Tea and toast.
Jane cracked her neck, and pushed her shoulders back, to hear her spine pop like cereal, her whole body nagged at her for putting it though so much, Jane took a seat by a slightly greenish Marab, who stared at his full English breakfast, Marab poked at it with screwed up eyes, Kaiden had already reassured him that it is supposed to look that way, grease oozing out of it.
All Jane wanted to do was stay in bed, she would never usually indulged like that, especially when these something important the next day, it was silly, and childish, and a fuck loud of fun, it's a shame she couldn't do hair of the dog, but turning up for what ever was going on today pissed really wouldn't get her anywhere, so tea and toast will have to do, Jane looked at the zombies around her and giggled to herself.
Even though I feel like a slug set up camp in my mouth, the outcome is totally worth it, Shiala and Nyreen are sharing flirtatious glances, Marab got drunk for the first time and by the looks of him the last, and me and Mr Blue made friends, erm secret friends .. Ha so goofy.
Jane looked up to see Nuhlis walking over, two feels ran over her, one a second behind the other, first yay his coming to sit with us, than second oh shit what the fuck did I do to him last night, well it wasn't really her, Garrus the sneaky little Turian didn't tell Jane that he is allergic, he only said it will make him sick, and like a dead fish slap to the face it hit her, that it was not cool, and she needed to tell Vakarain that, and how to get Mr Blue alone to tell him, and come to think of it, Jane didn't know how the hell that didn't come up last night, altho Garrus was talking... and with his come hither voice it's hard to concentrate on anything, Jane joked with the idea of recording him next time, maybe if I could just get him to say my name over and over she smirked to herself.
Nuhlis sat down at the end of the table, and greeted everyone, he gave Jane a look, and it is enough to say she might need to speak to him later, what would she say the, it's not you its me thing, well over used, she looked at Nuhlis and smiled but tried her hardest to look friendly and not flirtatious, if he try it on again I will think of something, doubt Garrus will run to my rescue again.
"All challenges will meet at 12 at the main hall in their work out clothes." The tannoy commended.
Everyone finished up their food, and started to head of, Garrus gave Jane a quick smile of hello, she sideways smiled back, then turned to put her tray away, instead of going with everyone else though the main hall, she went out of the canteen doors to the proving grounds, she started to legged it, the idea is to tap on his window quickly say about the Nihlus thing not being cool then go, she slowed her pace as she approached the Turian windows, Jane creeped up close to the wall pressing herself against it, slowly peaked up though the window, she had no clue which one is his.
As she scanned the room she saw clothes every where, female clothes, she ducked down again, Jane giggled as she sung a famous spy tune in her head, she stayed low as she inspected the next room, so clean and tidy almost nothing to say who's it is, except the white face paint on the table.. Arterius, Jane skulk to the next window and there on the chair is blue armour in a neat pile, Mr Blue finally, and without thinking Jane put her knee on the window ledge, grabbed the sides and pulled herself in, she stumbled on her landing as always, patting her cloths down, she smiled at the small adrenaline rush it gave her, then sat on his bed, she sat there for a moment then realised that this might not be such a great idea.
Actually, what in holy hell am I doing, I don't even understand why I just climbed in, I could have just waited outside, ok shit, get out before he gets here, She stood up to make a quick exit as she did she took a deep breath in, then another inhale though her nose, huh is that what turains smell like, she inhaled even deeper, like copper and tree bark a very earthly smell, I wonder if that is him or just the room, Jane started walking to the window, something court her attention from the corner of her eye, she turn to see a data frame, family photos it change every couple of minutes.
Jane is on edge, and knew she should leave but she just needed to see, her curiosity always got the better of her, she sheepishly moved closer to the frame, kept quiet so she could hear if anyone is coming, slowly put her hand out for the frame, her heart skipped a beat as her hand hovered over it for a second, then quickly picked it up before she change her mind, she knew that if someone was snooping around her room she would loth it, why couldn't she just leave things alone.
She admired the picture, the whole scene looked graceful, it was in a garden, lots of flowers in the background, most of them deep blue, in the middle of the photo stood a turain woman she had blue eyes, she embraced a small turain girl, the girl nuzzled into what Jane guest is her mother's neck with her eyes shut, both of them had the same blue markings as Garrus, Jane now knew that this must be his clan colour, she looked back at the woman, her eyes where bright with joy and clear with kindness as she smiled at the camera, her arm around her daughter, the girl pulled herself into her mother, which look like the best hug in the galaxy, Jane rubbed her thumb over the photo, it warmed Jane to know that Garrus held his family so high that he takes them everywhere, she couldn't even remember the last time she spoke to her mum.
