Author Note: This is the final scene before she is taken to Earth…from this point forward, it's going to be lots of changes. I was thinking of changing to a new story, but I think I'll just continue this one….. Thank you to everyone who leaves feedback or favorite this story (and my others!), it really does make me want to keep writing!
BEGIN
"Ok…stop. Everyone."
Despite her low volume, there was a strength and power in her voice that stopped the talk and arguing. All eyes turned to Shepard, and she continued, "Look…this is not the way I wish it would go…and I understand that there are options, and I have considered all of them. But this is the only true course of action." She held up her hand, stilling the flow of words that had begun, "And like it or not…we have to deal with it as it is. I chose to perform a duty that killed over 300,000 Batarians. And they deserve the chance to face their loss and the person who caused it. I know that I went in under orders, but the final decision wasn't covered by my orders and was mine and mine alone and I will stand up for my decision. That decision is made and not negotiable. So let's move on to things that can be decided or changed."
There were many mutters, and to her surprise, it was Kelly Chambers who stood up and said. "But you are a hero…you saved all our lives and this feels like they're ignoring everything good you've done and just focusing on the negative. " Kelly faltered, tears sliding down her cheeks and said, "I'm sorry for those Batarians who died and their families….I really am. But the universe needs you…it's not just wanting you, they need you to lead them." There were a lot of nods and agreements and Shepard sighed,.
"Thank you, Ms. Chambers, and in some ways I agree. But we need Earth and the Batarians, and this is the only way to get them. I don't think they'll put me in prison, but they will hold me incommunicado until they figure out the facts and make a decision. Now look…just because I'm going to be on Earth, and out of contact, does NOT mean that any of you are off the hook.
Look people…you're all well trained, professionals. You've all got contacts, connections, and I need you to use every single one of them to get people to understand what we're facing. And it won't be easy, it won't be without problems. Some of you will face people who just don't want to see the truth, and they may even get nasty. You may face incarceration yourself. IF you're not ready, willing and able, fine. Just get ready to do what has to be done to protect everyone we love from death. Because do not doubt this…if the Reapers come, we will die; all of us. They'll wipe us out and nobody will make it through, nobody will survive, there won't be any saving them, their children, their family….."
She had their rapt attention now, and her eyes moved from one to the other, knowing what she was asking from them; knowing the position she was putting them in, but she went on, "Every planet, every colony, every unit, fleet, person is vital to this fight. And that is what I'm asking from each and every one of you.
You are part of the team who took out a Collector base. You went through the Omega Four relay and came back…alive if not untouched. You are heroes, every single one of you are heroes and that is what I need here. I NEED heroes…I need people like you to spread the word, to share the threat and challenge people will be facing, inspire them to get prepared. Gather armies, collections of people, fighters, support staff…everyone who you can find, everyone who can help, who are willing to help."
Shepard saw the doubt, but also the pride in many of her crew and went on, smiling a little, "If you can't do it, there will be no reprisals. If what you can do is prepare just your own family, that's fine, because every single person matters. If you can make one person believe, then you've done something very important. Especially since I can't be there to help; but I want to remind you that your crewmembers are going to be there for you. IF you need something, some help or support or even just to vent, your crewmates will be there; even when I can't."
Sighing, she looked at Garrus who had a forced calm expression on his face, and she knew that while he hated the thought of losing her, even for a short period of time, worse on him. But he understood, he didn't like it, but he understood. He still thought taking the Normandy and her crew to some tropical planet and just hiding out was a perfect thought. But the tactician in him, the logical part of him, the Turian part of him recognized that what she was saying was really the only course of action if they wanted to defeat the Reapers.
Shepard was done, but she closed it speech by saying, "I know that I can count on you to back me up…but I can I count on you to put this on your short list of "MUST TO DO?"
There was a rousing cheer, led by Zaeed and Jack and shortly thereafter, the meeting broke up. The crew was obviously more focused and determined, moved by Shepard's pep talk. Shepard made her rounds, talking with every single member of her crew, while Garrus sat, waiting. When she was done, she headed toward the elevator and he fell into step with her and said, softly, "Great motivational speech, Shepard…I know that not everyone will succeed, but I think they'll at least try."
Shepard stared straight ahead, and her lack of emotion communicated a great deal to Garrus. He guided her gently to the elevator and they rode to her quarters. Exiting the elevator, she walked into the quarters, back straight and Garrus knew she was keeping her control only due to her iron will and pure stubbornness. She looked at the Varren who was laying on the couch, and he looked overjoyed, wagging his entire body. Stopping to stroke the Varren, Shepard said softly, her voice still nearly expressionless, "Urz…go make your rounds…then stay with Zaeed…." Looking a little confused, Urz mare one of his "yipyipyip" sounds and headed out of the quarters. Garrus watched his mate, the tenseness of her shoulders, the forced calm told him that inside her she was a hair's breadth from falling into pieces. Garrus felt a moment of fear, she held herself so tight, but he saw her eyes, frosted with tears she refused to shed. A thin trickle of blood came from her mouth and he realized she was biting her lip so hard she was making it bleed. If it had been anyone else, any other living being at all, he'd have said she was on the verge of a mental breakdown. But the was Commander Shepard and she didn't allow herself that possibility. Garrus stepped forward placing his hands on her shoulders, giving her a little shake that made her too bright, liquid eyes flash up to his. Gazing down at her, letting the love and adoration he felt for his tiny human made shine in his eyes and sound in his sub-harmonics, he purred and said, "Amica…it's ok now. Let go…I'm here, I've you….". And he watched as his mate, the most powerful person he'd ever met, dissolved in front of his eyes. She fell to pieces and nearly collapsed into his embrace, trusting him as always to catch her, protect her from anything sneaking up on her. He held her as she began to weep, brokenly, her sobs shook her entire body and all Garrus could do was make good on his promise, he had her, and he was never letting go.
She cried for the better part of two hours, until Garrus was worried she had suffered some kind of breakdown. During the time, he held her, picking her up and moving them to the bed, laying there, where they'd spent so many hours sharing their bodies, their souls, their very beings, and now he lay there holding her and simply giving her the support only her true mate could. Not judging, not expecting, just holding and loving and be damned anything that came at them from any direction. Though he knew he couldn't protect her from something's, this stupid trial for one, he would do what he could.
After she was finally spent, she lay in his arms, quivering and not with pleasure. Garrus thought to get her a drink, but the moment he began to move, she reacted so strongly, clutching him so tight it was nearly painful and wrapping her body around him as though she wanted to crawl inside him. He soothed her, purring as loud as he could, whispering, 'shhhhh, Shepard…it's ok, I've got you. I was going to get your drink, that's it…not leave the room…" In the end, he simply stood up, her body still wrapped around him and got the drink that way. After another hour or so, she'd actually begun to relax, her fingers tracing patterns on his plates, her words, when she spoke were so soft he almost didn't hear her, "I got your civvies wet."
Garrus chuckled, having divested himself and her of clothing and now they lay entwined, naked, but not in a sexual way. This was about comfort, and her being able to touch his skin, and if he was honest, being able to touch hers. This was mates, Bondmates no less, preparing to be separated for an undisclosed period of time and needing that skin to skin contact. "I love you Garrus…."
Clutching her a bit harder to his chest, he said, "I love you too, Lia…and we will get through this…I know we will."
Trying for humor she didn't feel, she said, "Bit of a change from the last time we had this conversation, honey…" Garrus chuckled, rubbing his cheek against her, needing to mark her with his scent, then said,
"Yea…but that was mostly insecurity…I'm a lot more secure in us now…I know that you're my mate and all that entails, you understand, accept and feel….'
"I am, Garrus…this next however ever long is going to be the hardest of my life, worse than Collectors, or destroying relays or facing reapers…I don't know… God, Garrus….now I'M feeling insecure…"
Arching his neck, surprised to look into her eyes, he said, "Why would you be insecure?"
Lia tried to hide her face, whispering, "It doesn't make sense, Garrus… I know that. I trust you, I love you…I…I know you'll be on Palavan…and I know that no matter how tough I am, I can't beat a Turian female…."
That was too much for Garrus, he moved his upper body back a little, cupped her chin and raised her head so she had to look at him. "Lia, amica…no other female of any race can hold a candle to you. You can do EVERYTHING a female Turian can do, and so much more that I can't even BEGIN to list it. You're my mate. My home, my future and my past, my present, my life; you're everything to me, amica and there is no one, not person or species or gender or anything that you need to worry about…"
She glanced away and he knew there was another question, so he patiently waited, "But…Turian's have to work off their…stress. I've read the literature…if a Turian doesn't take the edge off in a stressful situation, they can become physically ill…." She took a deep breath and said, her voice telling him that these words were literally hurting her to say, "if you need to…blow off steam….I want you too", her voice broke, and tears once more fell from her eyes, across her cheeks, already red, chapped from her previous weeping, "I'd rather you found someone to blow off steam with than get sick…even if it means you're…" but she couldn't finish the sentence. He had to give her credit, there was no way in hell he could suggested that she blow off steam with anyone but him. He growled at the thought and said,
"Amica…there will be NO one blowing off steam with me….except you. I'll just have to save it all up until we're together again."
"But what if…"
Garrus silenced her with a deep, passionate kiss, then said, "It works differently with Bondmates, Lia. Yes, I will get frustrated. Yes, I'll SPAR, with other Turian's…but it until we are back together. No one even remotely holds any interest for me, Lia…except you.
There was silence for a long period of time, then Lia spoke, her voice still barely above the a whisper, "I listed you as my next of kin on my paperwork, Garrus…I should have talked to you first, I know…but I want everyone to know that I'm yours…"
Garrus swallowed a lump in his throat as big as a boulder and aid, "There's no need to talk to me first, amica…I'm honored and so happy that you did that. One question, what did you list our relationship as?"
Shepard blushed, then looked into his eyes and said "There was no option for mate, so I listed you as husband. I know that we're not ACTUALLY married…but it's the closet I could come."
Garrus swallowed again and said, "That's fine, amica…thank you. As to really married, do humans have to go through the rituals?" Shepard shook her head,
"Not the huge one, no. The simplest one is just a marriage license and a visit to a justice of the peace to exchange vows."
"Turian's have a similar "no fuss" mating…they go before a priest and perform a small ceremony…and they're mated. Bondmates need no ceremony, the saying it is enough. But most do have at least the simplest one"
Lia sighed, "I wish….", but she cut that thought off. Selfish whining wasn't going to help, and it might even make Garrus upset. She burrowed into his chest, content for now to cuddle against her mate and let the world slip away for a few minutes.
