Author's note: Sorry for the long delay in updating a new chapter. I was in the hospital with pneumonia and then I had to move, so a lot was going on. But now that everything is getting settled I'll have more time to write. And now the story's gonna get nice and juicy :3

Chapter Ten

Ashlyn spent the next few hours very confused. Her mind was stuck to Garrus and his back and forth behavior like glue. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't even notice the asari that sat next to her and mentioned something about buying her a drink. She ignored the blue-skinned woman and eventually the asari left disappointed, but Ashlyn didn't care. She still couldn't comprehend that damned turian. At one moment, he looked as if he was ready to kiss her, then he acted like he couldn't wait to escape. It was so incredibly frustrating not knowing what was going on in that spiky head.

She sighed as she glanced at her omni-tool and realized it was nearly time for Shepard's party. She considered changing as well, but she bought the damned dress and she wanted to wear it. She'd never been to a party, but she knew what they were. People got together, sometimes dressed up, danced and just had fun. She was actually looking forward to it, if she could bury her frustration over Garrus.

She finally detached herself from the bar and headed out. She was a bit thankful to get out of the sea of pounding music. When she stepped outside, she was met by bright neon lights and crowds of people looking to have a good time. There were bar hoppers, casino-goers, couples on dates and dinner-seekers. She realized a lot of these people might've been refugees hoping to, if only for a moment, forget their war-torn homelands and just enjoy themselves.

Ashlyn followed the coordinates that Shepard provided using the map on her omni-tool and made her way to the swanky apartment building where she found Shepard's new home-away-from-ship. She went up the elevator, down the hall and approached the door, giving it a loud knock.

The door slid open and Ashlyn was greeted by Shepard's surprised face.

"Woah, Ashlyn, you look incredible!"

Color rushed to her cheeks. "Thanks."

He let her in and she blushed more when she realized he couldn't take his eyes off her. His usually hardened stare became an admiring gaze. His brow was raised and his mouth was slightly slacked.

Finally, he blinked and spoke. "Ah, you probably know mostly everyone here, but there's a few of my old friends that came. Let me introduce you."

Ashlyn followed Shepard and was introduced to two krogans, one named Grunt, the other named Wrex. They were both huge and violent as she would expect them to be. She met another asari named Samara, who was very to herself, and a kind man named Jacob. There was also a woman covered in tattoos named Jack. She was a wild one. Everyone else she recognized from the Normandy. Ashlyn realized Shepard must've gone on many adventures with these people and they seemed to trust him entirely. Each person was different, yet they were all friends with Shepard. It was strange to see, but also very pleasing. Shepard truly was a man who cared for everyone.

Eventually, Shepard left her side, looking very reluctant to, when Wrex shouted his name in his boisterous voice from the bar. In his sudden absence, Ashlyn felt an immediate shock of shyness. She was standing alone, in the middle of the party as everyone around her were in their respective groups conversing and drinking. Luckily, she spotted EDI sitting with Joker on a black leather couch by the fire. She decided to walk over and mingle with them.

"Ashlyn," EDI greeted as her eyes met hers beneath her orange visor, "having a good time?"

"Well, I just got here, but so far, yes," she replied as she sat across from them on a matching black leather couch.

"You look good," Joker added, "definitely better than when we found you."

Ashlyn smiled gratefully.

"Would you like something to drink?"

Ashlyn thought of the trouble that drinking at the bar had caused. She found out, after searching the extranet, that what she drank was alcohol, so she decided to steer clear of it.

"I think I might just get some water," she replied.

Joker laughed. "You might have to find that in the fridge. I'd be polite and get it for you, but you know, my legs might break."

Ashlyn chuckled, knowing Joker was exaggerating. "It's alright, I'll get it myself."

She made her way to the kitchen, passing Tali, Jack, Traynor and a few others talking about past missions. She took a moment to soak in the sight of Shepard's new apartment. It was definitely fancy. Everything was pristine from the chrome fixings to the beautiful fireplace in the center of the main room to the magnificent grand piano. She'd never seen a home so nice, but she felt as if she'd never even seen a home other than a ship.

