"She'll be fine. Shep is tougher than she looks." A hand patted his shoulder through the armor and he huffed, nodded slightly. His face was stretched in a permanent frown and she nudged him. "Scars, don't fuckin' mope. You know how stupid you look with your mandibles all slack like that?"
"Thanks for the reassurance Jack." His sarcasm was weak and the words were dry as they exited his throat. The love of his life lay next to him in a pod, filled with medi-gel and whatever other fluids she needed. Her auburn hair was tied back, wrapped in some plastic that kept it from getting soaked. She had tubes through her nose and mouth, keeping the necessary oxygen flowing. The bruises on her body were black, some faded to a blue that resembled his markings. She had lost a lot of blood, but the geth had found her before she had bled out. Although he felt a little leftover animosity towards the geth, saving his mate had given them a second chance in his mind. She destroyed the Crucible, destroyed the Reapers, and saved the galaxy. But she had barely survived the explosion. Garrus hoped for her survival more than anything in his life, but the chances seemed impossible. She was an impossible woman. He had lost her once; he refused to lose her again. Jack sighed and gave the stubborn turian and left the room. Her woman was waiting at her apartment and Jack knew better than to make Miranda wait. Although seeing the perfect cheerleader lose her cool was something Jack would pay to see. She grinned and picked up her pace, desperate for some biotic lovin'.
Garrus sighed, placing his hand over the pod. He could see the planes of her face, the eyelashes that adorned her eyes. They reminded him of the greenery in Palavan. He had never found a human beautiful before, but then again, she was quite extraordinary. She was kind to those in need but ruthless to those causing pain. In battle, she was graceful and deadly in the firefight. She wielded submachine guns and pistols that were effective and efficient, especially in her hands. He smirked as he thought of their date on the Citadel. Although she could best him in close quarters, he was the best sniper. They had bet on their skill and he had won, no surprise there. She had laughed when he had complimented her despite her loss, choosing to kiss him and continue their shooting practice. What a woman.
Two men walked into the room, one aged and the other younger than Shepard. He recognized them as Shepard's father and brother. The older Shepard had his daughter's coloring, although most of the color in his fringe—hair—had faded to a gray. Wrinkles creased his forehead and his eyes were a dark blue, laced with concern. Garrus stood, his subharmonics trilling in a respectful tone, although they wouldn't be able to hear it with all of the noise in the room. Her brother, John, stood about six feet tall and had dark hair that was shaved down to a standard military cut. He had Jane's eyes and a stern frown on his face. They looked so similar.
"Mr. Shepard." Garrus said, hoping his dry voice didn't waver. It didn't, although the discerning look from his mate's father was unsettling.
"Hello Garrus." Ben Shepard nodded curtly, standing by his daughter's bedside.
"How is she?" John's voice was far friendlier. Garrus respected the younger Shepard, who had been serving on Earth when the Reapers attacked. He had made it out alive and had helped out some of their friends on the front line. Garrus knew that both Jack and Miranda had stayed back on Earth to help defend it. Both had encountered the young biotic and they had him put up barriers to assist the wounded.
"Alive." Garrus said, his eyes trailing over Jane in the medical pod. He sighed, his mandibles flaring out in exhaustion. "It's a miracle. The doctors are astounded."
"It would take more than a damn Reaper to take kill her." Ben's voice was coarse and he was glaring at Garrus. He put up his hands.
"I meant no offense, sir. She is the one person I could see surviving such a feat."
"Dad, back off." John's voice had taken on the same terse tone that his father's had towards Garrus. John stared at his brother-in-law. His father was the only one who didn't know about Shepard's engagement. He was xenophobic, especially after the First Contact War. The turians were ruthless and in battle, Ben Shepard had grown hateful of the species. John didn't care about Garrus's race. His sister loved him and he was diligent in her needs. They seemed fit for one another. Breaking the news wouldn't be easy.
"John." Ben's voice was cold and he recognized it as the tone he took on when he was about to drop into a lecture. Luckily a salarian walked in right as the argument was brewing. Both Garrus and John sighed in relief, giving each other a small smile.
