The massive series of natural caverns carved through the rock like an ant colony. The free flowing beauty of the rock formations took her breath away as the trio followed Anderson to his prefab. Shepard was particularly taken with the place. She saw a few caves on Earth after she joined the Alliance. Nothing there compared to this. The smell wasn't so different, musky, mineral, but the odd coloration was extraordinary. Instead of the dull, mono toned hues of beige and gray, these formations were red and mauve with indigo patterns where plant life had once clung to the rocks. Giant crystal formations tipped in red, like blood from a wound, jutted out of pools of clear water. Silvery, eyeless fish like creatures swam in some of these pools. They appeared to use tiny hairs all over their bodies to swim and detect each other as well as particles of food. It was the most interesting base they had hidden in to date. The others were asteroids and dead moons, hardly anything to write home about, this place was still alive.

"David, this place is amazing!" she said excitedly.

"The salarians love it. Groups of them are always studying the fish or the crystals. The water is fresh and drinkable. I think it tastes like sea grass, but that's just me."

Sonya wrinkled her nose. Both turians chuckled at her. Sonya rolled her eyes and smirked. It was nice to be somewhere that they didn't have to worry as much about a Reaper spotting them. She wanted to hold Nihlus' hand. To roam the caverns with him and see what they could discover together, but she decided it was best, for now, to let them come to her. She didn't want to 'have a favorite'.

David opened the door of his prefab for them and closed it behind him after they went inside. It wasn't anything special. Just a functional space that offered minimum comfort. The extra room lay off to one side. The wall divider was folded up against the wall to make the living area feel bigger. The room was much smaller than the Loft on the Normandy, but there would be plenty of space for them. The group sat down at the small table under a window while David set some water boiling on the small stove a couple meters away from them. It was a comfortable fit, no one was touching elbows. David sat down across from Sonya and folded his hands on the table. After a few moments of awkward silence David decided to start.

"The tea is a special blend! It's tolerated well by most species. Something one of the salarian explorer teams discovered on the last moon we were on. I acquired some just in case I ever hosted mixed company. Sonya always finds ways to surprise me." he grinned at his own prodding. "It's not really any of my business, so if you don't want to discuss it, that's fine, but don't just sit there. I expect conversation."

"It's not that. I understand that people will want to know. The Council may not have been aware, but I've no doubt that rumors made my relationship with Nihlus popular dinner conversation." Sonya said.

"You would be right." David nodded.

Sonya sighed and glanced at the two turians with her. What a strange family we really are. Two turians both bonded to a single human female. She could think of little else that was quite as unbelievable as that.

"We all had a talk." Sonya started, but wasn't sure where to go from there. She flexed her fingers under the small, round table. The tell did not go un-noticed by her mates. Nihlus was quick to her defense.

"Dr. Chakwas and Ms. Chambers gave me their thoughts while I was in the med-bay on the Normandy. We worked something out and so far I'd say it's working out well?" He asked his mate and Garrus, glancing at each of them.

Sonya nodded, but didn't smile. She was still flexing her fingers. Garrus' mandibles flexed and he rubbed the side of his neck, averting his eyes to the table. Finally he nodded his agreement.

"I won't say there haven't been some rough spots,"Garrus admitted. "That's probably to be expected."

"Well, as long as you're all happy with whatever it is you decided. I'm glad the issue worked out amicably." David nodded. "So who will be staying here? I insist someone stay. The barracks are no place for a couple. You would be sharing a larger pre-fab with the entire crew. Maybe two linked together, but I can promise you, you're privacy will be nearly non-existent."

"David, we appreciate your offer, but... it's more complicated than that." Sonya hesitated. He's not getting it... "It wouldn't be two of us."

"Just you?" David asked.

"No..."

She flexed her fingers hard enough to turn the knuckles white. A rough turian hand closed over hers. She looked up into the reassuring blue eyes of her lover and best friend. Garrus flashed her a grin, then turned to Anderson.

