Chapter 44

Anya wasn't surprised to see Garrus by the elevator, trying to look nonchalant. She smiled in spite of how tired she was, and he made his way over to her locker. She met him there in quick strides.

"Hey, honey," she murmured as she started pulling her weapons off her back and stowing them.

"Hey, sweetie. How was it?"

"It was fine. Got to bring some AA guns online, took down an Atlas. Oooh, I found a mod out there I thought you might like, it's on the shuttle. I'll go grab it in a few minutes. And you'll never believe who we ran into," she said with a grin as her armor joined the guns, piece by piece.

"Oh?" he asked.

"Jacob."

"Wait, Jacob, Jacob? Our Jacob?"

"Yep, our Jacob," she affirmed.

"How was he?"

"Well, gave me a little mini-heart attack when he got clipped at the start of everything. He'll be fine, though. Oh, he and one of the scientists, Doctor Brynn, are expecting, so that was a pleasant surprise."

"Expecting what?" he queried, seeming perturbed before realization crossed his features. "Oh, that kind of expecting?"

"Yeah, that one. She probably isn't too far along, but still. Oh, also, she's apparently considering naming the baby after me."

"To be fair, your name is rather pretty. I like saying it," he said with a grin.

"Yeah, but I don't think 'Anya' works so well for a boy. Definitely a feminine name. Jacob is trying to change her mind about it."

"Well, that's just hurtful."

"It doesn't bother me. They can name the baby what they want, it's their kid," she laughed.

James came up towards the lockers, looking pleased. "What are you doing down here, Scars? Didn't think I'd hold up my end?"

"Couldn't hold off on finding out that Jacob and Doctor Brynn are kicking around the idea of naming their kid after the commander," he retorted.

"You know there are already probably kids out there, named after you, right, Lola?" James teased, and she shook her head.

"I'm firmly in denial until I meet one."

"How much do you want to bet there was a spike right after Elysium?" Garrus added.

"Mmm, and the Citadel."

"Alright, so are we talking about a spike in the name 'Anya,' or 'Shepard?'" she asked conversationally.

"I...damn. Is both an option?" Garrus asked, and James snorted.

"It is now. I wonder if 'Lola' will get added to the mix after this is all over?"

"James, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you are literally the only person who has ever called me 'Lola.' I think it has to catch on with other people before it becomes a thing."

"Mmm, you have a point. Hey, Garrus, what would it take for you to start calling the commander 'Lola?' Maybe if I start with the rest of the crew it will spread."

"Don't do it, Garrus," she warned, feigning annoyance, and he laughed.

"C'mon, Scars, work with me here," James cajoled.

"I'm far more likely to call her 'Anya' than 'Lola', lieutenant. Sorry."

"Smart man."

"No," Vega groaned. "You're killing me, man."

"It is what it is. I'm not crossing the commander for something that ridiculous."

"Ha!" Anya was smug.

"Don't be a sore winner, you have an unfair advantage when it comes to persuading the big guy."

"Oh?" She glanced at Garrus, wondering if the lieutenant had finally caught on about the extent of their relationship.

"Yeah, like I'm going to be able to compete with you guys being buddy-buddy for the last three years after only being around for as long as I have. Hell, commander, you drink with Garrus more in a week than you have with me the entire time you've known me. I've never hung out with Scars solo for more than twenty minutes. I'm growing on you two, though, I can tell."

Anya bit back a laugh. "We are becoming rather fond of you."

"Agreed," Garrus said with a chuckle. "If you want, we can even hang out for a little bit if you wanted to break a record."

"Hell, yeah. I'm game. What did you want to do?"

"Nothing crazy, I'm sure you guys are tired. Maybe just relax and swap some stories or something."

"Sounds like a plan. You going to be alright flying solo for a bit, commander?" James asked, grinning.

"I'm sure I can entertain myself for a few hours. You boys have fun."

"Boys?" Vega challenged.

"I don't remember the last time someone other than my father called me a boy," Garrus agreed, pretending to glare at Anya.

"Fine, you...grown ass men have fun. Is that better? Did I protect your delicate feelings enough?"

"I'll accept it," Garrus said solemnly.

"The nerve on this lady," James muttered before grinning.

"No ladies in here but you, lieutenant," she fired back as she shut the locker.

"At least he's a lady who does his chores. Not going to clean your gear, Shep?" Garrus teased.

"You know where I'm going first," she retorted.

"And where's that?" James asked.

"Fifty credits say she's about to take a shower."

"Uh-uh, I ain't betting against you when it comes to the commander. I learned my lesson."

"I am about to go get cleaned up, but what did you even bet on?" she asked, eyebrow raised.

"Okay, so...don't get mad," James started.

"No promises."

"I...may have lost some credits over you and the major."

"What?"

"Vega bet that you were going to get back with Kaidan. He paid up pretty quick when I explained that you were seeing someone else," Garrus explained, trying to keep a straight face.

"Is that so?" Anya said, fighting back a laugh.

"What? I didn't know you had a boyfriend, so sue me." Vega's neck had a little red creeping up the sides and back.

"Well, you could have saved some money if you'd asked," she said with a shrug.

"Well, now I know. Anyway, tell me about this guy. Garrus was pretty tight-lipped about him."

"Oh, well…" She glanced at Garrus. "He's definitely a smartass. It's normally funny, though, so I don't mind. He's been in the military before, and he's honestly kind of a badass. He likes teasing me about liking his battle scars too much."