The picture changed it went to a family photo, but all Jane could forces on is the woman in the wheelchair, it was the same woman from the first, must be years later, a tall older turain stood at the back, he had his hand firmly on Garrus shoulder, and the other holding his wife's hand, Garrus looked so small compared to his Dad, his dad had a scar that went across his face and you just knew he didn't get it while making a salad, Jane could see why Garrus didn't want to disobey this mounting of a man, Garrus looked like he was in his teens, the small girl who wasn't so small anymore stood in the middle, although this picture looked like it was force on them, they all smiled, they all looked so content, even though his mother looked ill, her once white plates had darken and she looked so thin, the light in her eyes stayed true, so disarming, the kind of eyes that say everything would be ok.
Huh Garrus, you said you are jealous of me, I now find myself jealous of you, a normal, real, stable family, not moving from place to place, and my God it sound stupid but a garden, you don't get gardens on ships.
When Jane's dad passed away her mum went out with a lot of guys, men seemed to always be coming and going, she never knew if there were baby sitters or more, after a while Jane didn't even take the time to learn names, she never got a name so why should they, it was always champ, princess, sport, honey or her favourite, hey kid, Jane loved her mum and uncle but when she was much younger she yearned to have everything that was in this picture, well apart from being turain of course.
"Soooo." Jane grasped the picture tight so she didn't drop it and turned round as fast as her body could. "This isn't weird at all." Vakarian mandibles went tight, Jane felt her mouth open but no words came out.
Oh my god, fuck, fuck, fuck, what the absolute fucking... shit, what the arse cheeks am I going to say, say something everything, WORDS JANE THINK OF WORDS.
"thought I would bring you back from what ever you where contemplating while looking at my family." as Garrus walked over and grabbed the picture out of Jane's hands, who is still struggling to put a sentence together, Garrus place the frame back right where it was, he turned to look at Jane as he folded his arms and leaned on the dresser.
"You know this is a little creepy you sneaky into my room."
Jane's chest felt like someone had hit it with a hammer, "Eeerm w-well I Erm... ." she bite her bottom lip and rubbed her head with the back of her arm to buy time to compose, that little trick of hers is getting use to much here.
"My god, this isn't what it looks like, I'm sorry Garrus, I-I really didn't mean to be nosey, I climb in cause I actually wanted a quick chat with you abo-."
"Wait," he put his hand to point at her. "you didn't look though my draws or anything, did you?" he chuckled.
"What! no I didn't, I only picked up the picture because it's on the side and the pictures well you know changes, so it court my eye, and then I saw its your family and erm I guess ... I'm just nosey and I'm so sorry." She looked down to his feet. "I do think its sweet that you have a family photo on the side, family means a lot to you... or clan but you know what I mean." Jane not asking but stated, she looked back up, and looked into his kind blue eyes, then swallowed nervously.
Garrus glanced down at he picture and then back at Jane. "It is clan.. Jane, my clan, and doesn't family mean a lot to everyone, isn't that how your family brought you up."
"Oh yes, and I love my family, my mum and uncle Steve, we just aren't a normal family,"
"What's normal,"Garrus smirked.
"Normal for a human family is, family Sunday's, Christmas dinners, birthday cakes with candles that you can't blow out." she smiled as she looked back to the frame.
"family photos like that one." she walked over and picked it up to glance at it again. "family reunions, days out to the beach where you play volley ball," Jane didn't notice, but her voice went so soft "building sand castles and flying kites, these things that normal people do." she turned to look at Garrus and cleared her throat. "don't get me wrong I love the way I was brought up, I had a gun in my hand when I was 8 and I lived on ships that where in battles all the time, it was very exhilarating, I know so many things, have already seen so much, but sometimes." she look back at the frame and stopped for a moment, feeling like she had said too much. "sometimes normal is ok, and you many not feel it but you are very lucky... Garrus Vakarian."
She didn't like this feeling, or the way he is looking at her, like he is the first person ever to see her, she felt defenceless and venerable, she'd definitely said too much, she needed to leave, Jane was able to muster a weak smile while swallowing her nerves, as she place the frame back down and then backed off.
"lots of family isn't always a good thing, and my family I wouldn't call them normal."
Garrus noticed Jane playing with her fingers, and the pink flush of her cheeks, her raised heart beat, he always liked that humans felt uncomfortable around him, also loved that they would never know that he felt uncomfortable around them, but he didn't feel uncomfortable around Jane, nervous but not uncomfortable, and he didn't want Jane to feel uncomfortable or unhappy.
