Laryna
The next morning I took a quick shower in the girl's public bathroom, much to the shock of a few of the standard crew. There was only a few I socialized with regularly, and I didn't know if everyone on the ship was aware of my relationship with Garrus, but I had the whole walk of shame vibe going on as I dressed in the casuals I had worn from my cabin to the battery last night, where they were promptly discarded. I didn't want to be smelling of sex though with my morning meditation with Samara, especially when my super senses of a lover would be distracted by it the entire time I'm trying not to kill him with my biotics.
I was nervous. Thane has been the only one I have attempted something like this with, and I had done so knowing he had defenses if I had any lost of control. The only reason I'm going through with this at all is because my justicar believes I'm ready, and she has a century of experience on me, and will be there to help if it turns out I'm not. Even with my power up, I'm sure she can overwhelm anything I could bring to bear.
Garrus was waiting for me out in the hall, wearing his work out casuals, his silver plates slightly darker from the water they had absorbed from his own shower. I smile, bumping my hip into his before leading the way down the hall to the Starboard Observation room. He walked close, but kept his hands to himself. Our relationship may not be a secret, if not widely known, but there was no point in making a scene. I think it was a fair balance with Garrus' original desire to not disrupt the crew, the professional if friendly outward interactions we shared in front of everyone else. Anyone who bothered to know me wouldn't be surprised, anyone who did know me knows the history here, and anyone close enough to be called family approves of my choice.
Samara, unsurprising, was already in her preferred pose, and she inclined her head gracefully as we entered. For the moment, she had Garrus sit on the other side of the room while we went through the usual motions of rebuilding the mental image, aura extension and manipulation, and biotically moving around different sized objects. I cracked the bowl she had her breakfast in earlier, but it was my only mishap. After she was satisfied, she waved my turian back over, both of our bodies still aglow from our energy.
"There is risk, you understand?" Samara asked him.
"Yeah," Garrus replied with a curt nod. "I've worked with a few biotics before. Perhaps not any quite so powerful as you two and others on this team, but I'm no stranger. It is one of my greater weaknesses, though. I'd like to change that. Besides," and he rests a hand on my shoulder, "there isn't anyone I trust more to put my very life on the line with."
"Flatterer," I said, smiling up at him from the floor. He smirks back, his eyes bright. I turn back to my tutor. "How do you want us? Facing each other?"
"No," Samara quickly stated. "The smaller your aura is, the more control you'll have over it, especially its energy output. Since Garrus is obviously the larger of the two of you, I would suggest that he sits with you leaning back against him, keeping your limbs in tight. Make sure you're comfortable. We don't want any form of distraction."
Nodding our understanding, we start to arrange ourselves on the floor. I pulled my biotics inward for now as I sit crossed legged as I normally would be, but with Garrus' chest at my back. He presses in firmly, his legs up over my crossed ones, feet flat on the floor before us, his thighs warm to either side of my body. His arms wrap around my body, just under my breasts. Lastly his chin comes down to rest on my shoulder, right next to his mating mark, and I couldn't help but to twist my neck just enough to press a quick, light kiss into his scarred mandible.
Once we were sure we were as comfortable as we were likely to get, Samara goes into her mediation pose. She focuses her aura into that tiny ball of energy she refuses to teach to me yet, her eyes acquiring the same white glow, and nods at me.
"Get ready," I said softly, placing my hands on my thighs while I close my eyes, looking inwards. Slowly, I allow my energy to dance along my body in small, flowing streams. I could feel Garrus shiver against me, his breathing picking up slightly. I wait until I feel him relax again before I solidified my biotics, much as I would a barrier, but without the hardness. Just pure energy. I waited for his reaction, and was surprised to feel the familiar rumbling purr through his carapace. I couldn't help a chuckle.
"What?" Garrus demanded. "Oops, I didn't mean to talk. Can I talk during this?"
"Laryna is use to maintaining a light conversation during her control exercises," Samara answers. "But I would refrain from attempting to draw out any strong emotion. Including laughter."
"Wasn't his fault in this case," I quickly replied. "He can't help but respond to the outside touch."
"And you can't help but respond to making him feel that way," Samara concluded, a small on her lips. "At least a laugh is company friendly. But we should continue."
I nod, drawing in a deep, calming breath. "You got this," Garrus rumbles in my ear. His voice both centers and excites me. For wanting us to be as undistracted as possible, perhaps having Garrus wrap his warm, sculpted body around mine wasn't the best of plans. Forcing myself to focus on just my biotics, I slowly started to push my aura outwards, as low as my control could obtain, until I had us wrapped in a blue sphere. The purring in his chest increased in strength, and with our bodies pressed up like this, I couldn't ignore it. Best I could do was attempt to not react to it, but it was damn hard with the images it created in my mind, warring with my inner landscape.
We stay like this awhile as I fought with myself. This was a prime example as to why I never brought biotics personally into sex before; I had a hard time maintaining control while distracted by lust. Now with the level of power I had at my disposal, I could easily kill. So having my lover reacting so favorably to my energy invading his body, I wanted that control so horribly so I could spoil him. I know how pleasing it feels, how arousing; what Garrus was experiencing now would be nothing compared to what I could do, if I could only learn control.
"Increase your output slowly," Samara interrupted my thoughts. "Garrus, tell us immediately when it starts to become uncomfortable. What you're feeling right now is where we eventually want you to be when she's putting out a lot more energy."
