Hello my lovely and wonderful readers. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Dani meets Mordin. Cue in the most awkward conversation in ME history in a whole different setting. I even managed to make it even more awkward. You're welcome :-)
Tour de Normandy revisited
When the women exited Garrus' room, they found the Main Battery to be empty.
"He's probably driving Shep insane with his uplifting company. When Shepard hailed me, he sounded quite desperate," Kasumi smirked at Dani. Dani just smiled.
"It will be good, seeing Shepard again," she admitted to the thief. "Yesterday, after they pulled me from the collapsing Underground, the shock of seeing them alive after I believed them dead for so long . . . It was too much. I hardly had time to, I don't know, reconnect."
"I daresay you reconnected with Scales just fine," Kasumi teased and leaned against the metal rails. Dani looked away, but she could feel her lips curving in smile.
"If you mean Garrus, then yeah," she admitted. "He came to visit me last night. You'd think that after two and a half years . . . It was never explicit you know, always suggested but never outspoken. You'd think after such a time, we'd have moved on. In a sense I tried, I guess."
"You mean Alex Wright?"
Dani raised an eyebrow but Kasumi merely shrugged her shoulders.
"I sneaked a peek at Miranda's computer. I might even have accidentally hacked it. I'm curious though, like you said – two and a half years is a long time to be apart. Especially if things never progressed to at least some kind of mutual understanding. You had a chance to move on with Wright, but you never did. I've seen the pictures Dani, he's a hunk of beef cake! What held you back?"
It was a legitimate question, one that Dani didn't know how to answer.
"It's hard to explain," Dani started. She kept her face blank while trying to decide how to continue.
"For one, when I lived with Dr. Torque, his children and Alex, in a sense they became my safe haven. I trusted them and they accepted me, guided me, but I was never one of them. I felt like an outsider, alien even, among my own kind."
"If I hadn't seen you earlier this morning, the way you closed up around Miranda, I wouldn't have believed a word of any of that. You seem much more open around me. Even so, I still feel I've only just met a glimpse of the real you. Still, I am human and I find you very easy to converse with. And I know that Shepard, Moreau and Dr. Chakwas feel the same."
"Do you know the kind of crew Shepard ran on the SR1?"
"You mean with all the aliens aboard a human run Alliance ship? Of course! I was never gonna join just any old motley crew."
"Well, those aliens, you too I suppose, are used to adapting and conversing with species not your own. You give them time to get accustomed to your way of speech, your expressions, your body language. That's what they gave me too, time to learn, to adept, to mimic. But most of all, they allowed me to make mistakes."
Kasumi puckered her lips. "I think I understand where this is going," she said. "But I'd like to hear more, if . . . you don't mind."
Dani smiled at the lithe thief in front of her. "No, I don't mind telling you. But," Dani suddenly said in a grave tone. "There's a lot about me you don't know, things I'll never tell you of my own accord. Anyone, for that matter. I'd appreciate it if you left that bit alone."
"I can promise you I won't bother you about it. I can't promise however," Kasumi continued and she shifted her weight. "I won't try to find out about it myself. Since you're honest enough to tell me you will never divulge certain information about yourself, I feel it's only fair to be honest too and warn you that I'm not someone to leave things alone."
Dani looked at Kasumi for a while before she nodded in agreement.
"Very well," she conceded. "At least promise me one thing. When you do find out, don't let me know you did and never mention it, either in my face or to anyone else."
"I think I can promise that. Now, tell me . . . I take it Dr. Torque wasn't as patient with you as he would have Shep believe?"
Dani snorted in mock humor. "Dr. Torque patient? No, that was never one of his virtues. Before you get the wrong impression though, I did like him Kasumi. I liked him very much. The thing was, he was trying to mold me into someone I could never be. Whenever I made a mistake, no matter how small, he was there to correct me. I think he really believed he was helping me that way."
"Well, I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that matter," Kasumi countered. "But, for the sake of discussion, let's assume he did."
"It doesn't really matter one way or the other, does it? The result remains the same and in the end, he betrayed me. On the Normandy, it took me a while to realize it was okay to be me. To really be me. That's what they taught me. In their acceptance, I think I finally found acceptance myself."
"So, what happened when you were brought back with Dr. Torque?"