"Anyway I see people checking you out, erm so it won't be long before you have all that." He cleared his throat.
"You notice that?, other people checking me out." Jane slightly sucking on her bottom lip.
"I erm well." his mandibles clicked. "Maybe not checking you out just laughing at your dancing but I was trying to be nice."
"Oh and here I thought you where admiring me from a far, a little like a stalker." She laughed.
"Says the person who snuck in my room when I wasn't here." he raised his eye plates in jest.
"Hum fair point."
The door beeped making them both jump, they both waited to see who it is, stared like wired eyed statues at each other.
"Gary hun, it's almost time."
Jane looked at Garrus and mouthed in an obvious way. "Gary." she placed her hand over her mouth and laugh in silences.
"Yeah Marren I won't be a moment."
Garrus looked disapprovingly at Jane and shoed her to the window, Jane biting her bottom lip trying her hardest not to laugh, Garrus came over to help her out, he place his hand on her elbow and his arm hovered behind her to make sure she didn't fall back in her giggling state, he shook his head and whispered. "it's not that funny."
She led back and place her lips to touch his ear quietly chuckled. "I beg to differ... Gary." She jump down turn to see him pointing in a playful way. "Never call me that again." Jane stood up straight then saluted, smiled and ran she didn't want to be late .
Ha, that was funny, Gary why the fuck would you change Garrus to Gary, what goes on in that girl's mind, poor Garrus, glad he wasn't moody about me being in his room , if that was me and I court someo-, Oh fuck my arse, she face palmed I didn't even mention Nuhlis... again, how does he do that.
When Jane got back to her room she went to her travel bag, and dug around for clean cloths she finely found some right at the bottom, pulled them out and shook them trying to get the creases out, as she shook her top something flew out, dropping in front of her, she glanced down to see the hand written letter, uncle Steven gave her, her mum used to write her letters like this all the time but hadn't done so for years, Jane throw her cloths to one side and picked up the letter twirled it though her fingers, what could her mum wish to say that needs a letter, Jane's mind jumped about with different ideas but after a couple of minutes thought the best way would be to read it, as she opened the letter she felt something hard and pulled out a strange-looking chip.
My Little Red,
This chip goes into your omni-tool it will send one message to me undetected, only use it in your room alone, as you will be disqualified if you are found talking to anyone off world, don't want anyone to think my daughter is a cheat, this is a fail safe, tell me or ask for anything, info on the flaggings , if you need creds, Red anything you want, I can make it happen, I know this is weird, I only want the best for you, I can only send one message back then the chip won't work anymore.
I wish I could say anything I want to, but now isn't the time or place, Just know that I'm dame proud of you and that I love you, I know you have a lot of question about our past, and other things you've been told, most of it lies but I will tell you one day, you may hate me for it, I can't change the past but just to tell you will be a realise.
I'm always here for you, take care my little Red.
So many thoughts ran though Jane's mind, is mum wanting me to cheat, she never says love, and when does she offer out creds out without making me work for them, something must be wrong or maybe she feels guilty for never telling me about dad, but that doesn't condone cheating.
one on one.
Shepard is called up next, as she walked to the front she went over the previous fights, everyone seemed out for blood, each fight had been brutal, the rules on hand to hand are simple, you get them to tap out three points or you throw them out two points, everyone had two fights, if your class is still here you fight them and whom ever the other team chooses, so Shepard knew she would be fighting Vakarian but had no clue who the other would be, Shepard approached the mat, Ellison called out to Vakarian, as he got up he let of a sigh, he'd not been looking forward to this moment not only cause Jane is female but because, how much can a human bear being so soft skinned.
Jane eyed him as he stepped closer to mat, she tried to pull herself into Shepard mode, Garrus stepped on the mat also staring at Jane, she couldn't read him, his body language is all over the place, his mandibles twitched, looking like he wanted to smile and say something, Jane noticed his gloved hands clenched, he rubbed his thumb against his fingers, Jane force herself to stop thinking about what his feeling and just concentrated on what his body looks like it's going to do.
Garrus stared at her form nervously, gearing himself up, get her to tap out as quick as possible, spirits I don't want to hurt her, I could pick her up and throw her out...done, no-no I need the points, fuck why does she have to be female, I would feel better about this if she were a guy... she's so small, I'm going to crush her if I put my weight on her, come on Garrus, Spirit make this easy and quick.
"Right, again no foul play, so no scratching, no biting." boomed Ellison.