She opened the fridge and saw that it was nearly empty other than alcohol and a some finger foods. She sighed as she shut the fridge and turned around to see a large figure standing there. Garrus looked quite uncomfortable as he moved around her to the fridge and got himself a drink. His jaw and mandibles were tight and his eyes were distant. He was back in his bulky armor. He silently offered her a bottle of glowing alcoholic liquid, holding it out to her, but she shook her head.

"No thank you," she said quietly, "but do you know where I could find a cup?"

He put the spare one back and, still without saying a word, opened up one of the cabinets and pulled out a tall blue glass.

"Thanks." Ashlyn said, taking the glass from him.

He nodded to her, then left the kitchen. Ashlyn felt an embarrassed heat rise in her cheeks. Now it seemed as if he didn't even want to speak to her. She felt angry and humiliated all at once and it was infuriating. She wanted to launch the glass at him, but she resisted.

"That looked awkward."

She turned to the intruding voice and saw EDI.

"If you only knew." Ashlyn murmured, simmering down from her inner thoughts of rage.

"You can tell me if you'd like?" EDI leaned her metallic body on the counter as Ashlyn held the glass under the faucet and filled it with water.

"I don't know if there's much to tell."

"Well, you've always got a friend in me Ashlyn." Her silver lips spread into a smile.

"Thanks, EDI."

The further the night went on, the more awkward things seemed to get. Not only did Shepard seem to be staring at her every time she looked, but Garrus seemed to be prowling on her as well. Whether it was slate gray eyes or piercing blue, she always felt a pair on her. At one point during the night, while everyone was getting quite wasted on the alcohol, Garrus finally made an effort to approach her as she stood at the large windows overlooking the Citadel.

"Hey," Ashlyn could already tell that the effects of the alcohol were causing his words to slur and his movements to be sluggish.

"Hi," she replied, without turning to face him.

"You're not nice."

Now she turned. "What?"

"You're not nice, I meant to say beautiful… or sexy… or something like that. Well, you're nice too I guess."

Ashlyn realized he was talking about his attempt at a compliment when they were in the bar. "Oh, um, okay. Thanks?" She wasn't sure what to say. She felt grateful for the compliment, but the fact that he was drunk wasn't pleasing.

He looked away and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I guess that's it." Then he turned and walked away.

Ashlyn's mind was swimming, but she wasn't even the least bit tipsy. Perhaps Garrus was being an honest drunk? Or maybe he was an exaggerating drunk? Or maybe he was the say-the-first-thing-that-pops-into-your-head type of drunk? Ashlyn found it so very frustrating. She had an urge to go up and ask him whether he liked her or not, but she realized in his current state he might not give a truthful answer.

The music was getting louder. The volume seemed to raise the more people drank. She had to get some peace. She turned to head towards the door, but spotted Shepard by the kitchen. He was with Jack and Traynor. He saw her and smiled. She couldn't leave. He invited her and she couldn't be rude.

Instead of the door, she went down the hall to the bathroom. She opened the door and spotted Tali sprawled out on the floor.

"Ugh…" she moaned, "I just might… throw up in my mask…"

Ashlyn stifled a laugh. She obviously didn't take to alcohol well and it reminded Ashlyn of the first time she drank. "Can I get you anything?"

"No, no, just shut the door… oh, my head."

Ashlyn closed the door and continued around the hall, looking for another bathroom. She turned a corner and spotted the stairs. There had to be another up there. The place was big enough for ten bathrooms. She ventured up and straight ahead saw a bedroom. She stepped inside and was incredibly thankful to see a bathroom in the corner. She went into the white tiled sanctuary and shut the door behind her. The sound was suddenly but a muffled beat pounding lightly against the walls. She sighed with relief and leaned over the sink. She glanced at the hot tub to her left, thinking that it would've been so very relaxing to hop into that, but it wasn't hers to hop into. Her emerald eyes lifted to the mirror. Her dress still looked good, though there were a few wrinkles here and there. Her makeup was still holding up, though bags were beginning to form under her eyes. It was a pretty stressful night that was supposed to be relaxing.

