Meet me at the Bar
*Note: This is a WIP. I will be adding more to the story later hopefuly soon. I also know there some errors so please be gentle T_T. Thank you. I have been a fan of ME since it came out years ago, I have played it many times and many more in the future. I hope you all enjoy.
Chapter 1
A flash of green light stretches across the galaxy, slowly destroying the Citadel and the Relays . Organics and Synthetics becoming one, as a whole, forming a silent bond between each other knowing full well that Commander Shepard succeeded in her mission to end this war once and for all.
With the Normandy safe and sound on an unknown planet, the door of the ship opens. Joker emerges from the ship helping Edi with a loving hand to join him. Slowly the crew of the Normandy start to leave the ship to see where they have landed and get some fresh air.
Finally, the war is over.
Organics and Synthetics changed. Forever being one, sharing DNA like family. The Reapers helping rebuild the galaxy, sharing their knowledge and cultures of the ones before. The galaxy slowly rebuilding what was destroyed and working to live the lives we always wanted. To live in peace.
Remembering those we've lost during the war. The sacrifices we shared. Building memorials in their honor, singing songs , sharing stories of their courage and drinking to their names with tears streaming down our faces.
We won.
As the crew of the Normandy slowly file back in the ship, emotions flood throughout the crew. Joy, sadness, relief, anger, and love. There's silence. A soundless blanket wrapping everyone tight with only their thoughts swimming inside.
The intercom of the ship comes on with Joker's voice echoing, breaking the silence.
" Guys, *sigh* let's get this over with…meet me at the wall."
With everyone slowly approaching the wall, Garrus is the first one there with Shepard's name plaque in his hands. Caressing it with his fingers, remembering her warm touch with a tear rolling down his scarred face. Trying to hold it all in, wiping his face with his free hand.
One by one the Normandy family gathers at the wall. Hugging each other, a few sobs here and there, brotherly handshakes and whispers. Joker and Edi approaching from the back, politely moving through the crew to the front of the wall.
Joker audibly clears his throat.
The crew falls silent.
Jokers voice shakes
" Thank you for coming guys, um…*sniff* uh."
Joker looks up trying to calm himself, tears in his eyes. Garrus's hand gently rests on Jokers shoulder. A small chuckle slips out of Joker, regaining a little strength.
" Um… I thought it would be good for us to uh…*sniff* put Shepard's name up on the wall and maybe…talk about her, say a few things you know? …so.."
Joker looks at Garrus
" Go ahead Garrus."
Garrus looks at Joker and slowly looks back at the cold plaque in his hands. For some reason it's hard for him to put the plaque up on the wall, like hes letting go what he has left of her.
Joker turns around towards Garrus.
"Garrus…you alright?"
Garrus looks up at Joker and nods.
He slowly places the plaque on the wall. His hand slowly drags across the plaque, memorizing the feel of the letters across his fingers. Feeling a lump in his throat he quickly clears it, composing himself. He slowly turns, walks over to Liara and stands next to her.
Joker looks at everyone with tears in his eyes.
"I'll go first…I guess. Uh *sniff* I'll never forget that one time Commander saved my life, hauling my broken ass out of my chair. I didn't want to leave my baby…"
Joker chuckles
" I remember her saying "The ship is dead, and so are you if you don't get your ass off this ship!"…like always, she was right."
The crew chuckles
"After what happened, after she came back to life like some zombie…I thought she was invincible and nothing could harm her. Right then I was proud to know her as my commander…"
Joker feels that stupid lump in his throat again and stops.
" And my friend...*sniff* UGH! Someone else go…please."
Joker walks over to Edi and buries his face in her shoulder, hugging her tight.
There's a moment of silence
Liara looks around at everyone's faces and walks to the front. Her hands to her side.
" I…."
A small sob escapes her with a squeak, she bows her head and places her hand on her temple trying to breathe.
" I'll never forget the commanders bravery, her sense of humor, her stubbornness…."
Liara chuckles
" and her compassion for others. No matter what she was doing she wanted to help anyone she could…but, most of all I'll never forget what she has done for me *sniff*. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her…"
Liara wipes the tears from her face
" I remember when Anderson gave her his apartment and she invited me over. I started to play her new piano…I remember the look on her face.."
Liara laughs with a lump in her throat.
" She had this look of confusion and amazement on her face. By the goddess it was so funny…I taught her a couple of songs after that…*laughs out loud* she was terrible at it."
The crew laughs heartily
" She can get a clear shot from miles away but, she can't play for the life of her…couldn't."
A small sob escapes her
" Shepard was my best friend. I'll always have her in my heart. She'll never be forgotten. Goddess, I miss her already."
Liara walks back next to Garrus and sobs on his shoulder. Garrus trying to keep it together.
After a few seconds Tali walks slowly towards the front and turns toward the crew.
" Keelah…"
She sobs covering her mask to hide her face….After a few seconds she takes a deep breath trying desperately not to cry.
Her voice shakes
" Shepard…took me in when no one else wanted me. I was on pilgrimage trying to find my way and Shepard took me in. She not only saved my father's honor and told off those Boshtet admirals to stop all of this childish nonsense but, I'll never forget her loyalty to her friends, to us."
Tali takes a deep breath.
" After Shepard took care of Miranda's mission, it hit me kinda hard because of the relationship with MY father and I found myself walking towards the bar…I got so drunk and before I knew it I was talking to Shepard, sharing a drink with her."
Tali laughs
"My memory is quite blurry from that night. All I can remember is Shepard, sitting in front of me listening to what I had to say. That's all that mattered to me was her *sniff* being with me, as a friend…"
Tali starts to sob, her sobs heard from behind her mask, trying to breathe.
Her voice shakes, barely able to speak.
"She was my best friend. I loved her so much!...I miss her so badly…KEELAH!"
Tali falls to her knees sobbing audibly not able to stop. Kaiden walks toward her and helps her off her feet, holding her tight.
"It's alright Tali, come on."
Kaiden guides her behind Joker and Edi, trying to comfort her.
One by one the crew members stood in front of the wall and talked about Commander Shepard in her honor. There were good laughs of fond memories, smiles and tears. All but one person. The one person they expected to be the most broken over Commander Shepard's death.
Garrus
After everyone finished, Joker hobbles to the front.
"Does anyone else want to say a few words?"
Joker looks over to Garrus, Garrus looks him straight in his eyes, letting him know…he had nothing to say. The rest of the crew notice and look at Garrus.
Garrus looks around at the crew, his beloved friends that he holds close to him, brothers and sisters. Tears welling up in his eyes. Quickly he turns away, avoiding their looks of concern.
"Spirits"
He says under his breath.
Liara turns to face Garrus.
"Garrus, surely you have something to say? We all know you loved her…"
She places a hand on his shoulder.
" I'm not ready Liara"
Liara looks up at him with tears in her eyes
" I know it's hard for you, Goddess…it's been hard for all of us. Please, Garrus we would love to hear what you have to say…even if it's just your thoughts."
*Sigh*
" You always know what to say Liara."
" I think we can all agree that Shepard helped bring out the good in all of us. And I think a certain Turian can say she did the same for him too."
Garrus nods to Liara and she gives him a hug, sniffing as she lets go. Garrus walks slowly to the front.
Garrus breathes a long heavy sigh and stands there for a few seconds, it felt like hours to him. Feels like cycles since she's been gone.
He rubs the back of his neck and looks up at the ceiling, tears coming again and a lump in his throat that he couldn't shake away.
" I remember the first time I saw her…on the Citadel. She came up to me, Ashley and Kaiden at her side…I remember thinking " If anyone can make the council listen, it would be Commander Shepard."
Garrus chuckles
" Boy, was I wrong…"
The crew laughs with him.
" After being on missions with Shepard for awhile, I started…"
Garrus stops and puts his hand on his face and takes a breath. His voice shakes.
" I think the first time I really saw her, like really saw her was when I took hold in Omega, killing mercs in what seemed like cycles… then something comes across my scope…someone unexpected…"
Garrus's eyes start to tear up.
" When I saw her face…*sniff* my heart felt like it was going to fall right out of me… But , I knew I had to stay calm and keep my fingers steady… that's when I knew, seeing her face through my scope that day made me realize…"
Garrus clenches his fists and looks again up at the ceiling, looking at the detail as his sight starts to get blurry.
" Spirits..I loved her."
Garrus bows his head trying to calm himself, wiping away his tears.
" Just the other day we were on the battlefield hunting the Reapers…I didn't want to let her go. I wanted to stay with her to the end. There's no Shepard without Vakarian…."
" She was the most brave, generous, stubborn, kind and beautiful woman I ever known. If you wanted something done, you call my Shepard. She got it done. That was my girl."
Garrus turns away from the crew, takes a deep breath and walks away in silence.
Joker steps forward
"Garrus!"
Liara puts a hand on Jokers shoulder
" I think he said what he needed to say, let's give him some time…."
After the memorial everyone takes their leave to their rooms, some headed to the ship bar.
In the main battery Garrus sits against the wall in the back. Holding Shepard's N7 Hoodie in his hands, his face buried in it. You can hear a soft sob muffled by the hoodie. The sobs go on for hours and hours until finally Garrus falls asleep on the floor clutching Shepard's hoodie.
Garrus wakes up still holding Shepard's hoodie to the sound of Joker's voice.
"Garrus come on don't make me go over there, I really don't feel like breaking something to get you up…"
" I'm up Joker….I'm fine."
" *sigh* Stop the macho bullshit Garrus, your not fine. I'm not fine, WE'RE not fine. Anyway, I need you at the bridge pronto."
" Alright, Joker…give me a minute."
" Onnnnne…."
"Joker…"
"Sorry…just deflecting…with…..humor. See you in a bit."
Garrus walks out of the battery making a quick stop to the men's restroom. He places his hands on the sink and looks in the mirror. He looked tired from the rough night he had, he turned the sink on and splashes his face with cold water to wake up a bit. Turns off the sink and dries his face with a nearby towel. He then makes his way toward the bridge in the cockpit where Joker and Edi sit.
Garrus clears his throat to make his presence known.
Joker turns around and looks at Garrus.
" *Sigh* Garrus, I'm just going to be straightforward with you…"
Garrus stares at Joker
" Go on."
" Shepard….left this…for you."
He then pulls out what looked like a few pieces of folded paper.
" What is this?"
"It's a letter, from Shepard. She had me hold it for you….just in case."
Joker stretches his hand out to give it to Garrus. Garrus hesitates, he didn't expect this. With his heart beating out of his chest he slowly takes the letter.
Garrus turns to leave
" Thank you Joker"
"*sniff* No problem..but, hey…"
Garrus stops
" You can sleep in the commanders quarters you know…it wouldn't hurt to try to get some proper sleep…if there is such a thing."
Garrus chuckles
" There isn't…Especially right now. I'll go there now."
" Alright, see ya."
Garrus leaves the bridge to the elevator and rides it all the way to the Captains Quarters.
"Why does it always seem like elevators take so damn long…I guess, I don't really need to rush…"
After, what seemed like forever he gets to the quarters, he steps out of the elevator and then it happens. All of the memories he spent here with Shepard come flooding back.
He holds back his tears. He knew this would happen. It's why he's been avoiding her quarters this whole time. He didn't want to feel, he didn't want to hurt like this. He felt like he was going to die right there with a broken heart.
His heart pounded in his chest as he walked towards the door, the door waiting for it to be opened. He stood there silently, as a sudden thought came across his mind.
"Come on Vakarian, get this over with!"
With that he put on a brave face and with a long sigh, opened the door.
Chapter 2
Garrus stood there inside Commander Shepard's Quarters in silence, taking it all in. He looked around and his eyes fell upon the fish tank, he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Those damn fish of hers are STILL alive."
He remembers fondly how he went with her on the citadel and how happy she was to find a VI to help keep her fish alive.
"We were always so busy with missions, but she insisted on having fish…"
He looks over towards her decorated desk covered in all her ship models. Her terminal flashing a light for a new notification, his own picture sitting on her desk and finally to her space hamster. He walks over to her pet hamster and gently taps the glass, the hamster coming out with a squeak. The hamster recognizes his face and puts it's two front legs on the glass, sniffing the air.
" You hungry little guy? Now where did she put his food?"
Garrus looked around the area for a good 5 minutes and finally saw the bag under the desk. He grabs the treats and gives it to the hamster, the Hamster squeaks with happiness and starts to chow down.
"Poor little guy…"
Garrus walked away from the desk putting the treats on top of her desk and continued his exploration. And there it was, her bed. The bed still messy from her leaving it unattended. He climbed on the bed and put his head on her pillow. He can smell her sweet scent….he grabbed the pillow with his hands, squeezing it against his face and chest. Right there and then he didn't want to leave, he wanted to stay in this spot forever, never leaving her scent.
Then it occurred to him.
"The letter!"
He quickly sits up and takes the letter out of his pocket and opens it up.
This is what it said.
Dear Garrus,
I wrote this letter before our last night together, before the final stretch to stop the Reapers. I didn't know what would happen to me but I wanted to write this letter to you just in case.
I'm terrified Garrus. I'm so scared that were not gonna make it. I'm scared I'm going to mess up in some way. I'm scared that I might lose another friend, or worse lose you.
Garrus stops
"I had no idea Shepard…why didn't you tell me?"
He continues to read
Whatever happens Garrus just know that I love you, and I always will. There's no Shepard without Vakarian, you're with me till the end, by my side.
After Mordin died I couldn't understand why he sacrificed himself. But, now I understand. I understand why he did it. He wanted me to carry on and do what it takes to save the galaxy, to carry on my job. And it was HIS responsibility to take care of the cure. And it's my job to destroy the Reapers, no matter the cost even if it costs my life.