Biting, images of last night waved in Jane's mind, when she asked Garrus to bite her, the thought made one side of her lips twitch as she passed the thought to Garrus with playful glances, he replied with his mandibles butterfling as he looked to the floor and smiled so no-one would notice the joke they'd just shared.
"Right shake hands."
They shook hands, Jane felt her heart jump up a notch as he lightly squeeze, she tried to keep it steady now knowing he can hear it.
"Take your positions."
Shepard ready herself, now changed, no smile and no inappropriate thoughts played on her mind, the only thing now is that his pray, her eyes danced over his body, watching every movement, Vakarian doing the same, his head low in stalk mode.
"Fight" Ellison shouted.
Shepard set her guard, exhaled slowly, Vakarian mandibles now tight to his face as he nodded at Shepard, Vakarian stepped with grace to circus her, she mirrored his movement, he eyed her body as they edged forward inch by inch closing the gap between them, Shepard watch his eyes to see if he lingered anywhere, to give her a clue to where he would strike, her strategy worked on people underestimating her, she would look small and dow eyed, to make people think she's a defenseless little whelp, this is Shepard's ace card, and she knew her plan, she'd gone over it so many times while sat watching the other fights, easy make him feel like his in control.
Vakarian lingered on her left side, and so it begins, he took a swing to her left, she deflected it just about, sloppy he thought, he came in with his right she let it hit, this is gonna hurt, and it did, it landed on the side of her jaw, she stumbled back more than she really need to, while she try to steady herself, Vakarian squatted and swung his leg at Shepard, cutting hers from under her, she fell harder than she'd expected.
As her head bounced on the mat she gasped, Vakarian cringed at the sound but moved into straggle her, she quickly opened her legs, so he sat on her stomach tying not to put all his weight on her, Shepard let out little moan as she started to squirm under him, he leaned in for another hit to her left, this time Shepard deflect it with perfect precision to her right, making him fall forward, putting them cheek to cheek, she immediately swung her arm round his neck and lock it down with her other, Vakarain put his knee on the floor to try to stand but as he moved Shepard opened her legs weirder then pulled them under his, to wrap them around his waist, then lock her legs with her ankles, she need him to tap out before he can pull himself up, he wiggled trying to break free from her very tight clasp.
His face being pushed into her hair, Garrus couldn't help but smell her scent it over powered ever other scent around them, overwhelming him muddling his thoughts, she pushed herself closer to him, she felt so hot against him, her heart beat raced louder and louder, her body wasn't soft, she felt lean and strong, predator, dangerous, his breathing started to get erratic even though he could hardly breath with Jane's grip on him, as these thoughts ran though his mind, Shepard pulled him in tighter, pressed her head against his, he felt her hot breath trickle across his neck, he was just about to make a push to get up, when Jane squeezed his body and throat even tighter and placed her lips on his cheek, she breathed out in less than a whisper. "your mine... Vakarian."
He felt heat waved over every inch of his body, a tingling feeling in his abdomen as the heat of her core pressed against his lower plates, feeling them quiver and threaten to open, a low growl started to rumble deep in his chest, his eyes open wired in shock, the realisation that his body is reacting to her, he need to get away from her, away from the heat emanating off her, away from her touch, away from her very strong sent, and without a second thought.
"Shepard is the winner by tap out. well-done." claps Ellison.
She let go and he immediately stood, didn't look at her, he turn and walked away letting out little cough to stop the growling, Jane pulled her self up.
"Vakarian don't be a sore loser shake her hand." Stated Ellison.
As he turn he could still smell her scent why wasn't it going away, and why is it so fucking strong, then he saw it.
"Spirits, Jane your bleeding."
Jane looked down to her shoulder, to see two dots of blood that where slowly getting bigger.
"Oh fuck, I wondered why it hurt so much, it must have been the bits that stick out from your mandibles, crap you've got blood on you to, don't worry its my fault Garrus, I was pressing to hard."
Garrus came closer and shook his head then sighed. "see told you, your to soft."
"Still kick your arse." she laughed, as he dabbed the small dots of blood off her shoulder with his sleeve, Jane brushed his hand away in jest. "eww what's with all this touching." she smiled her contagious smile as Garrus laughed.
They heard voices start to chatter and cough, they both totally forgot that other people are around.
"Shepard go to med-bay."
"I'm ok to carry on, their only small and will stop bleeding soon, but Gar-erm." She stopped and clicked her tongue . "Vakarian you might want to wipe your chin as you could have allergic reaction to me, you could get a rash or something." Shepard added then turn and walked back to her spot.