"A lot of rehabilitation, actually. I was put in an artificial coma so they could restore the damage done to my body. After that my body needed time to heal. When they woke me up, first thing they did was conduct tests to see if the implants worked correctly. I was very disoriented and remembered very little."
"When did you learn about the Normandy?"
"That was when my memories came flooding back. I started to ask questions and then they told me. I was devastated. During those months on the SR1 I had grown close to Tali'Zorah and Liara T'Soni. But most of all. . ."
"Scales," Kasumi finished for her.
"Could you cut with the Scales?" Dani asked annoyed but Kasumi just smirked at her.
"Fine. Yes. . . Scales. I mean Garrus! Dammit, Sumi!"
Kasumi started to snicker and after a short moment so did Dani. She shook her head at the thief before she got serious again.
"Learning about his death affected me the most. At that time, I didn't understand, not really. I grieved for them. For him. I couldn't move on, I saw no future past the Normandy. That's when Dr. Torque started dropping hints. He was never explicit but the meaning was clear. It was not normal to have such strong connections outside your own species."
"So he pushed his bodyguard forward. Did you still feel like an outsider?"
"Oh yes! Even more so! It was like I had lost any ability to reconnect with them. Where my friends would have needed but a word or a look at me, they couldn't understand me if I explained myself for hours. I knew they would never adapt to me, so I needed to adapt myself to them."
"Didn't you wonder then, why Dr. Torque was suddenly such a supporter of you and Alex getting together?"
Dani shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, not really I think. I was still in a daze back then. Maybe they realized what was in my heart before I did and tried to replace the alien with a human, hope feelings would unfold before I . . ."
"Before you realized your relationship with Scale – fine, Garrus – had been heading to something on a whole different level. I bet, that around the time Alex actively started pursuing you, was the time they realized the real potential of your mind. They probably felt the need to rush things when they learned that there were survivors, that not the entire crew of the Normandy had perished."
"I don't know," Dani said hesitantly. "I mean, what would be the point?"
"Well for one, if you were attached to Alex Wright, you wouldn't run off first chance you got to go after Scales, I mean Garrus, once you found out most of the SR1 crew had survived. And since the bloke had it for you from the start . . ."
"No he didn't. He never made a move before!"
"Doesn't mean he didn't want to! I've seen the vids of the meetings. He definitively felt something for you."
"Be that as it may, I didn't return those kind of feelings. But everyone acted like it was the next logical step. I was in pain, I was grieving and lost and so terribly alone . . . Things evolved and I felt I was no longer in control."
"And you really didn't get to a point where you felt – more – for Wright?"
"No. In fact, I felt like I was losing everything. I lost my best friends. I lost Garrus and I was losing the one rock I could cling to. One moment he was just that and the next he wanted more. In the end I just gave in out of fear of losing him completely."
"But you didn't love him and you weren't in love with him." Kasumi stated it, she didn't ask.
"No. And this is where I would like this topic to end. I've already tread generously outside my bounds of comfort. I know where you were heading with your line of questions but for now, that's off limits."
"I can respect that, but just to be sure . . . Where do you think I was going with that?"
Dani turned away from Kasumi and took a step towards the door.
"You want to know what happened between Garrus and me. You want to know how it's possible that two individuals from two different species could find comfort with each other. Fall in love even. I don't think it's really the interspecies thing that's got you wondering, but the fact that one of them is human."
"Well, you have to admit. It is fascinating!" Kasumi chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm perfectly okay with it. Before I met Keji – long story – I've been known to . . . experiment. And you wouldn't believe the vids crawling over the extranet with that kind of stuff!"
"So I've heard," Dani smiled. "It's uncommon, but I'm pretty sure not unheard of."
"No," Kasumi conceded. "Not unheard of. But uncommon enough to have piqued my interest. So, perhaps later in time?"
"Perhaps," Dani smiled again and they both left the Main Battery.
Once outside they were met with blatant staring and gawking by at least a portion of the male crew present in the mess hall. A couple of women rolled their eyes at the behavior of their male colleagues. Some of them smiled in greeting while others had difficulty hiding their contempt.
The latter looks threw Dani back a bit in surprise. It was the first time she'd ever been subjected to that kind of emotion. People tended to treat her with wariness, condescension, sometime even suspicion, but never contempt.
"Why did some of them look so unkind?" Dani whispered as they passed the mess hall to the elevator.
Kasumi shrugged her shoulders. "Beats me. I don't like walking down these hallways, it's so – visible. So, I usually don't get these looks. Maybe they're jealous?"