"Spirits Shepard"
And if I tell you to go, to leave to save your ass you better leave me there to do my job.
I don't want anything to happen to you. I want you to carry on , especially if I fail to get the job done FIND ANOTHER WAY. I'm leaving that up to you, which leads me to this…I'm leaving the Normandy in your command.
Garrus's hands start to shake and feels the letter start to slip from his hands.
" Spirits Shepard the Normandy?"
Garrus grips the letter in his hand with a fierce grip and continues to read.
Don't fight this Garrus Vakarian, that's an order soldier. You keep the Normandy. I can't think of a better man to take over the ship. I now promote you to Captain of the Normandy.
*Sigh*
With that out of the way, I want you to tell the crew that…..
Garrus stops
"I need to get to Joker."
Garrus opens the door to the elevator and makes a sprint up the bridge to Joker. Joker turns around.
"Garrus, is everything okay?"
"Here"
Garrus hands the letter to Joker and Joker scans the letter with his eyes.
" Captain?!"
"Shhhhh! Not that, keep reading."
Joker keeps reading and a somber look comes across his face. He looks up at Garrus.
" Garrus.. Captain.."
" Joker…don't"
" Garrus….how do you want to go about this?"
Garrus sighs, puts his hand on his face and thinks.
" What would be the best way to go about this? What would Shepard do?"
Joker patiently waits for Garrus, holding the letter in his hands.
" Joker…tell the crew to meet me in the War room"
" You got it."
Garrus stands at the head of the War Room, tapping his fingers on the table staring at the letter. Waiting for the crew. Slowly but surely the crew starts to trickle in.
Liara stands next to Garrus, looking at him.
"What's going on Garrus?"
"You'll find out soon enough"
"Is it Shepard?"
"Yeah…"
Liara's eyes widen, she steps away and fills in a spot.
Finally after a few minutes everyone is there.
Garrus clears his throat.
The War Room falls silent.
" Guys…Shepard left a letter…before we went to Earth."
A couple of gasps and sighs escape the group.
*Sigh*
"Lets get to it…"
Garrus reads about the generous gift from Shepard to him and his promotion.
And continues on….
" With that out of the way, I want you to tell the crew that I am proud to have this crew serve with me. I wouldn't have it any other way. This was the best crew any commander could ask for. You are my friends, my brothers, my sisters and most of all my family. Many of you might not know but I am an orphan, I didn't have a family and I grew up on the streets, running with Gangs. It wasn't the smartest choice but I survived. Then I joined the Alliance and then met you all. I have written letters to all of you, Garrus will hand them out and you can read them on your own time if it pleases you.
Garrus then shuffles through the papers and hands out the letters to each of the crew. Some of them pocket the letter and some start to read immediately.
" Everyone….I..want to say something before you all are dismissed."
The crew stops what their doing and give Garrus attention.
" I have to apologize…"
Liara speaks up
"Garrus you don't need to.."
"Yes…I do. I haven't been myself lately. I didn't want to talk at the memorial because…I was on the brink of falling apart and….I wanted stay strong….for her."
" I'm sorry everyone for leaving yesterday. I just couldn't bare it any longer and I had to be alone."
James comes up to Garrus and smacks him on the back. And gives him a bear hug.
" Don't worry amigo. We understand."
James looks at everyone
" Come on guys, let's give this big guy some love."
With smiles and tears on everyone's faces, the crew surrounds Garrus in one giant hug.
At that moment, something snaps inside Garrus and a weight falls off his shoulders, he falls to his knees, the crew does the same with him and he lets go. He starts to sob uncontrollably, letting go of all the hurt he's been feeling these past few days. And everyone cries with him, as a team, as a family.
Garrus sits in Shepard's chair at her desk and watches the notification flashing from her console. Wondering what might be waiting in her messages.
He taps the screen and Garrus's jaw hangs open…thousands of messages flood the screen before him. One from Admiral Hackett, some from Alliance Command and the rest from people that Shepard knew or managed to touch the hearts she encountered with. Realizing how big of a job this was going to be, he hails Joker.
" What can I do for you Garrus?"
" How's the ship doing?"
" She's a little banged up but, Edi says we can fix something's fairly quickly, some things need re calibrating and some outer damage. Why?"
"I can handle the calibrating, what needs to be done in order to get the Normandy running again?"
Edi over hears the conversation and takes over. She begins to explain in detail what exactly is wrong with the ship.
Garrus thinks for a bit.
" Joker, do what you need to do in order to get her running again. I have a lot of emails asking for assistance in rebuilding different planets, cities and towns…let's see to it that they get the help they need."
" Aye aye Captain"
Garrus shudders at his new rank and stops the comm.
Now it was time to get to work.
Chapter 3
Months pass since the letter was read, letters passed out in the War Room. The Normandy gets up and running in a couple of weeks.
The Normandy and the crew start their journey to help rebuild the galaxy. Garrus sifts through the thousands of emails sent to Shepard before and after her death. Help is requested on planets, memorials are created in her honor, ceremony invitations sent to the Normandy Crew are received and the many letters of thanks to Commander Shepard. Garrus answers to them through his own email address accepting the emails for her. Explaining his new rank and the updates of the Normandy maintenance. He works on them day and night in order to get it done and finally finishes when he gets the OK from Joker. Ready to take flight.
Garrus and the Crew begin to attend the many ceremonies in honor of Commander Shepard with Relays being rebuild fast by the Reapers, soon everyone was able to fast travel in time.
Garrus prepares a speech to read at the ceremonies But, the best ceremony he and the crew attended was on Tuchanka, the Krogan homeworld.
Wrex took charge of the ceremony plans along with Eve.
They rose a very large statue in Shepard's honor in front of the newly built Clan Hall. A Hall where the clans can get together for ceremonies, parties, meetings and the new location for the Rite of Passage. Now, anytime any Krogan walks by or enters the building, the first thing they see is Shepard.
Wrex fought for that statue like his life depended on it.
" Shepard was more of a warrior than any of you sorry welps, she saved us in more ways than one! This honor belongs to her and ONLY her!"
And finally the Statue was raised.
The ceremony for unveiling of the Statue included a speech from Wrex and then Garrus. After the speech was over the Krogan drums begin to ring in the air bouncing off the new hall walls. Screams and yells of war coming from every Krogan attending the ceremony. Complete with the summoning of the Queen of all Thresher Maws, emerging from the ground, her cries joining the Krogan screams of war, her body flying in the air and then with a loud crash she enters back into her underground home.
Wrex cries
"FOR SHEPARD!"
The rest of the Krogan clans yell in unison.
"FOR SHEPARD!"
Drums rolling again with yells and stomps of the Krogan, the Normandy Crew yelling with them.
Grunt jumps up on Shepard's Statue, yelling at the top of his lungs, pounding his chest like a giant Gorilla. Shoving his fist into the air.
" FOR MY BATTLEMASTER!"