"All three of us." He stated.

David was speechless. He expected one of the turians to release their claim, or for them to decide that they should remain friends, or at the least to let things run their course and she would end up back with Nihlus. But this? Nothing even close had ever crossed his mind and it surprised him greatly that either turian would agree to such a thing. The kettle whistled and he got up from the table, happy to leave the faces staring back at him.

Sonya put her face in her free hand and gave Garrus' hand a squeeze. She cared little of what others thought of her, but she cared a great deal what David thought. It was obvious to her that her 'dad' wasn't prepared to accept this new life style. When David returned to the quiet table with a tray of tea stuffs and mugs he had a surprise for her.

He poured them each a mug and let them get their own extras and sat back in his seat. He waited for them to take a sip.

"What do you think?"

"It's good!" Sonya said, pleasantly surprised.

Garrus made a face and sat his back on the table. "I'm uh, not a big 'tea' fan, I guess."

Nihlus simply nodded and sipped slowly at the hot liquid. He actually kind of liked it.

"So..." Sonya took a bite of cracker.

She wasn't sure how to continue the awkward conversation, but she wanted it over. David leveled his eyes at her. His face was stern. She prepared herself for the adult verson of a scolding. He took a long sip of tea, then set the mug down on the table and sniffed sharply.

"Sonya, I don't have to understand it or agree with it. Like I said before, if it makes the three of you happy..." David made hard eye contact with his two 'son-in-law's, "Then you two had better take good care of her, and each other. There's more than one of you so there's no excuses."

The surprised looks on their faces put a grin on his. Sonya rounded the table and threw her arms around him. They didn't often break the physical barrier, so it startled him when she hugged him, but he hugged her back. She was the closest thing he had to family, and families support each other.

"Just keep it down." He teased.

She laughed, turning pink with embarrassment as she pulled away.

"Do I need to find extra beds or...?" David started to ask.

"We'll be fine." She assured him.

"Good, well, there's food in the fridge. It's not much, but I'm sure you'll manage. I've got to get back. Make yourselves at home."

"Thank you, David." Sonya said.

"Please, after all we've been through and this," He waved his hand at the small table, "Just call me dad."

"Okay. I'll work on that." She smiled.

David looked back at the turian men who stood with their hands clasped behind their backs. It wasn't what he ever expected, but she couldn't have picked finer mates.

"That goes for you boys too."

They each nodded, but he knew they wouldn't do it. The were turian. He would always be 'sir' or 'Councillor' and that was okay. He grinned and patted Sonya on the shoulder before he left.

"That went better than I thought it would." Sonya admitted.

"You're not the only one who's surprised." Garrus scoffed.

He and Nihlus were already walking over to the fridge to see what there was to eat. Shepard activated her omni-tool and sent a message to the Normandy informing the crew of the arrangements in the barracks. The could get there on their own. She didn't need to hold their hands.

"Who votes we use this opportunity to 'settle in'?" Sonya asked with a smirk.

Both turians looked up from the small fridge to watch her as she began unzipping her uniform and closing the partition for the bed room. She didn't have to ask twice.

Nihlus was first to the room and he didn't wait for Garrus. Clothes and armor were carelessly tossed into a pile in one corner of the room. He lifted her up and pinned her to the wall as he explored her mouth with his tongue and her body with his hands. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulders as she stroked his fringe. He pressed his moistened folds against hers. It didn't take long for his malehood to present itself. She gasped when he pushed himself into her. He growled a purr into her ear.

"You like that?" he teased. He knew she did. She was already dripping.

"Yes..." she sighed. "Yes! Don't stop..."

He was already deep in her by the time Garrus was undressed and ready. He joined them at the wall and nuzzled her shoulder to ask for attention. She turned to face him kissed him while Nihlus nuzzled her neck and purred into her hair. Garrus' hand went naturally to her breast. Nihlus gripped her firmly by the hip and thigh to hold her up as he thrust slowly into her. He had her mostly to himself while Garrus waited for attention. He selfishly enjoyed making him wait, making him watch as he pleased her; making him watch as he made her cum down his leg.

