Face It
Xenophobes
Everybody was a closet 'phobe. They had all kinds of hatreds locked in place, inbred into their psyche. They were very difficult to change, but Shepard didn't stop trying. (She considered herself mostly cured when she saved that Batarian in the wards on Omega...not all the way. Never.)
She'd been dealing with xenophobes for as long as she could remember. The first official group, if you would call it that, was the Terra Firma- Strong Earth- party on the Citadel. She'd handled the situation rather well, considering it was Garrus and Wrex behind her. She was happy that Garrus didn't seem to angry. He seemed to be of the opinion that the particular group of humans were stupid, and refused to see the facts. Which she supposed was true.
The second time, after Garrus and her had well... become an item- or at least she hoped that's what it was- was quite different.
She'd gotten into an argument with one of them, her opinion having been changed by much reflection. And Garrus. But that's beside the point.
"You're lucky I was born human! I can't believe your hate mongering. Grow up, it was thirty years ago! We're a lot smarter now." Shepard hissed as Garrus began to drag her away.
"Just calm down, Commander."
"Next time, I'm asking for turian!" She shouted.
"Shepard!" Garrus said, bringing her back to her present situation.
"Fine, fine. I'm just sick of them."
"I know. We all are. Now just relax. One day, they'll see."
Light flashed past Shepard's eyes, and she quickly looked away. