Chapter 33
Amelia
April 11th, 2192
I awoke from a deep sleep feeling the most rested I had in a long time. Morning sunlight streamed through the window behind my bed and onto the covers, telling me it was already late morning. I never slept in this late… What was I, a teenager?
Reaching over, I discovered that Garrus's side of the bed was empty and cold. It must've been several hours since he'd gotten up. How did I not hear him? How did the newborns not wake me up?
Disconcerted, I pulled myself from the bed, not hearing the rustling of the comforter at all. Ah! That's what it was. Reaching my hand up, I pulled the tiny ring of the noise dampeners off my ear, shutting off the machine. The sound of an active house filled my ears, and I let out a sigh I didn't realize I was holding. After falling asleep, Garrus must have put them on, ensuring I wouldn't be woken by anything.
Quickly throwing on some clothes, I left the room. Halfway down the stairs, Garrus spotted me. "Hey. How did you sleep?" He was sitting on the sofa in the living room, Alia nestled into the crook of his arm as she greedily sucked the last drops out of a milk bottle.
As I approached, Alia started wiggling and chirping, demanding for Pada to hand her over, which he obliged. I took my daughter from Garrus, simultaneously leaning in and giving him a long, passionate kiss. "It was great. I appreciate it." Shifting Alia onto my shoulder, I began to pat her back. "Hey. Good morning. Good morning."
He stood, pulling me back into his chest and nuzzled my neck, "I made breakfast. Watch the kids for a few minutes, and it'll be ready." He lingered, his hot breath on my neck and the rumbling subharmonics sent my mind spiraling into inappropriate places. "Happy birthday, Ame."
-0-
"Bacon?!" I picked up a strip and brought it to my eye for inspection. The fatty, salty smell of the fried meat nearly made my mouth water. It had been years since I had bacon, and even then, it was synthetic. "Where did you find this?" I took another long, deep inhale, savoring the scent before taking a bite.
"I can't reveal all my secrets… Then you could just get rid of me." He chuckled, stealing a piece off my plate and taking a cursory bite. "Mhm… This is the best human food."
I shoved him away playfully, "You're desirable in other areas than the procurement of delicious meats."
I swatted at his hand as he reached for another piece, "Mine. No touchie."
Garrus
I walked back into the kitchen after changing Serenity, welcomed by an astonishing level of mess, almost as if a freak storm ripped through and scattered cake decorating supplies everywhere. Spirits, telling Gaius and Octavia not to go crazy invited them to do exactly that, especially when I left them unattended for ten minutes.
The cake they had just baked had at least a centimeter of icing on top, spread unevenly and with several distinct five-fingered handprints. Sprinkles covered the cake and every surface surrounding it, including their hands. "Gaius, how did you get frosting on your fringe?"
"Wha?" The boy answered, reaching back and leaving another glob on his neck while investigating, sending Octavia into fits of laughter at her brother's expense.
Well, even if it tasted awful, Amelia would appreciate it for their… creativity.
Amelia
"That was nice. Thanks, Miri." We'd spent the last five hours at a salon and spa that had just opened in downtown Cipritine, getting every manner of pampered and cleansed, and, if I was being honest, it felt pretty good.
Cipritine had become a melting pot of different species and cultures since I first moved to Palaven. Tens of thousands moved to the city from all over the galaxy, especially humans, which numbered around 25,000. It allowed for businesses catering to non-turians to flourish, like the spa.
I was never one for pampering myself. I'd buy pretty dresses and makeup on occasion, but it rarely went farther than that, so the spa day was certainly a new experience.
"Garrus will love this," Miranda said, meeting with me after our haircuts. My hair, which had grown long and unruly, was tidied up and trimmed. Finally free of its weight, my hair's natural waviness returned, cascading down like a river of fire.
"Speaking of love lives, how are you and Tiberius?" I reached the car, climbing into the passenger seat while Miranda entered on the driver's side. Tiberius, the turian boy toy I heard from Miranda's bedroom, and Miranda had made their relationship official just a few months previous. It had just started as casual sex, but when I met him officially, I knew they'd end up together. They just complimented each other too well not to.
Miranda's porcelain skin flushed a deep red, and she stammered before replying, "It's weird, but it feels so right. I… I can't believe this is my life."
"I know what you mean. I didn't meet a turian until I was twenty-three, and now I'm married to one with four kids."
"It's different for me, Ame. I spent twenty years with Cerberus before I met you, and now, seven years later, I'm living on Palaven, and I'm dating a turian." She laughed, "You have this unnatural ability to bend space and time to your will."
"Okay, maybe… But you can't tell me it's not the best sex you've ever had in your life."
Miranda nearly choked, her face turning very red as she stumbled over her words, "Um… I can neither confirm nor deny that."
A wicked smile split my face ear-to-ear, "You don't need to. Your face is telling me everything I need to know."
We spent the next few minutes in silence, and I enjoyed my victory and Miranda stewing in her embarrassment. "So… have you blown him yet?"
"Oh, my God, Amelia!"
-0-
Huh, the lights are all out. I wonder where Garrus is? I wondered, walking across the yard towards the front door.
"SURPRISE!" Although I'd never admit it to any living being, I nearly had a heart attack. Miranda, following me in at a safe distance, had a wicked smile now, clearly involved in the planning.
My friends and family who lived on Palaven were scattered across the living room. Garrus emerged from the kitchen with the older kids in tow, sweeping me into a hug, "Surprise, Ame. Happy birthday."
After escaping the hug, I noticed Gaius and Octavia carrying something very colorful between them, "Happy birthday, Mada!"
I squatted down, giving each of them a kiss on the forehead, "Aww, thanks, guys. Whatcha got?"
"We made a cake for you!" Gaius answered excitedly, jumping as he did and almost tipping the cake over. Octavia shot him a quick glare before turning back to her with a big, beaming smile.
I shook my head and laughed, "Ohh! It's so pretty! I love you guys! Here, gimme the cake so I can set it on the counter. Let's get everyone a slice."
-0-
I poked at the cake on my plate, my second piece, not committed to eating the beautiful mess Gaius and Octavia had created. They watched with anticipation as I ate the frosting-and-sprinkle-laden cake, immediately giving me another slice before running off. What I wouldn't do for family…, I thought.
"Earth to Amelia," Miranda said, waving her hand in front of my face.
"Huh? Oh, what? Sorry, zoned out."
"I was telling you goodnight. I have to get going, though." She hugged me, "I'm going to miss you."
I reciprocated the hug, wrapping my arms around my friend, "Thanks for the spa day; I enjoyed it. Let me walk you out." We walked out the door towards Miranda's car. "You're still taking Bailey while we're gone, right?"
"Oh, yeah. I might be called into work early, but Oriana will be home." Miranda popped the door and climbed in. "Goodnight, Ame. Happy birthday."