After the ceremony is over, few Krogen leave to continue their work in rebuilding their home. And the rest drank and celebrated the honor of Shepard.
The crew needed this night. They sang, they danced, they shot pijaks for fun and spoke of war stories and memories of Shepard.
Garrus hadn't drank that much in a very long time.
Garrus sat with Wrex all night talking about her, sharing memories and catching each other up on what was new.
" Garrus, I gotta tell ya. You may be an ugly faced Turian pijack, but you're one hell of a warrior and friend."
" Thanks Wrex, you're pretty ugly yourself."
Wrex laughs loud and heartily, smacks Garrus on the back nearly knocking him over.
" That's why I like you Garrus! You're the only Turian that has the quad to talk to me like that!"
Wrex laughs again, Garrus and Wrex sharing a brotherly handshake.
Wrex looks at Garrus with concern for his brother and says….
" Garrus, if it's one thing I know about Shepard. She really loved you for some stupid reason. Hang on to that."
" Thanks Wrex."
" Anytime Brother. Heh heh heh. This old man is going to sleep. I'm too old for this shit."
"Night Wrex."
"Garrus."
Everyone partied all night in honor of Shepard and woke up the next day quickly regretting their choices.
After attending all of the ceremonies, the Normandy Crew do what they can to help planets that asked for assistance. It takes cycles to rebuild the many planets that were nearly destroyed by the Reapers, some planets a lost cause. The Batarians, they were sadly nearly extinct. Medical teams and scientists rush to help the Batarians to repopulate and find them a new home. The quarians now able to breathe and on their own without suits and masks, The Geth helping in anyway they can. No more disease, no more sickness, human age is extended. thanks to the Synthesis.
All thanks to Shepard.
Chapter 4
100 years pass, the galaxy is almost done being rebuilt and there is finally peace among the stars.
The Normandy, parked permanently on the station that was rebuilt in replacement of the Citadel named after Shepard. The Shepard Citadel.
The Normandy Crew living peacefully on the SC. Some married, some with children and some with Krogan children. Since Shepard and Mordin cured the Genophage there has been a boom of Krogan population. And lots of people eager to adopt Krogan babies.
Meanwhile, Garrus went back to C-Sec working as a Captain. Sitting at a desk along with now Captain Bailey nearing his retirement. Bailey took Garrus under his wing and caught him up, learning together along the way with the new Citadel.
Tali living peacefully in her home on some beautiful land on her homeworld.
Kaiden now living on Eden Prime, Married with kids of his own on farmland.
Wrex still making babies with Eve.
Everyone has settled down, living out their days in peace.
Liara being the scientist that she is began obsessing over something she heard one day. While, tending to her garden on Thessia in her home she could hear white noise, radio noise.
She would look around her house going nuts over the noise. And then one day she found it in her Normandy belongings. Her radio ear piece.
It was emitting white noise and what sounded like slight mouth breathing. Very soft but it was there. Liara listened carefully, her heart pounding in her chest. The last frequency she had it on last was Shepard's frequency. This had to mean something but what?
Then the frequency cut out. Just like that the sound was gone.
"Goddess what does this mean?!"
After that day, she became obsessed. Not a word of it was mentioned to the rest of crew, for fear of everyone's hopes getting up. It could be nothing or it could be something.
After months of researching, planning and a few emails later she decided to tell someone.
After a long day on the SC Garrus clocks out and returns to his small apartment on the Citadel. Tired from a long days work. He grabs something quick to eat and a strong drink to go with his dinner.
After the end of every work day he grabs dinner and sits at his Terminal to read any emails he had missed while working or something new that might have popped up.
He scans through his emails while eating and sees an email from his old friend Liara.
The Subject : Shepard
Garrus's heart dropped to his stomach.
With his hands shaking he taps on the email.
To: Garrus
From: Liara
Subject: Shepard
Garrus, I know it's been awhile but this is important.
Meet me at the SC park tomorrow at 08:00.
We need to talk.
Sincerely,
Your Friend
Liara
Garrus blankly stares at the screen.
"Did I read that right?"
Garrus reads the email over and over again.
"Shepard…."
After not getting an second of sleep all night, Garrus gets up as quickly as he can, taking an ice cold shower to wake him up and rushes to get dressed. With one thought on his mind.
"Shepard…."
He looks at the clock, it's 15 till… he needs to leave so he can make it on time.
He rushes through the halls, the roads and through traffic to get there on time and finally he gets there a little late but, it should be fine. He starts to walk towards the park with no one in sight except one person. A familiar asari figure standing facing the water fountain waiting. Garrus walks over and calls out to her.
"Liara!"
" Garrus my friend."
They embrace for a brief moment and sit down on the edge of the fountain.
"Liara what's going on? Did something happen?"
"Wait just a moment Garrus let me explain."
Liara goes on to tell Garrus what she's been through and what she discovered.
"Spirits Liara…."
Garrus buries his face in his hands.
Liara gently places her hand on his back.
" Are you sure, Liara?"
" I'm quite positive. If my research and connections are correct….."
Liara gets a lump in her throat and tears start rolling down her face.
" I think she's alive Garrus!"
Garrus and Liara hold each other for a moment crying in each other's arms.
" Then there's no time to waste. Call the Normandy Crew and let's find our Commander."
" Yes Garrus, I'm on it…..are you going to be okay Garrus?"
" Are you kidding?...You've given me hope…you've given me life! I haven't been this happy since….Thank you, Liara."
" As the Commander once told me, That's what friends are for. Let's go get Shepard!"
Chapter 5
"Liara?"
" Yes Joker, what is it?"
" Were here…you want me to hail Garrus?"
" No, Joker that won't be necessary. Thank you. I'll handle it from here."
Liara stops the comm and quickly leaves her room and towards the Battery. The door opens and she calls out.
"Garrus?"
No answer but the hum of the battery.
"Edi?"
" Yes Liara?"
" Where is Garrus at the moment?"
" Garrus is in the Captain's Quarters…"
" Thank You Edi"
" You are welcome Liara."
Liara walks towards the elevator and steps in , the doors shutting after her.
Liara knocks on the Captain's Quarter's Door.
Garrus's low voice calls out
"Come in"
Liara comes in the Cabin, Garrus is sitting at Shepard's desk. He gets up to greet her.
" Liara, you come to stop by for visit?"
" Garrus…it's time."
Garrus can't help but smile and emits a small laugh.
" Let me get my things…."
" Garrus?"
" Yes, Liara?"
" Its really nice to see you smile again Garrus."
Garrus laughs out loud
" Let's hope this ugly smile doesn't go to waste."
They both go down to the bridge together. When the door opens they see the rest of the crew standing there.
" And I'm guessing Joker was up to this?"
" Liara you know I can't keep my lips sealed…especially if it's about Shepard."
" I suppose you're right Joker."
speaks up
" Liara, if you do find her please let me know immediately. We will need her at the Med Bay as soon as possible."
