Title says it all.
The turian unfolded his arms as Tali rammed into him, her helmet smacking against his armor. He returned with a warm, brotherly hug.
"Garrus, it's so good to see you!"
"And you, Tali."
Shepard stepped forward. The two comrades grasped forearms and gave a one-arm hug.
"Thanks for that joyride on the bull."
"I've told you before, Shepard. You do well on your own, but you need me for style."
"Did you set off the alarms for the whole building?"
"No, just the human block. I had to keep everyone away from you before Tali hurt somebody."
"I almost did," Tali mused.
Garrus moved further into the saloon and picked up the white cowboy hat that fell off Shepard's head. The couple saw a full armament of weapons on his back.
"So, why are you here, Garrus? I figured the Council would have something for you to do."
Garrus set the hat on top of his head.
"I'm here as your personal bodyguard," he drawled. He looked at the couple and the hat slipped off.
"That's funny, Garrus. But really, what's your assignment?"
"That is the assignment." The turian picked up the hat again and tried different ways of putting it on his head, even hanging it off of his fringe. "Can you believe it? After all these years I finally become a Spectre, and I'm stuck doing the same damn thing I've been doing since I met you." The only way the hat would fit on his head was low over his forehead, but his vision was obscured.
"You've been keeping an eye on us?" Tali asked nervously.
"Of course not." He was looking intently at the hat in his hands. "If you two can't take care of yourselves by now, there's not much I can do for you. I just decided to take a break from harassing the local mercenaries and make sure you weren't getting into trouble without me."
Garrus gripped the sides of the cowboy hat in both hands and held it aloft, slanted forward slightly, at the back of his head. With a rip he thrust it onto his scalp, fringe poking out the back. Then he whipped out his sniper rifle, smoothly unfolding it as he brought the scope to his eye.
"How do I look?"
...
The group made their way across the park, now empty because of the alarms. The turian was reluctant to 'intrude further' on their honeymoon, but Shepard and Tali wouldn't hear it. They decided to go to the turian block, where Shepard's identity hadn't been found out yet.
"Many turian games are surprisingly similar to humans, if less child-friendly at times," Garrus explained as they entered the large, vacant elevator. Shepard's jacket and N7 hat were back in place. Tali held his hand while they listened to their friend. "My people are more strict about public service, military order, that sort of thing."
It came as a surprise, then, when the doors of the elevator slid open, and they got their first look at the turian's park.
Tali's helmet tilted. "Military order, you said?"
Strings crisscrossed high overhead in a wide checkered pattern, off of which hung a mesh of colorful decorations ranging from leafy flora to stick ornaments to objects a lot like human piñatas. In the more open spaces of the park, torches were set up in a ritualistic pattern and the artificial lighting was dimmed for a nighttime appearance.
Turians were garbed in ancient robes wearing amulets adorned with fierce predator-like teeth and head dresses of spiky feathers. Some were dancing wildly around while others held spears and stood in stoic silence. Their faces and bodies were tattooed in a beautiful mosaic of colors and designs.
Shepard and Tali looked at Garrus. His mandibles were spread wide and he seemed just as awestruck as they were. Then the appendages folded in and he relaxed.
"Oh, I can't believe I forgot." He cleared his throat, a little embarrassed. "Rosh'nthar. It's an old, popular turian holiday. We spend three days reconnecting with the spirits, sometimes communing with them for guidance and inspiration. Usually we don't get this... energetic about it."
They moved through the jaw-dropping displays. While some turians danced, others performed various tricks like juggling torches or exaggerated fights. The crowd was thick with multiple races.
"Hey turian! Nice hat!"
Like the crack of a whip, Garrus snapped around to find a pair of krogan pointing at him, rumbling guffaws coming from them. He silently motioned for Shepard and Tali to wait and walked over to the giants.
It was unclear exactly what made the krogan quiet down. Maybe it was the purposeful, unhesitating stride, the glint of dark eyes behind a brutally scarred face, or the armory sticking out from his back. Perhaps it was a combination of the whole armored turian closing in that made the krogan step back.
"You have a problem with my hat?"
One of the krogan grunted, recollecting his courage. "Maybe we do."
The other krogan glanced warily at his partner but stepped forward nonetheless. "Yeah. We do."
Garrus pulled out his Spectre badge.
"How about now?"