When Garrus growled with jealousy. Nihlus shifted to hold her under her upper thighs and lifted her off the wall. Garrus didn't need to be told how this new position worked. He took her place on the wall and positioned himself between her ass cheeks. He was never brave enough to ask her before. Nihlus leaned her back slowly against Garrus' chest. Garrus caressed her curves down to her cheeks and found the taboo he was looking for. He gently kissed and nuzzled her shoulders and neck as he tentatively pressed the head of him against that soft spot between the two luscious swells of her back side.

Sonya gasped, "No, no, no..." shaking her head.

"Shhh... it's okay." Garrus crooned. "It's okay. I'll be gentle." He nuzzled the back of her neck and purred deep in his chest.

Nihlus shifted so that Garrus had to hold up her thigh so he could cup her face. He kissed her lips and pressed his forehead to hers. "Just relax," he assured her.

Sonya swallowed hard then slowly nodded. He continued to hold her face. He slowed his thrusts to a near stop to make things easier for her other partner. She gripped his carapace hard and her eyes went wide and Garrus slowly pushed his way in. She gasped loudly and grit her teeth.

"Relax... It'll be okay." He said soothingly. He briefly made eye contact with Garrus. Something, like touching, they tried not to do. Garrus closed his eyes and pressed his mouth to Sonya's back. A deep purr resonated from him as he pushed a little more. Her back arched trying to get away from him. Garrus reactively wrapped an arm around her waist to hold her close. A loud cry escaped her as he was forced deeper in. He moaned against her skin.

"Ah...mmm.. Sonya." groaned.

"Garrus!" she cried.

Nihlus took her mouth and thrust into her again. "Relax, okay? It'll get better. I promise."

She nodded and let out a deep breath. He felt her body relax a little more. Behind her Garrus moaned, able to move more easily. Nihlus nuzzled her throat and purred. He pushed the worry and thoughts away and just enjoyed being with her and how good it felt.

"Nihlus..." she whined.

His eyes found hers.

"It's too much..." she complained. "I can't... aah!"

Nihlus lifted her off Garrus who huffed a brief protest. Nihlus moved over to the bed and sat on the edge, still holding her. Garrus got the idea pretty quickly and grabbed a thick pillow for the back of Nihlus's head. He thanked him with a nod then leaned back, taking her with him. Garrus got into position behind her and started to push his way in again.

"Augh..." Sonya cried.

Garrus put a reassuring hand on the back of her hip. Nihlus pushed up a little to distract her.

"Sonya... look at me." Nihlus said sofly.

She opened her eyes and panted heavily as he moved slowly in her.

"He's been good to you, let him have this. Just relax."

"But he's so big... it hurts." she complained.

Garrus pulled out. "I don't want to hurt her."

Nihlus released her and let her sit on the bed for a minute. He sat up and looked at Garrus. He was trying to show him appreciation, but it just wasn't working. Sonya had never done anything like that before. It was a lot for a first time.

"Go get something to eat. Give her a break. I'll uh... help her prepare better."

Garrus looked over at Sonya. "I don't know, if she doesn't like it, I'm not going to make her."

Nihlus nodded. "Good, but I think we can get her there. Just give me some time with her."

Garrus nodded again then went over to Sonya. He cupped her face and gave her a quick kiss and pressed his forehead to hers. "I'll be right back, okay?"

"Okay." she grinned.

"I'm not gonna do anything to hurt you."

She nodded and he left the room. Nihlus waited for him to close the partition then turned to Sonya.

"I'm sorry..." she said thickly.

Nihlus curled his body around her. "Shhh, no, no... it's okay. You don't need to be sorry. We just need to figure out how to make it feel good for you. Don't worry about us." He caressed her cheek and pressed her forehead to hers. "Lay back..." he whispered.