" I think everyone will know, when we know Doctor."
Garrus steps forward.
" I know you all would love to go but I need everyone on the ship just in case it all goes to hell. This planet is a frozen wasteland and very unstable. You'll need to be on our ass just in case. But, we'll need one more person in our group just in case we need the help."
Everyone raises their hand. Everyone looks at each other and starts to laugh.
Garrus stops laughing and says
" Wrex I was hoping you could come with us."
" Heh heh heh, well what are we waiting for."
" Just like old times Wrex."
After getting their weapons and armor on, ready to go they walk towards the door of the ship. Garrus hesitates just for a second before opening the door.
All they see is white. Snow as far as the eye can see. They step out of the ship down the steps and look at each other.
Garrus gets a cold chill down his spine not just because he was cold but because there was a small chance of seeing Shepard again. He was ready.
Liara wasn't kidding. It really was freezing cold. Liara with her Omni-tool out tapping and swiping.
" Alright, according to my calculations she should be 10 miles that way, were going to need the Mako."
They look at each other. They all are reminded of Shepard's famous driving of the Mako and start to chuckle then move toward the back of the ship.
The back hatch opens and James comes driving out of there in the Mako. He gets out and nods to Garrus.
" Good luck man, I hope you find her."
"Me too James, Thanks."
James runs into the hatch with the door closing after him.
They all get into the Mako and there's a slight argument about who would drive the Mako. But, in the end Wrex won the argument. He secretly always wanted to drive the Mako.
After a freaky calm and smooth ride for 10 miles everyone began to wonder why Shepard had such a hard time driving the Mako. They all got out of the Mako and started walking towards a large hill with Liara leading the way. As they walked up the hill they came to the top that was somewhat flat. In the distance they can see several derelict Reapers and one close to them that was scattered in pieces here and there.
As they walked they saw what they thought was pieces of the Citadel from before.
Liara stops.
" Liara what's wrong?"
" This is it, this is the area."
" Spread out, let's look for Shepard fast before my quad falls off."
They began their search for the Commander, digging through snow so long they could no longer feel their hands. They moved rubble, boulders and pieces of metal to find her. Realizing they needed help Garrus hailed Joker.
"Joker."
" Yes, Garrus"
" We're gonna need one more person to help, can you drop off James here at these coordinates."
" Aye aye"
Minutes later the Normandy swoops in close enough for James to jump out. The Normandy flys away and James comes running towards Garrus.
" Help has arrived! What do you need Garrus?"
" We need to cover as much ground as possible. I'll be over here, let me or Liara know if you find something."
" Yes sir!"
James puts his gun away and runs off searching around the area.
After what seemed like hours of hopeless searching, they take a break. They all sit together by the Mako and drink some water and get something to eat. While the others talk, Garrus sits in silence thoughts rushing through his head.
" Why haven't we found her yet? Was this all wrong? Did we take a wrong step along the way? We have to find her."
Without eating or drinking Garrus gets back up and starts to head back to the area he was searching.
" Garrus!"
Garrus stops
" You better get back here and eat something or I'm going to force it down your ugly face."
*Sigh*
" I'm not hungry Wrex."
" Eat Garrus."
Garrus turns around and walks back to his spot and looks at Wrex. Wrex throws some food at Garrus's face. And Wrex starts to laugh, everyone else joins and Garrus starts to laugh as well. After they have a good laugh Garrus starts to eat his meal and drinks some water.
After a long debate of weather to keep searching or not they finally decide that it was time to go back to the ship and get some well earned rest. They climb back into the ship, taking hot showers and finally getting some rest to keep going for the next day.
Garrus takes a long hot shower. His species don't handle the cold well and he felt like he was finally feeling his fingers again. After the nice shower he gets some pajamas on and falls on Shepard's bed. He grabs Shepard's pillow and holds it tight, smelling her scent again and finally falls asleep.
" You gotta get out of here."
"And you have got to be kidding me."
"Don't argue Garrus."
"We're in this to the end."
" No matter what happens here…you know I love you, I always will…"
" Shepard..I…..I love you too."
"GO!"
"SHEPARD NO!"
Garrus wakes up from his dream that he's had so many times before. The reason he never gets any sleep. The moment he let her go.
His comm comes on. Liara's voice echoing in the cabin.
" GARRUS! WE FOUND HER!"
"WHAT?"
" HURRY! We're in the Med Bay."
" Why didn't you wake me!?"
" GET OVER HERE GARRUS!"
" On my way"
Chapter 6
There she was…right before my eyes. I couldn't believe it. She was right there. I stood there in shock, unable to move.
"GARRUS!"
Is she alive?
" GARRUS!"
Liara is shaking Garrus by the shoulder s. Garrus snaps out of his shock.
" Garrus, we need to get her to the SC Hospital."
" GARRUS!"
"I HEARD YOU LIARA!"
Liara looks at Garrus with a stern look on her face.
*Sigh*
" I'm sorry Liara, I know I know. I'm just…I don't know."
" Go tell Joker…"
" Already on it Liara!"
" Joker were you listening this whole time?"
" No….ugh okay! Yes! I was! It's Shepard damnit! We're already on our way! Hold on!"
Within an hour the Normandy arrives at the SC and helping the Doctors get Shepard on her way to the hospital. There's a crowd forming in front of the exit to the docking station. News reporters curious and interested to see what was happening. The Alliance soldiers and C-Sec Officers arrive and helps guide Shepard towards the hospital, Garrus following close behind. Garrus catches Bailey's eyes and nods, Silently saying thank you and Bailey nodding back keeping on lookers away.
" GET BACK, GIVE THEM SOME SPACE YOU IDIOTS! SHE NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION!"
They finally arrive to the hospital and comes up from behind Garrus, grabs his arm and Garrus turns around.
" Garrus, we need to examine her. I don't know how long it's going to take but, you can wait here if you like."
" Doctor I want to be with her."
" I know Garrus but you'll just be in the way…*sigh* Garrus, I'll see to it she's taken care of, I give you my word."
" Thank you Doctor."
Garrus sits down, full of excitement, worry and happiness. He gets back up. He can't sit still and walks back and forth. He hears a familiar voice call to him.
" Garrus Vakarian"
" , how are you?"
" Garrus…how are YOU?"
Garrus looks at her, all his emotions showing on his face. His arms crossed and one hand on his face.
" I just want her to be alright."
" I know Garrus, don't worry she's in good hands. But, you need some rest."
" I can't. I don't want to miss the moment she wakes up."
" I know. Go to the bar if that helps you. I'll hail you when we get an update."
*sigh*
Garrus nods and walks away towards the elevator.
He enters the newly built bar called "Hex", with the loud music blaring In his ears. He didn't want to be here but what else can he do? Garrus sits down at the front bar and an Asari bartender turns around, her low gravely voice catches his attention.
" What can I do for you? Garrus, was it?"
Aethyta staring at Garrus, cleaning the bar.