The krogan stared intently at the badge before their eyes widened.
"I reckon you two should find smaller fish to fry."
"Err, yeah. We'll go find some fish."
Shepard and Tali were grinning as they listened to the exchange.
"I think Garrus has been watching too many human vids," said Tali.
"Note to self," Shepard began. "Do not insult Garrus's hat."
...
Continuing their stroll, they passed by a large crowd circled around a female turian.
Garrus stopped walking, eyes fixed on her. "Can we watch for a bit?"
"Sure." Shepard and Tali smiled at him.
The female turian held a long staff with one hand, horizontal and stretched out in front of her. Graceful and controlled, she spun the staff around her hand before tossing it high above her. At the top of the throw, the edges burst into flame and she reached out to catch it as it came back down. What followed next was a series of martial arts maneuvers that had her twisting and bending, flipping the staff all around. Her flexibility was astonishing.
She ended the routine with a flourish, sweeping the stick in an arc and dipping into a lunge. The crowd cheered and applauded enthusiastically.
People dispersed, some went over to compliment her.
Shepard glanced at Garrus, understood the longing in his eyes. He nudged him in the side.
"Why don't you go talk to her?"
Garrus looked a bit startled by the suggestion. "Well, I don't really... I mean, it's not-"
"Vakarian! Is that you?"
The female turian strode over to him, eyes wide and green tattooed mandibles flared. She put a hand on Garrus's shoulder. "How've you been?" Her voice and posture made it obvious how excited she was to see him.
"Nylia. I'm... I'm surprised to see you here."
"I'm on leave for a while. I heard about this whole party going on and decided I'd volunteer. What about you?"
"Just, err, looking around..."
Shepard leaned forward. "Garrus is here on Spectre business." Tali smirked behind her mask, thinking about how, just moments before, Garrus had stared down two krogan.
"Oh really? That's impressive! I should've known you'd join their ranks some day. You were always one of the best."
Garrus thanked his human friend with a flick of his eyes. "Yeah. But it's classified so I can't go in on the details."
"So... is that why you're wearing a hat?"
Horrified, Garrus's hand went to his head. He tried to tug it off, but it stuck to his fringe. "N-no it's, um... it's just this human tradition." Why won't the damn thing come off? "They r-ride this thing called a bull and-"
Nylia grabbed his arm and pulled it down. She looked him right in the eye and said, "I like it."
"Oh..." Garrus glanced down. Her fingers were still wrapped around his arm.
"Nylia! Hurry up, I don't want to miss the show!"
Nylia promptly dropped Garrus's arm and turned to the male turian waving at her from far away. "Coming!"
She turned back to Garrus, looking rather awkward. "I have to go. Maybe I'll see you around?"
"Uh, sure." Garrus nodded. Nylia backed away, giving him a small wave before turning around and walking, a bit reluctantly, toward the other man.
Shepard waited several seconds after she disappeared. Then he grabbed the turian's shoulders and wrenched him around so they were face to face.
"What the hell was that, Garrus?"
"She's with someone else!"
"You're not going after her?"
"Going after...?"
Shepard started shaking the turian. "What? That idea doesn't cross species?"
Garrus grabbed the human's shoulders and shook back. "Don't give me lessons on turian relationships!"
"It looks like you need lessons!"
Tali burst out laughing, making both of the men look at her. "What?" they asked at the same time.
She tried to calm down. "It's just... you two..." She couldn't continue and simply gestured at them.
Their faces were centimeters away and they were holding each other in a death grip. They swiftly let go and stepped back. Shepard coughed and Garrus cleared his throat.
"Sorry about that, Garrus."
"Nothing to be sorry about. You were helping me out."
Shepard raised a fist. "So we're good?"
Garrus nodded. "We're good."
Their fists bumped together.
"Come on, I want to show you two a ritual I think you'll like."
Garrus lead the way through the masses of decorations and alien spectators. He pretended not to notice as Shepard and Tali dropped back.
"Having fun?" Shepard asked, slipping an arm around her waist.
Tali leaned into him. "Of course I am. You're with me." She was rewarded with a smile.
They continued walking, holding each other close. Shepard heard Tali sigh, leaning into him. He felt the sway of her hips against his side. Her fingers crept under his jacket and trailed along his back.
His eyes flashed wickedly.
"Are you hungry?"
"I'm fine. You?"