"Jealous?"
"Who knows what they think? And honestly, who even cares?"
Dani activated the control to call the elevator. They both stepped inside when the door slid open. A young woman behind them, an engineer from the looks of it, seemed intent to join them. Kasumi just looked at her, didn't utter a word. And, even though her eyes were always hidden by her hood, she managed to make the young woman cringe and slink away. Dani just shook her head when the door slid closed.
"Kasumi," Dani began. "I want to thank you for all you did. Spending this time with me, help me out. . . It's very kind."
"You're welcome," Kasumi smiled. "You can pull off the look. I wouldn't let you wear it if I thought otherwise."
"Yeah, about the suit," Dani said hesitant. "Do you think Miranda would feel very insulted if I set out for something else? When we get to the Citadel? This is more her style, not . . . mine."
"Are you kidding me? She's going to blow a gasket! But I wouldn't worry about that. Every woman needs her own style. I am coming with you though.
Sorry, I overheard Shep say you're not allowed off ship without him or Sca – um, Garrus. In this case, I might be able to let him make an exception."
Dani shook her head. "I should have known. Just, give me enough space to figure it out on my own?"
"Absolutely. Unless you go for something really horrible. Then I will feel it my duty to step in."
"I never really stopped to think about appearance," Dani mused. " I just dressed in what I was offered and I never bothered to compare myself to other women either, it just never felt important. Now, I suddenly find myself curious, but I find it hard to form an opinion with so much comparison material."
"Where are you going with this?"
"Well, from an aesthetic point of view, do you think I'm – pleasing to look at? Is my appearance appealing?"
Kasumi seemed to ponder the question for a moment. "Yes," she finally answered slowly. "From an aesthetic point of view I do believe you are pleasant to look at. I've seen the way the male crew was appraising you and believe me, they didn't find you wanting."
"But, I don't really have the kind of figure men usually go for."
Kasumi started laughing. "And how would you know? A lot of comparison material, remember?"
"Well, yes. But I'm not blind either. I know that men appreciate a well-trained, athletic body in a woman. Though I have a slim figure, it's not well-trained nor is it athletic. The kind of woman they like is, well – Miranda."
"Ah, but little Miss Perfect was designed to be superior in almost every way. In looks too. It's not real. Nothing about her is. Her body may be the epitome of what men desire but it's just engineered. It really wouldn't be fair to compare yourself, or anyone for that matter, with her."
"Maybe . . . " Dani muttered.
"But, you are right about one thing. Men do find a well-defined body in a woman attractive. But men – bless them – most of them are aware of their limits and tend to leave alone what's way out of their league. So, they have to make do with what's available to them."
"I'm not available," Dani reminded her.
"No, you are not and believe me, that will just make you more attractive. Men always want what they can't have. Something to do with the hunter inside them or some such nonsense. The way you carry yourself practically screams 'Impossible to get'. They will be interested, even if they won't act upon it."
"I carry myself no differently than in the past. Trust me, men never looked at me that way," Dani said with a shrug of her shoulders. "Not that it matters, I was just curious."
"Sweetie, back then you wouldn't have noticed a man lusting for you if he fell in your lap."
"That sounds about right," Dani grinned.
"At any case, the female crew on board the Normandy all pretty much look alike with their similar training regime and their toned bodies. So what do you think happens when they see a woman with softer looking curves? Their minds start wandering, that's what."
"Not an appealing idea, come to think of it." Dani frowned. "I wish I hadn't asked about my appearance. I don't like the answer."
Kasumi snickered. "Coming from you, why am I not surprised? But, like I said, most men will recognize a lost cause when they see one. Besides that, you've got a pretty scary boyfriend roaming around this ship. I doubt any of them is in a hurry to find out just how possessive or protective he is."
Dani smiled when they got off the elevator and stepped into the CIC. She felt the return of that familiar feeling of anticipation. Mouth running dry, her hands feeling clammy, sweat prickling at the back of her neck, her heart beating just that bit faster.
They were greeted by a young woman with short reddish hair, but before Dani could introduce herself, Kasumi was already dragging her around the corner and into the Armory.
A few steps inside, Dani saw a man with dark skin busying himself with the arsenal of guns available to the gun carrying crew of the Normandy. When the man heard their footsteps fall behind him, he turned around. The look he used to take in their appearance was . . . uncomfortable.
