With the Normandy drawing ever closer to its destination, it seems the prospect of some much needed respite has left many aboard this vessel in especially high spirits this evening. Drinks aplenty are being had amongst those that have congregated in the lunch hall, allowing themselves a night of fun and frivolity in the knowledge that their long awaited freedom lies just within arms reach. And much to my surprise, they were very insistent that I should join this gathering of shared camaraderie.

Whilst I would like to say that it was solely their infectious excitement that drove me to accept their kind offer, the truth is that I still cannot say for certain whether I'll return here once we arrive at this 'Citadel', as they call it. It is true that I have come to appreciate the company of many who live upon this ship. However, everything is still so new for me to know for sure, one way or another. Should Fen and I ultimately decide to set off on a different path than the one to which this crew are bound, I know I would regret having wasted what could well be my last opportunity to enjoy their company like this before parting ways.

Also.. I will admit that I have missed nights such as these. Reminds me of the evenings my companions and I would often spend together at camp. All of us gathered together by the light of the fire, sharing mead and swapping stories, relishing the simple pleasantries that came with those rare glimpses of quiet. They were among my favourite, most cherished moments I shared with them. I miss that.. I miss them. So, so dearly.

And so, I proceed to drown my sorrows amidst the many delicious concoctions Shepard brews for me, something she calls a 'mojito', and listen intently as she and her comrades spend the eve eagerly regaling me with wondrous tales of their most recent adventures.

Unveiling the trials they faced in their pursuit to rescue Liara, they tell me how they battled against the sentient machines they often speak of. How they just barely escaped the decaying, underground ruins of a long dead civilization before the foundations crumbled into the fiery depths of the volcanic world below.

They finally tell me the full story of how they happened upon the eluvian. How the victories of Shepard's past had driven old rivals to seek their revenge, attempting to trap her within a mine rigged with powerful explosives meant to bring about her demise. It's funny.. in the end, all it served was to lead her to the mirror, just as it would eventually come to lead Fen and I here. I'd venture that particular outcome wasn't nearly what the culprit had anticipated. Not that he lived long enough to find out, mind.

Now, however, the hour grows late and only a few of us remain. Tali, Adams and Ashley have all retired for the night. The lunch hall echoes with the thunderous snores of both the slumberous krogan beside me and the mighty hound happily sleeping nearby, to the point where one could almost believe they were in some form of competition over the matter. Meanwhile, the rest of us continue to bask in this tipsy stupor we've put upon ourselves, eager to see this night through for as long as we're able.

"Honestly, you shoulda seen it," Shepard tells me, cackling away. "We ran out of grenades with one guy left to take care of. One! So, Vakarian here just marches on up and punches him right in the face. Doesn't even hesitate. God damn, it was hilarious. Poor guy hit the deck like a sack of spuds."

I quirk my brow at the turian sitting on my other side, amused and intrigued.

"What?" he chirps. "Had to knock him out somehow."

"How very efficient of you."

"Exactly," he smirks, holding my gaze. "Don't see the point in wasting time when you know something needs to be done.. do you?"

I try my utmost to bite down the knowing smile brought forth by his remark, easily capturing the double meaning that the others have no means to understand. Maker, if they only knew the things he and I had gotten up to the night before. I imagine it would be enough to make even Wrex blush.

"Well.. so long as you ensure the job is done well, I suppose the manner in which you achieve that is neither here nor there," I tease.

He gives me a certain.. look.. as he glugs back his beer, using it as a subtle guise to hide the wicked grin that threatens to spread across his face.

"God, you sound just like him," Shepard chuckles, vaguely waving in his direction. "Is he rubbing off on you already?"

At that, he abruptly snorts and chokes on his drink mid swallow, doubling over as he coughs and splutters all over the show.

"Goddess," Liara gasps, her eyes wide in alarm. "..are you alright, Garrus?"

"Jeez louise," she drawls, shaking her head tiresomely. "Grow up, Vakarian, will ya?"

"Yes.. do grow up, Vakarian," I teasingly chide, giving his back an aiding pat. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Honestly.."

Having collected himself, he isn't choking anymore, merely chuckling away with a croaky, rasping laugh. Though the look he gives me in reply tells me that I may well pay for that, so I quickly set about preventing him from doing so.

"Any who.." I say, swiftly turning my attention to Shepard. "Tell me more of this.. this 'Thorian' you spoke of. Intelligent flora.. it sounds fascinating. Almost like a sylvan."

"What's that?" Kaidan queries, regarding me thoughtfully.