Eventually, she fell asleep, and Garrus slipped from the best, ignoring as best he could the mew of disappointment that came from his mate, but she moved onto his side of the nest and snuggled down and he smiled. He couldn't help it, he used his Omni Tool to take a picture of his mate being cute. Sighing, he moved to Lia's terminal; she always allowed him unfettered access to her terminal, despite the fact that the security clearance was way higher than his. Calmly, checking on his mate, he set up a communication with Liara.
The familiar blue features appeared and said, warmly, "Garrus! What do I owe this pleasure?"
Garrus smiled at her, but it was preoccupied as he said, "I need your help, Liara…"
Catching on to the seriousness of the situation, she said, "Of course, Garrus…what do you need"
Garrus sent her their current coordinates and the path from here to the Citadel and said,
"I need a planet between where we are now and the Citadel with both a "justice of the peace" and a Clopro"
Startled, Liara said, "Oh…", but then a brilliant smile appeared on her face and she said, "I think that's WONDERFUL Garrus! I know that you and Shepard are in love and close…but making it official like this is…so romantic…."
Garrus smiled at her, only a little embarrassed, "Especially now, we need to do this. I'm more than willing to pay you the going rate…"
But Liara cut him off with a wave of her hand, "Consider this my wedding presence to you and Shepard…I'm sending the coordinates to you now. This planet has both officials…and has become rather popular with, err, cross species groups. They are even packages that include both ceremonies in one. Shall I book you that?"
Garrus felt a lump in his throat, he'd always expected their friends to be shocked or horrified, "What was Shepard doing with that THING…oh, Vakarian is a good friend, and a great sniper, but she can do so much better." For their friends to simply accept it and be thrilled for them always took his breath. "Thanks, Liara…I appreciate it. I'll let Joker know the new coordinates…"
Liara grinned at him, "Already done…you can be there tomorrow about noon. But it's up to you to get Shepard down to the planet."
Garrus smiled, giving her a brief, "Thanks…don't worry, she'll follow me anywhere… Talk to you soon…" and after a few more exchanges, he closed the link. Next he contacted Tali and said, "Tali…I need you to get the core team together…tonight, after chow when Shepard is doing her mining."
Tali sounded surprised, and he could hear Kal Reeger ask what was going on, and Tali shushed him. "What do you need, Garrus?"
"I'll explain everything then, Tali…but I swear, it's a good thing….'
His work accomplished, plan in motion, he returns to the nest he shares with his mate and sighs, she's on her back now, arms akimbo, frowning slightly as she squirms. Garrus smiled, this he recognized. Smirking, he rejoined his mate in their nest and began to stroke her, gently. She arched against him, mewing softly. Garrus smiled, there were times, he's wake up to find his mate with her legs wrapped around one of his, rubbing her mound against him, moaning, seeking release. At first, he'd thought it was a sign that he wasn't pleasing her enough, but after talking to her, he realized it was just a dream she was having, no connection to their sex life. Apparently, humans dreamed every night, and in many cases those dreams released pleasure hormones. And eventually he'd begun to look forward to these times, even if she was sleeping, he could bring her a great deal of pleasure.
Garrus slid his talons down her body…and into her wet, clutching heat. She was more than ready, and he felt his plates shift in anticipation. He lowered his head and ran his tongue over her nipple, nipping gently and felt her arch into him, whispering his name in her sleep. Sliding down he kissed her nether lips, then began to use his tongue on her, working her toward her release slowly, but firmly. Whimpering she writhed and moaned, then met her climax and arched toward him, crying his name. He felt her relax, and when he looked up her body he found himself looking into her eyes, pleasure misted and sleepy, but alert. He grinned at her and said, "You needed release amica…and you know I love it when you make those noises."
Lia sat up with great force of will, the climax she'd had made her lethargic and sleepy, but she was determined to return the favor. Gazing at him, her eyes traveled down to where his cock was hard and obvious. Grinning, she said, "looks like you need a little release now, Garrus…." And proceeded to put word to action, using her mouth, hand and body to drive him totally insane. Afterward, they slept again, relaxed and lethargic from their releases.
Lia Shepard sat in the mess, looking at Garrus and Tali, sitting across from her and talking about something, not work, because they were both smiling and joking. Shaking her head, she saw Garrus stand up, walk around the table and sit back down next to her. She gave him an odd look and said, "Garrus?"
Garrus shrugged, giving her a Turian grin, "I missed you…you going to be mining after dinner"
Shepard nodded, "Yeah…we're still a bit short to get the ship back to normal. And since she's NOT going into Alliance care. That reminds me, Garrus…I need your help tonight after I get done…we need to figure out what to do about the Normandy while I'm gone…"
"Garrus nodded, then said, "I have a favor to ask, amica…"
Looking at Garrus, she said, slowly, "Ok…what's up, honey?"
"There's this planet…it's on our way to the Citadel and we could be there by tomorrow noon….I was hoping that you'd let us dock there overnight…"
Sensing there was more to it, Shepard sighed, but she didn't pry. Her new life plan was "delegate and you don't have to know everything". So far, she wasn't sure how that was working for her. Shepard nodded at Garrus' slightly nervous face, noticing that he was also anxious and excited. "Sure…we've got a bit of time. Is it a good planet that we'll be able to enjoy shore leave…or will we need to suit up and bring guns?"
Garrus shook his head… "No, it's safe…maybe…err…maybe you could read a dress and we could go out to dinner…or something?"