"Starving." He rubbed her hip while his eyes told her exactly what he was starving for.
Tali's voice dropped seductively. "Well in that case..."
Garrus effectively shattered the moment when he called out, "There's food where we're going!"
...
He wasn't kidding. They rounded a corner to find long rows of tables filled completely with food for all races.
I don't envy the cook, thought Shepard.
The group grabbed their appropriate dishes, or tubes, and found another area where numerous campfires were set up with people sitting around them. The smoke from the fires drifted straight up and out of a venting system.
They found a low populated fire and sat down. Shepard and Tali sat cross-legged on the floor while Garrus, because of his spurs, sat on a kind of wooden stool.
They chatted for a while, catching up, remembering the 'good old days'. They laughed together while the gentle flames bathed them in a golden light.
"You said this was a ritual, Garrus?" Tali asked.
"It's called rigut. I said before that we spend the holiday reconnecting with the spirits. Everyone here is eating, hanging out, enjoying themselves. There is a spirit encompassing all of us that reflects that. Many turians believe you can converse with a spirit to reconnect with them. But sometimes it's just as simple as what we're doing. Sitting together, talking."
Nobody could deny that there was some kind of bond between the three of them. Moments like this were extremely rare. What they were doing now was a luxury, a gift.
"There's even a spirit reflecting what's between you two." Garrus gestured at them.
Shepard and Tali smiled at each other, hands held tightly. Garrus watched his friends, happy for them.
He got an idea.
"I'll, uh, I'll be right back."
"We'll be here, Garrus."
"Yeah..."
The couple continued staring at each other, oblivious to how much time had passed when a turian's shadow fell over them. And it wasn't Garrus.
While most of the turians who were dressed up looked impressive, this individual's garb was a bit overdone. It made Shepard think of a shaman. Or a clown.
"Hello there! I spoke with a friend of yours. He says you wish to reconnect with your love."
Shepard felt Tali shake a little with silent laughter. "Actually, I think we're okay."
"Hah, that's what they all say." The turian moved behind them. "Sit facing each other. Don't worry, it's not that difficult."
Deciding to play along, the two turned as instructed, legs still crossed. Shepard grabbed Tali's calves and pulled her closer.
"Hold each other's hands. Yes, like that. You two are naturals. Now close your eyes and just listen to the prayer."
He knelt beside them, appearing more calm and serene as he did so.
The shaman began a soft chant in an old turian dialect. Shepard and Tali squeezed each other's hands, thumbs rubbing gently. The warm crackle of the fire and the quiet rumble of words laced around them. Their thoughts wandered...
I feel his hands on me. Gentle against my sensitive skin, soft lips firm against mine. My hands run over his hard body and he shudders from my touch...
She holds me tight against her, whispering words of love in my ear. Nothing compares to the way she moves with me. I hear her cry out and I want to give her more...
The chanting stopped. Their eyes opened of their own accord, searching for each other. Shepard brought both hands behind Tali's head, leaning close so their foreheads touched.
"Tali... I..."
Her hands ran along his arms. "I know, John."
The turian shaman watched them, pleased with his work. He fumbled with the pockets of his robe, producing two small containers.
"Here."
It took them a minute to look away from each other.
"What is it?"
"Face paint. We all know everyone wants to look like a turian. Tattoos are about as close as you'll get, though."
"Is this part of the ritual?" Tali asked.
The turian set the objects down beside them. "Could be." He stood up and walked away.
They each picked one up. One was red paint while the other was white.
Tali eagerly opened the red container. "Let me paint your face."
Shepard chuckled softly and tilted his hat up. "Okay."
He leaned forward as she dabbed a gloved finger in red. She carefully brought it to his face. Her first thought was to outline the features that she loved most, but then she'd have to coat every inch of him. She drew lines along the sides of his nose, his cheekbones.
"Stop smiling. It's harder to draw."
"Sorry." Shepard bit the inside of his cheek and closed his eyes. The feel of her finger, even gloved, rubbing all over his face was very soothing. He listened to her soft breathing.
When Tali was done she observed her work and was happy with it.
"My turn." Shepard picked up the white paint.
He was nothing if not gentle when he brought his finger to her mask. He outlined the visor. Drew small, curved lines over her eyes.
Tali watched his face while his hand moved over her. His eyes were so intense, so focused. Like painting her mask was something of great importance. She placed her hands on his calves and squeezed.