"They are sentient trees possessed by spirits.. malevolent ones more often than not, unfortunately," I explain. "It's a shame really, they truly are remarkable creatures. Quite beautiful, in a way. But I've only ever encountered one that didn't immediately become aggressive."

Despite the bemused look he gives me that I've grown rather accustomed to as of late, I laugh softly, reflecting on my encounter with the peculiar Grand Oak and his poetic ways.

'Perhaps a poet's soul's in me.. does that make me a poet tree?'

"Deary me," I chuckle wistfully. "It was almost worth all that hassle getting back his bloody acorn."

"You had to find an acorn.. for a tree?"

"Of course," I tease, sipping at my drink. "Would you not be concerned if some raving lunatic happened to steal your child?"

"Uh.. what?"

"Don't worry," Garrus interjects, leaning into me. "I don't think the Lieutenant has any kids for you to steal anyways."

"Shivera delas," I snort, swatting his arm. "You cheeky sod."

He rumbles with that deep, rich chuckle, getting to his feet to claim himself another beer.

"Ignore him," Shepard assures me. "I'm sure everything here must seem just as bizarre to you."

"Maker, you can say that again," I titter.

"She knows I'm only teasing," I hear him call out. "Isn't that right, duchess?"

"..'duchess'?" she smirks, quirking a brow.

"A rather clever allusion to the way I speak, apparently," I mutter, shaking my head.

Although.. I must admit that it's beginning to grow on me. I'd wager anyone in my place would if they were to hear the name whispered so lewdly between their thighs.

No, stop that. I hardly think now is the time to-

"I mean.. he kinda has a point," Kaidan smirks, yanking me from my thoughts. "Not in a bad way or anything, it's just.. yeah. I can see that."

"See, what did I tell you? Thank you, Lieutenant."

I peer over in the direction of the notably triumphant voice, watching as he struts back towards the table with an annoyingly smug grin.

"Perhaps I should ask that you simply refer to me by my rank as well," I jest.

"Actually, I've been meaning to ask about that," Kaidan muses. "What is your military background, Serena?"

I take a savouring sip of my drink, feeling undeniably emboldened by his question.. and possibly the mojitos.

"Well.." I begin, meeting his kind-natured gaze. "I am part of a specialised order known as the Grey Wardens; an elite band of fighters comprised of rogues, warriors and mages alike. We are specifically tailored and trained to counteract a Blight."

"..a Blight?" Liara queries, intrigued. "What is that?"

Glancing around, it seems everyone here is just as invested in hearing my answer. Four sets of eyes watch me, both expectant and curious, riveted by this new, unknown topic.

And so, I proceed to explain, as simply as I'm able, the fundamentals of a Blight and what it entails. I tell them of the darkspawn that plague my world. How they seek out the ancient, draconic souls of the Old Gods and corrupt them with their taint. Transform them into Archdemons that lead the horde to wreak untold havoc upon the world.

"By the Goddess.. in all my research, I've never heard of anything like this," she says, bewildered. "..and you say that your order of 'Grey Wardens' are tasked with fighting these creatures?"

"Indeed," I reply. "Only a Grey Warden has the power to slay an Archdemon. We are solely dedicated to eradicating the darkspawn wherever they should arise, and protecting the people of my world in times of a Blight."

They all seem a little lost or in awe. Though, I know first-hand just how overwhelming such foreign information can be, and I certainly just gave them plenty to digest. Maker, they could scarcely handle learning that dragons exist in my world, let alone anything that came after.

"I gotta admit, now I'm even more intrigued to see that fancy magic of yours on the field," Shepard smirks. "You sure you guys don't wanna stick around for at least one mission?"

"Wait," Kaidan scrambles, shaking his head. "Are you seriously still thinking about leaving?"

"I believe that is Serena's choice to make, Lieutenant."

Though she may have spoken in my defence, the solemn note to Liara's sweetly timid voice is poignant enough to catch my attention.

"..I know that," he replies, downtrodden. "We just like having you here.. and you already fit in with the crew so well. Just seems a shame, that's all."

Maker, I feel awfully uncomfortable all of a sudden. Lowering my gaze, I reach up to tuck my hair behind my ear, scouring my mind for the most careful means to explain myself.

"It's not just myself I have to think about, Kaidan," I say finally. "And this decision is neither mine alone to make."

I cast my gaze towards my precious hound as he lay just a few feet away, blissfully unaware and lost in restful slumber. For the first time in maker knows how long, he's truly at peace. No darkspawn. No fighting. His species may be bred for war, but that doesn't mean his life should be nothing more than an endless trail of bloodshed.

"Fen and I.. we've already been through so much. He's the only family I have left," I confess, looking back towards the group. "As much as part of me may wish to stay.. I'm not sure my heart could bear it if something were to happen to him."