She let him guild her back to the mattress. He eased her legs open with his knees, never taking his eyes from hers. He pushed her legs open wide with his hands on her thighs, holding her hips flat to the bed. Her sex was red and swollen, open to him and glistening. He slid in with a deep purr. She gasped under him and moaned loudly. It sounded tortured and difficult.

"Nihlus?" she groaned.

"Relax..." he whispered and nuzzled her chest as he thrust into her.

He felt her body gradually give in to what he demanded. Her breath came easier and her moans smooth and natural. He felt her tighten as her pleasure built and her climax when it flooded him and dripped out with his thrusts to moisten the sheets and the crack between her cheeks. He pulled out and eased himself into her other hole.

"Wait, what are you..?" she started to panic.

"Remember what I told you," he nuzzled her neck, "just relax and it'll feel better. Just like before."

She took a deep breath. "Okay."

He waited for her to relax then pushed into her. He smiled when she moaned with pleasure. "There, see?"

"Mmmm humm..." she moaned and nodded with her eyes closed and her brows raised.

He thrust slowly in and out to give her the idea then left her body. He preferred the 'normal' entry, or her mouth, but her cunt was his favorite. She enjoyed it more that way. Nihlus lay back down on the pillow. He needed rest as much as she probably did. Garrus returned a moment later. He ignored Nihlus and went straight to Shepard, taking her in his arms and sliding into her. Nihlus kept his eyes closed and just listened. He waited until he was sure she'd climaxed then glanced over at them. Her legs were hooked over Garrus' hips, her hands cupped the back of his head. His face nuzzled her neck.

"Show him." Nihlus suggested.

"Show me what?" Garrus panted.

"This..." Sonya reached down and spread her cheeks for him.

Garrus' mandibles dropped in a wide, surprised smile. He purred loudly when she moaned with pleasure this time. Nihlus left the room to get something to eat while she and Garrus had some one on one time.

Garrus thrust gently and slowly as he took her. He pinned her legs to the bed and nuzzled her chest while her fingers ran along his fringe. Her wetness on his stomach intensified his desire. He groaned loudly as he buried himself in her. He thrust harder and her moans changed. Her face pinched. He was about to ask her if she was okay when Nihlus walked back in. Garrus got up. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but Nihlus looked like he had a plan. He sat on the edge of the foot of the bed and looked over at Sonya. She met his gaze. He pointed at his lap with his chin. She knew what he wanted. She left the bed and climbed onto his lap. He was still hard and pushed himself into her cunt. Her pleasure was instant as she rode him. He let her roll her hips until she came a few minutes later, then he wrapped his arms around her and lay down. He spread her ass cheeks wide for Garrus who readily got behind her and pushed himself into her. Sonya moaned loudly. Nihlus pumped harder and grabbed her wrists then wrapped his arms around her, holder her hands behind her. Garrus grabbed her hips and pushed harder. Sonya cried out loudly. The intensity of what they were doing to her was almost unbearable. Nihlus cut off her screams with his teeth. He was getting close. Garrus growled a purr into her shoulder blades, he was too.

"Not yet," he said gruffly.

Garrus complied, and backed off.

"Get on the bed," Nihlus ordered the other turrian.

Garrus obeyed ready for almost anything. Nihlus took her in his arms and lay her over Garrus. She put him right where he wanted to be. He moaned and wrapped his hands over her breasts. Nihlus spread her legs and pushed back into his favorite place.

"Hold on to me..." he purred.

She wrapped her arms around him and stroked his fringe. He made love to her like it was just them, hooking her legs over his hips. Her eyes locked onto his. He kissed her and pressed his forehead to hers. Garrus nuzzled the place between her shoulder blades. His hands smoothed down over her rolling curves and held onto her hips so he could get better leverage and thrust deep into ass. Her back arched between them, pressing her breasts against Nihlus. He wrapped his tongue around hers, holding it hostage as she came. Her passion dripped down over Garrus as he thrust into her. He growled and tightened his grip on her hips.