Shepard cocked her head, her BS meter going off the scale, but seeing the look on her mate's face, she shrugged, stepped forward and despite their current location, and the watchful eyes of her crew, she stood on her toes and pulled his head to hers, pressing their forehead's together. Her eyes closed as she just enjoyed the closeness and connection. Whispering, knowing that he'd hear, and the majority of the crew wouldn't, she said, taking a deep breath, "ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica"
For a long moment, Garrus was absolutely still and silent, and Shepard began to fear she'd said it wrong, or that he didn't want her to say it… Preparing to step away with a joke, to downplay her action, she kept her gaze down at the floor, biting her lip. The rest of the mess carried on, business as usual, unaware of the situation between their Commander and her mate. She stammered a bit, "Sorry…I probably mutilated that…and it was out of place, I'm su…."
But Garrus interrupted her, grabbing her, bending her over backward and kissing her, and that got the crews attention. There was a loud explosion of laughter, cat calls and demands that they "get a room". Garrus broke the kiss and glanced around, remembering where they were, his mandibles held close in embarrassment as he gazed down at his mate, who seemed in a trance. Carefully, ignoring the crew, Garrus dragged her to the elevator and pushed the button to their quarters. The cat calls continued, along with several off color remarks, until Jack slammed a plate down on the table and stood up, glaring at the crew, "The next mother fucked that says a fucking word get a fuckin beat down…you fuckers are jealous, but the Commander saved all our asses out there, in case you forgot and if she can find something special in the middle of all this death, then you're all going to fucking support her…or I'll make fuckin sure you can't even support your own weight…..we fuckin straight?" The crew fell silent, not knowing what to say as Jack strode out of the room.
Shepard gazed up at Garrus, he'd never acted like that before; never in front of the crew without even a hesitation. Once the elevator doors opened, he took her hand and practically dragged her to the quarters, calling out, "Edi…lock the door, shut off all recordings unless told otherwise and do not interrupt us, no matter what. Set coordinates to the planet we talked about and take us there with all due speed. Also, do NOT tell us we're there until 10 am tomorrow. Understood?"
"Understood, Garrus…"
Shepard looked at him, smirking, "Taking charge there, Vakarian? Sorta like insubordination, isn't it?"
Garrus growled, "So court-martial me, Lia….I need to know…do you know what you said? REALLY know?"
Shepard hesitated, she'd thought she did, but maybe she'd screwed up, "Yeah…I talked to your mom and she helped me with the pronunciations…told me what it meant, that it was the most powerful…err…words that mates can say to each other…
God, Garrus…if I screwed up the pronunciation or made a mistake…." She hesitated, then said in a much softer voice, terrified she'd insulted him, "Or I misunderstood…maybe I…"
"Shut up, Lia"
Lia started, frowning. Garrus had never told her to shut up. Be quiet, hush, stop talking…but never flat out shut up. Lia swallowed hard and shut up, waiting for Garrus to speak,
"Lia…I need to make sure you understand what you just said…unlike humans, this isn't something that you can mean now and change later. Once it's said, it's as binding as our life…and I want to make sure that you understand that…."
Lia looked up into his eyes, her eyes honest and straightforward, never wavering as she said, "I know what I meant to say….I know what the phrase means…as long as I pronounced it right. I know what I was saying, or at least what I was trying to say."
"We are together. We are one. One soul, two bodies, joined eternally, never separated even when physically distant. I join myself to you, eternally"
Garrus swallowed hard, nodding, "Your pronunciation was very good…"
Lia gazed into his eyes, her hands resting on his mandibles, stroking his cheeks, "Garrus…I love you. I don't know what going to happen here…if we'll even survive the Reapers…but I know that without you…without you, things are not as bright, they're dull and slow…it's like looking at the world through a veil of grey. But with you, life has color, music, joy." Lia stopped talking, she really didn't know what else to say. She just gazed up at him and saw, for the first time in a long time, her mate was truly speechless. Slowly, he lowered his head and nuzzled her temple, pressing his lip plates to her temple. Garrus nuzzled down to her ear, his tongue darting out to tease her, then down her throat as his fingers scurried over her body, undoing her pants and pushing it over her hips. He turned his face to hers, his tongue darting between her lips, their mouths fused as he deepened the kiss and slid his hands to her ship-jacket, undoing the fastenings and breaking the kiss only long enough to slide the jackets and shirt over her head.
