Wow, another update, and so soon! I just couldn't resist. Had to update this. Fluff, oblivious Dani and adorableness. Like I said. Couldn't resist. In answer to a question, this is the story of Garrus and Dani and it's huge (for me) as it is. So unfortunately no, Tali won't be in a romance in this story, I'll leave that up to the imagination of other writers. Maybe I'll change my mind an through in a couple of lines, but I do expect for Tali to be involved with Kal'Reegar if and when that happens and it will only (maybe) be mentioned in passing. On another note, someone thought that Garrus is a bit overprotective in this chapter. I honestly feel that Garrus would actually respond this way after everything that has happened, but, if you feel he is OOC and too overprotective, let me know and I will change it. Anyway... Enjoy :-)
Dani's new tunic - for those who would like to see an image, Google search images: "Defiance season 2 Jaime Murray as Stahma". For me it's the first picture that shows up. It's actually a dress, I just described it as being a tunic.
Dani's new jacket - Google search images: "deus ex human revolution megan", that jacket but without the collar.
A style of my own
The moment the Normandy docked at the Citadel, Dani was chomping at the bit to get off the ship. She was standing near the air lock and was soon joined with Shepard, Garrus and Jacob. Shepard cast her a curious glance.
"You up to something, Dani?"
"I just want to ask permission to leave ship and go to the Citadel. I have some shopping to do."
"Not without me - " Garrus started, his sub-vocals keening, but a gesture from Shepard made him close his mouth again. Dani could see he was not happy.
"Dani, after last time I really don't want you wandering anywhere alone again. Even if this is the Citadel. I'm afraid you'll have to wait till we get back."
"Kasumi is coming with me. So, per your direct orders I'm not leaving the ship on my own, assuming you were joking when you said I can only leave with either you or Garrus."
"Goto's got the attention span of a single cell organism!" Garrus protested. "She'd loose sight of you the moment she sees something shiny!"
"Hello boys. Glad to see you're faith in me is unwavering as ever, Scales." Kasumi smirked, appearing next to Dani.
"Garrus, Shepard . . ." Dani pleaded. "This is something I want to do on my own. Kasumi will keep me safe and I promise not to go with shady scientists, or any other person not associated with the Normandy, without her."
"Excuse us for a moment," Garrus said tersely and he pulled her aside.
"Dani," he started and she could hear something of panic in his voice. "I just got you back and I'll be damned before I lose you again! I don't trust Goto to be able to keep you safe on her own. And last time when you promised . . ."
He swallowed hard and grabbed her shoulders. "Last time you promised you'd be safe, Tali was with you and you didn't come back. We scoured the galaxy for you and it took us six months to finally track you. And then you were gone for two years and I didn't even know if you were dead or alive. Can you understand I have more than a little trepidation about this?"
"Garrus," she whispered. "Last time, I went with complete strangers on good faith and I left Tali behind. Of all the mistakes I made, I regret that the most. I promise Kasumi will be by my side every moment. You should give her more credit. She's more capable than you think. I'll have her update you every five minutes if you want. I won't go with anyone, I won't even speak to anyone. You can't escort me around for the rest of my life."
"I could try," Garrus muttered. "I'm just not sure if I trust her. Helping us on the mission under Shepard's command is one thing. . . but she's still a thief. What if she suddenly sees something that - how do humans put it... tickles her fancy? What if she decides to go after that instead and leaves you on your own?"
"She wouldn't do something like that and I do trust her."
"You've only known her for a day, Dani and to be honest, your track record with trusting people is not a very good one. I've every reason to distrust every person you do trust."
Dani smiled when he leaned in to nuzzle her forehead. "I can't lose you, Dani," he whispered. "Not again."
"Mr. Vakarian if I might offer a suggestion?"
Dani yelped when the blue bobble head of the Normandy AI suddenly appeared on a console right behind her.
"What is it, EDI?"
"I can track every movement Miss Pryde makes on the Citadel and keep a record of everyone she converses with. If that would ease your doubts."
Garrus was silent for a moment and finally nodded his head in agreement.
"The slightest sign of trouble, Dani . . ." he whispered. "You let me know and I'll come for you, I swear to everything that's sacred on Palaven, I'll come for you!"
"I know," Dani whispered back. "But I promise you won't have to."
Garrus nodded at her quickly before he joined Shepard again.
"Thank you, EDI," she said to the AI a bit awkwardly.
"You're welcome, Miss Pryde," EDI chirped before her blue bobble head disappeared.
When Dani walked up to Kasumi, she saw Shepard had already left with Garrus and Jacob.
"So, your boyfriend actually gave you permission to go ashore?" Kasumi said with a grin.
"Don't start, Kasumi!"
They both laughed when they proceeded through the docking area and left the Normandy behind.