"Understood," Garrus replied, his voice a little husky. "Ready when you are," he said to me directly, drawing in a deep breath in preparation.
"Okay," I replied, nervous again. As slowly as I could, I started to put more strength into my aura. It didn't take long before I heard him hiss, his body tensing against mine. I stop immediately.
"I can take a little more," he grates.
"We're not pushing this," I instantly countered. "It's your first session. We have time to work up to higher tolerances." I heard his mandible click in agitation against his jaw, even as he breathing continues to be a little heavy. "Don't see this as a lack of strength on your part, babe. It's training, like anything else. It takes time and determination."
Garrus sighs and nods. So we endured. I kept myself leveled out like this, focusing on my breathing and any signs of change in his body. He isn't able to relax again at all, though his breathing evens out eventually, which was a good sign.
"Bring your aura back down, Laryna," Samara ordered after roughly a half hour. "Maintain that for about ten minutes, and then allow them to fade completely."
Doing as instructed, I allowed the power to drain away until we were back at the much more pleasant level. Garrus' body relaxes almost instantly, and he sighs into my neck, purring again. I allow a smile, which threatened to explode into a grin when I felt a bulge against my tailbone. No, don't focus on that. Low level, steady, breathing in, then out, back in, out…. Damn, I hope I can do this in private with him soon.
After I estimated enough time had passed, I allowed my biotics to fade. I slumped back into my turian, drained. Not quite post battle tired, but my body was really complaining right now about the lack of breakfast before coming into this.
"I am impressed, Commander," Samara said, allowing her own biotics to fade. "You took to it with even more ease than I thought you capable of. And her words to you earlier were true, Garrus. Trust in us, and you'll be able to shrug off a warp or focus during a singularity without any trouble in the future."
"Yeah, I'll work on the patience thing," he chuckled, still firmly wrapped around me. "Forgive my forwardness, Samara, but how soon before she can bring this into a more private setting?"
"Garrus!" I hissed, flushing.
The justicar laughed, the sound rich and airy. "Perhaps after a few more sessions for you to continue to get use to it at more intense levels if you're feeling impatient, sooner if Laryna can maintain control while distracted. And I have the feeling you can be very distracting, Garrus."
"So, same time tomorrow?" he asks, and I roll my eyes.
"Perhaps not so soon again for you," Samara said gently but with clear humor. "You'll likely feel a little off today; tingles along your nerves from the extended exposure. As you grow accustomed to it, you'll gain an energy boost from it. There is one thing I think I should mention though, before we continue even in the future." She stands, and walks over, lightly touching the edge of my mating mark where it peeks from under my shirt. "If you two should ever decide to bond, after being so exposed to her biotics, it will make it even more intense than it usually is for your kind, Garrus. Considering the physical relationship you already share, it may even happen on accident."
He had stiffened at her words, but they weren't making much sense to me. Samara was making a bondmate for turians sound much like it is for asari; two people woven even on a mental level, not just physical.
"What would you suggest?" Garrus asks.
"You can continue your resistance training with another biotic, someone you know you'd never become sexually drawn too, so you're not so use to Laryna's during sex. Never mark her when her biotics are active, regardless of exposure. Not to mention keeping your own control in general. But," and she smiles, "the resulting bond continuing like this would be powerful, possibly both ways."
"Thank you," Garrus said before I could question anything. "I will...uh, think about it."
"And speak to your mate," Samara added, an authoritative note to her voice. "She seems confused." She gently pats my cheek, in a motherly way, and retakes her favorite spot on the floor. "I look forward to your party tomorrow, Commander. It will be interesting to see such a highly regarded human custom first hand."
I smile in response, but it was just my automated reflex taking over. My mind was elsewhere.
Garrus
Ryna was quiet as we left Samara's quarters. I knew she was confused; I would be too in her position. Beyond mentioning it in passing as we were explaining the more common relationship customs between our peoples, we haven't touched on bonding. Something like that was far to soon in a relationship, even one as unique as ours.
I never considered, when we discussed this kind of training, that it could have that kind of effect on either of us. Spirits, I was already worried about accidentally bond marking her to begin with; it's been getting harder not to clamp down on the sweet curve of her neck and shoulder when we're having sex. I came close to crossing that line just last night, moving it further out into the safer zone of her shoulder. It wasn't where I was originally planning on applying it. It didn't really help that her mark was right where it would be in a bonding, but her options were much more limited than my own. I touched the mark gently, remembering how amazing it felt.
Damnit, I know I was already in too deep. I had meant what I said, that I would be hers for as long as she wanted me. No woman from my own kind ignites my blood and passion the way she does. The way her body feels under mine, or how she can easily make me submit without a second thought, matching me round after round, nearly every single night since we started… And the way she tortures me with her human mating ways. Her lips against my mouth was exotic and exciting as it was, but when she applied that to my cock, I nearly blacked out from pleasure.
The war between our people would have ended quickly if they'd just lock them in a room naked with each other for awhile. Human mouths were a precious gift.
And tasting her. Spirits, there was nothing like it. Salty and musty, slightly sweet. Never ending. The more I licked at her, the more she produced. And the trust she put in me not to hurt her. The trust she always seems to have in me, regardless of the situation. It doesn't matter if I have her pinned to her bed or covering her flank in the field, her confidence never waivers. It would be an honor to have Ryna has a bondmate, even if I could never actually be worthy of such a remarkable woman.
Not to mention my father would likely disown me if I bonded with a human. A Spectre one at that.
"Where did you, lover?" Ryna asked, breaking into my thoughts.
"Sorry," I mumbled, a low, embarrassed thrill escaping me. She didn't react to it. That was taking some getting use to, as well, the apparent fact that she can hear some of my subharmonics now. Mostly just the sexual ones, though. I think. It was hard to tell and I wasn't sure how to breach that subject with her. "Just sorting through my thoughts."
She nodded, understanding on her face. "We should talk, but there is a lot I need to do for tomorrow, and not a lot of time to do it in. So we can shelve it. For now. I'm having a hard time thinking straight right now anyway with how damn hungry I am."
I chuckle, surprised that she was functioning as well as she was, considering the exercise last night and the biotic use this morning. A pleasant shiver went through my plates and down to my sheath, remembering how her biotics felt flowing through me. Damn it, I barely got it to retreat before leaving the room. I clear my throat. "If there's no follow up session right away, then we have time. We'll be dragging through space for awhile at any rate, chasing down the Flotilla."
"Yeah," Ryna agreed. "It does help that your boyfriend can't run away when on a starship." I bark out a little laugh, allowing the tension to leave me for the time being. There was no point in getting stressed out about it. Right now, it was just information. She had a right to know everything. For the time being, I just needed to focus on making her happy.
"I'll be in the main battery if you need me for anything," I said as we reached the kitchen area.
"Aren't you hungry?"
"More tired than anything," I admitted.
She nodded again. "My first session with Samara had me so drained, I could barely move." She gave me a mischievous little smile. "Then the next one left me with energy to spare."
Spirits. "I remember," I coughed, and returned her smile. Yeah, risks aside, I wanted to explore more of her biotics with her. If she was agreeable. I didn't want to risk missing out on anything, if these were our last days alive.
I left her in the kitchen, retreating to the main battery and my hidden cot. I tossed the dirtied blanket from last night into the corner with the one we had soiled earlier in the day, making a mental note to hit the laundry room. Then I carefully dug out my gift for Ryna from my possessions under my cot, opening the bag. Inside was the visor I've been customizing for her. It wasn't a one sided affair like my own; I knew from her hardsuit computer that she prefers a full screen viewing in combat situations. When I had seen this base model on Illium, I knew I had to get it for her. I have customized my own visors since I was fifteen, and I relished the challenge in doing the same for her. It put all my knowledge to the test, from what information would benefit her fighting styles to personal tastes. I had to upgrade a lot of the processors and extend the ram to make sure I could include everything I wanted, and to make sure she could add anything else she may like.
Activating the interface, the rich violet screen spreed under the delicate looking band. I went through the menus, checking everything for the hundredth time, and the direct connection I had installed to my own visor as well.
It was a bit of an investment on my dwindling funds, but one I was happy to give for. Not that it ended up hurting me in the long run, now that I know I had an income coming in and more saved up unknowingly then I could know what to do with on a moment's notice. I should send some of that my father's way, help pay for my mother's treatments.
Convinced there wasn't anything else I could do to it, I place it back in its bag and hid it again. I wasn't sure when I should give it to her; every human I had asked had different opinions on when would be a good time to give someone their presents. What an odd holiday.
I did doze for a bit, all to aware of the tingling sensations Samara had warned me about now that I wasn't actively distracted by anything. It wasn't unpleasant, but was making my nap difficult. I gave in shortly after lunch time, making my way back out to the mess. The usual spread was set out on the closest dining table, all the space in the kitchen sorely needed by the looks of it.
Ryna and Rupert were darting around each other, going from small working station to working station they had set up with the many folding tables arranged around the island, all the while giving instructions to the small handful of helpers at their disposal. Gabby and Ken from the engineering deck were busy peeling what I assumed where vegetables, while Thane went about cutting them with impressive dexterity. Jack was hovering over some kind of sweet smelling, spongy looking block, covering it with colorful frosting. Kelly was tearing up what looked like loaves of bread into small pieces. All the burners on the stove were in use, and I could feel the heat from both ovens going.
Not willing to brave the barely controlled chaos before me, I went to the little hidden cabinet under the stairs to the battery and pulled out a few ration bars. I watched again, amused, as my mate and our crew worked, clearly already have been at this for awhile now.
"Do you need me to do anything?" I asked Ryna when she finally broke away for a quick break. She smiled, running the back of her hand across her forehead and smearing some kind of sauce in its passing. I grinned.
"Could use another cooler unit from storage," she requested. "Maybe two."
"I'll get them up here," I promised, and she bumped my side before reentering the war zone. I hummed at the simple gesture. I liked knowing she was having as much trouble not physically touching in public as I was. It was playful, but it suited my best friend. My mate.
With Grunt's help, we hauled the equipment up. The first Ryna nearly filled almost instantly with dishes that needed to be kept cool until they were cooked, or so she explained. The depth of her knowledge as she maneuvered around dishes from so many different species and cultures never ceased to amaze me. The work continued until dinner time, in which Ryna was finally able to sit down for a break, and I was quick to bring her some food Rupert laid out, as well as some leftovers carefully covered in the fridge for myself.