"Hello Jacob," Kasumi purred and nearly slithered towards him. "You're looking to be in an especially fine shape today."
"Hey Kasumi, this the new addition to the crew?" Jacob asked with a smooth voice.
His attitude was pleasant and polite enough, but there was something in his eyes that made Dani want to cut and run. Kasumi's words still rang in her mind. Their minds start wandering. . . Was his?
"Yeah, you were there when Scales extracted her from that underground facility. Dani Pryde, our new Advising Technician. Dani, this is Jacob Taylor, our very muscular Armory Specialist.
"Hi, nice to meet you," Jacob ignored Kasumi and held Dani's hand captured in his a bit too long.
"Jacob, you might want to ease back a bit." Kasumi smirked. "You really don't want to piss off the turian."
"So, he really is that protective of his friends, huh?" Jacob chuckled and folded his arms. "And here I was thinking that turian and human relations were still strained at best."
"Jacob, don't be an idiot. Do Shep and Garrus seem on strained terms to you? Use your head. Shepard, friend. Dani? Whole different ball game."
"Wait, you mean . . ." He didn't finish the question.
"We're together," Dani stated bluntly.
Jacob immediately changed his demeanor. He raised his hands in defense and took a step back.
"I'm sorry, I had no idea. All I was told when we went to pick you up was that you were a close friend. When you passed out, I left for the Normandy, figuring I had no place in the reunion of friends. Can't blame a guy for appreciating what's in front of him though."
Dani had to repress a smile. It was quite funny to see the man getting all apologetic and nervous. Apparently she was not the only one who had the utmost respect for the predatory prowess of turian physique. Good to know that the mere mention of Garrus Vakarian was enough to back away any unwanted attention.
"Don't worry, we're good," she said, finally releasing the smile she was holding back.
"Thanks," Jacob sighed in visible relief. "I'd rather not get on your boyfriend's bad side. Tough son of a bitch."
"What, you're saying you wouldn't be able to take on Scales in a fight?" Kasumi asked in a semi-shocked manner.
"No," Jacob countered. "But the guy took a hit of a missile in the face and and even though he didn't walk away scot free, he's still walking isn't he? So, you'll forgive me if I'm not in a hurry to find out whom would take out whom in a fight."
"Keep that in mind next time you decide to make a move on his girlfriend. Me on the other hand. . . I'm plenty available. Now, if you'll excuse us, I've been receiving death threats all morning just because he feels I'm keeping Dani away from him too long."
"No way," Jacob huffed.
"Don't believe me? Ask Shep, he's the one keeping Scales from going mental."
Kasumi quickly turned around and pushed Dani ahead to the next door. Dani bit her lower lip to keep from laughing at the smug smirk on Kasumi's face.
"Are you deliberately trying to give Garrus a bad name?" Dani asked as soon as the door slid closed behind them.
"That would be redundant, our darling Archangel managed to do that all by himself. I'm just helping him preserve his carefully constructed reputation."
"Archangel?"
"Guess he didn't get to cover that part yet. Ask him later, it makes for an entertaining story. Though I doubt there will be much talking tonight."
The suggestion alone made Dani feel weak in the knees and she felt her blood pressure spike.
From the Armory it was just a couple of steps to reach the next door. Kasumi pointed at the door ahead of them and told Dani it was the entrance to the Tech lab. She promised her that Shepard would take her on a tour of the new Normandy soon so she could meet Dr. Mordin Solus.
Outside the door to their immediate right they could hear muffled noises from inside the room. It seemed like a heated discussion was taking place. Kasumi grinned and activated the control panel. When the door swished open they caught the last words before the gentlemen inside noticed the door opening.
"I'm telling you Shepard, I don't trust her! It's taking too damn long! What do we know about her anyway? All we know is that she's a pretty cunning thief! Who knows what she's been doing to Dani!"
"You mean besides giving Dani a total make-over and discussing your boring sex life?"
Two pairs of eyes snapped to Kasumi in shock and one pair of mandibles started to twitch suspiciously. "Kasumi!" Dani groaned in embarrassment.
"Just kidding. Scales, no need to get your panties in a bunch. Assuming you wear something like that under there. And you know what? I really don't need to know! Just here to deliver your lovely girlfriend, as promised. Ta-daa!" Kasumi said and she stepped aside with a flourish to reveal Dani standing behind her.
Oh crap, she hated these moments where she had no fucking clue how to handle herself. So she just smiled sheepishly at Shepard and Garrus. Not that they would have noticed anyway, not with these bland looks on their faces.
"Holy smoke!" Shepard managed to get out, his voice oddly falsetto. Garrus didn't say anything at all. His mandibles just slacked a bit, his mouth gaped open, but other than that, his damned turian features betrayed nothing. She couldn't determine if this look of horror was a good sign or a bad one.
"Guys, please say something?" Dani pleaded, feeling more uncomfortable by the second. "Shepard, you really have nothing more to say to me than holy smoke?"
"Come here you!" Shepard croaked and spread his arms for her. It took her just a moment to fling her arms around his neck and the next his big muscular arms crushed her to him.
"Damn, it's so good to see you!" he whispered. "I know, I know, I saw you yesterday but . . . we didn't really get the chance to say hello, did we?"
"No," Dani cried in his shoulder. "No, we didn't. I thought you were dead, Shepard! I thought you were all dead!"
"If you'll excuse me, I think this is my cue to leave," Kasumi interjected softly. "See you later, Pryde."
But none of them paid attention as Kasumi vanished with a crackle and some sparks.
"I know, for a while I guess I was. But I'm here, I'm back and so is Garrus," Shepard whispered.
Dani just nodded in his broad shoulder and noticed that this was the first time she didn't feel uncomfortable hugging another human. The realization just made her cling to him more.
"Dani Pryde, on penalty for subordination, I hereby forbid you to ever, ever leave the Normandy again without a crew member by your side. And with that I mean either me or Garrus. Is that understood?" he asked, his voice breaking just a little. Dani just laughed through her tears.
"Okay then, you better let me go now. Garrus is shooting a death glare my way and I didn't come back all the way just to perish because he felt I was holding you too closely for too long," Shepard joked.
"Ah, you know me so well Shepard. Glad to know we won't have a problem," Garrus dead-panned.
Shepard chuckled and released Dani. They both took a step back and suddenly Dani felt awkward so she furiously wiped at her eyes to appear either busy or distracted.
Suddenly she felt a finger hook behind her belt. A light tug and she stumbled straight into Garrus' waiting arms. She yelped in surprise but relaxed the moment his arms wrapped around her.
"What, you really think I'd let you get away with hugging him and not me?" She heard his voice rumble near her ear and all she could do was smile.
"Okay, I do believe my next question is completely unnecessary. But please, humor me. After two and a half years, are things finally settled between you two? Can I finally shake your hand and congratulate you in finally finding yourself a girlfriend, Vakarian? Cause, really . . . it's about time that ugly mug of yours got lucky!"
Garrus chuckled easily at the banter. He released her, but kept one arm around her waist, while extending his right hand to Shepard.
"Then put it there, my friend," Garrus said with warmth. "And thank you, for making this possible."
Shepard smiled at them both and shook Garrus' hand with fervor.
Dani was happy just where she was. Garrus seemed in no hurry to let her go and she was in no hurry to remove herself from her spot.
"It's been a wild ride you guys. We've had our ups – but dammit – we've had way too many downs. It's damn good to see a bit of happiness on this ship. I'm glad for you – both of you. We're not home free yet, not by a long shot. But, this . . ." Shepard gestured at the two of them. "This is what we fight for. Life and happiness, freedom."
"Nice speech Shepard. You might have to write it down for future reference and tonight we'll drink to just that," Garrus smiled.
"Eh, you know. I have my moments."
"Not very often, mind you. But when you do . . ."
"Do I smell insubordination, Vakarian?"
"It can't be insubordination when you're not officially my commanding officer, Shepard."
"Damned turian!"
"Damned human!"
"Garrus, I'm human too. Remember?" Dani grinned.
"Yes, but I didn't mean you, sweetheart. Never you," he said with affection and ghosted his mouth plates against her temple.
"Okay, this is so sweet it makes my teeth hurt!" Shepard said in mock disgust.
Then both Shepard and Garrus started to chuckle seeing the look of confusion on Dani's face.
Shepard took a few steps towards her again, gently placed his hand against her cheek and with a warm smile he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"It's good to have you back Dani," he said softly. "Now please do us all a favor and don't leave again. Garrus is impossible without you around to keep him in check."