Kasumi was the designated tour guide since this was the first time Dani saw the Citadel again after Sovereign's attack. A few things had changed. Kasumi steered them clear of the Zakera Wards and immediately plotted a path passed the Silversun Strip to the Silversun Cascade. According to her, that's where all the good shops were to be found.
First up was a boutique of lingerie, Silversun's Secrets. Once inside Dani hardly knew where to look. There was an entire section of lingerie she would never, ever in her life want to wear. She skipped the section with burning cheeks. She shot Kasumi a glare when she caught her snickering over her embarrassment.
Suddenly Kasumi pulled her behind a large display showing holograms of asari models, showing off a variety of lingerie.
"Sumi!" Dani yelped and was immediately shushed by the mischievous little thief.
"Shh, look!" Kasumi could barely contain her mirth when she pointed to a familiar figure in a tight fitting white suit, perusing the racks they had just passed, with the more . . . provocative lingerie.
"Oh my God! Is that . . . It is!" Dani whispered excitedly. "It's Miranda! So she does her shopping here. . ."
"Every self respecting woman does her shopping here, Dani," Kasumi said. "I knew she was holding back the kinky stuff when she created that little survival package for you!"
"Um Sumi, those black panties Miranda is holding up?"
Kasumi tried the stifle a laugh. "Yes Dani, what about it?"
Oh sneaky little devil! She knew exactly what Dani was getting at!
"It um, it has no . . . crotch."
But Kasumi couldn't answer, she was too busy biting her lip to keep from howling with laughter. Dani just sighed and returned her attention to Miranda. With buggy eyes Dani witnessed the shit load of lingerie Miranda purchased. Damn, how much lingerie could one woman possess?
They were starting to get odd looks from other customers and Dani noticed the shopkeeper was on her way over to them when Miranda finally left the store. With a last snicker Kasumi pulled Dani along to a different section, leaving behind a puzzled looking shopkeeper.
The next section carried more traditional underwear but when Dani approached the racks, Kasumi dragged her away. There was a section of lingerie specifically designed for the honeymoon, a section with lingerie for the larger endowed females. All the racks where divvied up in sections to suit all different female species. She just needed to look out for the label 'human'.
Finally her eyes fell on lingerie that she liked. They were still the skimpy and lacy kind, but not to the point of vulgarity. They looked quite - lovely, in fact. A set she really liked was a soft pink bra, almost white, that looked like it only covered half of the breasts, made of delicate sheer fabric with little butterflies embroidered on strategic places. The front was held together by cute strings also with little butterflies dangling on the ends. The panties consisted of a mere strip of embroidered lace with a butterfly covering the most private area.
She picked a few more sets she liked; silk, lace, velvet in soft appealing colors and all beautifully adorned. She even picked up a few garters and garter belts and also some sleep garments; a few baby dolls, other sleep dresses but also a more comfortable set. When she showed Kasumi her findings, the grin she received set her cheeks on fire.
When they left the shop, Kasumi chuckled in good humor. "You know, I almost feel sorry for him. The poor guy won't know what hit him. Lucky son of bitch."
Dani frowned at the contradiction, "I thought you just said you felt sorry for him?"
Kasumi grinned. "Almost, I said. EDI, you better refrain yourself from reporting this to Vakarian. He can know we're shopping but he sure as hell doesn't need the details. If you do, I'll let Joker cross some wires. Understand?"
"Perfectly, Miss Goto," the AI's voice rang immediately in their ears.
Next stop were a few boutiques. Miranda's costume was custom designed and created, so Kasumi had learned, and therefor not readily available. Dani didn't feel salty about it since it was not the look she wanted to go for anyway. She had no idea what she was looking for, she just assumed she would recognize it when she saw it.
There were many costumes that looked way too militaristic or too science-y. Some looked downright uncomfortable with a lot of leather and buckles and spandex. It was hours before something finally caught her eye – a tunic, woven from a nice fabric with a subtle pearly sheen. It had a high standing collar, like she was used to, but . . . different.
The lapels of the tunic only touched near the collar bone, but further down the space between them increased, creating a plunging neckline all the way down till below the breasts. The open area was covered with a different fabric, so delicate it was nearly transparent.
The sturdier fabric was embroidered with small decorative streaks that followed the curves of the neck and breasts. The tunic had long sleeves but left the shoulders bare and it tapered down the back in small pleats.
When Dani tried it on, she found that the tunic followed her curves nicely. She also decided it was a nice blend of styles, conservative yet sensual. She showed it to Kasumi and the latter took in her appearance with a thoughtful look on her face.
"You know, it's not my style but I think it suits you. The fabric tapers beautifully down the back."
"If you like it, we have a matching jacket," the asari shop owner suggested. Before Dani could answer, the asari had left only to return shortly after, carrying a jacket that Dani fell in love with at first sight. It had a soft leathery look, was beige colored and also had a subtle sheen.