Jiminy cricket wow, I'm still at the top, good times, this is so sad but I'm going take a picture, Shepard 18 yay me, Garrus 15, Arterius 14, Nuhlis 12, Lawson 11, Nyreen 10, Kaiden 9, Williams 9 can't believe she lost both of her fights... HA , Merren 8, Turner 6, Victus 4, well just take Arterius out of the top three and I'm happy.
They all had three hours before they had to meet at the assault course, Jane stretched until she could feel her muscles ache and her back crack, three hours is enough time to have a nap, she thought, Jane took off her cloths and placed them neatly on the side then led on the bed, she felt her eyes go heavily and she let her body relax as she fell asleep.
Nyreen had been jogging around the proving grounds for well she didn't know how long, thinking, worrying, coming up with no plan, she didn't know what to do with the information that she heard, didn't know if she should tell Red or if she should tell anyone, maybe she did it subconsciously but she found herself at Red's window, she stood eye-balled the window as she let out a sigh.
Jane stirred at the frantic tapping at her window, she quickly wrapped the sheet that she'd been lying on around her like a dress and made her way to the window, Jane knew who it would be, why did she never use the door, she peered though the curtains to see Nyreen looking a bit distressed.
"Nyreen what will it take for you to use the door."
"Well to be honest Red, I didn't mean to end up here, I want to tell you something but I'm not sure if I should."
"O-k , is it about you?."
"No."
"Is I about me?"
"No"
"Come in, I can tell this is going be a long conversation."
Nyreen climbed in, Jane gave her a drink as she felt rude not having anything last time and now again prepared for any scenario, Nyreen stood holding it for a moment and just stared at Jane, she put her hand out like she wanted to say something to place it back on her glass and took a sip.
"Wow, do all Turians get like this when they are talking about emotions, feeling and shit." Jane laugh.
"What!" Nyreen cleared her throat. " Erm who else have you spoke to, no-no wait it doesn't matter, I need to get this out, it's been killing me since yesterday, ok you know we're not allowed any contact with our family's, because of some family's being high up in military like you, Victus and Arterius, because someone could give you information."
"Yeah I know that, Oh my god if someone has don't tell me, I'm shit at lying and if it comes up with my uncle I'll just say, I won't mean to but it will just bubble out."
"No-no it's not that, ok ... well us Turians, what you might not know is that we can hear... erm yo-"
"Really well, yeah I know that you can hear my heart beating."
"You really did do your homework on us, yeah well yesterday when... wait first I would have told you before this but couldn't find the right moment, then with Shara well erm she got me thinking of other things." Nyreen mandibles waved as she smiled. "so anyway yesterday when we walked to the lounge there was Kaiden and erm Turner sat talking, I heard what there were saying, well I didn't hear everything just that Turners mum is severely ill, and is having treatment so he was hoping he wasn't going to get picked, so he could go see her for a week, as he has been assigned to an Alliance ship and starts on Monday, sooo he doesn't know if he'll get to see his mum again, as he doesn't know if the treatment went well or not."
"Oh my god, poor man, ok well leave this with me, I see what I can do."
"Ok well it's the assault course in less then an hour so I'm going to get ready." as she went to climb out of the window.
Jane's mind swimming with what she could do to help as she waved good-bye to Nyreen.
Braking under the spot light.
Everyone watched the time on their stop watches they had been given, Nyreen is making good time not as not fast Arturius but better than Kaiden, she swung from bar to bar with a confident look on her face, when she got to the balcony start to step slowly cross the rope bridge, stumbled a bit then to the zip wire held it tight and whooshed down, Jane look at her watch to see how she's doing, Shepard's best time is 3 minutes 48 seconds, so if she could just do that, she'd beat Arturius's 3:52, her name got called so she made the walk down memorizing what's next after every obstacle, the one she found the hardest to do is the water tunnel, Jane hated being under water, but she just remind she self it is small and it had to be done.
She made her way to the top of the stand, and look forward to see Kaiden clapping, Nyreen nodding, and the rest waiting for her to go, so they could start there stop watches.
Ellison held his watch ready and shouted. "Ready steady, Go."
Jane faster than her legs had ever been before shot her forward, if she was a cartoon she would have left an echo of herself behind her, she knew the course well and knew where she need to be to get the best advantage, Jane's timing is flawless she didn't need to check, as she jumped from post to post something started to shine in her eyes, she made it to the other side but it was very sloppy, Jane looked up and raised her arm to see where it is coming from, Arterius's hands, she must be using her stop watch to reflect the sun light, when Jane stopped it made everyone else look around to see what is happening, but no one could see, Arterius isn't foolish she stopped almost as soon as Jane looked up, as Jane tried to carry on Nuhlis saw the light in her eyes and then made the connection, he shoved Arterius in the side.