"Hello. Assuming you are family of the patient."
"The humans, yes." Ben's commentary was getting annoying. Garrus sighed internally and decided against arguing.
"Ah. Well, her vitals are improving. Greater chance for survival than previously thought. Should be waking up soon." As the doctor was speaking, he was draining the tub and removing the tubes from her nose and mouth. The smell of medi-gel and antiseptic made Garrus's toes curl. He hated any sort of hospital. Dr. Chakwas had been the only doctor he trusted and she was still stationed on Earth, helping the thousands of wounded and hoarding the Ice Brandy. That thought made him smile a little, despite the sleep tugging at his eyes. He had been awake for over twenty-four hours, waiting as her vitals began climbing, steadily creeping towards "more than a vegetable."
"How long before she's awake?" Garrus asked, noticing the glare from Ben. He chose to ignore it. The salarian blinked at him before smiling.
"She's waking up now, actually." A soft groan from Jane made Garrus's heart flutter in his chest. Ben and John rushed to her side, brushing her arm lightly.
"Janey?" Ben's voice was warm and full of emotion when regarding his daughter, which made Garrus just a little jealous. Her eyelids fluttered and opened slightly, her lips moving without making sound for a moment.
"Garrus…" Her voice was like the sweetest song to his ears. Garrus nearly passed out from joy. But the look from his father-in-law wasn't so pleased. He had learned to read human facial expressions and this one read fucking pissed. He gulped, leaning forward and taking her hand. It was so cold from the medi-gel and he rubbed a talon over it lightly, his head numb with joy.
"I'm right here Jane."
"What the fuck happened? Last thing I remember…" She struggled to open her eyes fully, blinking into the harsh light. Her head was swimming with the effects of the drugs and whatever else they had pumped into her.
"You destroyed the Crucible. The war is over Jane." John beat Garrus to the punch, but he was content to hold her hand.
"John? Is that you?" She blinked in his general direction, finally smiling when she focused on him. "John! I'm so happy you're here! Is Mom with you?"
"I'm here Janey." Ben smiled at his daughter, planting a kiss on her forehead.
"Dad! I missed you too." She was able to open her eyes, readjusting to the light. Garrus leaned down and pressed a kiss to her hand, not caring whether her father approved or not. "Where's Mom?"
Before he could answer, the salarian doctor walked back into the room, holding a tray filled with some sort of jello and a glass of water. "Ah, Ms. Shepard, so good to have you back! How are you feeling?"
"Alright, I guess. My head feels fuzzy and I can't focus on too many things."
"To be expected. How is your memory?"
"Also fuzzy, but it's slowly coming back." She laughed, wincing as the reality of her wounds set in. "My side hurts like hell."
"Yes. The gash on your side was almost too large to sew up. But the bruises will fade and the scarring will be mild. You are lucky to be alive. Your friend here," the salarian winked at Garrus. "Did not leave your side for the full seven months you were out."
"Seven months?!" She nearly shrieked, her eyes widening in realization. Garrus patted her hand gently, trying to soothe her with his subharmonics. The doctor nodded, writing down some notes before handing two bottles to Garrus.
"Painkillers. Take two every five hours. Also make sure the patient gets plenty of water to assure that her blood production levels are normal. You will stay only a few hours more as the others patch up the worst injuries. Will need regular physical therapy to revert muscle atrophy. Come in within two weeks for another checkup and some more painkillers. Good luck to you all." He nodded at the salarian who exited the room, staring at the bottles intently. He could feel the older Shepard's hot gaze on him and he shifted in his chair, tension spiking dramatically.
"Jane. Care to explain why that turian is holding your hand?" Ben's voice dripped with discontent. She sighed, smiling at Garrus before staring her father down.
"Well, that's an easy question. He's my fiancé." Ben Shepard paled, his breathing coming out in short pants. The way his fists were vibrating couldn't be a good sign, Garrus decided.