I already almost lost him once. A battle in the Korcari Wilds that went horribly wrong. Led to him becoming fatally infected with the darkspawn taint. If it weren't for the Kennel Master's quick thinking and those wildflowers.. maker, I don't even want to think about what could have happened.

"You don't have to explain yourself to us. We'll respect your decision, whatever you decide," Shepard says, her smile comforting. "Doesn't mean we won't be sad to see you go though. We'll miss having you guys around."

"And I you," I say, offering a small, touched smile. "Regardless of where we may find ourselves, we will always be endlessly grateful to you all for taking us in."

"Well, I mean what I said before; there'll be a place for both of you here whenever you need it. Anytime," she chirps, throwing back the last of her own cocktail. Pausing, she glances between our empty glasses. "Another round?"

"Oh, yes please. So long as its no trouble, of course."

"Fighting a colossus is trouble.. making these is a privilege," she jokes, already getting to her feet. "Besides, I'm sure Liara here won't mind giving me a hand.. right, Liara?"

A little startled, her head snaps over upon hearing her name, her bright eyes practically sparkling as she gazes up at the red haired beauty already watching her expectantly.

"..of course, Shepard," she blushes. "I'd be more than happy to help. I was just thinking that I'd quite like another myself anyway.."

"Atta girl."

With their eyes locked, a smile emerges upon her beautiful, blue features as she rises to her feet just the same, a look passing between them that I recognise all too well.

"What about you guys?" Shepard says, looking between Kaidan and Garrus. "You want another drink?"

"I'm good," Garrus chirps, holding up his nearly full beer. "Thanks."

"Alenko?"

"Nah.. I'm good, Shepard. Thanks," he sighs, running a hand through his short, dark hair. "I'm pretty beat.. think I'm just gonna call it a night."

"Suppose one of us oughta be sensible," she chuckles.

Rounding the table, she skirts past the snoring form beside me and accepts my offered glass, bidding the Lieutenant goodnight before ushering Liara away just hastily enough for it not to be too noticeable.

Have fun, you two..

It isn't long after they disappear that Kaidan quickly follows suit, the dark circles encompassing his brown eyes suggesting he likely reached his limit some time ago. Mumbling his tired farewells, he too takes his leave, until Garrus and I are the only ones left here in the lunch hall. Well.. the ones still conscious, at any rate.

But now with just the two of us remaining, there's a notable shift in the air, and it dawns on me that this is the first time he and I have been alone together since last night. The room feels as though it's grown significantly warmer all of a sudden. A humidity stemmed from sexual tension that's only heightened with us in such close proximity like this amidst the quiet. As we sit here, holding each others eye without a word passing between us, I idly wonder if I'm the only one who feels it.. until he all but flies into a panic when I begin to push up to my feet.

"Wait.." he urges, reaching for me. "You're not leaving as well, are you?"

Yes.. I suspect I'm not alone in this feeling at all, and I must say I'm not entirely disappointed by it.

"Of course not," I chuckle, placing a reassuring hand upon his broad shoulder. "I'm merely getting myself a beer.. would you like one?"

He shakes his head 'no' with a deep-set frown, spinning in his seat to watch me as I wander over to the kitchen.

"You know Shepard literally just left to get you a drink, right?"

"I'm aware," I tease. "Though something tells me she shan't be back for some time yet. So, for now.."

Opening the refrigerator door, I browse through the collection available, knowing full well I haven't the slightest clue how to differentiate between any of them.

"..what do you mean?" he says, confused. "Why not?"

I still a moment, amused that someone so perceptive could be so innocently oblivious.

"It's just a feeling I have," I shrug.

His brow furrows in deep thought, the cogs in his mind working so busily I can practically hear it from across the way. Nevertheless, if it isn't common knowledge, then their business isn't mine to share. It isn't as though I know for certain anyways, but.. I like to think I've grown pretty adept at recognising the subtle cues of desire in a woman's eyes.

Somewhat at a loss, I simply resort to choosing the bottle with the most appealing label, bumping the door closed with my hip before making my way back towards the table. I try to ignore the way he watches me as I do so. Ignore how his eyes seem to wander and roam oh so freely. As if he's envisioning what he already knows to be hiding beneath my silken robes. It makes my skin tingle. I could well put it down to the many drinks I've consumed throughout the evening but, I think you and I both that isn't true.

"What's going on in that head of yours, I wonder?"

The words pass my lips as more of a playful purr than I'd intended, and he certainly seems to enjoy it. As I take to my seat again, he shuffles round to angle himself towards me, resting his arm upon the table with a devilish smirk upon his face. I move myself to match him without even really realising I'm doing it, watching the way his eyes linger on my slender legs as I slowly fold one over the other.