"I'm so close, Sonya..." Garrus purred. "You feel so... good."

Her eyes were still locked on Nihlus. The waves of ecstasy threatened to wash her out to sea. "You feel so..." Another peak took over her body. She moaned loudly. Garrus cut off the sound from behind with is talons around her neck. When her quivering subsided he released his grip and gently stroked her throat. He let his talons rest over her throat as she panted and groaned at their urging. Her body went limp. Nihlus grabbed her wrists and held them to mattress over her head. He panted heavily over her. The intensity in his loins neared its peak. He released her wrists to hold her hips. Her face rolled toward Garrus and she kissed him as she came again, surrendering completely to them. Garrus took her hands in his and growled against her lips, releasing his pleasure deep between her cheeks. Nihlus lay over her nuzzled her neck. Her body clamped down. Her moans whimpered helplessly in his ear. His mandibles clamped down tight along his jaw as he purred his release deep inside her, filling her. He barely stopped himself from collapsing on her.

"To the side, please," he asked politely.

They moved in tandem to the left and let out a collective satisfied sigh as they let their bodies rest on the sheets, wet with their love making. Garrus held her shoulder and nuzzled against that space at the base of her neck with his leg draped over hers. He tenderly marked her with his bonding and mating scents. A few moments later his light snoring gave away his exhaustion. Sonya draped her leg over Nihlus' and he slipped his over hers. She rested her face and hands on his chest while he nuzzled her hair. She continued to quiver for several minutes after. Nihlus gently ran his talons over her scalp to help calm her. After a while she gradually stopped. He was still inside her, but he had stopped throbbing. A shiver ran through her whenever one of his ridges left her.

"Is he asleep?" she asked quietly.

Nihlus took a deep breath then released it slowly. "Yes..."he murmured. He scooted a little closer to her and wrapped his talons over her hips.

Sonya shifted re-positioned so his member rested between her cheeks instead of inside her. She looked up at Nihlus and he brought his face to hers. She closed her eyes and he nuzzled her forehead, marking her again with his scent, his bond, his love. He opened his eyes to find her gazing at him. She kissed him firmly.

"So you feel it..." she said softly.

"I feel you even when you aren't touching me." Nihlus whispered.

Sonya smiled up at him. "We never really said it that much did we," she whispered.

He knew what she meant. "No..." he sighed sleepily.

"I guess we didn't think we needed to." She mused quietly.

"We didn't." Nihlus answered plainly.

"Yeah..." she sighed.

Nihlus opened his eyes again. They kept drifting shut. He found her gazing up at him, admiring him.

She cupped his jaw in her palm. "I missed you... so much," she whispered thickly. Her eyes dropped to pillow. "It would have killed me if he hadn't... I'm sorry."

Nihlus lifted her chin up and pressed his mouth to her lips. "It's okay... It doesn't matter now. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. If that means..." he glanced over to her best friend, her protector, "then that's what I will do... I love you."

Sonya smiled up at him. "I love you too."

Nihlus lowered his head a little more. He traced the 'N' on her chest. His whisper was barely more than a breath. "You're mine. You will always be mine. We're bonded and I will never give you up."

"And your mine, always," Sonya grinned and curled up against his chest.

"Always," he answered. He held his face to hers and rested his talons over her hips. "Always..."

Sonya fell asleep tracing the mark on his carapace with her eyes until her lids were too heavy to stay open. It always surprised her how something as aggressive and hard as a turian could be so tender and passionate. By the time David came home, the three of them were asleep, wrapped up in one another with her sandwiched between them. Nihlus' face was bent to hers and they breathed each other's air. Garrus nuzzled the place between her shoulder blades as he curled around her. He never intended to see the glimpse he witnessed as he closed the gap in the partition, but it made him happy for her. She deserved their love and they needed each other, now more than ever.