After a few minutes, Ashlyn realized she couldn't spend all night tucked away in this bathroom. She splashed some water on her face, straightened her dress and opened the door.

"What are you doing in my room?"

Shepard's voice startled her as she stepped out of the bathroom.

"Oh, Tali was in the other bathroom and this was the only other one I could find. Sorry, I didn't know it was your room." She began to move past him towards the door.

"Wait," he called softly, "I need to talk to you."

She stopped and turned to face him. His posture was tense and it seemed like he hadn't ingested as much booze as the rest of the crew. Something was obviously on his mind.

"After tonight, once we leave here," he began with a solemn tone, "the Normandy will be going to war. You are not required to be on it. You can stay here until you find your bearings if you like, but I don't want to force you to fight if you don't want to."

Ashlyn's eyes moved to the floor. She thought she was surprised at first, but she realized that she knew this ultimatum was coming. Go to war, stay with Shepard, Garrus and all her new friends, or stay here, stay safe and be alone. The weight of each choice was overwhelming. The thought of dying in a war terrified her to the bone, but the thought of being alone for probably the rest of her life saddened her further. She knew, even without remembering, that the Normandy crew were the only friends she'd ever had and she'd never find that again. "I'll admit, I am scared. Part of me does want to stay away, but I have all these abilities that could help you."

"Ashlyn, I want whatever you want. Yes, your abilities could come in handy, but I don't want you to feel pressured. You can decide what you want to do, just let me know before we leave." He told her.

She nodded and began back towards the door.

"Wait," he said again, but this time it resembled a whimper. "I know it's a lot to think about, but you… don't have to leave." His last few words were barely a whisper.

She turned and met his gaze. His grey eyes held a longing in them. They almost seemed pained, more so than when he was talking about war. He moved towards her and closed in the space between them. His body was now less than an inch away from hers.

"There's something else I need to tell you." He seemed to tighten his jaw before he spoke. "I… have trouble expressing myself," he began, "especially with everything going on and with everyone depending on me, but I just want you to know, whether you care to or not, that I can't stop thinking about you."

Her breath hitched and her heart was about to explode. His hopeful eyes stared into hers and Ashlyn felt his conflicts, his duties and his pain. Shepard stood for so much, but deep down, he just wanted to be human. He wanted to love and be loved and she could tell that he felt as if he was betraying his responsibilities by giving into his feelings. Ashlyn couldn't think of any words, she just breathed, "Shepard…"

He moved closer. She could feel his breath on her lips and hear his heart pounding in unison with hers. "I'd love for you to call me John," he whispered.

Her lips could barely form the name, but somehow it escaped ever so quietly. "John…"

The small space between them finally collapsed. Shepard's lips crashed into hers as he pulled her tight against him. Her body molded against his strongly sculpted form. One of his hands got lost in her dark locks, the other splayed across her back. Ashlyn followed his lead and wrapped her arms around him. His lips moved with hers, slowly and passionately. She could feel the heat radiating from him and Ashlyn could do nothing but melt in his arms. It was comforting and for the first time tonight, she felt truly relaxed. This beat the hot tub any day. The butterflies in her stomach settled, her nerves began to numb and her heart took on a soothing rhythm. Even when his tongue grazed hers, all she could do was sigh happily.

Even though she couldn't remember, she knew she'd never been kissed like this. His tongue explored hers and she reflected his motions. She never realized that kissing someone could feel so right and so comforting. It was as if their lips fit together like puzzle pieces and it was almost too perfect.

It was so perfect, Ashlyn forgot about her frustration with Garrus. Why struggle over feelings for him, when something so easy was right in front of her?