"Do you really wanna know the answer to that?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't."

"Fair point," he smirks. "Well.. if you must know, I was actually thinking about last night, as it happens."

I take a leisurely sip of my beer, relishing its curiously fruity taste and the cooling bubbles that I hope may ease this ever growing warmth within me.

"Why is that?" I tease, setting the bottle down. "Did something happen?"

"You know.. I'm not really sure," he grins, leaning a little closer. "I'm trying to remember but, I guess I must have forgotten."

"I see.." I teasingly muse. "Couldn't have been all that memorable then, could it?"

Chuckling softly, he stretches his long fingers out across the underside of my calf, nary the slightest hint of hesitation as to whether I'd even want him to. Like he knows he needn't ask this time around. Knows that I enjoy his touch too much to pass it by. Maker, I'm ashamed to admit just how much it sends a thrill through me. How easily it floods my mind with images of the night before. Stirs an immediate wanting ache between my thighs. His touch feels like an invitation, a promise of where this is headed, and I have absolutely no intention of putting an end to it.

"If I say no.." he purrs, boring into me with his darkening gaze. "You think you might wanna refresh my memory, duchess?"

"I may be willing to do that," I say playfully, tilting my head with an enticing glimmer in my eye. "Are you suggesting that I accompany you in the Mako again?"

I can feel the fine points of his claws raking back and forth across my skin, soft and feather-light. Maker, it's tantalising.. and bloody distracting. Makes me think of how incredible those claws felt when they were digging into my behind, clinging to me while he ravished me something rotten in the most indescribable ways.

"Actually, I was thinking we might go somewhere a little different. Somewhere.. closer."

"Goodness, someone's impatient," I tease.

"Damn right I am.. just look at you," he rumbles, taking a moment to openly do just that. "Spirits, all I've been able to think about all damn day is how badly I wanna be inside you again."

My brows raise at his unabashed admission, unsure whether I'm more taken aback or thoroughly turned on by it. My vote is on the latter.

"You realise Wrex could wake up at any moment?"

"Then we should probably get moving, don't you think?" he says, lowering his metallic voice. "Otherwise I might just fuck you right here on this table regardless of who sees us."

Maker, just listening to him talk like that is making me wet. It's like every sinful word is a physical touch in my most sensitive spots. Makes me bite my lip as it invigorates my own desire.

Following his bold air, I reach for him and set my hand upon the underside of his jaw, closing the distance until my whispered words ghost across his face.

"And what if I said I wanted you to?"

I feel his body rumble under my touch; that subtle vibration turians seem to emit when they're particularly aroused. It's bestial and powerful. Considerably more enthralling than it has any right to be.

"..I'd say I probably shouldn't do that with Fen here," he smirks. "If he woke up and saw me doing that to his mom I think he'd probably try and kill me."

"There'd be no 'try' about it," I snicker, raising my brow. "I've seen Fen take down creatures bigger than your Mako singlehandedly."

He laughs a little, though the expression quickly falters when he realises I hadn't merely said it on a whim.

"Wait.. seriously?"

"He's not a creature to be underestimated, Garrus. Mabari are a positively ruthless foe in battle. Not many of their adversaries live to speak of their encounter."

An audible gulp resounds in his throat, so heavily I feel it beneath my fingertips. He spares a glance over his shoulder, looking upon the beastly hound still sleeping peacefully nearby.

"But he's so sweet.."

"I quite agree," I chuckle. "That doesn't make him any less dangerous, however. At least to whomever he perceives as his enemy."

"Like someone he catches fucking his mom, for example."

I can't help but laugh at the contrast with which he says it.

"Thankfully, I've yet to find out the answer to that."

Turning his gaze back to me, his eyes immediately fixate on my lips, as though he's barely moments away from giving in and taking them for his own.

"Then we should probably keep it that way, shouldn't we?" he purrs. "Whaddaya say, duchess, hm? You wanna come with me, or what?"

"..where are we going to go?"

He holds his hand out to me in offer, a gesture that's nearly as inviting as the way he's looking at me right now.

"Only one way to find out."

Well.. if this man is going to offer himself to me on a silver platter, who am I to refuse?

"Ma nuvenin," I agree, gladly taking his offered hand. "Lead the way."

"M'lady," he replies, bowing his head.

"Maker's breath, don't bloody start with that again."

"Of course, m'lady," he concedes. "My apologies."

"Oh, hush."