Lia's hands were reciprocating, undoing his pants and tunic, stripping them off, finding him more than ready for her. Sighing, she reached down and slid her hands over his cock, but Garrus growled and pushed her back sliding his hands over hers, catching both her wrists in his single hand and pulling then over her head. Gazing down at her, he released her hands, letting them fall to his waist. He gripped her face in both his hands and gazed down at her, speaking strongly,
"ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica" His eyes never left her face, and she responded in kind,
"ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica" Then Garrus growled, but this was not the growl she was used too; this was deeper, yet wilder. It was like the difference between a dog and a wolf. Still growling, nuzzling her ear and grabbing her waist and picking her up, her legs went around his waist a gave a growl of her own. She expected him to carry her to the bed, as he had so many times before; or even take her to the bathroom, letting the water flow over them. Instead, Garrus moved to the fish tank and leaned her against the tank. Never breaking their contact of their mouths and faces, Garrus reached down, sliding his talons around her mound, caressing her clit before dipping inside her, finding her wet and hot and tight. Even on the edge, his control stretched thin, he had to make sure she was ready; because he wouldn't hurt her, he'd die first. Once he knew she was ready, he readjusted his body, then rubbed the head of his cock across her clit and heard her gasp and moan as she writhed. Smiling, Garrus gripped her hips and slammed himself inside her, deeper than he'd ever been. Their moans were stereo versions of each other and Garrus slid nearly out of her, her hands running over his cowl, darting in to caress and stroke his fringe and the velvet area beneath his fringe. Alternately growling and purring, Garrus began to thrust into her, deeper and deeper, his eyes never wavering from her face as he slammed himself into her and then drew almost all the way out, before slamming back inside her deeply enough that he touched the opening of her womb. Their eyes fused to each other, Lia knew this wasn't about reaching climax, this was more about connecting on a soul deep level. This wasn't sex, it wasn't even making love…it was a vow. As he thrust inside her, his eyes on hers, he watched as she bit her lip and her pussy tightened around him, a spasm milking his cock. He widened his mandibles slightly, but never stopped his thrusts, never broke eye contact with her, even as he reached up and pulled her lip from her teeth, offering her his wrist. She hesitated, then bit down on his wrist, as he moaned. He knew he was getting close, so close…and so was she. She sucked and bit his wrist, eyes still on his.
"Spirits, Lia…so tight and wet…and that spasm you do, it brings me every time…"
Made bold by his words, Lia stopped her work on his wrist and said, "You fill me so well, Garrus, it's like I never made love until I made love with you. The feel of you inside me makes me feel so good…OH GOD…yes….."
AS he trust with determination, he never broke eye contact as he whispered, "ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica… ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica… ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica"
Lia was so close, striving for release, but she didn't want to cum alone, she wanted him to explode into pieces with her. When he began to speak, almost chant, Lia fell into the cadence with him, "ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica, ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica, ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica…."
As they spoke, their voices falling into sync, Lia felt herself fly off the brink, exploding around him, colors flashing in her eyes, though never stopping her from seeing her lover, her mate's eyes as she flew into pieces she felt him roar, felt his cock erupt inside her, his release spurting over and over inside her, his eye never leaving hers. Never a quiet lover, when Garrus swelled inside her, rubbing her with that line of scales that she loved so much and burying his teeth in the curve of her neck and shoulder, she screamed when she came again. AS she began to calm, she turned her face and bit Garrus, worrying it a little to drive her teeth deeper inside of him as he was buried inside her. The feel of her teeth marking him, the pain from the bite and the taste of her blood from his own bite sent him back over the edge, spurting more of his release inside her.
Both were panting, both gasping; one of Garrus' hands rested beneath his lover's ass, holding her up, her legs around his waist, her thighs hooked into his hip spurs. AS they came down from the high of their climaxes, Lia felt the coldness of the fish tank against her back and wondered idly if they'd broken it. She couldn't tell if the wetness she felt was sweat from her back, or if they'd broken the tank. Garrus' face rested in the curve of her shoulder, idly nuzzling and rubbing his face at the curve of her neck and shoulder. He felt her quivering, panting hard, her hands spasming around his fringe as her tunnel did to his cock.
Slowly, Garrus raised his face, meeting her languid eyes, "I love you Lia Shepard…from now until the end of all the suns in existence."
Lia pressed her lips against him, a relatively chaste kiss as she said, "I love you, Garrus Vakarian…until all light is gone from the galaxy…"
Forcing his last bit of strength, Garrus stood straight, pulling her away from the fish tank hearing the faint sound of her flesh peeling off the glass of the tank. He glanced at the tank, thankful it seemed undamaged, then move to her to the bed, laying them both down carefully, keeping her on top of him. His purring, deep and contented, sent her over the edge into sleep, but Garrus lay awake longer, simply enjoying his mates even breathing and the power of her arms, even in her sleep, that held tight to him. Finally, he drifted off to sleep, knowing that while Commander Shepard protected and sheltered her crew, her friends, it was here that she could find her own shelter in her mate's arms.
CHAPTER BREAK
"Officer Vakarian…we are 60 minutes out from our destination." Groaning, Garrus seriously considered burying his face in his mates hair and going back to sleep. Suddenly, however, Garrus remembered WHICH destination. He carefully slid from the nest, his mate mewing in discontent at his absence. Smiling, he placed one of his pillow in her arms and covered her up before turning and heading to the shower.
He was nervous…would have been nervous even if he's told his mate what he planned; even after what she's said yesterday. But after yesterday, he no longer wondered if she's go along with it…or leave him standing alone, bereft. He dressed carefully, taking the clothes from a box in the back of the their closet. He'd already given Tali the very important box. He's been surprised when Tali had told him how many of the crew wanted to be there for this…and since not everyone could leave the ship there was a live feed running from the places they were going.
Garrus pulled a dress from a bag at the far side of the closet, and put the other package into a pouch he was going to carry down. Hesitating, he wondered how long he'd been unconsciously planning this. The pot of gel he'd put in the pouch was human safe, and then there was the dress.
He'd picked up this dress, in Shepard's size, the last time they'd been on Illium, before the Christmas party. It was beautiful, though not as beautiful as his mate. It was made of some soft fabric that flowed almost like water, flowing over his hands as he carefully handled it. It would fall to just below her knees, the top was designed with a wide neckline, going out so round it nearly fell off her shoulder and when he'd seen it on the mannequin, he'd seen how the neckline was vaguely reminiscent of a Turian's cowl. But there the similarities ended; this dress exposed the top of his mate's beautiful breasts and her delectable shoulders as well as the bite on her shoulder. The top came to an end just at the middle of her ribs.
