Jane Shepard could barely breathe. After an unspeakably uncomfortable lunch with Kaidan, she'd said goodbye and strolled off… until he couldn't see her anymore, and then she sprinted the rest of the way to the elevator. Once the doors closed behind her, she crumpled against the wall, holding back angry tears.
When the doors opened at Dock 24, she stormed out. While her intention was either to run straight to the airlock or to just charge the damn thing, she was stopped in her tracks by a familiar turian voice. "Shepard, if you're feeling up to it, I thought we might do something fun for a change."
She looked over, her face pinched. She was sure Garrus noticed, but he didn't let on as she asked what he had in mind, or as they traded a little banter. Before long, they were on top of the Presidium, Shepard finally beginning to relax as her best friend in the galaxy boasted that this was now his favorite place on the Citadel.
"It's windy up here," she defended. Even if he was being an ass, though, seeing Garrus happy and carefree was such a nice change of pace, she was sure that letting him win was well worth whatever teasing she'd be forced to endure.
"Think I'm going to erect a monument right here, bronze this gun so the whole galaxy knows," he continued.
"That you're the king of the bottle shooters," she cut in, her heart lightening a little as she teased him. "Glad you're around, Garrus. Never know when the bottles might revolt."
"With as many as I've put down, you'd think they'd know better," Garrus joked. He gave Shepard a speculative look, and came right out with it. "So now that we've put down the inanimate objects, want to tell me what's on your mind?"
"Not especially," Shepard replied honestly, going to sit down. She was quiet for a time, but as Garrus sat down across from her, she finally heaved a sigh. "Kaidan asked me to meet him for lunch today. He… he told me he understood why I cheated on him."
"Cheated?" Garrus blinked hard, a scowl almost instantly in place. "Cheated? What, with Thane? It seemed pretty clear to me where he stood with you on Horizon."
"That's what I thought, too," she replied, bowing her head. "I just… Thane was… is the love of my life, Garrus, and no one but you ever even said they were sorry for my loss," she added unsteadily, her shoulders shaking with effort as she held back tears.
He reached out carefully and put a firm hand on her shoulder. "Everyone else seemed a little too absorbed in making you more hero than person," he said. "I think Mr. Alenko and I are going to have a 'chat'."
"Better you than me," Shepard replied, her tone uncharacteristically dark. Standing up, she went to look out over the Presidium. "Kaidan once said he loved me, and yet he doesn't even respect me enough to acknowledge that what Thane and I had was real. I hate him, Garrus. Right now, I absolutely fucking hate him," she spat, biotics flaring as her hands balled into fists.
"I can't say I think much of him myself," Garrus agreed. "Just let me handle him. I'll set him right. Must be a universal male thing, lying to yourself about having a chance when the ship has sailed." Shaking his head, he stood, going to stand as close as he dared. "But right now, you're the priority. This isn't like you, Shepard. You don't need to simmer in this."
"I know," Shepard agreed with a weary sigh, breathing deeply for a minute or so as she brought her biotics back under control. "I just… I really thought he was done hurting me."
"You can't let him under your skin," Garrus advised. "And this is coming from me. I know how betrayal feels." He touched her shoulder again, this time a little more gently. "I can put him back in the hospital for you if you want."
Shepard let loose a startled bark of laughter, but then she sighed wearily. "I'm sure you could, and thanks for the offer, but… he's not worth it."
"No, he's not," Garrus agreed, his voice almost a growl, but he gave Shepard a warm amused look. "Now, we could shoot more things or just sit up here. If you're up for the sitting, I did bring alcohol."
"Pour the drinks, then," Shepard said, going to sit back down. "And… thanks, Garrus. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Shepard, please, we've been over this. You'd save the galaxy, just not as stylishly," Garrus said, going to get the wine. He poured two glass tumblers and passed one over, taking a seat on the weapons case and patting next to him. "To the people who always have your back."
Settling beside him, she clinked their glasses together. "To absent friends," she added softly, a slight quaver in her voice.
Garrus nodded in agreement, and he took a long drink. "You know, I think I don't mind running into hell anymore. Can't think of anyone I'd rather dive right in with."
"Likewise," Shepard replied, taking a drink. "You're not going to propose marriage now, are you?" she teased, throwing his earlier words back at him.
"Only if you don't mind adoption," Garrus countered, giving her a playful wink.
Shepard laughed. "That'll probably be my only option, anyway. At this point, I think I'm swearing off human men for good."
"Leave your options open," Garrus said, nudging Shepard with his elbow. "And hey, I know Thane was the one, but that doesn't mean a different one won't come your way. Don't close yourself off, all I'm saying."
"We'll see," Shepard replied, a bit more sharply than she'd intended. Letting out a sigh, she bowed her head. "After the war… we'll see."
Garrus debated his course of action for a second, and then he slid an arm around Shepard's shoulders. "Whatever happens, I've got your back. You can lean on me when you're tired of being the hero."
Shepard was quiet for a while, but finally decided against asking what she should do if she was just plain tired of being. "I appreciate that, Garrus."
"Any time, Shepard," he said simply.