" Hey, Your Liara's dad aren't you?"
" Yup, still alive unfortunately and still half Krogan."
Garrus chuckles
Liara did mention that her Dad talked about her bloodline a lot.
" Yeah, I'll get a Whiskey."
" You got it."
Garrus sits and enjoys his drink, thinking about Shepard. Still worried about her.
" Why the long face Garrus?"
Garrus hesitates, can he trust her? Will she say something? She is Liara's dad after all, she might even know already.
" I'm worried about Shepard."
Garrus whispers
Aethyta laughs
" Don't worry Garrus I know already. Liara told me. She wants me to keep an eye on you and Shepard."
"Ah…."
" I won't tell anyone, besides even if I did say anything I wouldn't get any piece and quiet, then I'd have to punch someone in the quad to get some peace."
Garrus laughs pretty loudly, louder than he expected and guessed that he needed a good laugh.
" Thanks Aethyta."
" No Problem."
While Garrus sat there drinking his Turian Whiskey, he feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns to look and it's Bailey, he sits down next him and orders a regular whiskey from Aethyta.
" How are you doing Garrus?"
Garrus sits there in silence.
" That bad huh?"
" She's in good hands, just waiting for an update."
" Sounds good. Don't mind if I join you do you?"
" Not at all Bailey."
" You know what you're going to say when she wakes up?"
He hadn't thought of that. What is he going to say to her. After all this time?
" I don't know, I'd have to think about it. I just want her to be okay right now."
" I understand. Hey…let's drink in her honor and hope for a fast recovery."
Their glasses clink together, they drink the last of their whiskey and order another.
" Keep them coming, it's on me."
" Thanks Bailey."
Garrus and Bailey drank until they couldn't see straight. Laughing, crying and talking. Garrus talked about everything, how he felt, his dreams, his depression. He hadn't told anyone this, but for some reason told Bailey everything.
"I think I've been through Hell Bailey."
" I hear ya. I think we've all been through a little slice of hell because of the war. But, your girl Shepard knew what she was doing."
" Bailey?"
"How did you survive the attack on the Citadel? Or anyone for that matter?"
" Oh me? Me and some other C-Sec Officers helped civilians evacuate, we tagged along for the ride.."
Aethyta chimes in
" I managed to get on my own ship with some of my belongings."
" You have your own ship?"
" Eh…it's a small ship but, it's something I inherited from my mother. She used it during the Krogen Rebellion. I also think you gentlemen need a couple of glasses of water if you want to get home that is… or am I gonna have to drag your sorry asses out of here?"
Garrus and Bailey chuckle.
" We'll get out of your hair or tentacles Aethyta, I'll get Garrus out of here back to his place and crash there. Come on Garrus."
" Good thing you're drunk off your asses otherwise I would've beat your ass myself Bailey!"
Bailey waves and helps Garrus up, they both leave the bar both starting to feel sick at the same time. Bailey calls for the cab and they leave to Garrus's apartment.
" You gotta get out of here."
"And you have got to be kidding me."
"Don't argue Garrus."
"We're in this to the end."
" No matter what happens here…you know I love you, I always will…"
" Shepard..I…..I love you too."
"GO!"
Garrus wakes up in his apartment on his couch and Bailey on the floor snoring loudly. Garrus feels a sudden urge to puke, he runs to the bathroom just in time and makes a b-line for the toilet. He gets up with sweat dripping from his face, he decides to take a cold shower. After his shower he sees Bailey drinking some coffee on the couch.
" Hangover Morning to you too."
He lifts his coffee mug towards Garrus's direction.
"Ugh."
" You too buddy."
Bailey chuckles
" Any news?"
" No, I'm sorry Garrus nothing yet. But, I have to get to work soon…take all the time you need Garrus. You'll still have your job when you get back."
" Thanks Bailey"
" No Problem."
Bailey finishes his coffee, waves good-bye and takes his leave back to work.
Garrus grabs himself a cup of coffee. He didn't know what coffee was before Shepard. But, it seems like that's all she drank besides water. He ended up enjoying it and thought about her every time. As he drank his coffee he went to check his Terminal to see if he had any emails, nothing really all that important so he walks away to get ready for the hospital.
Chapter 8
Garrus walks out of his apartment and continues down the hall. Rubbing his temples from the pounding headache he was trying to shake off. He thought…
" I'm sure Bailey's feeling it too."
He continues down the hall then calls a cab. That's when he gets a chime from his comm.
" Garrus? It's Doctor Michel."
" Doctor Michel, something happen?"
" Yes, we'll explain when you get here. Come quickly."
" Be right there."
Garrus's heart pounding in his ears as he rode to the hospital. All of these emotions started to flood his mind. What was he going to say to her?
When he gets to the hospital and are waiting for him in the front.
speaks
" Garrus I'm glad you're here. Let's go inside and talk."
Garrus nods and walks in with them. He sits down in the waiting area along with . and .
" Garrus, her vitals are steady now. We had a little bit of a scare, her vitals spiked from the shock of being in a warm environment again. She was in the cold so long her body went into shock. We managed to stabilize her but…."
Garrus looks at
" But, what Doctor?"
and share a look.
speaks
" Garrus,….she's in a coma. We don't know when she will wake up."
Garrus nods, that's better news than he thought he would hear.
" Let me see her."
puts a hand on Garrus's hands.
" You can see her..but, she's in pretty bad shape."
Garrus blinks. All he wants is to see her.
" I just want to see her Doctor."
" Alright, shall I alert the Crew?"
" Yes, tell them what's going on. But I want a moment with her. Alone."
" We can do that Garrus. I think you've waited long enough."
Garrus walks with to Shepard's room and opens the door.
Garrus let's out a shaky exhale.
She looked just as bad as the Doctor said. Her lip was busted, she had a gash on her brow, cuts and scratches all over her body, bruises everywhere. Looks like her ankle and arm were broken. She looked like Hell but she still was as beautiful as he remembered. He walked over and pulled a chair up next to her, besides her broken and beaten body she looked so peaceful. No pain in her face, no sadness, no fear, only peace. He just looked and admired her face. He had longed to see her for so long and now she was there, right in front of him.
Garrus leaned in close to her, held her hand and kissed it. He watched her chest gently go up and down, she was breathing.
"Thank the spirits"
As he held her hand he started to cry, he was so happy that she was there. Finally after all this time. He had missed her so much, he didn't want to leave her side.
He stayed with her for hours, talking to her saying everything he needed to say. What he's been through, what everyone was doing and what happened after the war. When he finished he heard a knock on the door.
"Come in"
comes in
" How is she doing?"
She pulls out her Omni-tool and starts reading her vitals.
" She seems to be okay, her body is still cold."
" That's normal, she'll slowly start to warm up in time. Looks like she's still stable, her vitals are good… How are you Garrus?"
starts to scan Garrus with her Omni-tool.
" I'm fine Doctor, don't worry about me."