Quietly chuckling to himself, he rises to his feet and urges me to follow suit, leading me to only maker knows where. Hopefully it won't be to the same dark corner I suspect certain others have likely taken to by now.

Though, when I realise where he's taking me, it turns out he may well be even more impatient than I'd first thought. With his large, three fingered hand entwined with my own, he guides me into the Med Bay and deeper still, only relinquishing my hand upon reaching the closed door ahead of us. He summons the curious, orange gadget everyone seems to wield here, an 'Omni-Tool' I believe it's called, and proceeds to tap his claws against its glow.

"What are you doing?" I query, watching with keen interest.

"Unlocking the door," he explains, glancing my way. "Don't worry, I've already organised with Shepard to have one of these sorted for you on the Citadel."

"..you have?"

"Of course," he says, smiling sweetly. "You're gonna need it wherever you go from now on. I'll take you to C-Sec as well. Get you officially registered so it'll be easier for you to travel."

I find myself a bit blindsided, touched that he even had the forethought to think of it. Maker, I suppose there's still so much about this new world that I've yet to learn.

"You're a kind soul, Garrus," I say sincerely. "Ma serannas. I wouldn't have had the faintest idea about such things."

"You got it, duchess."

True enough, after he's finished his work, the red glow emanating from the door flickers to a vivid green, swiftly whooshing open to reveal the laboratory beyond. Ushering me inside, he turns as it closes behind us, presumably to lock it once again.

"Could.." I begin, somewhat hesitant. "I mean.. may I try?"

"Sure," he beams, nodding me over. "Come here."

I come to stand beside him, stilling for but a fleeting moment when he puts himself behind me and curls his arm around my frame, holding the curious device on display for me.

"Now," he says quietly, leaning in close. "You see this list here?"

He points to it with his free hand and I simply nod in reply, trying to focus amidst that bloody voice of his whispering so delicately in my ear.

"This is essentially the main menu for your Omni-Tool. It's how you navigate to whatever it is you need to do," he explains. "So, you wanna go to this option here.. the one that says 'Functions', you see it?"

"Mhmm."

"Okay, good, so.. just touch that. Doesn't have to be hard but, don't be shy either."

I do as he says. But it's so strange.. even though I can see it, I know it isn't a physical thing. Merely a translucent glow that I can practically see through. It isn't something that should work. Doesn't make sense to me. Perhaps that's why my breath catches a little when it does, in fact, respond to my touch as he said.

"There you go," he chuckles. "You're officially the first elf to ever use an Omni-Tool."

Yes.. first, and likely the last.

It was an inner thought known only to myself, though he still seems to sense it as if I'd said it aloud. Either that or, he was just suddenly overcome with a random urge to plant a soft, sweet kiss upon my cheek for no real reason. I suppose it doesn't matter either way, it was still comforting nonetheless.

"Okay, so.. this is your Functions menu. It covers a few things but, for now you want the option that says 'Access'."

"This one here?"

"That's the one."

Slowly, he talks me through the process step by step, and within a minute or two, that vivid green flashes back to its bold, vibrant red.

"Shivera," I gasp. "I did it!"

"Hell yeah, you did," he beams. "Nice job, duchess. You'll be a pro in no time."

When I turn my gaze so I might look him in the eye as I thank him, the look he's giving me as I do stirs something inside. Something foreign and unknown. Something I'm not entirely comfortable with. And so, I put it out of my mind before I even have time to try and put a name to it, turning in his arms to return to the initial reason for our coming here.

"I'd say its all thanks to my rather excellent tutor," I purr, laying my hands upon his chest. "Perhaps I should give you a reward for your gallant efforts."

He smirks at that, setting his huge hands to rest at the small of my back, his long fingers stretching out across the curve of my behind.

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well.. you might be interested to learn that there are many ways my mouth can express gratitude," I say, an enticing smile upon my lips. "Ways that do not require any words."

Whilst we certainly got up to many, many salacious things last night, this particular act is one we've yet to enjoy. I cannot deny its something that's been playing on my mind. And judging by his reaction, I'd venture I'm not the only one.

Bringing a hand up to my jaw, he watches, transfixed, as he slowly draws his thumb across my bottom lip. The roughness of it thrills me. Excites me as much as knowing he's likely envisioning how said lips might feel when wrapped around his cock.

"I can't say I haven't thought about it," he rumbles, letting his touch linger there.

"You and I both," I reply. "Sit down, will you?"

"Is that an order, Grey Warden?" he smirks.

"More of a forward request," I tease. "And it's 'Warden-Commander', I'll have you know. If you're going to refer to be my rank, you may as well do it properly."

His brow shoots up, both amused and surprised.

"Seriously?"