"If you don't stop I will tell Ellison." he whispered.
But she had stopped she didn't need to carry on, Lawson and Williams had seen to and decided to join in, Shepard continued the best she could basically blind, she plugged into the water, little dots every where in front of her eyes, she came out and took a deep breath, she knew she was longer down there then she should have been, started to climb up the net as the little lights danced over her eyes again, she had know clue where on the net she is, she just took one step up after another as fast as she could handle, she put her hand up to grab the next bit of net also she took her foot out to step up, but she grabbed nothing she came to the top and didn't realise.
The sudden shock of grabbing nothing made her heart skip a beat, she totally lost footing tried to grab out at something, anything but it is too late, she could already feel herself falling, her other leg went though the rope and ending up just hanging there upside down, Shepard as quick as she could pulled herself up bit by bit, while she is doing so she started to hear shouting, she pulled herself up to the top, now no light in her eyes, she swung as fast as she could, from bar to bar so fast it burnt her hands, ran over the rope bridge and jumped to the zip wire, Jane landed perfectly and glared straight at Arterius, Shepard wanted to scream, and shout, she wanted to peel every fucking plate off her smug looking face, then use them to stab Lawson and Williams judging eyes out.
"Shepard, is Nyreen telling the truth did Lawson and Williams cheat, cause if you did." Ellison pointed right at them both. "you can pack your things now."
Jane could feel her face go red as echo whispered though her mind, the more of us here the better our chance of winning, it would be nice if this streak is put to an end, you don't help the enemy, you've already done more for them then we are ever gonna get out of you, they should go they cheated, bigger picture Jane, bigger picture.
"No, it might have looked like it but it was just a window opening from the building, Sir." Jane looked at Nyreen in a sorry way, Nyreen nodding, she understands, she's angry but understands.
"Now Shepard you will go to the med-bay, you've got little cuts in your shoulder and that looked like a painful fall so go."
"Sir I'm reall-"
"No arguing, GO"
"Sir, yes sir."
She slowly strolled to her room didn't bother with the med-bay, well he didn't make it an order so she didn't have to go, when she got to her room and collapsed on her bed, face in pillow, she knew she wouldn't have to wait long for the rest of them to finish, she also knew she would be last, which means she has one point, she dug her nails into the pillow and wondered who the bookies had the best odds on winning and wondered what the flaggings are tomorrow, there are different every year, she sighed as she turned to get up, sat on the side of her bed swinging her legs looking at the draw where the chip from her mother is hind, then glanced at the tv, made her way over, she thought she would have a look to see who is the bookies favorite, Jane wasn't surprised to see Arterius name at the top, although happy to see hers next, then Vakairan then Kaiden, probably because they where all from well-know family, she started to ponder who is where now, she jolted up from her chair and turned the TV over.
Arterius 25 which means that cheating bitch came first, Nuhlis 21 that's ok, Vakairan 21 Mr blue, oh fuck, all Turians have the top three spots, Shepard 19 well fourth place I can come back from that... I hope... I mean I will, Williams 19 oh sharing my spot, Lawson 18 well your shit didn't pay off again.. good good, Merren 16, Nyreen 15 shame, Kaiden 13 oh wow thought he would be doing better than this, Turner 9.. oh shit Turner his mum, Uncle Steve will be here tomorrow, could erm... what to do, wonder who else family is coming for the flaggings, fuck it, I'll think of something, Victus 6 yay that means his gone and it's five a side again.
Jane exhaled and formed a weak smile, the board isn't so bad, it's only Tuesday so that means I've got three days to get the lead back, and fingers crossed it will be easy, with no more cheating but that could be asking for a lot, Jane made herself a cuppa and switched on some easy watching vid to chill for the rest of the day.
That's what friends are for.
"Red. Ms Red." Giggles came from her window.
Jane jumped out of her skin, she looked at the window, really! why always the window.
"Shepard.. if you don't answer I'm just going to come in." stated Nyreen "Jane Shepard, that's it I com-"
Jane pulled the curtains open to see Nyreen, Nuhlis, Marab and Shara, Marab is holding a vid and waving it at Jane, they all looked a little nervous.
"Look I'm fine, I know I should have said something but I couldn't be the reason for more Humans going home, so can we just forget about it."
"We know why Red, we just feel bad, but if you don't want to talk about it, then we don't want to hear about it," Nyreen smiled.
"I WANT to talk about it, I want to kill the bitches, you know I could make a poison, would be easy to put it in her food." Shiala stated which made Jane laugh.
