Title: Stand By You.
Summary: Even on the worst of days, he was always there by her side.
Notes: Whenever I hear Rachel Platten's "Stand By You", I think of Garrus and Shepard. It just suits them.
Rating: K+.
Disclaimer(s): Mass Effect and its characters belong to BioWare. "Stand By You" belongs to Rachel Platten, and co-writers Jack Antonoff, Joy Williams, Matt Morris, and Jon Levine.
All was quiet aboard the Normandy SR-2. The final battle against the Reapers was near, and the crew was either relaxing to preserve strength, preparing for the fight ahead, or lying awake, restless in their thoughts, as was the current state of Commander Shepard.
She couldn't sleep, much as she wanted to. Instead, she sat on the floor of the captain's cabin, watching the hamster she'd adopted a year ago explore the room. She lacked a smile, but amusement was present at the animal's curiosity. Something so carefree was needed at such a crucial time.
A light flashed in the corner of her eye from the datapad sitting on her desk, alerting her to an incoming message. Keeping a close eye on the hamster, she stood up to answer the call.
"Shepard," a smooth male voice said, "do you have a minute?"
"I always have a minute for you, Garrus," she replied. She looked forward to the turian's arrival.
A moment later, the door opened and Garrus Vakarian entered the cabin. The hamster, back in its habitat now, stared at the turian curiously before quickly losing interest.
"What can I do for you, Garrus?" she asked, greeting him with a warm embrace and a kiss.
"I thought you could use the company," he said, "and so could I."
"Can't sleep?"
"Or stop pacing," he admitted. "Sleep is not our friend tonight, it seems."
"You can stay," she permitted him.
"Thank you."
For awhile, the pair lay in the bed together, Garrus on his back with a hand on Shepard's waist. Shepard herself was on her side, a leg thrown over his, her head on his chest. For once, he wasn't in his armor but a simple casual suit. She could hear his steady heartbeat, making her calm.
"Garrus?"
"Shepard."
She hesitated but said, "Thank you. For everything."
"Everything," he repeated. "That's very general."
She sighed. "I just know you've been by my side longer than anyone else. I'm lying here thinking about that. We fought Saren, geth, Collectors, Cerberus, rachni, husks, Reapers, and more. We lost Ashley, Mordin, Thane, Legion, and so many others." She paused. "We've practically walked through hell itself for years, and you're still here."
"Are you so surprised?"
"No, I. . .I've never been good with words. I'm just saying you've stood by me through it all, and before we go to Earth, I just wanted you to know I. . .I appreciate it."
"Of course, Shepard. There's no you without me, no me without you. But you know that already."
"You'll always stand by me."
"Only as long as you include turian chocolate and brandy."
She laughed. "I won't ever forget."
Notes: It's short, and I hate that, but I'm just trying to get back in the habit of writing. Hope you enjoyed.