" Say what you want Garrus but I'm a Doctor, and you're my friend. I'm going to weather you like it or not."
Garrus chuckles
" Holding me hostage Doctor?"
" Yes, now hold still. I'll be asking you questions."
" I'm not going anywhere."
" Yes, that's why I'm taking this opportunity to check you. You've been in Shepard's Quarters for days. Now, have you been sleeping?"
" Not much, here and there Doc."
After many questions and scans later, sits next to Garrus facing him.
" You're vitals are fine, but you seem to have an enormous amount of stress, it looks to me that you have PTSD which is normal with someone like you and your experience. I've seen it many times in most of the soldiers I've tended to. You also have been Depressed which is understandable considering of what you've been through. I'll send a report as soon as possible."
" Thanks Doc."
" Garrus, I know it's been hard for you but, the crew would like to see her. You can stay in here but, I wanted to warn you before they came in."
" Yes, have them come in."
" Alright, I'll let them know."
Garrus turned to look at Shepard once again and sat there holding her hand. The crew came in two at a time, giving Garrus hugs and taking turns holding Shepard's free hand.
By the time everyone left it was already late.
Garrus of course stayed. He stayed there for weeks, taking Shepard's hospital room as his new home. Bringing his coffee maker with him to keep him company.
Garrus had a lot of time to think about what to say to her when she woke up. He thought long and hard about what to say, but in the end it all came to one thing, and he knew it was the best thing to say after all this time. He was sure of it.
Doctors came in and out of Shepard's room checking her vitals, changing the sheets, Garrus took care of keeping her clean and moving her joints very slowly. Dr. Chakwas recommended that it would be good to help move her joints so she wasn't stiff. The crew visited almost everyday when they had spare time.
Shepard was in a coma for months and Garrus didn't leave her side. He only left if he needed the restroom or needed to eat but, he was always with her. became concerned for him never leaving her side and decided one day to confront him.
A knock echoed in the hospital room.
"Come in"
"It's just me Garrus."
"Good morning Doc."
"Good morning Garrus, you mind if I join you?"
"Not at all I was just getting some coffee, care to join me?"
"Sure, I'll have a cup, care to slip me some Brandy in there?"
Garrus chuckles
"Not in stock right now Doc but maybe next time."
"I'll hold you to it."
Garrus sits down handing her coffee and begins to sip his own mug.
"How is she?"
Garrus looks over at her
*Sigh*
"I'm not gonna lie Doc, I love that she's here right in front of me, I've waited for this moment for…cycles but, I still miss her. When do you think she'll wake up?"
"Usually when someone is in a coma it's really just a waiting game. There's nothing we can do except make her comfortable and keep her company. Which you've done an excellent job of. Which is why I'm here Garrus."
Garrus looks at her listening intently
"It would do you some good to get out for a little while. I know you want to be here when she wakes up, I think it would be important for you to get out for a little while. Get some light."
Garrus looks down at his now empty cup and then at Shepard.
"What if she wakes up while I'm gone?"
"I'll let you know if she wakes up Garrus, I promise."
"You'll watch her for me?"
"Yes, Scouts honor."
"What?"
laughs
"It's just a saying we humans like to say to make a promise. I'll explain it another day. Go on, I'll watch her."
Garrus grips Shepard's hand tight for a brief second and let's go. Studying her face one more time and gently kissing her forehead.
"Don't wake up without me. Got that Shepard?"
He lets go of her hand and says his farewell to , then leaves the room.
Garrus felt a little uneasy leaving the room, looking back towards the door as he started to walk away. Garrus leaves the hospital and found himself walking around aimlessly, nowhere in mind that he wanted to go, he didn't want to go anywhere. There was only one place he wanted to be. So he walked around for awhile, looking at shops, people watched for a couple of hours and then decided to go get something to eat. Garrus sat down at a café and ordered some food, while enjoying his meal he thought of a brilliant idea.
"I should get Shepard a gift!"
With that he eats his meal quickly and rushes to the stores he saw on the way to the café.
It took him hours to find the gift he intended to buy. He wanted to find the perfect gift and finally found it. Gift wrapped and ready to go. Leaving the store with a smile on his face he leaves towards the hospital.
He gets to Shepard's room and goes in, there were 2 nurses checking vitals and doing the usual scans. Garrus pulls his chair aside and let them do their job, staying out of the way.
"Doctor Chakwas was right, I feel energized again after that walk and now I have something to look forward to when she wakes up."
Garrus watches the nurses do their work waiting patiently for them to be done. When they finish, they ask him if he needed anything and then take their leave.
Garrus pulls his chair up next to her bed, taking his usual post by her side, taking her hand and this time laying his head on top of her leg. He sits there and stares at her, just watching as usual…his eyes start to flutter close. He was exhausted from lack of sleep and keeping company, helping out the nurses. Finally, he falls asleep.
Chapter 9
"Shepard, I thought you might be up here."
"You know what the best part is about a battle that decides the fate of the galaxy?"
"Winning it?"
"I was thinking it's a good excuse to remind the ones you care about that…well, you care about them. Want some company?"
"You read my mind."
"Guess I'm getting pretty good at this…guess some practice wouldn't hurt."
Garrus wakes up next to Shepard still holding her hand. Feeling her warm touch, she's finally got her warmth again. He wanted to just climb into bed with her and lay there forever. So, he did just that. He got up and climbed into bed with her, holding her and kissing the top of her head. He then fell back to sleep.
For the first time in what seemed like forever he got a good night's rest, no nightmares and no stress. He looks down to Shepard, still unmoved and still in a coma. He rests his chin on her head….
"Spirits Shepard I need you. This galaxy is awfully lonely without you."
He gets up from the bed to get a cup of coffee. As he pours his drink he hears heavy breathing, curious he turns around and to his surprise Shepard is wide awake, hyperventilating, with a terrified look on her face. Garrus drops his full cup of coffee to the ground and hails .
"DOCTOR CHAKWAS SHES AWAKE!"
"On my way!"
Garrus runs to Shepard's bedside.
"Shepard! Can you hear me!?"
"I CAN'T BREATHE! I CAN'T BREATHE!"
" is on her way, hold on!"
"I CAN'T BREATHE! WHERE AM I?"
"You're in the hospital, I'm right here! Everything's going to be okay!"
Right then a team of nurses and Doctors come flooding through the door.
"Garrus, I need you to wait outside."
"Is she going to be alright?"
"Don't worry, I'll take care of her! GO!"
Garrus hesitates
"GARRUS GO!"
Garrus leaves to the waiting room and sits down, biting his talons. Thoughts flood through his mind not able to concentrate on one thing. Sitting with his thoughts, he feels a hand on his shoulder.
" Garrus."
Kaiden stands before him, releasing his hand from his shoulder.
" I came as soon as I heard. What's going on?"
" She's awake…"
"What?"
" She woke up. But something's not right. She was screaming that she couldn't breathe. In all my cycles of knowing her I've never seen her so terrified."