His eyes flicked to hers, his lips tilted up on one side.
"What?"
She sighed.
"Nothing..."
...
When Garrus didn't return they decided to get up and look for him. It wasn't long before they found him.
A hanar had three of its tentacles wrapped around the turian's arm, who was looking incredibly flustered. Garrus spotted his friends, mumbled something to the hanar and quickly sped toward the two.
"You alright there, Garrus?"
"I, uh... I think I was just hit on by a hanar." Garrus glanced over his shoulder and the hanar waved at him, two tentacles gliding through the air.
Tali snorted, covering the flashing light of her helmet with one hand as her shoulders shook.
"Wow, Garrus. I didn't know you had it in you. Did you get her name?"
"Said it was Dayna-W-wait. I didn't mean that. She was the one... err, there are she-hanar, right?" He gave his friends a worried look and received only blank stares. "She." he said firmly, "Came on to me."
Shepard fought a smile. "We believe you, Garrus."
The turian sighed, running a hand over his face. "Let's go. There's more I want to show you. Nice tattoos, by the way."
Shepard and Tali, holding hands, fell in step with Garrus. Though the streets were crowded, the heavily armed turian was given a wide berth, allowing them to walk with more freedom.
"Did you find Nylia?" asked Shepard.
"How did you...? Uh, yeah I did. We talked for a bit, but she's in a whole group from the military. The one she's with wasn't real happy to see me. It was time to find you guys anyway." He said the last bit with a shrug.
Shepard knew his friend well enough to know it wasn't the other turian that he was scared of.
"So what's the problem?"
"I'm not sure... It's been a while since we've seen each other, you know?"
He was silent for a moment. "I'm surprised she never mentioned you, Shepard. Most turians do when they find out who I am."
"Isn't it obvious?" Both men looked at Tali. "It's because she wants you, Garrus."
That brought a turian smile to his face. He pulled the cowboy hat from his head, thinking quietly as he fingered the holes made by his fringe.
Shepard hit him lightly on the back. "Come on. I want to see how turian games compare to humans."
...
While one half of the park was celebrating Rosh'nthar, the other half was still running normally. The first game they tried was a little like bumper cars. Through the use of mass effect fields, the eggshell-shaped cars were able to fly around a boxed-in arena. When the cars hit, they'd spin away, bouncing off the walls until the person inside was able get control again. Shepard picked a red car, Tali purple, and Garrus blue.
The trio couldn't figure out who they wanted to harass the most. Sometimes Shepard and Tali would play with each other and sometimes they'd gang up on Garrus, who happened to be exceptionally good.
The turian was gliding smoothly along the outside, being tailed by Shepard and Tali, when someone pulled up beside him. He casually glanced over to find a pink car. It was Dayna the hanar. It's long tentacles lifted up, bending together to make a heart shape at Garrus.
The shocked turian jerked on the wheel, only to bounce off the wall and back into the hanar's car. Shepard and Tali swerved to get out of the way. After the hectic clash had settled, they saw Garrus park his car and dash out.
They found him hiding inside a tent.
"Something in there need calibrating, Garrus?"
The turian ignored him. "Did you see her?"
"Who?"
"The hanar." He said it in a whisper. "I think she's following me."
"Garrus, after all this time I never thought a hanar would get to you."
"Don't you remember what Zaeed said about them?"
"Zaeed said a lot of things."
"Are you two finished?" Tali's arms were crossed. "I want to play some more games. That last one was fun."
...
Laser tag. Somehow it didn't surprise Shepard that turians would have a game like this. Along with a large group of other players, they strapped on a green-lit vest and picked up plastic guns that shot harmless beams of light with a pathetic 'pew pew' sound. Garrus was relieved to see that none of the players were hanars.
They were the dominating force on the field right from the start, moving through the dimly lit corridors with way more military precision than the game called for. Soon it was just the three of them in a fierce free-for-all.
Garrus swung out from his cover and fired at Tali. The beam connected with the vest, changing the light from green to yellow. She returned fire and managed to get out of sight before he finished her off.
"Hey Tali. I think we should continue that conversation we had in the elevators."
"No." She rolled from cover, trying to get closer. Lights flashed around her, but she made it through without a scratch.
"Aw, come on. Tell me about life on your newly reacquired home planet."