Tali made an appearance about when we were finished. Ryna greeted her gently, and waved off the apologies that the little quarian attempted to make for chasing her friend out of her own quarters. A few dining crew risked looking over at that, curiosity on their faces, probably wandering where their commander slept if not in her cabin. I couldn't help the pride I felt knowing it was my bed she eagerly sought, my body that gave her pleasure, and my claim upon her skin.
"There's no point in stressing about it more right now," Tali was saying, accepting a cup from Rupert with a nod and muttered thanks. "Especially when I finally get to see a Christmas tomorrow. Everyone has been talking about it, and it was a fond topic for reminiscing back on the original Normandy, too. I see you've been busy all day with food preparation. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Ryna shrugged, running a hand through her unkempt hair. It was still down, since I had accidentally broken her tie last night, and she never returned to her bathroom for another. I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms, resisting the urge to run my talons through it.
"We still have a little bit more to do, but nothing that going to demand nearly as much attention as everything else up to this point did," my mate replied, her eyes a little unfocused in thought. "Since you had a huge part in the programming for the holo decorations, want to give Gabby and EDI a hand in getting them displayed properly?"
"Sure, that actually sounds like fun," Tali agreed.
"Laryna, have you decided where you wanted the tree?" EDI piped in. Tree?
"I was thinking in the space here between the main battery and the med-bay, since most of crew will be spending their time here because of the food. Remember to leave enough space on the underside so the projection doesn't obscure the gifts that will be on the floor."
"Very well," EDI said cheerfully. "When you're ready to start, Tali, just let me know and I will inform Mrs. Daniels."
"Just let me finish my drink," Tali said, sounding more cheerful herself.
Sitting more upright, I lean over to Ryna. "Are, uh, all gifts suppose to go under this tree?"
"Nah," she chuckled, her eyes dancing. "I was hoping, if everyone was agreeable, to holding a more private gathering of my ground crew in my quarters in the evening. The public area is more for the Secret Santa gifts. It's a more discreet way for people to not find out who their Santa was. Or," and her eyes danced, "do you need an even more private moment for your gift giving?"
Instantly I regret staying practical. "No," I said sadly, and she actually giggled and then shrugged.
"Perhaps that's for the best. I wouldn't know how to pull off stuff like...what I had in mind… off anyway."
I couldn't resist leaning in a little closer, my mouth plates right up to her ear, lowering my voice to the husky tones she likes. "Now I'm curious. I can't imagine there being anything in the galaxy that the great Commander Shepard couldn't pull off." She shivered delicately, and I grinned. "And when she has such an opened minded bed partner, who has already learned so much about many of the sexual kinks of humans, why would she hesitate?"
She placed her entire hand on my face and gave me a playful shove back, and I couldn't help but laugh. "You're an evil man, Vakarian," she scowled, grinning.
"Isn't that why you keep me around?" I countered, leaning back in my chair again.
"It's one of the reasons, I suppose," she teased, drawing a few chuckles from bystanders.
Tali shook her head, sitting her empty cup on my tray as she stood up. "You two are great for bringing light into one's mood," she said sincerely. We both instinctively grab a hand, and broke into grins. Tali laughed, giving our hands firm squeezes before pulling away. "Alright EDI, have Gabby met me in the CIC. It's a good place to start, and I want to check in on Joker."
"Bring food," Joker demanded over the ship comms, causing another round of laughter. Rupert instantly got to work fixing a tray though, and Tali thanked him and headed towards the elevator with it. I think she'll be okay. Not many young people from any species would have been able to do what she has done, so I have no doubt she'd be able to pull through this unjust situation her people threw her into.
A timer went off then, and Ryna bounced up out of her chair, dashing towards the kitchen, much to everyone's amusement. I watched her thoughtfully as she and Rupert studied whatever it was they had in the oven; it smelled really sweet and fruity. I couldn't help but wander where her mind went earlier; what she thought I might have gotten her. She has been extremely open with me sexually since we've became lovers. Normally I would never consider stepping over that line in getting a female something provocative, asking her to fill in a personal fantasy or kink. I've never been in a strong enough relationship, serious or causal, to venture down that kind of path. The trust something like that takes….
Huh. Trust like between two best friends that have been through hell and back, perhaps? What would she be willing to do? An asari dancer outfit, that's an intriguing idea. It would show off her waist perfectly. Role play, maybe? So many dangerous combinations available there. Wait, didn't I still have my C-Sec cuffs hidden in my armor?
I let out the breath I realized I was holding. If I didn't stop the flood of possibilities that were suddenly running through my head, I won't be safe to get up from this chair at all in the near future. Spirits, I've never wanted to be in a civilized area to do some shopping so bad in my life. Though, maybe I should speak with her about it first, so I don't end up airlocked instead of laid. I chuckled at myself. It's not like what we do now is boring. Hopefully Ryna is right, and we pull out of this crazy mission alive, and have more time to explore each other properly. Though, I know I'm right, too. More war was coming. She has seen it. We've witnessed proof to it.
And I'll be by her side through it all, where I belong.
Laryna
My room was in perfect order when I was finally able to retire for the night. Tali had taken the time to clean up after herself. I ducked into the bathroom and took a long shower, cooler than I usually enjoyed it. I was still feeling hot from working around the ovens all day. But we successfully got all the deserts and finger food trays made, and everything but the swan prepped and ready to cook. Then I started laughing, still unable to understand how Rupert found a swan of all things on Illium.