"Mhmm. Warden-Commander Tabris, at your service."

"..damn. I did not see that coming," he admits, chuckling softly. "That's impressive, duchess.. and pretty fucking hot."

"Good, I'm glad you view it that way. It's a credit to your character," I say simply, urging him backwards. "Now.. sit please."

Glancing behind him, he smirks upon realising I've slyly ushered him towards an empty chair. This time, however, he doesn't make any bargains for it, merely takes to his seat all too willingly.

Stepping between his legs, neither of us hold any reservations this time. We touch each other openly. Freely. From his position, his eye line is perfectly levelled with my chest, and he pulls me in to bestow affections to the swell of my curves and the valley between. I entwine my arms around his neck, relishing the feel of his strong hands dipping beneath my robes to curl around my legs.. gliding up the backs of my thighs and higher still. And then.. he stops. Just as I'd anticipated.

Ah, now this ought to be good.

"..are you not wearing any underwear?"

"Does it feel like I'm wearing underwear?"

"No.. no it does not," he purrs, testing as much. "Did you just take them off?"

"No.. they're still being laundered, they're not finished yet. If I'd known I was going to wind up in a separate reality I likely would've brought some spares."

"Damn. I suppose the other girls wouldn't have anything your size either.."

A very astute and rather accurate analysis. Whilst I may still exhibit curves I'm not ashamed to be proud of, the elvhen have always been more petite in their build.

"Sadly not," I sigh. "They did offer but, it appears quarians and asari bear a closer resemblance to humans in terms of their build. Though, Liara took my measurements and Shepard has apparently sent them on to a tailor with a requisition for some new garments for me."

He nods, his brow furrowed as if in deep thought.

"..alright. Good," he says finally. "I'll find out where and we can go pick them up when we get there."

"I fear you've been lumped with the task as standing as my chaperone for this visit," I titter.

"I don't mind. I offered," he shrugs. "The Citadel can be dangerous to newcomers, I'd rather make sure you're getting around safely. People are less likely to try anything stupid if you're with an armed C-Sec Officer."

"Strange.. usually Fen serves as my deterrent for that," I tease.

"Yeah, him too," he chuckles.

Admittedly, I can't help but feel quietly relieved. I know next nothing about this Citadel. I know not what to expect. Which dangers to anticipate. Knowing that he'll be serving as my escort helps to assuage my worries a little. Who better to guide you through the unknown than the law enforcement of that very place?

"Ma serannas, Garrus," I say, smiling warmly. "I admit I feel better knowing you'll be there."

"Don't thank me just yet, duchess," he teases. "Maybe my plan is to ruin it for you as much as possible so you'll stay with us."

Shaking my head fondly, I dip down to take his mouth in a slow, searing kiss, hoping it will quickly erase any such thoughts from his mind. It certainly does mine. I tease my tongue into his mouth. Entice his own into a playful dance to which he gladly accepts. They coil and interweave. He purrs, and I sigh. Drawn in by his taste and the feel of those hands grabbing at my behind.

"You know.. we could always skip the reward and jump right to the main event," he says quietly, an added huskiness to his voice.

"Are you sure about that?" I purr against his mouth. "I've rather been looking forward to sucking your cock."

"Spirits," he growls, eagerly grabbing my cushioned cheeks. "It drives me crazy when you talk like that."

"Like what?"

"Filthy. Its hot as hell coming from that mouth."

"Then let me taste you," I say playfully. "You'll still be inside me, either way."

"Fuck," he huffs, strained and aroused. "Kinda hard to argue when you put it that way."

"I'd hoped as much," I tease.

Clutching the skirts of my robes, I lower to my knees before him, watching as he tends to the peculiar fastenings on his breeches. When he frees himself for both his and my pleasure, I can't help but unconsciously lick my lips at the sight of him. Before I can do anything, however, he abruptly stops me in my tracks.

"Hold on a sec," he urges. "Undo your, uh.. your, erm.."

Struggling to find the word he needs, he merely nods at my chest instead and points to the back of his neck. I laugh a little, reaching back to untie the bow of this haltered design.

"Blimey, you really do have a thing for my tits, don't you?"

"Damn right I do. They're fucking perfect."

"Yes, you told me that at least several times last night," I snicker.

Once unravelled, I let the silken fabric fall free without a care, getting lost amongst my skirts as it pools in my lap. The air feels cool against my exposed skin. Teases the taut peaks of my nipples that his eyes are already drawn to.

"Pretty sure I could say it a hundred times and it still wouldn't do them justice," he breathes, eyeing them hungrily. "Fuck me.."

"Yes, well, now that's out of the way, will you allow me to continue?" I tease.