When she tried it on, she noticed how it tapered down the back following the contours of the tunic, but since the jacket was shorter, you could see the trim of the tunic. The lapels were decorated with a floral pattern but wasn't too obvious.
The collar was a broad strip of the same leathery material. The endings overlapped lightly below her throat and also overlapped right over her back in a large cross.
The jacket collar left the tunic collar free and the pointed shoulders added a nice detail. Like the tunic, the jacket was modern, sensual and conservative at the same time. She also liked the black shimmering skinny pants she had tried on with the set. Dani walked out the dressing room to get Kasumi's opinion.
"That looks great on you, Dani," Kasumi smiled. "I wasn't sure when you showed me but seeing it on, it all kind of comes together. The garments complement each other, they complement you. And with the right kind of boots, it's a killer outfit. Just please, not those awful boots you have back at the Normandy."
"Can I forward a picture of the finalized ensemble to Vakarian?"
"No!" Dani and Kasumi chorused and they both started laughing.
"I'll take it!" Dani told the shop owner with a grin. "I'd like four sets please, to be delivered to the Normandy SR2."
"Four sets?" The asari looked incredulous before her face nearly split in a huge grin. "But of course!"
Hours of traveling from one shop to the next commenced, in search of the perfect pair of boots to complement Dani's new outfit. Her eyes finally fell on a pair of long, black, over knee boots decorated with a row of shiny buttons. Like Miranda's boots, the heels were broad enough to give decent support but not nearly high enough to create uncomfortable pressure on the balls of her feet. And they fit her perfectly. When Dani showed Kasumi she got another smirk.
"I should have known you'd find something with buttons!" She shook her head in humor.
Dani smiled, ordered two pairs to be delivered to the Normandy and pulled Kasumi along with her.
Before heading back to the Normandy they decided to go visit the Presidium for a drink. Their omni-tools hadn't been spammed with messages from Shepard or a certain turian. In fact, they hadn't received a single ping. EDI was apparently doing a good job keeping the concerned turian up to date.
Dani was no expert in alcoholic drinks so she had let Kasumi order their drinks. As a result, she was now sipping on her sixth cocktail, this one called The Neck Snap, while her companion was cradling her glass filled with The Memory Stealer.
"I think a simple up-do would go very nicely with your new outfit," Kasumi said after a while.
"If simple means turn, twist and clasp, I'm all ears. Otherwise . . . never mind," Dani tried to focus on Kasumi, but the woman seemed to be swimming in and out of view.
"I think Miranda has just the thing back at the Normandy. She purchased a lovely clasp a while back, but apparently she prefers to just leave her hair down. She'll never miss it. We'll see if it fits with all that hair of yours."
"How long do you think it will take for everything to arrive?" Dani had trouble articulating the words and she blinked a couple of times.
"Depends on the store. Purchased items are usually delivered pretty quickly. Usually within a couple of hours. They'll be there when we get back to the Normandy. Are you going to change clothes immediately?"
"Hmm-mm, too late for that. Too late for anything. What time is it?"
"Oh come on, it's still early. If we ask Gardner nicely, I'm sure he'll whip up a quick something for us. Shepard promised to look into the supplies so it should taste like more food and less ass this time around."
"Not really hungry," Dani slurred. "Can you teach me how to do make-up like you do? It's shooo pretty."
"Um, sure. I believe we already agreed upon that. Just swing by when you're ready. Are we good to go here? Cause you look like we should have gone back to the Normandy like four cocktails ago."
"Yessss, I'gree completally… completellely . . . compleeetly?"
Kasumi snickered and picked up the tab. After a long day of introductions, reunions and shopping, Dani felt near ready to crash to her bed.
Once they took a fast transition to Zakera Ward, it wasn't a long walk back to the Normandy, but Dani felt like her legs were filled with lead instead of titanium. She stumbled over her own two legs and Kasumi had to keep her upright.
"Geez Dani, either you've never drunk before or you can't hold your liquor!"
"I think it's both!" Dani groaned.
"What? Don't tell me you've never had a drink before!"
"Right now, I don't remember! Brain is too fuzzy."
With a lot of help from Kasumi, they both finally made it back to the Normandy. Sure enough, the moment they stepped through the airlock into the interior, Garrus was already there.
"Vakarian, really! Teach your girlfriend how to drink!"
Kasumi pushed Dani towards Garrus. Dani was about to protest but her complaint died on her lips the moment she felt his arms wrap around her. Smiling content she wrapped her arms around his neck. His turian neck that was too broad in a carapace that was almost impossible to snuggle up too but somehow she had figured out a way.
"I'm back," she hummed happy as a bug into his deep collar. "Just like I promised."
"I can see that," he answered wryly. "Though I don't remember you getting wasted being part of our deal."
"T'were just a few cockitails. They were nice."