"Oh, shit, how bad did he get hit?"

"It's not that bad, honestly, plus that man's got gorgeous eyes, so I don't really care about it much on two fronts." Garrus seemed to be torn now between being pleased and being embarrassed, and she smiled as she spoke.

"Well, I'm happy for you Lola. Just remember that if he does you dirty, me and Scars can always handle your light work," James joked, and she laughed.

"I appreciate your intent, James, but I have faith in his ability to continue treat me well, or I wouldn't be with him."

"Just saying."

"I don't know that you could go toe to toe with her boyfriend and win, lieutenant," Garrus interjected, and Anya snorted.

"Hey, even if I tote an ass whooping, I can make sure the dude works for it. I'm good for that much. No shame in putting up a good fight on behalf of a friend, right?"

"Fair enough."

"Although, between you and me, I'm almost surprised that Scars didn't take a crack at the major, after what I've heard," James said quietly, glancing back to make sure Kaidan wasn't approaching from the shuttle.

"Thought about it," Garrus admitted, "but Shep said she wanted it to be water under the bridge, so I left it alone. Though, if he pops off again, I don't know how long I'll be minding my manners."

"Wait, what all did you hear?" Anya asked, her brow furrowed.

"Oh, Jack had plenty to say about the major after you two hung out."

"Did she now?"

"I don't think I've ever heard so many expletives strung together before. It was kinda beautiful."

"That's Jack alright," Garrus murmured.

"I mean...yeah, but if we're being fair, I think Jack was more mad at Kaidan after Horizon than I was," Anya pointed out.

"It wasn't just her," the turian muttered darkly, and Anya snorted.

"It's over and done with. No sense in anybody getting worked up about it. The major has been adult about this so far, and that's all that concerns me at this point."

"Fair enough," James said with a shrug.

"Where is Kaidan, anyway?"

"He stayed back with Steve to help him through the post-flight checklist," Anya answered brightly.

"Huh. That was nice of him."

"Yeah, but just about everybody is nice to Steve. He's a pretty cool dude," James reasoned.

"True. Wish we'd had him on the first Normandy," Garrus said with a smile.

"If this leads to another commentary about my driving, I swear I will shoot someone."

"That...doesn't narrow it down much," Garrus joked, and James glanced back and forth between the two of them.

"Is there something wrong with the commander's driving? Now I feel like I have to know."

"Goddamnit," Anya groaned.

"It was...fine."

"That doesn't sound fine. C'mon, Lola,how bad could it be?"

"Well, for starters, I was stuck with the Mako," she began, and James pulled a face.

"That already sounds like a bad time." He brightened. "Hell of a gun on it, though."

"See? Vega knows the Mako is a bitch to drive," Anya grumbled.

"I feel like, even taking that into account, that I may have spent a disproportionate amount of my time fixing the end results of your excursions," Garrus said carefully.

"How much time are we talking?" James asked.

Garrus looked at Anya, his expression bland as he asked, "How many hours a week do you think I spent on the Mako?"

"You're an ass."

"Oh, Shepard, no," James groaned, laughter in his voice.

"What did she do now?" Kaidan asked as he walked up.

"Nothing," she muttered, only half-feigning irritation.

"We were talking about the commander's relationship with the Mako," James volunteered.

"Is that...a good idea?" Kaidan asked slowly, and James nearly choked on a laugh.

"No. No it is not. I should go. You're all asses."

"Asses who have your six," Garrus offered, and she shook her head.

"Asses who better hope they don't need help with anything for the next six hours."

"Hold up, I didn't even do anything," Kaidan protested.

"Fine. You two are still asses. Kaidan, you just have terrible timing," she decided, starting towards the elevator.

"That's fair."

"Aww, Lola, don't be like that."

"Shepard…" Garrus called.

"Nope. Not fooling with you two for a little bit. Enjoy your dude time," she said, hitting the button to summon the platform.

"We will!" James declared, and Anya snorted.

"Good."

"Good!" James exclaimed.

"Good," she answered.

"Good!" The doors opened and she stepped inside. She hit the button to head up to her cabin, and she didn't have to wait long for the doors to close. She was entering her room when her omni-tool beeped. She opened the message Garrus had sent her.

How annoyed are you right now?

She sighed before typing a response.

On a scale of one to ten? Like a four, but it goes up every time the next round of Mako jokes starts.

She headed for the bathroom, peeling off clothes as she went. She was down to her underwear when his reply arrived.

Is a four enough for me to be stuck sleeping on the couch?

She snorted.

No. Also, you have your own bed, why would you sleep on the couch?

She finished stripping around the time his next message came.

It's a cot, and, as you pointed out, it is barely big enough for me. I'm sorry for teasing you, and for egging Vega on.

She let out another breath.

It's fine, but as a head's up, I'm not sure if he actually hasn't caught on about us. He may just be playing dumb.

She started the water, waiting for it to warm.

You really think so?

She could almost hear the disappointment in his voice.

I think it's just as likely as him not noticing, I mean, you were there. You saw how transparent we were being, right in front of him. You know my bathing habits, and I described you when asked about my boyfriend. If we were any more obvious, I'd have to do you in front of him.

She plunged into the heated spray, almost shivering at how good it felt on her aching muscles.

Well, damn. Still, we could go about a week somewhere nice with where the fund is at, even stopping it now. It was fun while it lasted.

She snorted.

Thank you, Vega.