colorful stranger while being close enough to look her fill. Liara appeared amused more than anything else; her expression turned mischievous as she moved just enough to lessen Beni's comfort gap.

It was safe to assume all had gone as planned then.

"Kolyat, where'd you come from?" Shepard didn't bother stifling a pleased smile despite his slightly overwhelmed expression. He was watching Beni and Liara with a bemusement that that showed in every aspect of his posture.

"Did Liara meet you on her way back?" Shepard prompted patiently.

"Huh? No, no. At the hospital actually-" Seeing Shepard's concern, he hastened to correct himself, "Just a return visit. Got hurled into a wall by a Krogan the other day, had a concussion-"

"Be careful about those, pile up one too many and-"

"I don't need a mother." Both blushed lightly, recognizing the sound of an old, familiar argument.

Beni's gasp of delight immediately dispelled the awkwardness, "Your neck changed color! Can you do it again?" Sure enough, as Kolyat's embarrassment intensified so too did the blush suffusing his neck. Beni crowded nearer, abandoning the safety of her mother's side in favor of investigating this new phenomenon.

"Can I touch your skin?" She asked almost reverently, smiling widely when Kolyat hesitantly offered his hand palm up, looking pitifully confused.

"She's never seen a Drell." Shepard whispered.

"Feron?"

"Prefers to keep his own company. The ship was too claustrophobic, and she was too young to remember him."

"Ah." Confusion shifted to amusement as Beni tried matching their palms together, studying his fused fingers avidly and attempting to duplicate the structure with her own hand.

It took him a minute to realize Aethyta and Liara had long since stopped talking in favor of watching Beni assimilate this new information. The blush returned again, though far less noticeable. Taking pity on him, Shepard gestured toward the wall. "Where's your Dad's name?"

Kolyat nodded, "To the left over there. Somewhere near the third bench. It always takes a while to find it."

"While we're here-"

"I'll show you." Shepard could swear she saw the beginning of a smile when Beni slipped her hand into his, holding out the other to drag Aethyta along. Wonder of wonders, for once she didn't insist on dragging them into a race.

"I think she's getting tired." Shepard murmured under her breath.

"Thank the goddess. With any luck she won't object to her nap this evening."

"I wouldn't bet on it. The minute she gets back to Jax she'll find her energy again."

"I have a solution." Liara's smile turned sly.

"What's that?"

"We'll stay here until she dozes off, then you can carry her back to the Normandy and I'll set Jax loose in the cargo bay."

"Done."

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They whiled away the time with stories that Beni only half-heard, busying herself trying to memorize every name on the wall. She disregarded Shepard's warnings that it was a fruitless attempt, egged on by Kolyat's example. He could quote entire rows at her while Beni tried desperately to keep up, and ignored Liara's explanation that eidetic memory was a Drell trait. Shepard could almost see her decision to research that later, probably by drafting the rest of the crew into assisting her. And they would do it for that pleading look and a thankful smile. Beni knew her audience all too well.

It had only been a matter of a half hour or so by the time she stumbled back to their group heavy-eyed and thumped to the ground before the bench; resting her chin in her hands and letting the words wash over her. When Kolyat made to settle himself on the bench she gestured him down, and like everyone else wrapped so neatly about her finger, he complied, though Shepard caught the calculating tilt of his chin that said he was trying to devise a way to convince her to sit on the bench proper.

He certainly didn't have long to wait; not ten minutes passed before she had dozed off, leaning lightly against his shoulder while he eyed her with a frankly wondering look. "She's asleep."

"I hadn't noticed." Aethyta began dryly, cutting off sheepishly when Liara gave her an admonishing nudge.

"Keep your voice low. This is the tricky part."

"What is?" Kolyat's eyes widened with something approaching panic.

"Getting her back to the Normandy without waking her." Liara smirked as she looked to Shepard, "You're going to have to carry her."

"The Normandy? Take the kid back to my place; let her stay the night. Take one for yourselves." Aethyta offered, allowing herself a fond smile. "I never get any time with her, what with you two roaming all the known galaxies."

