His heart is beating out of his carapace as he approaches the door to her private quarters. Doubts are swimming with his decision to not wear armor but rather just casual wear.
"Come on Vakarian, you'll be fine…."
He sighs out of his noses and knocks. A muffled voice is heard beyond. One eyebrow raises, his translator didn't quite pick it up.
"She said you may come in Mister Vakarian."
"Thank you EDI."
One last sigh and he opens the door to be taken back by the commander's personal quarters. There's a small office space then a few stairs that lead to her bed and a lounge. And then there's the fish tanks in the walls. Strange that they're there but even stranger knowing they're empty. They do give off a nice light, soothing like the red in the main battery.
"Come take a seat! We have snacks, old ass movies, and comfy butt cushions."
He can't help but smile at her when she's loosened up and just her. The commander act is very compelling but knowing the woman behind the fame and glory is something he never thought was possible for him.
"So, what movie are we watching this evening?"
"A classic back on Earth, it's from the 1980's. Titled Nightmare on Elm Street."
His brow plates raise in curiousity.
"Let's get this started, hmm?"
She pushes the button for the vid to start and the opening credits begin to play.
"Is it too early to ask who this character is? Why is he only making one glove?"
"Yes to the too early question. You'll see him soon enough."
"Alriiiiiight Jane."
The blonde character in her nightgown is running around what seems to be the boiler room in her school, Freddy starts making his presence much more known as the character screams and gasps in fear.
"Let me guess, she lives on Elm Street and is having a nightmare."
Shepard pauses the vid.
"Yup, this is the entire vid. Isn't it good?"
"It's alright. Sound design could use some work but it's okay."
She playfully slaps his shoulder and presses play on the movie. He eases a little bit more and focuses on the movie.
"So these people don't believe her after they have solid evidence? This reminds me a lot of council."
Jane shakes her hand and continues to watch the movie. She crosses her leg and accidently kicks Garrus again. It's been about the seventh time in the past 20 minutes but this time she just decides to leave it to avoid any more apologizing. He has protective plates all over, a socked foot won't do too much damage. This time though, his leg shifts a little closer to her direction. He might just be adjusting his seating but maybe not. Her heartbeat quickens slightly and Garrus notices on his visor.
Did she catch that?...
She decides to scoot her entire body closer to him.
I guess she did catch that. Oh Spirits….
She gave out a yawn, showing her energy levels for the day dropping quickly. Her body scooted even closer and her head was now laid against his arm. A small huff exits her nose.
Oh SPIRITS, is she just tired or?
Her hand fills the small gap between them, her pinky against his thigh ever so slightly.
Maybe she's just getting comfortable?
Her hand shifts and ends up flopping onto his thigh completely.
I guess she is getting really comfortable? Should I or?
His hand matches the one on his lap and her fingers wrap around his. Despite her additional digits, it works perfectly. A sigh left her nose again.
"This might be strange to say, but you smell really good."
"Uh…thank you?"
"You're welcome bird face."
Her cheek nuzzles his arm even more. Her heartbeat is extremely higher now, as is his. The scent of her hair enters his nose and he closes his eyes.
"You also smell extremely good, Jane. Never really seen you as a perfume sort of woman."
"Thank you. I treated myself with some fancy shampoo for a change and I have to say that it smells delightful."
Another yawn leaves her mouth and her eyelids lower slightly. Her body is now fully leaning on Garrus' side, his thumb strokes her knuckles.
"Is there a reason you kept your gloves on?"
"Yeah, turian fingers look like Freddy's glove. I think that's why humans are so scared of our talons."
"Probably."
A chuckle rustles her but all fucks are gone. Her cheeks blush with happiness. Her heat changes show on his visor and his heart beats faster. This can't be happening. It just seems unbelievable.
"I really like your hands. They remind me of little bird feet back on Earth. I think they're cute."
If turians could blush, he would be bright blue at that very moment. Pyjacks are running all throughout his carapace and stomach.
