Chapter 1
Garrus
December 18th, 2188
"So… This is it then?" I grasped Victus's wrist soberly, relaying that I'd miss the old general.
"It is time to retire. I loved this job, but it has cost me everything. My mate, … My son," Victus sighed, managing a smile over the apparent wound that had been reopened. "If the Hierarchy needs me, I will be back."
"Thank you, Adrien. You've been invaluable since I took the Primarcy. You'll be sorely missed."
"I couldn't have left our people in better hands, Garrus. Thank you."
Amelia
December 24th, 2188
"Thanks!" I said to the Alliance Express courier, taking possession of the seven-foot-tall pine tree from the human courier.
"You're welcome. Merry Christmas."
As I moved the tree into the house, Garrus's car landed out front, and he walked in. "Uh… Ame? What's with the tree?"
"It's a Christmas tree."
"A what tree?"
"My favorite holiday. It started as the birthday of the Son of God, but over the years, it just became a day where you spent time with those who are most important to you and exchanged gifts with those people. I thought this would be a good year to start a new tradition."
"It has been a year of firsts," Garrus said, lowering his head and placing it to mine. "But you have to explain that hat to me," He said, flicking the white cloth ball hanging over my right ear.
I gave him a brilliant smile, "Part of the holiday. Here is another part," I answered, pointing above our heads, where a few small green leaves with red berries were hanging from the ceiling. "That's mistletoe. If you stand under it with someone, you have to kiss them."
"I think I am amicable to this," Garrus admitted, leaning in to kiss me.
"Mmm," I hummed in pleasure, "C'mon, help me decorate the tree."