I took the time to pull my gifts for my team from their hiding place under my bed, setting them in a neat, crazy looking pile on my coffee table. The only one that wouldn't fit in the space was my gift to Garrus, so I prompted it up against the wall next to the coach. I then spent a little while setting up some of the holos in my room, including a thin, silver colored tree with golden lights and small orbs of purple and blue.
Burying myself into my covers, I quickly fell asleep.
The following day shift was full of activity, and easy laughter. I put on a light, long sleeved red shirt over a pair of vivid emerald colored pants. I hadn't thought to grab or make anything obviously themed for today. I sneak down to see Joker first and to give him his gift. It wasn't something he should open in front of others, no matter how amusing it would end up being. I snatched his hat and kissed the top of his head before he could protest, and replaced it, placing the wrapped box in his lap as I did so.
"Make sure you're...well, as alone as you can get," I whispered with an evil grin. "Merry Christmas, Jeff."
"Thanks, Commander," he said, eyeing the box curiously. "You, too. Don't have your gift on me. I'll get it to you later, cool?"
"Very cool," I agreed, winking and moving on. I found Kelly just approaching her station as I exited the cockpit, and I waved at her. "Little gift exchange in my cabin after hours, if you're interested."
"Sound exciting," Kelly quickly agreed, a bright smile on her face and an unusual glean in her green eyes. I pause a moment to puzzle over it, but she met my inquiring look easily, so I shrug and continued quickly on my rounds, heading towards the armory. Everyone was still required to report to their assigned areas for the morning shift, a double check to make sure there were no issues before the entire ship was distracted. It made doing my rounds and extending my private invitations easier. No one turned me down as I moved between all three floors.
I got to the mess hall about a half hour before the afternoon shift was due to start. I rearranged the tables we used for food prep the day before into a long, wrap around design, one that helped keep people from stumbling over into the beautiful holo tree EDI created; a classical masterpiece with multi colored lights, orbs, snowflakes, and stars, all in between fuzzy garlands and gleaming beads. A elegant star glowed on the top, providing the most light in the room. It looks like most everyone that was part of the Secret Santa had gotten their presents under the holo.
We barely got the table covered with the cooling pads and the decorative table clothes so we could start putting out food when the shift changed, marked simply by the first song coming out on the ship comms. Rupert and I exchanged a grin, and I couldn't help but laugh as I darted to the first cooler to start pulling out trays. We managed to get about a third of the buffet set up as people started to enter the mess. Trays of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, crackers, spreads, sweeten fruits and tiny vegetable skewers. Dipping sauces and pretzels. Chips and popcorn. And all the sugar cookies we made, covering a table all on their own.
On a separate table, set up next to the kitchen island, I laid out the dextro snacks I made.
Fixing a plate myself, I take some time to eat and mingle. I was dragged into singing a few songs, and was embarrassed as people actually enjoyed my soprano. I confessed to singing in a choir briefly when I was an orphan on Earth. Even while I was a member of the Reds, I would sneak away, just to sing. Not as often as I would to work in my cousin's cafe, but enough to make some pleasant memories.
Honestly, I had a whole whirlwind of creative hobbies. They just had no place in military life. The Normandy gave some of that back to me, with friends I can share that with, made all the more special by being able to express that side of me on such a special holiday.
I've been grateful for Cerberus for giving me a second chance to fight again. But looking around, seeing two of my closest friends laughing at the funny little humans around them, my pilot and doctor toasting each other, and the new team I had worked to pull together lost in their own little moments, I realized that I was glad to be alive.
Truly alive, with a future, because there was no way I was going to let the Reapers stop me now.
Kelly had expressed some concern to how easily I had adapted to life again after what I've experienced. And I hadn't been able to avoid the nightmares when they snuck up on me, and occasionally loose a little sleep. I had a hard time explaining to her that I'm just stubborn. I may stress about something, or over think it, for a day or two, then I bury it. While I can admit it's not the healthiest way to deal with something, it's worked for me since I was a teen on the streets. I couldn't afford to dwell on bad events. It comes down to self trust. As long as I know I did my best, I can usually move on.
The only thing that really haunts me right now was destroying that relay to delay the Reapers. Wiping out a colony of that size...I wished I'd done more.
Suddenly a pair of arms were wrapping themselves around me, and I instinctively rest my head back against a hard chest. "Hey, you. You alright?" Garrus mumbled. The darkness fades, and I smile.
"Yeah," I reply. "Just lost in a lot of thoughts today, I suppose. Thanks for the distraction."
"It's what I'm here for," he quips, and I laugh. "It's an interesting party," he continues, allowing his arms to fall to his sides and I reluctantly pull away. "Be more fun with alcohol."
I roll my eyes at my turian, and he smirked. "With dinner, big guy. I also have a stash up in my quarters. Worry not. Speaking of dinner, I need to start getting some stuff in the oven." Garrus waits for me to get the first round of prepped pans in the oven before joining me with the others. I snatched a cookie on our way, cupping my free hand to catch the crumbs as I take a large bite out of a reindeer. I let out a pleased little moan. "Sugary heaven."
"It looks like you're eating a toy," Garrus said. "Smells nice, though."