"Don't worry," Dani said, beaming up at Shepard. "I'm exactly where I want to be."
"Good to know," Garrus said dryly. "Try to keep that in mind next time some shady scientist sends you an invitation."
"Only one thing left to do," Shepard said with a grin. "Dani needs a tour around the new Normandy . . . meet some old friends, see new faces.
But damn if I'm not swamped in all these dossiers the Illusive Man sicked on me. I just don't know where to find the time . . ."
"Good thing then you've got a turian friend and ally who's got your back," Garrus quipped. "I'm sure I can squeeze in some extra time to give her the grand tour."
"Even after wasting most of the morning? What were you doing anyway?" Shepard asked with a plain evil smirk on his face.
Dani could feel her cheeks heating up but at the same time Garrus placed his hands on her shoulders and twirled her around to face the exit.
"Shepard?" Garrus threw over his back.
"What?"
"As you humans like to say . . . Put a sock in it!"
Dani fought the urge to ask what a sock had to do with anything.
"Not a chance, do you hear that sound Vakarian?" Shepard asked while Garrus activated the door control. "That's the sound of Joker opening a whole new can of bad jokes!"
That one she got, a little, maybe.
Garrus guided Dani from the room, but as soon as the door slid closed behind them they could hear Shepard erupt in a loud guffaw.
Instead of guiding her to the next door, Garrus remained on his spot and looked down at her awkwardly.
"You realize this is just the beginning, right?" he asked her tentatively. "Shepard is right, Joker is not going to let this go and that is just the friendly side of the banter. Most crew members here are Cerberus operatives. They are very likely to feel prejudiced – about us. I'm expecting some backhanded insults and insinuations. Think you're up for that?"
Dani went to stand in front of him and had to crane her neck to be able to look into his eyes.
"You're too tall," she complained with a smile. Garrus chuckled, wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up so they were eye-level.
"You're too short," he muttered. Dani just smiled and let her fingers drift over the thick hide of his neck before she let them dip beneath his fringe to stroke that sensitive spot.
"I never fit in anywhere, except here," Dani told him softly. "I'm used to people treating me in a variety of ways. Now they just have one more thing to ridicule me with. I don't mind, not anymore. Cause something is different now – you are here with me and I am no longer alone."
"No, you're not," Garrus agreed with closed eyes as she gently cherished his good spot. "Just let me know if someone gives you grief. I'll make them reconsider their opinions or at least make them keep those private."
When he opened his eyes and she stared into those beautiful twin orbs of ice, all she could do was lean in and place her peachy colored lips against his upper mouth plate. He reacted by twisting his face just a bit and while his fingers locked around her neck, his mouth plates softly moved against her lips in his near perfect mimic of a kiss. When the tip of his tongue quickly darted between her lips she shuddered and softly sighed when she let her tongue dance with his.
And then she felt the wall pressing in her back where Garrus suddenly held her pinned against it.
They had figured it out so quickly, so long ago, this puzzle of trying to figure out how they could express their feelings through a kiss with lips that were anything but compatible. Now they were reaping the benefits of that practice and damn if it didn't feel exhilarating! But then he suddenly let her go, placed his hands on either side of her head and rested his forehead against hers.
"No matter how much I enjoy doing this, we should probably get that tour on the way," he whispered against her lips. She shivered hearing his sub-vocals catch on the words.
"Yes, we probably should," Dani sighed while he buried his face in her neck and quickly licked a spot beneath her ear.
"So, there's something I've been meaning to ask you since this morning. It's just, right now is the wrong place and the wrong time."
Dani had trouble thinking straight while Garrus softly took her earlobe between his mouth plates and gave a gentle nip.
"What's wrong with here and now?" she asked on a sigh.
"Just about everything," he replied before dragging his tongue along her jaw. "Will you come to my room, when our shift is over?"
"Yes," she breathed, knowing exactly what would transpire between them if she did. She couldn't help but wonder how he would react to that new under gear she was sporting.
"Okay, just to make sure we're on the same page here," Garrus mumbled while licking down the swell of her breasts, dipping his tongue along her cleavage. "You know I've got other things planned, besides asking that question, right?"
"God, I hope so!" Dani managed to get out.
Suddenly Garrus pushed himself away from the wall under a stream of turian profanities the translator couldn't handle. Startled, Dani looked at Garrus who was now stalking in front of her like a caged animal. He folded his hands behind his neck and threw his head back on a low guttural noise.
