Chapter 2:Let The Flames Begin
Jane, Anderson, Garrus' father and Garrus all sat at a large table on a balcony in a restaurant on the Citadel.
When Jane first saw Garrus she didn't know what to think. I mean, come on. He was a Turian! What was she supposed to think? What was he supposed to think of her? She was human.
They shook hands and were seated beside each other. They ordered their food and a drink and then things became awkward. No one talked, no one looked at each other, Anderson and Garrus occasionally made small talk, but they all just stayed silent. Mr. Vakarian never said anything.
Garrus and Jane tried their best not to look at each other. Their glasses were next to each other and they both reached out to grasp the cup and their hands brushed. Both hands retreated immediately. Shepard took in a small and silent deep breath and let it out slowly.
The food arrived and they all awkwardly began to eat in silence.
"So, Commander." Mr. Vakarian began. Jane's head popped up at the start of conversation. "What's your preferred weapon in battle?" He asked. Jane thought for a moment; the question had caught her off guard.
"I'd probably say the Assault Rifle, Pistol, or a Viper Sniper Rifle." She replied taking a small bite of her ravioli.
Garrus perked up. "Me too. I like using the Viper as it's easier, ya know? With most of the other Rifles you have to reload after every shot, but with that particular one you can shoot more opponents; which makes it easier to get to your intended target." Garrus said.
Jane nodded. "Agreed."
"Have you been out in the field much Vakarian?" Jane asked curious. Garrus shrugged. "Kinda. Mostly just C-sec work. It has very little action, and very little pay, but enough for one person." Garrus said.
"Or two." Murmured Mr. Vakarian.
The awkwardness returned.
A little later.
They had finished dinner and Garrus decided to go for a walk and asked Jane if she wanted to come.
"Okay. We'll be back in few I guess." She said the last part to Anderson.
They then walked down the balcony.
Mr. Vakarian leaned in to Anderson once the other two were out of ear shot.
"Well, what do you think Captain?" He asked.
Anderson shrugged then sighed. "I'm mostly hoping they'll become friends. I think they were on to something earlier when they were talking about weapons. I'm glad you brought that up by the way." Anderson said.
"Someone had to get them talking. They sure as hell weren't going to start." Vakarian replied. Both men looked at the pair walking down the balcony. "I sure hope this works out Anderson, for your sake; and for mine."
Jane and Garrus tried not to walk very close to each other. Neither was afraid of the other, they just weren't acquainted enough with each other to touch. Or speak.
Most of the walk complied of them looking at anything and anyone but each other. Jane got a few glances and waves from fans and got a few smiles and nods from former squad mates as they passed the rows of tables.
They stopped walking and leaned against the railing.
"Boy, it sure is a beautiful night." Said Garrus; who was looking up at the distant stars in the night sky. The moon shone over them from the right.
Jane nodded as she glanced up. "Yeah, it is." She smiled.
Garrus sighed after a moment. "I love space. I always have. I mean, technically we're all born in space but on planets, but still." He said.
"I used to stay up on school nights just looking up at the stars, tracing them with my fingers, looking for shooting stars, and counting them until I fell asleep. Those are the memories I treasure the most as a child." He said. Jane smiled.
"I used to sneak out of the orphanage I lived in and lay in the field until dawn. I especially loved watching the sunrise over the horizon. I usually got about three hours rest before the head mistress made me get up and do chores." Jane said chuckling.
Garrus chuckled too. "You don't have parents?" He asked. Shepard shook her head.
"Nope. I never knew them. I was told they just left me at the orphanage after I was born. When I was older and in the military; I took a look at my file and the place where the parent's names are listed it said 'unknown'.
"So I guess they're around here somewhere. The closest thing I have to a parent is Captain Anderson and Admiral Hackett. They've been like my father. I've never had a mom before; or siblings." Jane trailed off frowning a little.
She cleared her throat and looked down at the city below.
"Well you'll have both in two weeks." Garrus said.
Jane looked surprised.
"You have siblings?" She asked. "I have a younger sister; Solana." He replied.
"Oh."
They stayed silent for a moment.
"Look, I know all this is a shock and really new to you, trust me; it's a complete shock for me as well. But let's just try and make the best of it. Let's try and be friends, because I'd rather not spend a whole year never speaking with my wife and being bashful when I come home from work." Garrus said. Jane didn't speak for a moment.
"Okay. Truce?" She asked holding out a hand. "Truce." He replied taking her hand with his and they shook.
Both took in a deep breath and let it out, relief flooding out.
They returned to the Captain and Mr. Vakarian a few moments later.
Jane and Anderson decided to leave and Garrus and Shepard made plans for tomorrow. She shook hands with Mr. Vakarian and then Anderson and Jane caught a taxi.
"Ya know, I think this whole might just work out after all." Jane said as they headed to her apartment. Anderson smiled, relived.
Garrus and his father walked back to his loft. "I think this whole 'marriage' thing might just work out after all dad." Said Garrus. His father breathed a sigh of relief.