"You know," Dr. Chakwas said, showing up at his elbow, actually making the large turian jump slightly. "With your medication, you can get away with limited amount of levo food, Garrus. You likely won't gain any nutrients from it, but it won't make you sick."
"Yeah?" he replied thoughtfully. He eyes the tables.
"Here," I offered, holding up my cookie. "If you like it, you can get one of your own." Garrus nods, and gently cradles my hand in his while raising them a little higher to take a small bite. I smiled as the frosting smears on his upper mouth plates, and wait somewhat patiently as he rolls the small piece on his tongue before swallowing it. He licks the frosting away, as well.
This should not make me want to devour him as badly as it suddenly does.
Dr. Chakwas waited a long moment, making sure he indeed wasn't going to have any adverse effects, and went about to mingle with others.
"Well?" I finally asked.
"It's different," Garrus replied, "but not in a bad way. Maybe a little to sweet."
"That's why they're called sugar cookies," Jack deadpanned behind me, and I couldn't help but jump this time, which had her cracking up loudly. I flipped her off, which made her laugh so hard tears started running down her face.
The afternoon went on pleasantly. Rupert and I danced between the party and the kitchen, making sure the next round would be ready by dinner time. The swan was starting to fill up the mess hall in it's aroma, and the stand alone oven it was roasting in was getting a lot of eager glances. Tali started teasing Garrus about the amount of levo food he was trying, usually from whatever plate I was carrying around, though I was fairly certain it was to cover up her own jealously.
Just before the evening shift we cleared the tables of what little food there was left, replaced the cooling pads with heating ones instead, and added clean tablecloths. Rupert and I started putting out the hot dishes; mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, stuffing, bread sticks, varies vegetables in butter or cream sauces or candied, gravy, and of course our exotic bird. I let Rupert have the honors of slicing it. I had also taken the time to make some of Garrus' and Tali's favorite dextro dishes, which I got to taste for the first time, with clearance from Dr. Chakwas. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Garrus also seemed to enjoy the richer, heavier levo foods than that of the lunch fares.
As I had promised earlier, drinks were brought out. Mostly wines and brandies. We weren't able to get our hands on any eggnog, much to my disappointment. The gathering became more energetic now, songs old and new were sung with more laughter. I fell out of my chair laughing when EDI had tiny hologram elves running amok among the party goers, Kelly practically falling on top of me.
The area near Miranda's office was converted into a dance space, and I had several of the girls drag me over despite very loud protests.
"I really can't dance!" I shouted, considering my biotics to escape.
"Then you think about it to hard," Kasumi scolded, and boldly pressed up against my backside. "You just need to move with the music." Her hands gently smoothed down my hips and she swayed her hips into mine, forcing me to go with the movement. "I find it easier to imagine like I'm making love to it," she whispered, and sensually arched, one part of her body teasingly moving along mine in grazing brushes from one point to another before disappearing.
"I've seen footage of you on the battlefield," Kelly added, dancing close to my front. "You have natural rhythm. You respond to your situation and environment smoothly. Music is your battlefield. Every note an incoming shot. Every drum beat an explosion. Every word a teammate calling to you for cover."
Sighing, doing my best not to scowl, I slowly start to move with the insisting bodies around me. I wasn't sure which advice to attempt to follow. Picturing myself in bed with Garrus was causing heat to rush to my face, but I could easily allow my body to fall into the patterns we have developed, though moving against such softer forms was throwing me off a little. But for more intimate dancing, it seemed to be working.
"That's it!" Kat encouraged, finally removing her hands and allowing me to move completely on my own. I laughed, throwing my hands into the air and swaying, picturing my lover's talons caressing my arms and over my breasts as they moved to my hips to pull me closer, and the thought caused me to arch and nearly moan aloud. I heard a couple catcalls.
"She can't dance," Jack scoffed, joining our circle.
I flashed Kasumi a grin. Her insights was surprising, but welcomed. I'm sure I had made another friend for life in the master thief. The music changed to something more fast pace, a Christmas song I didn't know. Suddenly I'm weaving in and around my dance partners, responding on instinct when I saw an incoming hand, elbow, knee or foot, dodging and moving in counter balance. Garrus was still heavy on my mind; we moved effortlessly on the battlefield, but that kind of environment was more haphazard. Here I was able to pick up the patterns in the song, and could plan accordingly. It wasn't giving into the music like I'm sure Kelly wanted, planning like this, but I was still moving on my own.
I allowed them to keep me dancing for a couple more songs, following their leads and hoping the flush on my cheeks were viewed as being from the physical activity rather than my silent muse. I sneak a few peeks at Garrus as I had fun with the girls, noticing his amused smirk and the heat in his eyes. I held out a hand, curling my fingers in invitation, but he shook his head, leaning back into his chair in a clear negative. I wandered if it was because he doesn't like to dance, or if he couldn't trust to be that close to me right now. I was finally able to escape though to set out the desserts, quickly assisting in wrapping up the leftovers and putting them away.
There was a lot of love that went into the sweet treats we laid out next. As much as I enjoyed cooking, I enjoyed baking more. Jack had given me a lot of help here too, and the chocolate cake we made together was definitely eye catching. A couple different fruit pies, brownies, and alcoholic chilled coffee completed the lay out. Normally coffee and I didn't get along, but I always enjoyed a chilled one with my sweets.
After making sure Rupert had everything in hand, and the rest of the crew started with their Secret Santa gift openings, I peeled away from the party, heading towards the elevator, Garrus, Tali, Zaeed, and Miranda in tow. The rest would come up when they were ready, but we had agreed ahead of time that all us abandoning at the same time would be in poor grace.
That and my quarters may not be able to hold us all at once, regardless.
I entered my cabin first, thinking about sending a message to Kasumi and Jack about maybe bringing up some of the leftover food, when I saw the pile of wrapped gifts on top of my work desk, quickly followed by a smirking Joker standing further in my quarters next to a now very full fish tank.
A few snickers broke me out of my surprise, and I realized I was blocking the way for the others to come inside. With a dramatic sigh, I stepped aside, eyeing the gifts warily. There were a lot more than just from my ground crew, much less just my closest friends.
"The Normandy crew wanted to make sure they got you something, too," Joker said, standing at the bottom of the stairs now, grinning up at me. "So they got you more fish for your tank; you have to admit, it's more colorful and fun to watch now. And we thought you could use another hobby, other than cooking and you know," he jerks his thumb at Garrus, who had seated himself on the couch, "him."
"Don't be jealous," Garrus remarked at the pilot.
"Pfft," Joker snickered. "I could have had the Commander whenever I wanted. You had to wait over two years to even brave a kiss." I burst out laughing, reaching down to flick his hat nearly off his head affectionately.
"I would almost believe that, if her staring at you wouldn't break you in half," Garrus growled back, equally amused and threatening. Joker joined me in another round of laughter.
"No need to wait on ceremony," I said, waving my hand at the gift pile. "Feel free to open anything, not you Joker you got yours already," I quickly added, looking at my prankster of a pilot, "whenever you want. There's drinks in the fridge."
Joker slowly made his way up the short stairs and leaned against the backdrop to my work desk. "I dunno if I want to kiss you or kick you for your present, Commander."
Grinning, I lean back in my chair to look up at him easier. "Pfft, you know you love it. It'll make your porn nights a lot more fun."
"In case you had forgotten, I have an overlord that never leaves me the hell alone," he reminded me, though the bite that usually underscores his words were a great deal lessen then they were in the past. "I can't even request privacy, since my condition requires constant monitoring, on Dr. Chakwas orders." I made a mental note to myself to talk to Karin about that; even Joker deserves privacy to let off some steam.
"Laryna," Miranda said, coming up behind my pilot. "When did you take this?" She was holding up the framed holo-pic I had given her; a decent shot of her with her sister after our mission to secure her safety.
"Do you like it?" I asked, hoping I hadn't crossed a line.
"Yes. It's lovely. I never had a family photo before…" Miranda muttered, her voice thick. She cleared her throat and gave me a smile. "Thank you, Commander."
"Hey sweetheart!" Zaeed shouted from the coach. "Mind telling me what the hell this is?"
Before I could answer Garrus had leaned forward to study the small open box in the merc's hands. "That is the latest version of an omni-blade."
"No shit?" was the gruff reply. "Can you install that?"
"Sure," Garrus said, relaxing back into his seat. "Bring it by the battery tomorrow. Should only take a few minutes." Tali's delighted squeal interrupted him, and she bounded up the stairs and threw her arms around me.
"Keelah, thank you, Laryna. I can't remember the last time I had turian chocolates." I returned her hug, pleased. In truth, Tali was likely the easiest to buy for. "Do you want a piece?"
"Maybe later," I said, patting my stomach. She nodded her understanding and reverently placed the box in a pocket of her suit.
"Aren't you going to open your gift?" Tali asked Garrus as she rejoined the group on the coach.
Garrus flickered his mandibles at me. "It's pretty obvious what it is. No hurry." I roll my eyes.
"You should start on your own piles there, Laryna," Tali added. I played up another dramatic sigh, and started in on my gifts. Apparently, my new hobby was to be building little model spaceships. I had never considered such a thing before, but as I studied the boxes and admired the details they promised were hidden inside; it appealed to my artistic side. And a nice, wide variety of ships from different species, not just human. There was a card naming each of the new types of fish I was given, along with the location of additional feed down in the cargo hold.
The only other card was one that read See Joker on the inside. I instantly look up at the man in question, holding up the card. He grinned, and stepped out the door to my cabin for a second, carefully coming back inside holding a glass cage. I instantly jump up, afraid it would be to heavy for his bones, and a little surprised squeak sounded as I took the weight of it in my arms. Casting a curious look at Joker, I set the cage on my desk and kneel down.
A tiny little hamster was huddled inside, hiding by a running wheel. I cooed at it, unable to help myself. It was light brown in color, with a vibrant pink nose and shiny black eyes, white whiskers that seemed to be constantly in motion.
"You got me a real pet," I finally said, looking up at the smug looking pilot.
"I wanted to get you a puppy," Joker stated with a shrug. "But I couldn't find any breed for space ships on Illium in time. Then this little guy caught my eye. He'd be a lot easier to care for. I also got him a floor ball and plenty of replacement padding for his cage."
"He's perfect, Jeff," I said, meaning it. I haven't had a pet since I was four. A dog, which was likely the reasoning behind Joker's original choice, but the hamster did make more sense on a starship. I remove the top of the cage and slowly lowered my hand, offering a finger. It sniffed at me cautiously, and he didn't bolt when I stroked the finger along its back. I replaced the top and gently wrapped the man in a hug, pressing my lips to his cheek. "Thank you."
