A/N: There was going to be more, but I decided to split it so I could switch perspectives later. And yes, chapter 4 will be from Shepard's view. The many numerous comments I've read all support that millions of readers are finding my work without any technical error or misjudgment in story direction. So I guess I'm doing okay for now.


Cue Shepard during Garrus' calibrations, and what was to ensue was the hang-over of Garrus' life; talking to his friend without alluding to his sudden drunken attraction to him.

"Hell of a time I can't remember. You agree, Garrus?" Any affect the alcohol had on his motor skills the morning after weren't seen by Garrus, who was still feeling the inside of his skull split every time Shepard spoke loudly. At a certain point, Garrus just assumed he was making fun of him in a way. "What can you remember?"

There was the only thing on his mind, and it hasn't left his thoughts for a minute during routine calibrations. The mundane task seemed to distract him enough not to initiate in conversation about it. But for God's sake, if he let himself he probably would have felt up his own commander. How can you tell someone that? How are you able to convey to your best friend, a person who would lay down their life for you, and likewise in return, that you suddenly had the mishap of wanting to fuck them three ways to hell?

"Not a lot, commander." Garrus admitted, with a hint of sadness so as to seem regretful of his statement. "Just up to the 5th or 6th round and then…" He held his hands in the universal sign of not being able to recall the night where he almost did his superior officer.

Shepard jibed, "Well, it'd probably be for the best. God knows what shit we go through sober, let alone drunk off our minds." He seemed to stare off in no particular direction, thinking about something, but hell if Garrus knew.

"Look, commander, I've got to finish last night's calibrations and today's with a migraine so if it's alright with you I'd just –"

"OH SURE, sure!" Shepard slapped Garrus on the back to return attention to himself. For some reason, he was more aggressive in staying than usual, and Garrus just couldn't put up the fight necessary to push him out. "Look, I just want to talk about ONE more thing." He felt the sound waves rattle around in his head and break imaginary glass in his head. He put an arm on his commander's shoulder to push him away, unsuccessfully.

Shepard continued, loudly. "SO," Every so often leaning closely into Garrus to project random words directly into his head. "I just wanted to invite YOU to my quarters tonight for a more FORMAL celebration of a mission success. You think THAT will be okay with YOU?!"

"YES! Yes, just please shut up." Shepard hung close for a few moments more before allowing his friend to clinch his head in pain. Garrus could see him grin as his offer that was received with borderline torture was accepted. He left with a casual goodbye and exited the room.

Garrus just thought to himself. Paranoia ran around his head, feeling that everyone knew, and that he was going to be confronted. For a few hours he was actually afraid of what people would think, what they would say, and what his friend would do. Yet, in the middle of those so routine calibrations (and possibly the headache too) he realized that everyone could go fuck themselves. He was fucking Garrus Vakarian, and damn himself if he was going to let a little thought that passed his mind while drunk off some cheap liquor would ruin his day.

"Fuck this, I know who I am. I'm not about to fuck my commander. To hell with this, I'm fine." Garrus began to speak aloud, almost to confirm his belief further, as well as to testify its truth. "Shepard is a friend and I'm not about to let this…this trivial and fledgling thought control me. I'm sober now, and so long as the mission stays, I'll probably lay off the alcohol." His words became whispers, then murmurs, and soon they crept back into that splitting head of his that felt a little better with that definitive monologue. All he could think about was the mission until the meeting (dinner – something personal) tonight.


A/N: Review this...and be constructive. Again, you can say whatever as long as you back your claim with the text. So, enjoy!