"Garrus?" she asked in concern. He shook his head, then his entire frame and finally let out a deep shuddering breath.
"Yeah, I'm back," he said. "Spirits, today is going to be hell to get through! And that new outfit of yours is not helping one bit."
That was unexpected. Kasumi had assured her it looked good on her, but the almost angry way Garrus spat out the words said something else.
"As soon as we dock at the Citadel, I'll go out and buy a new wardrobe," she offered apologetically. "But until then, or when my own clothes are cleaned, I'm stuck with this. I'm sorry if you don't like it," she couldn't help herself, she tried to, but she couldn't keep the disappointment from her voice.
Garrus gaped at her, his mandibles nearly on the floor. "I'm doomed!" he suddenly stated convinced. "Completely, totally, utterly doomed.
Or screwed. Probably both. And not necessarily in that order."
"I don't understand," Dani slowly said.
"Good, let's keep it that way," he said before quickly guiding her to the entrance of the Tech Lab.
When they entered the Tech Lab and Dani saw the Salarian work behind his station, she stopped dead in her tracks.
"It's okay, sweetheart," Garrus whispered in his ear and gently pulled her further into the lab.
"Dr. Solus, do you have a moment? There's someone I'd like you to meet, our newest addition to the crew. Dr. Mordin Solus, this is Dani Pryde, our Advising Technician. Dani, this is Dr. Mordin Solus our resident scientist."
Dani had to fight the urge to step back under the sudden intent gaze of Dr. Solus. Ever since her abduction, she distrusted everything salarian.
She didn't like their squinty eyes. This salarian regarded her with a very intelligent look in his eyes, but there was also something there . . . something ruthless that made her shudder.
"Advising Technician? Odd title. Also odd that you are introducing her. Usually Shepard's job."
"Shepard was busy, " Garrus replied semi-casually but Dani detected a slight warning in his tone. "I'm showing her around the new Normandy instead."
"Demeanor very protective towards female, female accepting and trusting. Old acquaintances – no, no, old friends. Dani Pryde? You were the victim of Bellerophon experiments. Nasty business, got five salarians killed. Still, had it coming," Mordin yapped away in rapid speed.
At the mention of Bellerophon Dani did step back and immediately felt the comforting arm of Garrus around her waist. Dr. Solus squinted from her to Garrus and back again.
"Ah, not just friends," the scientist stated. "Of course. Hormones. Recommend caution. Warn of chafing. May need analgesic."
"What is he talking about?" Dani asked Garrus, while keeping a wary eye on Dr. Solus.
"With the speed he's talking, I only know half of the time."
Dr. Solus shook his head and took a deep breath.
"Turians based on dextro-amino acids. Human ingestion could provoke allergic reactions. Anaphylactic shock possible. So don't, ah, " Dr. Mordin discreetly cleared his throat. "Ingest."
"For the love of Palaven . . .!" Dani heard Garrus curse behind her back in a strange muffled manner. Dr. Solus continued his advice unfazed.
"If you want, I can forward advice booklets to your quarters. Valuable diagrams, positions comfortable for both species, erogenous zone overview."
"Hello, I'm standing right here you know!" Garrus protested.
Dr. Solus punched in a code on his omni-tool and diligently continued.
"Can supply oils or ointments to reduce discomfort. Gave EDI electronic relationship aid demonstration vids to use as necessary."
"Can someone please kill me now?" Garrus moaned in dismay. Dani just eyed Dr. Solus with suspicion. She squinted her eyes at him.
"Are you ridiculing me?" she suddenly demanded to know. Solus' reaction to her suggestion was quite comical.
"Shocking suggestion!" he cried out and he actually stepped back, seemingly appalled. "Doctor-patient confidentiality a sacred trust," he took a step forward again. He probably would have frowned at this point had he been able to. "Would never dream . . . of mockery!"
"Really? I'm sorry, you're warning me not to ingest for risk of anaphylactic shock. How is that not mockery?"
"Because of his dextro-amino acid based physical make-up of course. Turians dextro- amino acid based, humans levo-amino based."
"Obviously your knowledge of human biology is limited," Dani stated. Dr. Solus just blinked at her in confusion.
"There have been numerous reports of allergic reactions in relation to consuming food not fitting one's own biological make-up."
"Ever heard of mentha spicata or mentha arvensis?"