Joker blushed, finally retreating to take a seat.
Tali had gotten me a whole host of new programs for my omni-tool, mostly hack assists and additional firewalls. Zaeed had given me a new combat knife, learning I had a habit of losing mine in the body of a foe at some point or another. Miranda got me an undated pass to one of the best restaurants on the Citadel.
The night went slowly on, and more gifts were exchanged as we all hang out, just enjoying our time together as people came and went. Eventually I was left alone in my quarters with my mate. He had finally opened his widow sniper rifle earlier, and had spent a large part the evening looking up the best mods he would need to get the best performance from it. I knew it was heavier than what he normally would use, so we got into a huge discussion about if he should switch up what weapons he could carry when he had it on him, or maybe use a lighter set of armor so he could still carry all of his back ups.
When he had started getting into actual numbers with EDI I stole away to my bathroom. I yawned at myself in the mirror, pleased with the day. Everyone seemed happy with their gifts, and I got some fun new gadgets and tokens. I had to admit, it was the best Christmas I have had in many years.
It was silent when I reemerged into my quarters, and I looked around, worried that maybe Garrus had decided to retire to the main battery for the night. I smiled in relief when I saw him still on the coach. His mandibles twitched at me, and he nodded his head towards the coffee table. I looked, seeing a silver bag waiting. I realized that I hadn't gotten anything from Garrus, and I smiled nervously at him as I sat down next to him on the coach.
"Sorry for the simplistic bag," Garrus muttered, sounding embarrassed. "I wasn't aware of the tradition of brightly colored boxes or paper to present gifts in."
"It's fine," I assured him, placing a hand on his knee while reaching for the bag with my other. "It's just fun, not really a rule." I set the bag carefully on my lap, noticing it wasn't heavy at all, and reached down inside. Cool metal met my fingers, and I carefully pinched the mystery object and lifted it up from it's containment. I was surprised at the slightly nervous hum from my best friend as I studied the sleek visor in my hands.
It was elegant. A thin, polished silver band curved gently with twin brackets on each side, designed to fit snugly around human ears. The band widens about an inch before it meets the wrap arounds, but only the right side has noticeable buttons set into the space. Faint purple LEDs decorated the piece. It looked like it would fit under a full helmet if I wanted it too, and was very much less bulky than the visor I would sometimes wear planet-side.
Garrus clears his throat and holds out his hand. I carefully pass it over, and sit still as he goes about lowering it into place, making very slight size adjustments. He taps the first of the buttons on the right side, and a pale purple interface appears, filling my field of vision. The visor focuses in on him instantly, his name clearly displayed in the upper margins, with readouts like his heart rate and body temperature underneath.
"Currently it's programmed much like my own," Garrus started to explain. "It'll give you combat analysis on your environment and foes, any available information on individuals, weapon specs, gear. A targeting assist program. I installed a program that will help with any but the most advanced security measures. It has recording features, both audio and visual. I admit to not knowing what kind of music you like, so currently it has my library downloaded with plenty of room to add more. It syncs with your omni-tool, giving you access to comms and files. And I did install a direct link between our visors as well, so we can chat and listen as long as we're within a certain range of each other."
I smiled at that as I curiously tapped through the menus, learning my way around the device. A lot of the songs I didn't know. It's response time was far superior to what I used now. "Garrus, it's amazing. How long have you been working on this?"
"Since Illium," he responded, finally relaxing. He worries to much. How could I not love something so carefully and lovingly created? I closed the display, the world going back into its natural hues, and closed the distance between us to kiss his good mandible. Garrus instantly pulls me closer, touching his forehead to mine before angling for a human kiss.
It didn't take long for clothes to be discarded, and we took our time making each other cum before moving to the bed. I even took the time to apply some oil to give us more freedom to stay in close and be more rough, and I was gloriously sore by the time we both parted, out of breath and content.
The next several days, as we drew closer to the location of the Flotilla, were spent in relative ease. The party did what it was suppose to, raising moral among the crew, and I overlooked the many distractions around the ship from funny gifts people were given. Rupert barely had to do more than reheat food for two days.
I had my last gene therapy session during this time. I returned the unused pills to Dr. Chakwas. There was comfort knowing that being with Garrus now would be effortless on my part; easy.
I continued to hold sparring sessions among the ground team, and my meditations with Samara, though not any where Garrus joined us since we haven't talked about how it affects turian relationships, thus making my tutor uncomfortable to include him until it was settled. He seemed reluctant to talk about it, and I wasn't completely sure it was because he was afraid it would interfere with our current dynamic, or something more emotionally involved. I was doing my best to follow Dr. Chakwas' advice, and not add to many emotions into our relationship. Talking about bonding would definitely be in breach of that, but it was looking like this advice needs to be discarded. It was affecting progress in a different way now, and if my best friend was feeling the way I was, then it was mute anyway. We were in too deep. Not saying I was ready to up and basically marry my closest friend, which I understood bonding was for turians, but I wasn't opposed to the idea for the future. It was an end goal I could whole heartily get behind.
When the Migrant Fleet was finally in sight, I was glad. I needed the distraction, and helping my quarian best friend would surely provide that.