The bottom of the dress saw on her hips, dipping low enough in front and back that her thong, if she chose to wear it, would show. The front showed off his mates tanned, tight abdomen and her hip bones. There was a tight band around the top of the skirt, from which flare of the skirt flirted with her legs and pelvis, moving like a living thing around her. The top of bottom of the dress were separated by at least 6 inches, exposing her waist; the only thing keeping the top and bottom from being different garments was the think lines of fabric and chain that connected the two. The dress from in a beautiful silver grey, but throughout the fabric were threads of blue; and the draping of the neckline, the connections between the top and bottom were that same deep, shining blue. Then there was a band around the hips of the dress' bottom, from which the rest of the skirt flowed, and that was blue as well. The blue matched his armor perfectly, as did the silver grey. And his own tunic was in the deep blue, matching her dress and his armor, and the pants were the gleaning silver/grey. Lucky for him, he hadn't had to buy the underwear that went with the dress. Kasumi had found him in some store called "Victoria's Secret"; which was full of so many different kinds of under garments he nearly had a stroke trying to keep up. Did she want push up? Water bar? Cleavage encourager? Front opener? Was he apples? Grapefruits? Watermelons? What about panties? Thong, yes, that he knew…but did she want bows? Silk? Satin? Taffeta? What about a "teddy"? Garrus was about to disprove the old saying that the only time you saw a Turian's back was when he was dead by fleeing in terror, when he was saved by Kasumi.
Kasumi had seen his terror and confusion and asked what he was doing in the store and Garrus had stammered that he was trying to find a present for Shepard… He hadn't intended to show Kasumi the dress, but when she explained she needed to see it to judge why type of underwear to choose, he showed her. The sales ladies and Kasumi all gathered around Garrus, who was sure at that point that "Victoria's Secret" was that no man ever left the store alive. After showing them the dress and Kasumi giving a very complete run down of Shepard's sizes (he couldn't help but wonder HOW Kasumi knew what size underwear his mate wore; but by that time he was just desperate to want to get this and get OUT.
They finally put together an ensemble that Garrus was sure his mate would never wear; which after seeing it, made him sad. There was a beautiful cleavage enhancing bust, a thong (they'd had quite a discussion as to "boy shorts", "bikini" and "thong", but Garrus had interrupted, deciding on a thong, which left no doubt on that choices). The final choices were a garter belt and thigh high hose. And since Garrus hadn't thought of it (poor, delusional male…thinking he can shop for his mate), Kasumi got a pair of shoes in the same blue as the elements on the dress, not extremely high heels, since he'd told her that the last time, Lia hadn't been able to walk in the shoes.
Glancing over at the sleeping beauty on the bed, he moved, vocalizing his morning call, despite having been up for over an hour. He knelt on the bed, and vocalized right up against her, letting her feel the vibrations in his chest. She smiled, sleepily and opened her eyes, reaching up to try and pull him down into the bed with her, but he avoided her, looking serious. Frowning, Shepard said, "Is something wrong?". Immediately she worried that he was regretting last night, but her fears were put to rest when he smiled at her in his unique, Turian fashion said,
"No, but I want to take you out…to a nice restaurant…have a glorious day. This planet is said to be one of the most beautiful planets in the world…."
Sitting up in their nest, she noticed the outfit, "Wow…spiffy! I don't know, Garrus…I don't think I have anything to wear that is as nice as what you're wearing. "
Garrus grinned and said, "Then I guess it's a good thing you bondmate plans ahead, hmmm?" and produced the hanging bag and boxes.
A lump formed in Shepard's throat, it was the first time he'd referred to her as his "bondmate" in that fashion. He's introduced her as "bondmate" to his parents, but referring to himself as her bondmate was as close as he'd come to saying "your husband". Once more Lia felt a twinge, she wished they could get married before she turned herself in…but she doubted Garrus had even thought about that. Smiling at him, Shepard sat up and unzipped the dress bad first, gasping at the beautiful dress in front of her. Shepard was a soldier, much more comfortable in fatigues and armor than a dress; but there was some small, nearly buried part of her that loved the thought of dressing up and feeling feminine and pretty, though she didn't see herself as either. But this dress was one of the most beautiful things she'd ever seen.
Garrus…this is beautiful, but I have nothing to wear with it!" Grinning, Garrus produced two boxes, one of which was emblazoned with "VICTORIA'S SECRET" Glancing at her mate, she wondered what on earth he'd been doing in a Victoria's secret store and if she was even going to be able to wear whatever he'd chosen for her. But looking at his expectant face, she knew that no matter how heinous, she's be wearing this.
Opening the box, she gasped. The bra sat on top of the pile of clothes, it's color matched the dress, and the she noticed it was a cleavage enhancer. She started to tease Garrus about that, but the look of hopeful joy stopped her. She hurried to look at the thong which was just perfect, but she knew that Garrus loves thongs. The garter belt and hose, however, those might prove to be a problem. Hesitantly, she looked up at Garrus, prepared to tell him that she had no intention of wearing thigh highs or a garter belt, but the hope, joy and anticipation on his face changed her mind. She'd find a way to wear them if it killed her; because the thought of causing that look on her mate's face to go away was just not acceptable. Hell, she'd beaten TWO reapers…surely she could figure out how to wear a pair of thigh highs and a garter belt.