"Earth plants of same family, yes of course."
"So, according to you, if I would consume say . . . mint tea, or a mojito even, I would be in risk of provoking an allergic reaction?"
"I do not understand your reasoning."
"Mint has a D-amino protein that gives it flavor. According to you, I cannot consume mint. Your reasoning would also mean I'm allergic to myself."
Dr. Solus just blinked a couple of times.
"There are two dextro-amino acids that occur in considerable concentrations in the human central nervous system, d-serine and d-aspartate. Look it up."
"But, but . . . all the studies and reports . . .!"
"Probably individuals that did have an allergic reaction of some kind. I mean, humans can be pretty much allergic to a variety of contagions. It's just more likely that the individuals reacted to some other food component. Quarians are pretty sensitive to anything, period. So in their case it's plausible they can't handle anything other than dextro. I can't speak for reactions in other races of course. But, in the case of humans, it's just not true. Though the misconception is understandable."
"I – I –I . . ." Dr. Solus stammered. "I need to do more research on that matter. Thank you for bringing this erroneous view to my attention. Still, warn of chafing. Offer for oils and ointments still stands."
"Thank you, Dr. Solus. That's very considerate of you. I will keep it in mind. You mentioned something about an erogenous zone overview?"
"You've got to be kidding me!" Garrus moaned. "There's two of them!"
"Yes, already sent it to the extra-net station in your quarters. Vakarian, Pryde . . . Enjoy yourself while possible. Will be here, studying cell reproduction. Much simpler. Less alcohol and mood music required."
"Why would such things be required?"
Dr. Solus stopped his work and blinked again. "For individuals to get in the mood of course."
"My question is still valid. Why would they have need for that?"
"I just told you . . . so individuals can get in the right . . . type of mood."
"That just makes no sense at all. This morning we engaged in sexual activities twice. No alcohol or music was involved."
"Yeah, we are going to stop right there!" Garrus said loudly and grasped Dani by her shoulders.
She looked up at his nervous behavior but didn't object when he turned her around.
"Really? And no mood enhancers?"
"Have a nice day, Dr. Solus!" Garrus called over his back while he practically pushed Dani to the door.
"Dr. Solus . . ." Dani ducked away from him when she realized she forgot to ask one question. Something that gnawed at the back of her mind.
"One more thing. Our entire discussion sparked because you warned me to not ingest. You were referring to turians, not just their food. What shouldn't I ingest exactly? Do turians secrete something I should be aware of?"
"For the love of . . .!" Garrus didn't finish his sentence and Dani yelped when he suddenly picked her up and carried her out of the Tech Lab.
"Garrus, what are you doing!" Dani cried out in embarrassment.
"Getting you out of here, it's not safe!" he barked and he kept walking until there was quite some distance between them and the lab.
When Garrus finally set her down, he nearly dragged her to the bridge. Dani was about to protest this rough handling when she caught sight of Joker. He was already struggling to stand up from his seat and she swore she could see his eyes glistening from a distance. She forgot her annoyance with Garrus and ran up to Joker. Right in front of him she slowed down and – though she wanted nothing more than to fling herself around him – she carefully wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head against his shoulder.
Not a word was spoken between them, they just held on for a couple of moments. For once, Jeff Moreau wasn't full of wise cracks. For once, he had nothing to say. Except, when they finally broke apart, he looked her in the eyes and cracked a small smile.
"Dani Pryde," Joker said while quickly rubbing his eyes to prevent any pesky tears from falling. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Now, first things first . . ." he said, trying and failing to keep a straight face. "Did Garrus finally get around to showing you um, that big gun of his? I'm telling you, he's been obsessed with. . . calibrating. . . the damned thing. It's not healthy. He might turn blind."
"Joker!" Garrus said, his voice sounding anything but amused.
"The Main Battery Gun? Yeah, he showed it to me. I guess your baby's got some teeth now huh? But I thought it needed regular calibrating?" Dani said and then looked confused when Joker guffawed and Garrus slapped a hand against his face plates.
"You still owe me that tactical cloak, Dani," Joker hiccuped while laughing. "Now move your ass and make it work!"
Dani wanted to say something more but Garrus was already pulling her away so she merely caught Joker winking at her before he took place in his seat again.
There would be time later to reconnect. There would be time later for some very bad jokes. She also had a sneaky suspicion that one of them had just flown right past her.