"This conversation is over." She fired at him when his head poked out, missed.
"How is your immune system adapting?"
"I have a... plastic pistol thing."
Garrus was about to reply when a beam passed right by his head, the direction from which meant he was completely open for another shot. He tried to pull back but Tali was already on him, firing a barrage of lights.
His vest quickly switched to red as the beams hit their target. Garrus sat down, defeated. Tali stood triumphantly over him.
"Maybe we'll talk later," she said smugly.
"Can't say I'm sorry to be out."
"Why's that?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Now you have to fight him."
As if on cue, several shots were fired, whizzing over Tali's head. She crouched and rolled to the side. She peaked around the corner and saw her husband standing in full view. He winked at her.
Tali popped off a few beams, which he dodged easily. She hid again, a light flashed by.
"Don't tell me you're losing your touch, honey."
"Why, of course not, darling," she purred.
Tali rolled out, bringing her gun up. But he was nowhere to be seen. She cautiously moved forward, seeing flashes here and there. He was drawing her deeper into the arena.
A beam hit a post nearby and she ducked behind low cover.
"Maybe it's your touch you should be worried about."
"Oh, I assure you." His voice was very close. "It's not my touch I'm thinking about."
Tali felt a brush on her arm, felt her breath catch even as she turned to it. A blur of green light and he was gone.
Instead of following him, Tali moved off at an angle.
"I admit, I've been distracted this whole game."
Tali didn't respond as it would give away her position.
"I always seem to be looking for your eyes."
She heard footsteps and hid, saw him sneak by. She couldn't get a clear shot off so she carefully moved around the side.
"I've been following your every step. You're quite graceful. And that suit looks damn good on you."
He was sliding along the wall, looking away from her. Raising her gun, she fired a quick succession of shots.
But somehow he'd known she was there and only one shot hit him as he slipped around a corner. She ran at him, not wanting to miss her chance. She rounded the corner, already firing her weapon.
Strong arms grabbed her from behind, pulling her back against a hard frame.
"Got you," he said quietly.
Tali dropped the gun and overlapped his arms with hers.
"You did. What will you do with me?"
"Hmm." He turned her and pressed her against a wall. He captured her wrists and trapped them on either side of her head. "I think I'll make you my prisoner."
He leaned against her and watched her eyes close as their bodies pressed together.
"How long will you keep me?" Her voice was a whisper.
His hands ran down her arms, her sides, and rested on her hips. She released a soft moan, dropping her head on his shoulder.
"Forever."
...
When they left the game, they found-
"Garrus!"
"Shepard! Tali! Get this thing off me!"
Garrus was staggering all over the place, tugging frantically at the pink tentacles wrapped around him.
"This one wishes to share its soul name with you."
They hurried over to their friend. A chaotic and hysterical struggle ensued, resulting in Shepard pulling the 'body' of the hanar from Garrus's back while Tali pulled on the turian's hands in the opposite direction.
"Gah! It's in my eyes!"
"This one is not being unreasonable."
Tali saw where its tentacles were headed. "Garrus! It wants the hat! You have to get rid of the hat!"
"What? No!"
"Damnit, Garrus!"
Shepard felt the hanar tense at the expletive.
"This one does not appreciate your use of the Enkindler's gift."
Rolling his eyes, Shepard ripped the hat off and stuffed it on the hanar's 'head'. As soon as the hanar's grip loosened he pulled the jellyfish off of Garrus. He was going to toss it aside but had a better idea.
"Always wanted to do this..."
Shepard set himself up, then made a running start, dropped the hanar to his foot and punted it. The hard sweep of his leg sent the hanar soaring through the air.
"Enkindle that!"
Tali held a hand over eyes, as though shielding them from the sun, and watched it fly. "I'd say that's a good twenty yards, John."
"It was flat."
Garrus was exasperated. "My hat... What?... Why did it...?"
Shepard and Tali looked at each other. Then back at Garrus.
Together they raised their hands, making a chopping motion as they said, "Because it's a big, stupid jellyfish."
...
Deciding to take a break from their games, the group found themselves inside a large tent that was serving drinks. They sat down at an empty table.
The three were laughing about the hanar incident when Nylia walked in. Shepard and Tali exchanged knowing looks as Garrus watched the female turian approach the drink stand.