The second box made her break out in a cold sweat; the memory of the shoes that Kasumi and Miranda had talked her into wearing for the last "dress up for Garrus" night scared her. When she opened the box, however, she was relieved…and fascinated. The shoes had a modest heel, and were strappy silver sandals with insets of blue that matched the dress. After a moment of thinking, she realized that the colors, both silver/grey and blue, matched Garrus armor too. The thought of wearing his colors made her heart quicken, so she raised her eyes to her mate's, who was trying to appear content and not anxious.
"I love it all, Garrus! I can't believe you bought all this for me! It must have cost a fortune. Garrus, relieved, smiled and said,
"You're worth every credit, amica"
Shepard climbed out of their nest and headed to the bathroom to dress, leaving the main dress in the cabin. Garrus frowned, "Don't you like the dress" Lia smiled back at him,
"I love it…but if I take it into the bathroom, the steam may damage it…it looks like silk and I don't want to damage it. I'll shower, do my hair, put on the underwear….then come out to get the dress on."
Garrus watched his mate disappear into the bathroom, "Want me to help wash our back, amica?"
"Garrus, if you come help me in the shower, I'll never to wear that spiffy new outfit!", Shepard laughed as Garrus chuckled.
Twenty minutes later, Lia exited the bathroom, wearing the underwear, hose, garter belt and all. She was pretty proud of herself for that figuring those out. AS she stopped at the top of the stairs, Garrus looked up and froze. Shepard had to swallow a laugh when she recognized the look of utter shock on his face. He looked, for all the world, as if someone had smacked him in the face. With the stick he carried up his ass and used to beat people with . The image was so strange, that Shepard finally did laugh out loud. That startled Garrus into looking up into her eyes and whispering, "You're beautiful, amica….just beautiful…"
Shepard blushed, "It's the outfit, Garrus….anyone would.." Garrus shook his head,
"No, amica…the beauty in the woman makes the outfit…."
Blushing, walked forward in the strappy heels, pleased they were easy to walk in and relatively comfortable. And reached for the dress, taking it from the bag and sliding it over her head. She settled the dress on her body, settling the neckline that was more risqué than anything she'd ever worn, and then settling the blue band around her hips, settling the bands that kept the two halves one dress. She turned to Garrus, and said, performing a slow 360, "Well how do I look?"
Garrus was speechless, he'd loved the dress and the fantasy of her wearing it but the reality stole his breath and struck him dumb. He hoped the look in his eye told her how beautiful she was…because he didn't have the air to speak. Shepard smiles, after all these months in his arms, she knew the look in his eyes. She smiled, it was all worth it, just for that look in her mate's eyes.
Shepard sat in the seat of the shuttle and watched her mate. He talked to Tali and Reeger, who had joined them on this trip. Apparently, Garrus had approved shore leave for most of the crew. Shepard frowned, she wondered when that conversation had occurred. As the shuttle landed, Garrus appeared more and more nervous and Tali kept poking him, speaking to him. Before Shepard could get there, Tali and Kal Reeger, along with the pilot, had opened the door, leapt out, and shut the door again.
Now she KNEW something was up. Shepard turned to her mate, a frown marring her face as she said, "Ok, big guy…spill. What's going on?"
Garrus stood and pulled her, reaching up to tentatively touch her hair. She'd worn it differently tonight, it was collected back in a clip that looked like a Turian's fringe, but opened an caught her air, then closed leaving her hair coming out but still contained. She called it a "banana clip". Part of her hair, in the front was loose about her face, giving her an softer look. Sighing, Garrus knew she was waiting for him to speak, so he drew a gentle talon down her face and said, "Amica…do you remember the other night, you were talking about marriage and mating ceremonies? How the simplest ones were just a marriage certificate and a just and peace?"
Shepard frowned, "Justice of the Peace, honey…yeah, I remember. Because I listed you as husband on my papers…."
Taking a deep breath, Garrus tried to force his gizzard back into place and said, "Well…I contacted Liara….and asked her to find a place that had a, err.. Justice person…and the Turian equivalent, a clopro."
Shepard froze, "Garrus…are you…asking me to marry you?"
Wishing like hell he'd watched more of those damn vids, Garrus dropped to his spurs and looked up at Lia and said, taking her hand, "Lia, I love you…you're already my bondmate…will you agree to marry me, by my wife and my legal mate? " And Garrus seemed to hold his breath, as Lia stared at him in shock,
"What about…"
"I don't give a Spirits damn about my family, or the Alliance, or the Batarians or the Reapers. If you don't want anyone to know, then we'll keep it quiet…but Lia…there is not Vakarian without Shepard….and I want…I want you to marry me…please?" Garrus hated that he sounded like he was begging, but he found that despite his thinking he'd be ok if she said no…he wouldn't be. So he stared up at her and then he saw it, a stray tear made it way from one corner of her eye down her cheek and Garrus prepared himself, convinced she was about to tell him they couldn't…give him any of 20 reasons it wasn't possible….rip him a new one for doing all this without permission…but instead, she stepped forward, wrapped her arms around his neck and said,
"Yes. YES Garrus…I will, I do…whatever….I love you, and right now, I want to be selfish. I want to be your wife, your mate…and if people don't like it, they can kiss my ass…"
Smiling broadly, Garrus stood up, dropping his forehead to hers, he said, wanting to shout with joy, "OUR ass, amica….they can kiss OUR ass!"