"You're fucking with me Janey. They're lizards! How could you see that…that thing as anything but a monster?" Garrus felt anger pool in the bottom of his belly but kept his mouth shut. He could see the same rage reflected in Shepard's eyes.
"I would never joke. Just because you're a xenophobe does not mean that I am. I care deeply for Garrus. He had my back all throughout this hellish nightmare. Not once has he let me down!"
"Jane Shepard. Don't you raise your voice-"
"No Dad, I think I deserve to speak my goddamn mind for once." She laughed darkly, clutching her side. "You'd think after I saved the fucking galaxy, not once, but twice, I'd earn some respect. No. You ignored me when I called in about the Reapers. You chose your reputation over my life. I was incarcerated because you threw me under the bus!"
"Janey—"
"Don't call me that. I am a Commander. I killed the Reapers. I am in love with a turian. I am marrying him as soon as I can fucking walk."
"I do not approve of this Jane." His eyes were narrowed and his fists clenched. John looked at his sister with a mix of awe and bewilderment. Garrus was frozen in place, watching as a battle-broken Shepard defended herself from her own father.
"Did I ask you? Huh? NO. This is my choice."
"I thought you and Alenko…" Jane was laughing again, her eyes a fiery storm.
"Kaidan and I were never a thing, Dad. I know you had a soft spot for him, seeing as he was a human on my squad and a viable choice for a husband. Never. The asshole tried to force himself on me. You know who saved me? Garrus. He was there to distract Kaidan while I kicked him in the balls. And he's been dead for over three years. Even if he was still here and not a pile of ashes on Virmire, I'd still say no." Ben looked down somewhat ashamed but quickly recovered, his tongue sharp and biting.
"I won't attend." Jane's eyes widened and her lips opened and closed, surprise coloring her cheeks. Garrus sucked in a breath, nervous for many reasons. One, the love of his life was straight out of a coma and into an argument about them. Second, the relationship between Jane and Ben had always been a tedious one and he didn't want to be the reason for it to shatter completely.
"Fine." He could hear the hurt in Jane's voice and sought to soothe it.
"Stop that chirping, you damned beast!" Ben hissed at him. "I can't believe my own child would disrespect me this way. You're a disgrace of a Shepard." That was the final straw, Garrus thought, rising swiftly from his chair.
"And you're a disgrace of a father, harping on your daughter like that! She's been through hell and back twice. You lost her once, now you're willingly giving her up because you find my race distasteful? Even in turian relationships, family ties are never forsaken. My father didn't approve of a human bride, but he knows what Shepard can do. He gave me permission I didn't seek. But she is the best goddamn human in this galaxy. Many have wished to be in my place and for so long, even now, I wondered why she chose me. A turian. Someone so vastly different, so strange from her. But I do not waste this time I have with her. I have already dedicated my life to her, both as my Commander and as my wife. I will not stray from her." His chest was heaving, anger permeating the air as the two men in Shepard's life collided violently. He would not be swayed from the love of his life. He glanced at Jane, who was staring at him with a small smile on her face. Her beautiful eyes were glimmering with tears. Without thinking, he reached over and brushed them away, feeling the smooth silky skin beneath his fingers and sighing with satisfaction.
Ben was silent, his eyes trained on his daughter and her…fiancée. He sighed a little, running a hand through his short hair. John was silent, though he gave an exasperated sigh as his father began to pace angrily. "Dad, that was uncalled for. Jane is a grown woman. She is allowed to make her own decisions." He smiled at his older sister.
"I…need a minute to mull this over. I don't approve." He muttered, walking out of the room. After the automatic doors swished closed, John sighed and stood next to his sister. She took his hand and smirked at her younger brother.
"Thanks for the support, squirt." She laughed for a moment before wincing. Garrus whined a little, his fingers rubbing circles over her shoulders. John chuckled, squeezing her hand for a moment.
"Always. Dad can be such a dick sometimes. Don't take it too personally. He misses you." Jane shook her head, her green eyes trained on her brother. "Also, if you see Kasumi, tell her to message me, okay?" They both laughed before John left, following the trail of his father.