"Gladly," he smirks.

With his personalised criteria met, I can finally return my focus to the glistening cock that looks just as pleased to see me as I am it. Laying a hand upon his groin, I curl the other around the base, as much as his girth will permit, and try with all my might not to tell him how much it resembles that of a unicorn's horn. That admission could go one of two ways really, couldn't it?

Slowly, I let my hand careen up his length; biding my time, appreciating his alien form with due diligence. Though I can feel how tense he is. See how his hands are gripping his thighs so tightly I'm sure his claws will pierce through his breeches.

"You're awfully tense, Garrus."

He laughs, short and abrupt, as if I'd just stated the most obvious.. which I suppose I did, to his credit.

"Yeah, watching the most beautiful woman I've ever seen playing with my cock does tend to have that effect."

"You needn't flatter me," I snicker. "I'm already touching you."

"Then by your logic, that must prove that I mean what I say."

He.. has a point there. Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to make of that, nor the flood of warmth it sends rushing to my cheeks.

"..are you blushing, duchess?"

"Don't be absurd. It's just gotten awfully warm in here, is all."

"Uh huh," he smirks. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

"Tellash linai," I huff. "You think you're so clever, don't you?"

"Not really.. I think I'm pretty fucking horny though."

"Yes.. on that, at least, we can agree," I reply. "Now, relax. This is meant to be a pleasurable experience, not stress inducing."

"I'm not stressed," he insists. "I'm just.. focused."

"On..?"

"On sitting here like a good turian instead of throwing you down on that desk over there," he says, nodding to the desk in question.

I shan't pretend the idea doesn't entice me to a degree. And by that, I mean 'pretend it doesn't make me wet just thinking about it'.

"I thought you told me you aren't a good turian?" I tease.

"I'm not," he smirks. "So I'm gonna need a damn good reason to stay sat in this chair, duchess. Clock's ticking."

"Is that your roundabout way of saying 'hurry up and suck my cock'?"

Throwing his head back, he breaks out into laughter, hearty and genuine, so much that I can't help but smile at the sound.

"That's not what I was aiming for," he admits. "But I guess it kinda did, didn't it? That's my bad. Dirty talk kinda got away from me a bit there."

"Mm, perhaps," I titter. "You are right though. I'd at least like to sample your taste for myself before you throw me on that desk.. may I?"

"..do you even need to ask?"

The desire in his voice is answer enough. The sound drives me on. Goads me into teasing him in the most salacious ways. And so, I work his length at a steady, taunting pace as I urge him closer. Holding his gaze, I wrap my lips around the thick head and twirl my tongue over the slickness of his desire, humming softly at the taste of him.

"Fuck.."

The word escapes him almost of its own accord, his head lulling back as he succumbs to the feeling. Chuckling around his length, I cease my teasing and bestow a more sincere touch, eager to watch this force of nature come undone by my hand.. or mouth, as it were.

Whilst I'm under no illusions that I'll be able to accommodate all of him, I steadily work my way down his embellished shaft, relaxing my throat to take him as far as I'm able to go. I let my tongue explore him just as freely. Sample each groove and every coil. And just as slowly, I draw back to the head with the same meticulous appreciation. I do it over and over. Back and forth. Over and again. Driven by the way I can see his chest heaving. By the way his body thrums beneath my touch. By the way he keeps whispering my name as though it were some kind of prayer.

As his breaths turn to moans, I kiss and bestow my affections upon the tip. I moan at his decadent taste. Let my tongue traverse from the base to the head in the most erotic path its ever followed. Until finally, I feel fingers come to tangle amongst my hair. Feel his claws rake across my scalp with the perfect pressure to make my eyes practically roll into the back of my skull. But I know what he wants, and I do it gladly. Wrap my mouth around him and taste him with a fervour while my hand works him just as artfully.

"Spirits, you're fucking incredible at that," he growls.

I feel his hips start to move beneath me. Just slightly. Just enough. And knowing how much I'm effecting him is driving me wild. Makes my sex pulse with a dire need to be filled. To the point where its almost unbearable.

Eventually, it becomes too much. Too much to resist. Too much to ignore. I pull my hand from his groin and sneak it between my thighs, moaning around his cock when I feel just how wet I am there. Irrevocably so. Impossibly. I let my fingers glide between my glistening folds. Tease my sensitive, rosy clit until it aches with unabashed want.

"..are you touching yourself, duchess?"

It comes out perhaps more gravelly and gruff than I've ever heard him. Makes me draw my mouth away from his thick cock with a devilish smirk upon my swollen lips.

"Is that a problem?"