"Cockitails huh?" Garrus chuckled while he bent down and slipped his arms under her knees to lift her up bridal style.
"Let's get you to bed. Dr. Chakwas was looking forward to have a drink with us. Better make it tomorrow night. Probably with alcohol free drinks for you."
"I found a new outfit that is more me. I'm too much Miranda now."
"You could never be Miranda if you tried and I'm damn grateful for that!" Garrus dead-panned.
"Aw, don't you like Miri? She did lend me some clothes, she can't be that bad."
"Spirits, you call her Miri now? Well, be it as it may, she's still Cerberus and cold as ice to boot. You're many things Dani Pryde but cold as ice you are not."
Garrus activated the elevator and selected the level with the crews quarters. He stepped inside with her and Dani loved the floating sensation of being carried.
"I had a fun day," she murmured while the elevator took them down. "How about you?"
"The usual, tried to get through the thick skulls of the ever idiotic Council members, missed you at dinner."
"At least you had dinner. We were too busy shopping."
"Leave it to women to forgo eating in favor of shopping."
She couldn't see it, but she could just hear him smile. Dani smiled too and snuggled into his embrace.
"Garrus?"
"Yes Dani?"
"I love you," she said. The words were out before she even knew she was going to say them. Well, didn't matter now. They were already out.
His muscles froze and for a moment she wondered what was wrong, the reality of her words already balancing precariously on the edge of the precipice of oblivion.
"I love you too," he mumbled in her ear.
"Hey, did my stuff arrive?" She suddenly perked up.
"Yeah, yeah they did. I – ah – had them delivered to my room."
"To your room? What happened to my room?"
"Well, we're traveling to Ilium to recruit an asari Justicar and an assassin. Shepard had to make room, so we, ah, had your stuff moved to my room. And with stuff I mean those gadgets in your drawer because there was literally nothing else to find. Well, the gadgets and bloody sheets but I got rid of the last. But if you want your room back . . . I'm sure Shepard can rearrange things. . ."
"And give up a room with a private shower? I don't think so. Besides . . ." Dani paused for a moment before she placed her lips to the plates that formed his hearing. "I like waking up in your arms," she whispered.
"And I like falling asleep with you in my arms," he whispered back. "So, basically win-win."
The elevator doors opened when they reached their level.
"Pretend you're asleep," Garrus urged her. "It's the perfect excuse to go straight to my room."
"Don't you want to hang out with your friends?" Dani teased.
"Not right now. I've been waiting for you the entire day from the moment you took that second shower."
"Garrus, I'll probably fall straight to sleep. Are you sure . . .?
"You won't . . ." he replied and his voice was so full of promise, she promptly laid down her head against him and pinched her eyes closed. She could feel a low chuckle rumbling in his chest.
"Good evening all," Garrus called loudly when he stepped into the mess hall.
"Shepard, Dr. Chakwas, would you mind if we take a rain check on that drink? Someone's already had a couple too many as it is."
"We can see that, Garrus," Shepard chuckled. "So, she still can't hold her liquor? Kasumi told us she only had a few cocktails."
"Well, obviously a few is still a few too many," Garrus dead-panned. "I'll get her settled in for the night. Stick around to make sure she's okay and um . . . you know . . . work on some um . . . calibrations."
"Sure," Shepard drawled and Dani swore she could just hear him smirk. "I'll see you tomorrow then. Have a good night and don't work too long on those . . . calibrations. You need your rest."
Dr. Chakwas coughed suspiciously.
"You know me, Shepard," Garrus replied in casual tone. A little bit too casual. "Calibrating is my hobby, I just can't seem to get enough. I could calibrate all night if I wanted to."
"Good God, that sounds dirty, filthy turian!"
"If you think that's filthy, wait till you hear about my ideas for the main gun."
"Stun me."
"Well, if you can get your hands on a Thanix cannon . . . Firing algorithms will be a bitch but that's what I'm here for. It means a lot of calibrating, but . . . when it all comes together, it'll rip through anything that tries to put a hole in the hull."
"Wait, so you were actually talking about . . . calibrating?" Shepard asked with a stunned voice.
Dani listened to the words but had already given up trying to understand. It seemed like they were doing that expressions thing again but now even Shepard was confused. If he was confused, she could never hope to understand so she didn't even try.
"Of course, what did you think?"
"Uh, nothing. Thanix cannon you say? I'll look into it first thing tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion. Well, um . . . don't let us keep you and again. . . take it easy with the calibrations."
This time Shepard said it in a completely different manner. Dani felt how Garrus turned around, most likely in the direction of the Main Battery.
"I will take the utmost care when. . . calibrating. Good night, Shepard, Dr. Chakwas," Garrus greeted them.
As soon as the door of the Main Battery softly hissed closed behind them, Garrus let out a snicker.
"Suckers!" he exclaimed with a chuckle while he carried Dani inside his cabin.