"Then let's go get married…mated…err…whatever!"
Garrus chuckled, "Both, actually…we've got a package that has a human ceremony and a Turian one…..compliments of Liara…."
Shepard grinned at him, "Remind me to call and thank her…."
A voice from outside the door called, "Why not just step out and thank her, Shepard?"
Garrus and Shepard exchanged looks, and Shepard triggered the door, and there stood Liara, smiling broadly with Tali by her side. Liara said,
"Did you think I would miss this? It's not often my best friends get joined…."
CHAPTER BREAK
"Do you, Garrus Vakarian take this woman Lia Shepard to be your lawfully wedded wife. To honor her and keep her, in sickness and in health, love her and stand with her in life's battles, cleaving only unto her, until death do you part?" The minister droned on a bit, but Garrus paid strict attention, he wasn't missing his part,
"And beyond…I do".
The minister smiled at the words of the groom and said,
"And do you, Lia Shepard, take this man, Garrus Vakarian to be your lawfully wedded husband. To honor him and keep him, in sickness and in health, love him and stand with him in all of life's battles, cleaving only until him, until death do you part?"
"Even Death can't do that…I know that for a fact", there was laughter in the audience as Shepard said, clearly, "I do."
Then by the power vested in me, and by the laws of the love and the Council decrees, I now pronounce you man and wife….you may…err…nuzzle the bride."
Garrus did better than that, he kissed her; and kissed her until there was the sound of shuffling feet and clearing throats. A voice filled with humor , sub harmonics happy said, "Yes, well…don't forget you're not done here…."
Garrus and Shepard broke apart, breathless and there was more laughter as Garrus turned to the Turian version of a minister and said, "Excuse us…please continue."
"Garrus Vakarian, do you agree to combine with this woman? To take her into your clan, to provide for her, to love her, to support and be supported by her for the duration of the time you have together? Will you take her as mate?"
Gurus' words were strong and sure, "I will take her as my mate, my joy, all that I have is hers and all that I am is hers."
Lia clutched her little card, written on it was the words she would have to say, thankfully in English , to make her mating with Garrus legal in the Hierarchy.
"Lia Shepard, do you agree to combine with this man? To be taken into his clan, to provide for him, to love him and to support and be supported by him for the duration of your time together. Will you take him as mate?"
Lia's voice was husky, but sure as she spoke the words she'd memorized, "I will take him as my mate, my joy and all that I have is his, all that I am is his."
The Clopro said, "I decree this is a good mating, that dominance and submission are set and shared. I grant you, Lia Shepard, a reserve citizenship of the Hierarchy as the wife of Garrus Vakarian, part of his clan, and part of the Hierarchy. May your mating give you much joy, support and many children… Will you take his clan colors, Lia Shepard, mate of Garrus Vakarian?"
Lia looked directly at Garrus, who for the first time since the ceremony had started looked a little nervous, 'Yes, I will."
The Clopro nodded and Garrus picked up a small, very ornate box and unlocked it with an actual key, then removed a long, narrow scarf, with embroidery. He placed it around her neck, letting the ends trail down over her breasts. Garrus hesitated, then began to shut the box, but Lia placed a hand in his, and he felt something cool in his palm. He looked down and saw her dog tags. He looked back up, shocked and she shrugged, saying softly, "I don't have a burra…this is as close as I can get…." He squeezed her hand, then put the dog tags in the box and locked it, placing the key into his pocket. Setting the box aside, he picked up a small post and looked at Lia questioningly, she nodded smiling at him and he took a paint brush from the pot and began to trace his family marks onto Lia's human cheeks. It wasn't an exactly copy, because her human features made it more difficult. But in the end, she wore a good semblance of his clan markings"
The Clopro began to speak, but Garrus held up a hand and Turian stopped head tilted. There were several other Turian's present,, mostly other couples and they paused as well,
Garrus looked at his mate, and began to make noise, trilling, caaing, fweeping, tahai….the sounds were beautiful, and unexpected. The Normandy crew remained silent, not used to this. The "song" ended as Garrus gave a deep, purring trill and lowered his head, placing his forehead on his mates and saying, "ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica." There were gasps from the Turian's present, but it was ignore, her forehead still pressed to Garrus', she said, "ka'herta jafcleet laspah amica"
The Clopro cleared his throat, sounding a bit shocked, "Well…yes…I pronounce you mated in the eyes of the Hierarchy….welcome, Bondmates."
CHAPTER BREAK
A week later, Garrus and Shepard returned to the Normandy, they'd had a glorious week, comfortable and happy on a private island. Nothing to bother them, no wars, no Reapers….just rejoicing in being together.
Garrus grumbled, "I don't want to come back, amica…"
Shepard chuckled, "I know, Garrus…but unfortunately time and Reapers wait for no man…."
Garrus chuckled "You just made that up…" Shepard laughed,
"Only partially…actually, I paraphrased." By now they'd entered the airlock and were walking into the Normandy. Their smiles faded, as they were met by the team, all glaring at a pale, and Shepard noted, bruised, Kaiden. One look at Kaiden's face and Shepard knew; so did Garrus, as he clutched at his mate, growling. Kaiden spoke softly,
"I'm sorry, Shepard…it's time. The Alliance called, they want you on Earth in a week."