"what's funny." Stared Shiala.
"Ohh erm nothing, thank you for coming to cheers me up, oh and scaring the heebie-jeebies out of me, well don't just stand there, come in come in, and one more time, why didn't you use the bloody door."
"Erm old habits die-hard."
"Not to look a gift horse in the mouth but where the food?."
"What food." Nuhlis added.
"When you have a vid night you gorge yourself on food... it is the only way."
"See I told you." Marab waved his hand out as he sat down on Jane's chair.
"Ok, well I'll go get Kaiden and food for everyone, don't start with out me."
Jane walked to Kaidean door and pressed his com it made a crackling noise.
"Who is it?"
"Kay, it's Jane want to come round mine for a vid with everyone."
"Wish you said before I'm in my pj's, ok ill get dressed and be round in five minutes."
"K Kay, I'm just going to get some munch, do you want anything in particular."
"Erm don't mind Red."
Jane walked into the canteen to see Garrus who is just putting his tray away, she looked around to make sure no-ones about, he turned and looked at her, as always his eyes filled with warmth and kindness, Jane thought back to the picture of his mother, and bet people always said that he has his mothers eyes, she walked over to the food bar and started to grab food for everyone, out of the corner of her eye she saw Garrus approaching.
"Look how brave you're getting talking to me in day light and in a public place." she teased
"Who said I'm about to talk to you."
"Well, the look on ya face sort of said it before you even started to walk over."
Sounds like she can read me better than I can read her, and also better than I really want anyone to be able to read me, will have to work on that.
"Hum, well I came to say I think one or two bars of chocolate is more than enough six well little bit excessive." he looked down and exhaled. "Also I'm really sorry about Arterius, she shouldn't have done that today."
"Ermm, I have 6 cause everyone is at mine watching a vid." Jane leaned forward to whisper. "which you can come round to if you want too AND also no she shouldn't have, you want to hear something, funny I'm having this argument in my head who will win."
"Out of who, the turians or humans."
"No I mean, good or bad, we have all been brought up to think that in vids, the bad guy always loses and in real life nice guys finish last, so I'm using this as a little excrement, which one pays off, cheating, lying, scheming, not caring about anything else but the main mission or caring about anything."
"Jane, what are you saying if being bad pays off then you will become a-"
"Evil genius and plunder the galaxy, mooohahahahaha." She made her finger in to a hook and close one eye, "and if anyone opposes me I'll swab the deck with their gizzards." she laughed again.
"You are a strange little human aren't you." his mandibles twitching trying not to laugh.
"Well," Jane led back on the food bar and bite her bottom lip. "ya know, if you think I'm strange that just means I'm different and," she pointed from her hip, "if I'm different that only means you will remember me, Garrus."
He couldn't help but laugh. "Well that's one way to look at it, Jane."
"Arh isn't this lovely everyone on a first name basis, Garry I didn't know you two even talked." in a deep sarcastic voice.
"M-Marren, Oh well we don't talk, I was just saying to Shepard that her fight was good today, as she took me out and I didn't even see that hold coming."
"Yes well, shame you wasn't that good when you took me out, I saw it coming, Shepard." Marren spat Shepard's name out.
Shepard stood up straight, folded her arms and sank into her hip. "Then you should have been able to stop it."
Vakarian held his mandibles tight to his face trying not to laugh.
"How's your leg, that fall looked quite bad on the ropes, unlucky about the ...window." She smiled.
"Yes, I thought that to, I came last, it's truly a shame, where did you come."
"seventh out of eleven, better than last."
"Wow and I'm still a head of you on the board.. Ouch, Well I got a pj party to go to, so see ya later alligator." Jane grabbed her food and took a couple of steps away then turn and to say "Oh and Vakarian five years." She looked at Marren then back at him, smiled and walk away.
"Spirits, I've never got human expressions, see you later alligator, five years there don't make any sense, she does think she's something doesn't she, you where right stick up her ass."
"Erm yeah." Thinking about Jane last comment.
"Me and Arterius are going for a drink, Garry you coming."
"Yeah Marren, what else would I want to do!." he laugh in hope she wouldn't pick up the sarcasm.
Spirit clan.
Jane sat on her bed and just noticed that she'd been sat for hours smiling, the site of everyone chilling in her room made her beam, Nyreen and Shiala cuddled on the other side of the bed, Marab pulled the chair over and made a soft little den with Jane's covers, Kaiden sat on most of Jane's pillows leaning ageist Marab, Nuhlis across the bottom of the bed, they sat chatting and watching blasto vids not very good but the fun is taking the piss out of them, so bad it's good.