When Shepard slowly pulled away, he met her eyes and smiled. "You are amazing." He murmured.

Ashlyn returned the smile. "You're not too bad yourself."

"I'd love to stay in here all night, but I'm pretty sure someone is already looking for me." He chuckled lightly. "It's hard being the host of a party."

"It's okay," she replied as her fingers grazed his jawline, "thank you for this, Shep… uh, John."

He brought his hand to her chin and held it between his finger and thumb. "Never ever thank me for that. I should be thanking you, Ashlyn."

"I'm sure we can figure out who should be thanking who next time."

Ashlyn woke feeling quite well rested. Luckily, she'd claimed one of the beds before everyone passed out where they stood. But there were obviously enough beds and couches in the place for everyone. She slid out from under the covers and noticed her crinkled dress that hugged her body. She nearly frowned, but then she noticed some clothes folded neatly on the bedside table. A small piece of paper was placed on top.

Thought you might need these. Thank me later. EDI

She mentally thanked her robotic friend and got dressed in the red V-neck shirt and jeans. She found a brush in the en suite bathroom and ran it through her thick mane of hair. As she wiped the mascara from her eyes, her stomach roared with hunger, so she made her way to the kitchen.

Everything seemed strangely quiet. As she stepped into the kitchen, she spotted a tall figure leaning over something. It was Garrus. He was working on some mods for his sniper rifle. He was still in his armor. She swore that he lived in the thing.

"Is everyone else still asleep?" She asked.

Her voice seemed to startle him. He spun around and flared his mandibles in a fleeting turian grin. "Everyone's gone. Joker took EDI shopping, Shepard went to check on the Normandy's progress, Liara and Tali went to get breakfast. James, Kaiden and Cortez went exploring on the car lot down the street."

"Wow, how did I sleep longer than everyone with hangovers?"

Garrus shrugged awkwardly.

"You didn't go with any of them?" She asked as she turned away and began digging into the fridge.

"Nah, didn't feel like it." He turned back to his gun. "Plus, you were still here. Didn't want to leave you alone."

Ashlyn blushed, but luckily her face was in the fridge to hide it. "Well, thanks."

She found herself an apple, then moved past Garrus to the couch. She turned on the television and began to watch the first thing that popped up.

Unfortunately, it was a soap opera called Hanar in Love.

At first, Garrus didn't pay attention to what was going on upon the television. He spared a few glances at Ashlyn, but tried to focus on putting his new scope on his rifle. Eventually, the dialogue of whatever the hell she was watching drifted into his ears.

"No, Delpar, this one cannot be with you!" Whined a horribly acted female hanar voice.

"But why?" Then came the even worse male voice. "You know how much this one loves you."

Silence between the voices emerged, but was elevated by dramatic music.

"This one cannot!" Said the female again. "This one has already chosen Zamele as her mate!"

"No, Aroo…" More music. "Why? Whyyyyyyy?!"

Garrus couldn't take any more. "What the hell are you watching?" He asked as he stepped away from the gun and moved to the couch.

"It's called Hanar in Love. It's not too bad once you get into it." She said chewing on her last bite of apple.

Though the hanar soap opera was more than distracting, Garrus wanted to use this opportunity he had. He was alone with Ashlyn and he wanted to make up for his massive failure at the bar and whatever he said during the party. He couldn't really remember.

He sat down next to her. She got up. Damn it. Garrus thought to himself, but breathed a quiet sigh of relief when she came back after throwing away the apple core. She sat back down and Garrus inched closer. His breath was erratic, his heart was fast. He wasn't ever this damned nervous, even when fighting through a ship full of Collectors.