" She'll be alright Garrus. knows what she's doing."
Soon, the crew starts coming through the door to the waiting room.
Wrex comes up to Garrus
"What happened?"
Garrus goes on to tell the crew exactly what happened in detail. Watching their faces change as he told them the events leading to her waking up.
Liaras slowly says
"By the Goddess…."
Half the crew takes a seat waiting in silence for some sort of news. Then after an hour of waiting, comes into the waiting room.
The crew stands up and Garrus walks over to her.
"What happened? Is she alright Doc?"
" She's okay, for now. She feel asleep after giving her a sedative. She's out of the coma, but she needs rest."
You hear the crew sigh loudly with relief.
" We should let her rest for now and I will let you know when she wakes up."
" Thank you Doctor Michel."
" You're welcome, I must get back to my duties."
takes her leave and Garrus turns around.
" What should we do now?"
Joker speaks up
" I don't know about you guys but, I could eat."
The Crew nods
Liara chimes in
" I could eat as well, let's go get some breakfast."
Everyone turns to leave. Garrus hesitates for just a second, looking towards Shepard's room. Then follows the crew out the door.
The crew spends the rest of the morning together buzzing with excitement. Talking amongst each other, hoping that Shepard will be alright but, glad that she's no longer in a coma.
They decide to go walk around the park to relax after a nice breakfast and talk about Shepard without unwanted listening ears.
Garrus starts to feel antsy and can't stop thinking about her. He wants to see her.
Edi notices the concern in Garrus's face and walks next to him with her hands around her back.
"Hello Garrus."
"Hey Edi."
" Your facial expressions look distressed or concerned. Is there something I can assist you with?"
Garrus laughs
" Edi, if you have the powers to magically heal Shepard and save her from the pain she's in, then be my guest."
" I was not designed to properly diagnose and medically assist in such matters. But, I can " lend an ear" as Joker says to me."
" Thank you Edi. But, I'm fine."
Liara comes up from behind them.
" Garrus. I think I know why Shepard acted the way she did when she woke up."
" Tell me."
" After the Collector ship destroyed the Normandy, Joker mentioned that she was " Spaced" after forcing him into the escape pod. Miranda told to me after examination that she died suffocating in space. She could be thinking that she's dying again or reliving that moment."
" You could be right Liara."
" Your theory seems to be an accurate assumption Liara."
" Indeed."
Garrus gets a chime from his comms.
" Garrus, it's , Shepard is awake. We need you immediately."
" I'll be right there."
Garrus tells the crew and they all rush taking cabs to the hospital.
They get to the hospital with and waiting for them.
meets Garrus
" She's awake Garrus , she's asking for you."
Garrus runs to her room without a word leaving the crew behind while the Doctor's talk to the crew about the situation.
His heart beating faster than he's ever felt before.
"She's awake."
Chapter 10
Garrus enters the room, his hands shaking, his heart thumping in his chest, tears welling up in his eyes. Shepard was in her bed turned away looking out the window in silence.
"Shepard….."
Garrus seems to barely choke out.
Shepard turns towards him, a smile slowly forms on her face, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Garrus…"
She starts to sob and Garrus rushes to her bed and holds her in his arms. Just holding her against his chest as she sobs burying her face into him. He stroked her head, feeling her tears soak his clothes.
" I'm here Shepard, it's okay."
" I died…*sniff*..I was dead."
" Shepard….the war is over…because of you… we won."
" Is….*sniff*…that why everyone looks so green?
" You noticed that huh?"
"Yes…..Garrus….tell me everything."
Garrus began telling her everything that happened from the moment the green flash covered the Galaxy. Everything being rebuilt, the memorials, the ceremonies, the parties, the babies, how they found her and everything leading up to her coma.
" Shepard, the galaxy is doing a hell of a lot better since you saved us…."
Garrus chuckles
" But it's been lonely without you."
Shepard places a hand on Garrus's face.
Shepard chuckles but winces from her soreness.
" You alright Shepard?"
"I'm fine Garrus…just feel like hell."
" At least you don't LOOK like hell anymore."
"Wow, Garrus is that what you say to all the ladies?"
They both laugh together
" Shepard, you looked…."
Garrus bows his head and looks down.
Shepard raises his head up
" Do I look like hell now Vakarian?"
Garrus looks at her with a stern look on his face.
" I see your since of humor hasn't left you."
" And I see you've lost yours…what happened to you Garrus?"
" Shepard…."
Garrus gets up from the bed releasing Shepard from his chest.
" I lost you once ..and then I lost you again….. I was a damn mess. The hurt that I went through because I lost you. I wanted ….."
" What Garrus?…."
"That day on Earth, the last push. Letting you go, haunted me Shepard. I've been dreaming about it ever since. You had a job to do, and you did it because you're my girl….you're Commander Shepard. I know you did what you had to do, and you saved us but….there's no Shepard without Vakarian….I wanted to be with you till the very end."
" Did you get my letter?"
" Yeah, I did."
" Then you should know why I had to do this on my own."
" Shepard….I wanted-"
They were interrupted by a knock at the door.
*Sigh*
" Come in."
The door wooshed opened and the whole crew came in. walks towards Garrus.
" I'm sorry Garrus they couldn't stand it any longer."
" It's alright, they have a right to see her too "
The crew boomed with cheers, laughter and tears. Everyone gave Shepard a great big hug and quickly started chatting with the Commander. Telling their side of the war and what they saw, what they've been through.
Garrus clears his throat. His heart pounding again. This was the moment. It was the perfect moment, the crew was here and she was happy.
"This is it."
Garrus moves through the crew to the side of Shepard's bed and pulls out the gift he bought her. And he hands the gift to Shepard.
Joker chimes in
" uhhhh should we leave?"
" No, I want you all here for this."
Shepard holds the gift in her hands and looks at Garrus.
" Vakarian you got me a gift?"
" What? Did you think I was just going to welcome you empty handed after what we've been through?"
Shepard opens the gift and it's a red jewelry box.
" Garrus, you know I don't wear jewelry…"
Tali burst's into happy tears
" Keelah Shepard just open the box!"
Shepard opens the red velvet box and gasps…the jewelry box contained a silver ring with 2 beautiful round cut diamonds one on each side of a red heart cut ruby, in the middle the ruby was the biggest. It wasn't a large gem but it was just right.
" Garrus…."
Shepard looks up at Garrus and he leans in gently placing his forehead to hers. He touches her hair as she starts to softly cry.
" Shepard…Will you marry me?"
Garrus wipes away her tears and kisses her cheek.
Shepard says something but it was hard for Garrus to hear.
" What?"
"Yes"
"Yes?"
"Yes! Garrus Vakarian I will marry you!"
The Crew stands there waiting, staring at the couple.
" She said Yes!"
The Crew cheers and whistles! Joker throws his hat into the air, you can Wrex laughing loudly, Liara and Tali crying happily together and they all clapped loudly, then slowly came in for another hug for their friends.