Chapter 10

Old Friends

Gaius was not in a mood to talk when they got back to the apartment.

He allowed Garrus to put on the ointment to his bruises which were clearing nicely. The nanites were actively focused on fixing his voice boxes, having placed the bruised flesh as a lower priority than the ability to speak.

By the time his mother arrived home, Gaius was curled up on the couch again while his father was attempting to prod him into speaking.

"So this cartoon elcor... what does he do?"

"She saves people," chirped Gaius, his eyes glued to the colourful moving images.

"Right. And how does she do that?"

"She has superpowers."

Shepard leaned on a wall, neither turian having realised she was home, and listened to the conversation.

"Okay. What kind of superpowers?"

Gaius just shrugged.

"You don't know?"

"She has lots of them."

"Name some."

Gaius began to scowl at the constant questions. Shepard knew that look he had, born as it was of frustration, and decided to intervene before things got out of hand.

"Hey guys!"

Her son couldn't bring himself to even get up to greet her as was his normal routine. He just smiled at her.

"Hey Mommy."

Garrus stood up and went to her.

"Hey Jane. Can we talk privately for a second?"

"Sure."

Garrus led her out of hearing range of Gaius but still able to see the boy.

"Shepard, what has Gaius said to you about me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Decius said something which has... disturbed me to say the least. He said that Gaius doesn't think I love him as much as Hadrian."

"Oh."

Garrus looked at her with confusion written across his face.

"Oh? You knew?"

Shepard scratched her head. "Garrus, you can't tell me that you didn't think this was going to happen."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Lets see; you live on Palaven with Hadrian and Perdita; when he visits, he barely sees you because of your work; you have never personally attended his birthdays bar this one! Garrus, there are so many reasons for him to think that you don't."

"I have tried, spirits damn it!"

"I know. But that..." she pointed at Gaius who was absorbed in watching the cartoon, "... is a six-year-old boy. He views the world very simply and what he has seen so far is telling him that he is not a priority for you."

Garrus gazed at the boy. "You know he is... right?"

Shepard rubbed his arm reassuringly. "I know. But you need to let him know that."

He nodded before turning his gaze to Shepard. Her green eyes was focused on Gaius with her hand still resting on his arm. He couldn't stop himself as he put his hands on her shoulders and slowly dragged her close.

She turned her confused face to him before he rested his forehead on hers. Her breath caught in her throat.

A knock on the door had them both jumping apart.

Shepard's face was flushed red and she quickly left him to see who was there. Garrus ran a hand over his fringe. He hadn't intended on that happening.

His interest was peaked as he heard Shepard laughing and the door closing.

"Come on in. Gaius! Look who is here to see you!"

A little turian boy tottered in and ran over to where Gaius was sitting. The two went straight into playing fighting and giggling on the couch.

"Tiberius..." came a very familiar deep voice. "Take it easy. Gaius is not feeling well."

Tib settled down next to Gaius and the two sat intertwined. The two boys chattered and watched the cartoon elcor in her heroic deeds.

Victus walked slowly down into the lounge area with Shepard at his side. She nudged him to bring his attention to Garrus.

"Vakarian... I had not expected to see you here."

"How are you, Victus? Tiberius is looking well."

"He is. Growing like a Vesgar tree too." The old turian turned his attention to Shepard. "I think he has grown at least an inch in the last month alone."

Shepard laughed. "Well, as long as you both made it for the party."

"Would not dream of missing it. It has been all that my son has been talking about for the past week. The plan is to go present shopping tomorrow. I will more than likely be messaging you throughout the day with present ideas – just to let you know."

Jane chuckled. "Your turning up is enough of a gift for Gaius."

The adults looked over at the couch where Gaius had perked up almost to his old self with his best friend beside him.

"You mentioned that Gaius was feeling ill?"

"Long story, Victus. It will have to wait for another day I feel. Oh... and Avitus will be here in a couple of days too!"

Victus smiled. "He informed me of that. An old friend of ours will be on the station in less than a day's time. You remember Atilius? I think you two met at that meeting we attended on Palaven. It has been a very long time since all three of us have been off world and at the same place at the same time."

"Do you want me to mind Tib while you meet with them?"

"I couldn't impose like that."

Shepard playfully hit his arm. "It is no imposition. Look at them." The two boys were giggling and play fighting with their feet. "I would love to have him over for the night or two."

Victus laughed. "One night I would accept. Not two. I find myself worrying enough when he is away from me for only a few hours."

Garrus moved over to where the pair stood. "Ahem, would you like anything to drink or..."

The red-head started laughing. "I can't believe I have been so rude as to not offer drinks or food. Thanks, Garrus, for reminding me! Would you like anything?"

The old turian waved away their offers. "I am afraid we can't stay too much longer. Tiberius has an appointment to get his fringe straightened and then I need to get some food into the apartment. I was forgetful myself and did not order groceries before I arrived."

Shepard grinned. "You both could just stay here for dinner?"

"As tempting as that is, I would like to try to get the place sorted. Tiberius is off school for a few weeks so this is our holiday. Another night would be lovely. Tiberius?"

The little head and bright yellow eyes looked to his father. "Yeah, Dad?"

"It is time to go. Say bye to Gaius for now."

The two boys fought a little more before Tib reluctantly left his friend on the couch. He bounced over and grabbed his father's hand.

The pair said their goodbyes and headed out.

Garrus turned to Shepard who was staring vacantly at the now closed-door.

"About what... happened before Victus..."

She glanced at him sideways. "Lets just forget that occurred. Best for everyone really."

Garrus kept his eyes on her before he nodded numbly.