Hanar in Love went on commercial break. The commercial was marketed towards humans. A man in a suit was presenting a woman with a ring. The male voice over spoke suavely, "Get her the best for that special day." He continued to talk about a jeweler in the Citadel, but Garrus's attention was drawn to the gesture made between the two humans on the screen. A kiss. That's what it was in the vids that Joker provided, a human kiss, and it was what he nearly attempted at the bar but he chickened out. A turian's normal form of affection would be nuzzling and nipping, but he was willing to try something different for Ashlyn. Getting the courage to do it was a different story.

After the commercial ended, Garrus knew he had to take a leap of faith. He had to put aside the fear of rejection and show Ashlyn how he felt once and for all.

"I'm sorry," he blurted out suddenly.

Ashlyn turned to him. "What for?"

"Well, for last night mainly." He didn't look at her as he spoke. "I'm sorry if I acted weird when I was drunk, I just… had a lot on my mind."

She shrugged. "It's okay. A lot of people were drunk last night."

"That's not all, I, uh… I'm… sorry for not kissing you… after we danced. I wanted to, I really wanted to, but I guess I was embarrassed over what your reaction would be."

Ashlyn was at a loss for words. He did want to kiss her, he did have feelings for her, she was right all along and now she felt as if it was too late since John confessed his own feelings.

"Garrus," she began solemnly, ready to bear the bad news to him, "I don't…"

She couldn't finish. He looked up at her like an injured animal. It was a miraculous thing that such a hardened soldier could look so pained from the beating muscle in his chest. John and Garrus were one and the same. Fearless when it came to enemies wanting to blow their heads off, but terrified when it came to matters of the heart.

"Please," his voice changed slightly. It became a bit bolder… and sexier, "let me have another chance to try."

Ashlyn was more than surprised over Garrus's request, but his voice was smoldering and his eyes were filled with want. Her heart leapt into her throat and her body began to tremble. He inched closer and she could smell him. It was that pleasant mix of his musk and gun metal. His face was merely an inch away from hers and though fear was there, a stirring sensation came to life in her belly. She didn't know what she was doing. The thought of John began drifting away and her mind seemed to be going haywire because for some reason, she closed in the last bit of space between them and pressed her lips to his mouth plates.

The second Ashlyn's lips touched him, an electric shock coursed through Garrus's body. They were warm and they were also soft and slightly moist. It was the most delectable sensation he'd ever felt. His hand moved to cradle the back of her neck as his thumb grazed her cheek. He sucked in a breath as her lips parted and her tongue tickled his top mouth plate. He felt as if he was going to burst out of his armor from all the sensations shooting through him. He opened his mouth slightly and allowed his own tongue to venture out, joining with hers.

Ashlyn couldn't think straight. Her mind was screaming at her, what about John?! But her body wouldn't stop, especially when Garrus's tongue touched hers. It was longer than she expected and not as flat as a human's, but it seemed to be more prehensile. It tangled with hers, spreading a fire through her body that she thought might cause her to explode if she didn't stop.

But to Ashlyn's surprise and regret, Garrus did stop. Her skin tingled with longing as he moved away from her and stood up. That's when she realized someone had come into the apartment. She was too swept up to even notice that Joker, Vega and Cortez had returned.

"Hey, Garrus, we've been looking for you." Joker said as he came around the fireplace. "You're not answering your omni-tool."

"Ah, I had it turned off while I was sleeping. Must've forgot to put it back on." He replied.

Ashlyn smiled slightly. He didn't want to be interrupted again.

"Well, Shepard's ready to get out of here. The Normandy's all set." He gestured for both Garrus and Ashlyn to follow. Garrus gave her a fleeting glance before grabbing his rifle and heading out the door.

Just then, Ashlyn's omni-tool pinged.

Shepard: Meet me out in the hall by the docking bay in thirty.

Ashlyn groaned as the thought of what she'd just done struck her hard. She'd kissed Shepard and then kissed Garrus no more than twelve hours apart! Maybe it would be a good idea to stay behind? Ashlyn knew she only had about twenty-nine more minutes to decide and twenty-nine minutes until she faced Shepard, knowing what she'd done.