"You wouldn't mind?" Liara sounded nearly as excited as Shepard felt, clearly hoping the offer hand been made in good faith.

"Ha!" Aethyta lowered her voice when Beni twitched, "Leave her with me, we'll have a good time. I'll even bring her back in one piece."

"I'm taking that as your promise; it's going to be a little harder than you expect-"

"Unlike you, this isn't my first kid. I know what she's like at this age." Aethyta's smile widened, tinged with devilry. Shepard wondered what new hobbies Beni would have picked up by this time tomorrow.

"I can carry her." Kolyat offered, speaking in an exaggerated whisper they had to strain to hear. "Seeing as she's taken a liking to my coat, I think it might be the only option."

She had indeed, curling into the fabric like it had been meant solely as a blanket for her. It was another few minutes just engineering a way to extricate her from it, carefully avoiding jostling her. It took the combined efforts of all four to maneuver her into a more comfortable position, hoping she wouldn't wake on the short walk back.

"I'm not sure this is a good idea. She's not going to like being abandoned." Shepard eyed Beni guiltily, half-hoping Aethyta would agree. This would be the first night Beni had ever spent off the Normandy without them, and much as she hated to admit it, Shepard wasn't sure whether she was ready for it. Judging by Liara's frequent glances, she was having second thoughts as well.

"It's not abandonment. Get used to this taste of an empty nest; in a few years she'll be off on her own adventures." Liara rolled her eyes, sharing a shame-faced look with her bond-mate. Leave it to Aethyta to call them on the real reason for their hesitance.

The walk to Aethyta's quarters stretched on interminably, walking slowly as they were to avoid waking sleeping dragons. The group breathed a collective sigh of relief when even the advertisements in the lift failed to wake her, neither the brief commotion at the door when it refused to accept Aethyta's entry code.

Finally, Kolyat lowered her to a sofa, only then drawing a deep breath again. Shepard flashed him a grateful look when he excused himself, leaving them alone with only the family gathered around.

"We'll come back for her tomorrow first thing."

"Let the kid have some breakfast first. I don't have work until the evening, I'll bring her by the docks before then and you can show me what you've done with that ship."

Shepard nodded, seeking and receiving a confirmation from Liara. "You'll comm us if anything happens."

"Yes, now go. Take this for the gift it is, I think I can manage one child." Aethyta's tone betrayed fond exasperation and no small amount of understanding.

Taking that for the dismissal it was, they crept out the door, glancing back every now and again just to fix the sight in their minds of Beni sprawled across the sofa, now appropriating one of the pillows as her own.

Shepard gaped as the door closed behind them, "Wait. We have to go back, she doesn't have any clothes. She has to-"

"Come on, Shepard. It's done and she'll be back soon enough."

"But her clothes. Oh, Aethyta doesn't have her book-"

"I'm sure they have other things to do."

With a heartfelt sigh, Shepard finally conceded defeat, mood brightening the farther from the home they managed to go.

"So, everything went well then?" The answer was obvious, but sometimes it was good to hear it spoken aloud.

"Everything is fine." And somehow that one phrase managed to encompass the entirety of their time now. Shepard allowed a comfortable silence to fall between them, basking in the ease of it.

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No sooner had the door hissed shut behind her parents than Beni was on her feet, grinning widely.

"How long have you been awake, troublemaker?" Aethyta smirked, as if she didn't know the answer already.

"I wasn't asleep. I just didn't feel like walking."

"Too clever by half. You get that from your mother, and she got it from hers, truth be told."

Aethyta threw herself down on the couch, patting the space beside her. "Sit. Tell me what's really been going on."

"I have a varren now." Beni chirped, ignoring the empty cushion in favor of clambering in Aethyta's lap. "Jax."

"Yeah? How's your mom feel about that one?"

Beni frowned, "It was fine until he ate the furniture."

Aethyta settled more comfortably into her seat, gathering her only grandchild close; "Why do I get the feeling you might've had something to do with that?"

"It wasn't my fault! Maybe a little, just listen."