Jane always made friends quickly she had to, always traveling around, so she adapted to read people, who to talk to and who not, but this group felt different, she hadn't known them for long but seemed closer to them then any other quick friends she'd made, actually feeling at ease, she had the odd urge to hug everyone, after this week she may never see them again.
Then Nuhlis got up and put his finger over his mouth and waved everyone to shh, took slow steps, edged closer to the window and quickly grabbed at he curtain to revel Garrus, who had his hand up like he was ready to knock.
"What you doing here Vakarian if you're looking for Marren she is usually behind you, where your shadow is." Nuhlis snapped.
"Why are you spying on us." Nyrren added.
"I invited him, come in Garrus, but no-one must say anything to anyone, if anyone asks he wasn't here." Jane beamed so happy that he came.
Garrus climbed thought the window.
"Red, how do you know we can trust him." Questioned Kaiden.
Jane looked right at Garrus. "I trust him like as I trust all of you, and as my mum always said trust everyone 100% until they give you a reason not to, and then never trust them again, also well erm Spirit Clan and all that or as I like to say it bffs."
"Red, how on Palaven do you know about Spirit Clans." Nyreen giggled.
"Garrus told me, take a seat Garrus, I have turain drink and food so help yourself."
He sat down on the now empty bed, as everyone kind of stood up in shock.
"Sound like you two have met up in secret a lot."Nuhlis mandibles clicked.
"Just now and again." Garrus pointed-out.
"So I'm curious what is a spirit clan." Questioned Marab.
"Quick version, people who are friends that maybe shouldn't be friends, and some times this is marked with what I call a bff bracelet and it's a-."
"No-no, Jane I'm not having you say it like that." Garrus interrupted.
"Ok here we go, never going agree with me on that are you."
"Erm no! ok Spirit Clan, It's an honour to be ask into one its a bond, no matter what happens you will always stick by that person or people, and when you are in one you give each other a bracelet and on the bracket is a beads for each person."
"Yeahhhh that kind of sounds like a bff bracelet."
"Yes, thank you kay." Jane looked at Garrus and pointed at kay. "seeeeee, bff bracelet."
"Well I just don't think humans could erm-"
"Chose your next word carefully, Mr Blue." Advised Jane.
"Yeah, I'm just gonna say fickle and close my mouth."
"Fickle, fickle how can you say we are fickle, do you even know a human."
"do we really have to get into this."
"Erm yes."
"Fine but your not going to like it, human throw I love you round like your just saying hello, I've heard of human getting mated erm marred ten time... TEN, if your mated twice your frowned on, also your friends with people one day and the next day you're not, yeah fickle, that's my point."
"Well think what you will, but once you are my friend, Mr Blue." she look at Garrus like these are the simplest word that she has every said. "I will never leave your side, ever, even if you leave mine." She stared wired eyed waiting for a answer.
Garrus started to drift into her bright eyes, he could feel his mandibles butterflying, Jane didn't understand why everyone was so quiet.
"You know you just said I love you in turian Red, I will never leave your side is turain for I love you." Grinned Nyreen.
"Oh then, I will never leave any of your sides." Jane smiled then laughed.
A small whimper came from Marab "I've never been so accepted." His eyes looked watery.
With that they sat and watch the rest of the film until there where almost falling asleep, Jane stated that it would be best for them to go, Nuhlis, Nyreen, Shiala and Garrus all got up to leave, Jane helped each of them out and said her goodbyes, as she helped Garrus out he flinch at her touch.
"It's ok Jane I can do it." He reassured her.
"Look, I don't know how you got away but I'm really happy you did." biting her bottom lip.
Garrus jumped down and turn to see her glowing smile, he is still trying to get to grips with what happened earlier, when she was rubbing against him how much he wanted her, he tried to shrug it off to the fact that its been months since he'd had sex, and maybe should have done so before he got here, but even tho she'd confused him, he still knew he wanted to be her friend.
"Yeah, I'm glad I came too." He smiled and swallowed nervously then walked to catch the others up.
Marab cleared his throat "Ok, I was going to surprise everyone tomorrow but I need help choosing the colours, my dad has beads in his shop to make bracelets."
"Oh my green trees, that's the bees knees, I have to be at the flagging tomorrow my 10 so before or after up to you."
"Before say about 8:30 at the shop." Marab twitched with excitement.
"Yes I can't wait."
Jane hugs him, he stands shocked for a moment but then hugs her back, she helps him out of the window and says sweet dreams, she couldn't wait for tomorrow, the flaggings who knows what it will bring.