"What's going on between he and Kasumi?"
"They care about each other. Kasumi was crushing hard on Jacob, but as you know, he was madly in love with Miranda. But she and Jack, well…you know." She smirked at Garrus, holding his three-fingered hand in her own. "They're a thing, despite the obvious differences. So she set her sights on my brother. Turns out they work well together. But I haven't heard from Kasumi since before the final fight." Her brow furrowed. "I'm a little worried."
"I'm sure she's just fine." He rumbled. He didn't want to think about their escapades. He had his Jane back. Now they just needed to rebuild their lives.
"Hey big guy, you okay?" Jane was smiling at him, the light glistening in her eyes brightly.
"Now I am." He pressed his forehead to hers lightly, bringing a hand up to her soft cheek. "Don't you scare me like that again. I nearly lost you Jane. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't survived."
"I'm here now Garrus. I'll always have your six, okay? And now we have a future ahead of us with hopefully less bullets." Garrus laughed, kissing her forehead.
"For some odd reason, I can't see us simply retiring just yet. I think we can help a lot of people out there still. Hopefully with less gunfire and more candlelight." His voice dropped an octave in the last part of the sentence and Jane shivered, heat beginning to pool in her stomach.
"Damn that voice of yours, all deep and gravelly." She chuckled, kissing the inside of his hand. His eyes dilated and his breath was starting to become light.
"Jane Shepard, don't tease me. If you weren't injured and we weren't sitting in a hospital room, I wouldn't wait until we found a bed somewhere private."
"No coitus for a month while the patient recovers!" Garrus jumped from his love's face, shock painted on his face. The doctor had returned to the room with Shepard's armor and other belongings that survived the crash with her. "Could cause unnecessary strain."
"Thanks Doc." Jane grumbled. She could feel her wetness on the insides of her thighs and sighed, rubbing them together uncomfortably. The salarian blinked at her for a moment before opening his mouth again.
"If urge to mate becomes too intense, try extended foreplay. Will relieve stress and not cause any discomfort. If pain does occur, stop immediately and come back." Garrus's mandibles went stiff with embarrassment. "You are free to go." Garrus helped his love up from the tub and winced at the remaining bruises. Her cybernetics would likely take care of those in a few weeks, but they still marred her skin. He was thankful he wore armor today instead of the civvies, otherwise everyone would be able to see how Jane was affecting him. But he needed to release himself from the constraints of his armor soon or he'd have some bad chafing. She limped over to the small bathroom that was attached to the room and began to change out of the soaked underwear she wore. The doctors had removed her scorched armor and undersuit when she had been carried into the hospital. Putting on the sweats and t-shirt, she looked herself over in the mirror. Her eyes were still bright and although there was a nasty bruise across the bridge of her nose and some cuts under her chin, her face was clean and healed. Freckles were scattered across her nose and around her eyes. Her auburn hair was still in a loose bun and it was a little longer than she remembered, reaching the top of her breasts. There was a particularly red gash on her left side that reached around her waist and stopped below her navel. Her mind was still a little foggy and her rage was still burning at the back of her throat. How dare her father not attend her wedding! That self-righteous bastard could never see past his own reputation or ideals. It's why he wasn't promoted to Commander. While an Alliance officer, he was her subordinate technically. John was training to become a Spectre and he only had a few months left. But since she was out for half a year…maybe John had already received his status.
"Jane, you okay in there?" Garrus's voice sounded from behind the door.
"Yeah, I'm just finishing up." She opened the door to find her turian fiancée holding a duffel bag and some goopy-looking substance she assumed was food. "What is that?"
"It's a super-food or something. The doctor said it had enough nutrients to help restore some of the muscle that atrophied in your thighs and back. The reason you're able to walk as well as you are is the painkiller, which is gonna wear off soon. I want to get you into bed as soon as I can." Garrus looked absolutely flustered and it made Jane smile. Her legs were starting to ache pretty badly and she was happy to have him supporting her side.
"Let's get to the apartment then."