The sight of him like this makes my whole body sizzle. Makes me bite my lip like I'm but a moment away from pouncing on him like a hungry bereskarn.. because that is precisely how he's gazing at me right now.

"Spirits.."

What happens next is all a bit of a blur. One minute I'm on my knees before him.. and then he moves. Moves so fast I can scarcely react. And then I'm in his lap.. in his arms.. and his slick, alien tongue is exploring his own taste in my mouth. He grabs his length when an urgency I can wholeheartedly relate to, gliding it between my folds so expertly that a breathy moan escapes me.

"What about the desk?" I tease breathlessly.

"Fuck the desk. I need to be inside you. Now."

True to his word, he wastes no more time. Drives into me in one singular hit that wracks through me in a way I cannot possibly describe. Has me crying to the ceiling with the same burning need he vocalises. To be stretched so implicitly.. so swiftly.. maker, its indescribable. I know I ought to wait a moment. Give my body a means to catch its breath. But.. I can't.

Instead, I lunge for him. Claim his mouth like its rightfully mine to take. Delve my tongue into his mouth and wrap my body around him. Ride his delectable length as though it were my sole purpose for finding myself in this strange realm. And he welcomes all of it so heartily that it only fuels this burning lust he's awoken inside me. His hands are everywhere. Anywhere he can touch. Everywhere he can reach. It's messy. Wild. And so heady my entire core is woven into a tangled web of knots.

"Shivera," I pant against his mouth. "How can anyone feel this good?"

"You're telling me," he growls, digging his claws into my hips. "Your pussy was fucking made for my cock, duchess. No doubt about it."

I moan at his lewd words, getting the sense that he may well be right. He makes my body sing. Sing to a tune its never heard before. Its intoxicating. Addictive, even.

Knowing we have this shared effect on one another.. it tips the scales from wild to downright frantic and needy. And for maker knows how long, he loses himself in me.. and I him. We claw at each other. Consume one another's moans as he drives into me with a vengeance for so long I lose all sense of time. He dotes affection upon my sweat-soaked skin. Moves his body in such a way that he knows will toy with my hyper sensitive clit. He's chasing my climax in a hot pursuit, and he's catching up quicker with each passing second.

"Mila linai," I moan. "I'm so close."

"You gonna come for me, duchess?" he purrs.

All I can do is nod, I can scarcely think of any other words in this state. But that in itself seems to suffice as an answer. I know he's close too. I can feel it. Feel how his strokes grow more jagged and urgent. He's on the verge, waiting for me so we may tumble off that cliff together.

Trailing his fingers across my behind, he steadily makes his way inward, gliding them through my wetness for but a moment. Then he makes his way higher. Makes my breath catch as he circles my hole. Gently.. almost teasing.

"Is this what you want?"

"Do it," I breathe, not caring how desperate it sounds. "Please."

He doesn't taunt me for it.. perhaps because my permission serves as its own reward in his eyes. Turns him on just as vividly as it does me. Gently, he teases his finger inside. Just a little. Softly, slowly. Makes my toes curl. Pulls a shameless moan from the very depths of my core. Then he closes his mouth around my nipple. Sucks and nibbles so intently I feel him everywhere at once. So overly stimulated I could well just burst into flames on the spot.

Finally, the dam shatters, and it hits me with a breathless cry. My climax rushes through me with a vigour that only he seems able to conjure. Lures out his own just as forcefully. Just as greedily. His cock throbs inside me, filling me with his hot lust. And my body takes it gladly. Milks him for everything he's got as it pulses with my own release. Our mouths crash together with a sense of desperation that makes me hungry for more. Makes me grateful that turians are a species that can orgasm ten times over and never tire of it. And he feels it too. I can tell by the way he kisses me. How he grabs at my body urgently.

Maker, I feel like I'm under some kind of spell.. what's happening to me?

"You wanna keep going, duchess?" he growls.

It's more of a plea than a question. And I cannot for the life of me bring myself to deny him.

"Maker's breath, ye-"

Before I can finish, a loud static fills the room and startles us both, swiftly followed by a familiar, very poorly timed voice.

"Hey, if Serena's awake can someone send her to the cockpit. We're ten minutes out from the Relay, she's gotta see this."

"..does he know we're in here?" I pant, somewhat panicked.

"Shipwide comm," he explains, catching his breath. "He can't hear us."

"Okay.. good.. what.. what does he mean by a 'Relay'?"

"He means its showtime, duchess," he grins. "We're nearly there."

"Does that mean we have to stop?"

"Spirits, no," he purrs, pressing kisses along my throat. "One more and then we'll go up."

"Thank the maker.."