"I….um…thank you. Yours are….nice as well."
Added pressure is on his arm from a large smile which is now plastered over half of her face. The pyjacks are now behaving like a child dizzy on sugar.
Spirits help me…
"Garrus, can I ask you a question?"
SPIRITS, THIS IS NOT HELPING ME.
"Didn't you just ask one?"
"Oh har har, Vakarian. I was wondering if…oh nevermind, it's stupid."
"Jane, come on. You can't tease a man like that. Lay it on me."
She sighs and moves away from him, her body heat leaving that side of his body. Her heart is beating out of her chest, hands slightly shaking. Holding his hand, just about cuddling him…it terrifying. What if something happens during this mission? Is this right? The screaming in the movie isn't really helping her heart beat slow down.
"Jane, are you alright?"
"Yeah…yeah…I was just thinking…."
Is she alright? Was she about to make a move? Did I mess something up? Do something, dammit!
"Shepard, there is no need to get all nervous around me. Everything's okay, you can always talk to me if something is on your mind."
"I know, but it's something my brain won't let me say. I'm commander goddamn Shepard and I'm tongue-tied over a goddamn turian."
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit Shit. SHIT. SHIT. WHY DID I JUST SAY THAT?!
"A turian, huh? Is he good looking?"
ABORT THE MISSION. REPEAT, ABORT THE MISSION. JOKER WHY CAN'T YOU INTERRUPT THIS?
"Uhhh, yeah. He has a few scars, but handsome. Kind, dedicated, and-"
Garrus closes the gap between them and rests his forehead on hers. Arms entwine behind her back, giving him a firsthand glimpse on how hard her heart is beating. He's never seen the commander so nervous and it's scaring him. Opened eyes are staring at his blue orbs, pupils indicating her feelings. His taloned hands run up and down her back and she seems to calm down a little bit.
You're alright Jane…you're alright.
"I know it's stressful right now and a lot has changed. Working with Cerberus isn't easy, finding out more about the collectors isn't easy and taking them down won't be easy. But you will always have me at your six, scoping out anything that may try to strike you down."
She presses her head against his with slightly more force and her eyes close.
"Having you back, it's something I dreamed of. You were there teaching me lessons I needed two years ago. You kicked my ass when it needed a swift boot. You were there for me on Omega and saved my life. Having you in my arms right now, I want you to know how much you mean to me."
Tears start leaking from her eyes and he rubs them away with his thumb.
"Garrus…I lucked out with you."
"And I with you. Now please, no need for tears. Everything will turn out alright."
"You sure? I have my doubts…"
"Stop selling yourself short. Like you said, you're goddamn commander goddamn Shepard."
"You're right, I am goddamn commander goddamn Shepard and this is my favorite turian on the Normandy."
"And this is my favorite person on the Normandy. Now come on, I think we had a long enough day and you should sleep."
"Maybe-" A yawn leaves her lips "That is a good idea. Would you care to join me on Illium tomorrow?"
"If you need me, I'm there."
They unlink arms and stand up off the sofa, the credits of the vid playing. Garrus begins walking towards the door and at the elevator, he looks back. Shepard stands in the doorway, arms crossed and she's leaning on one leg. When the door opens, she sprints into action and her arms wrap around his cowl. Her lips meet the uninjured side of his face, soft and warm.
"That was my question, if you're still wondering what it was."
He bends down so her muscles don't need to stress themselves when reaching his face. His lips meet hers, a gentle kiss of uncertainty and affection.
"That's my answer if you still wanted it."
"That's the answer I was hoping for. I'll see you port-side."
"Good night."
He enters the open doors of the elevator and she the doors of her quarters. The ride to deck three seemed like a blur. He floated to the main battery and onto his cot.
Oh Spirits, thank you.
AN:/ I'm getting favorites, watchers, and followers on my story and THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. It means the world to me c: I hope so have another chapter up as soon as possible since I really love writing about these two.