Tali lightly kicked him in the leg. "Go on, Garrus. Show us what you're made of."
Shepard leaned on the table. "If you don't I'll never let you live that hanar thing down."
Garrus's fingers drummed lightly on the table, a rhythmic double-tap. His mandibles twitched with indecision.
"Eyes off, runt."
It was Nylia's boyfriend. He strolled by with five other turians, glaring at Garrus as they passed. One of them bumped into his shoulder.
"What did he just call you?"
"I don't think you should take that, Garrus."
Garrus barely heard his friends, his focus so intent on Nylia.
It's because she wants you, Garrus.
He stood up and started removing his weapons, placing them on the table.
"Shepard. Let me give you a lesson on relationships. Turian style."
"Go get'em, partner."
Shepard rested an arm on the back of Tali's chair as Garrus walked away, a swagger in his step.
"Think he'll need backup?"
"Nope."
As Garrus approached, Nylia and the other turians turned to look at him.
Garrus growled. A rough, primitive sound that had nearly every female twisting around. Shepard could picture feathers ruffling along his neck. Nylia nearly came out of her chair until her boyfriend stepped between them, growling low.
The turian charged, swinging at Garrus with a right hook. Garrus ducked and punched him in the gut. The dazed turian hunched over with a grunt as Garrus grabbed his head with both hands and bashed his forehead into his face, then shoved him against his buddies.
"That all you got?"
The boyfriend growled, blue blood trickling down his face as he turned to his friends. "Don't just stand there. Get him!"
"Six versus one. Still not in your favor, but close."
The turians attacked the lone Spectre, swinging wildly. Garrus countered without mercy, grunts of pain following his blurred movements. Fringes were grabbed and wrenched, faces were pummeled to the breaking point, kicks landed solidly. Tables splintered and broke, glass crashed on the floor. Shepard and Tali sat calmly in their seats, sipping their drinks, making the appropriate oo's and aa's as turian bodies were tossed around them.
With one last punch to the boyfriend's face, all but Garrus was left standing. He was breathing evenly through his nostrils, still set in a fighting stance as the last of the adrenaline rush left his body. A hand touched his shoulder. He glanced over and looked into Nylia's green eyes.
"I see your reach has improved." Garrus smiled at her, heart thumping with victory.
...
At Nylia's suggestion, the group went to the asari park, which had a section at the top of the building. Night was falling and a fireworks display was about to start.
The top was a large, dome shape, open on the sides except for a glass shield. The couples spread out, taking separate places.
Shepard and Tali propped their elbows on the railing, arms touching.
They stood silently for a while, waiting for the sky to darken.
Tali shifted beside him and Shepard glanced at her.
"What are you thinking about?"
Tali looked up at him. "I think there's something wrong."
His eyebrows knit together. "What's wrong?"
"It just doesn't feel right." She looked around her, as though trying to figure out what was bothering her. Then she looked at Shepard again, eyes lingering on his before traveling down to his arms. "Ah."
She grabbed his elbow and lifted it so she could duck under his arm. Shepard stepped back as she moved between him and the railing, pulling his arms around her.
"That's better."
He chuckled softly, hugging her close. A gentle crack signaled the first of the fireworks.
Large and small flares sparkled before their eyes, popping and snapping. A rainbow of colors flashed in the night sky. It could have gone on for minutes or hours. Days even. Time was not important to them. Not anymore.
Eventually Shepard bent his head to the side of Tali's helmet.
"Let's go back to the hotel."
"Okay."
They found Garrus and Nylia talking quietly to each other. Garrus spotted them and they walked over.
"Leaving?"
"Yeah. It was great seeing you, Garrus."
"Likewise. Maybe we can catch up again sometime."
"Looking forward to it."
They waved goodbye, turning to leave.
"Oh, Shepard. If you need anything..."
"I know."
...
They removed their wrist bands as they left through the gate. Shepard's hands were in his pockets and Tali's arm linked with his. The air chilled his nose and his breath was foggy.
"Tali are you co... never mind."
Tali smiled. "The suit does have its advantages."
"Maybe you can warm me up when we get back?"
She laughed at him. "I think you're forgetting something, John." She pulled his N7 hat off and fit it over her hood.
"I'm still the commander."
Notes:
No hanar were harmed in the writing of this chapter.
Garrus is a sexy beast.
And I think it's time our married couple had some romance!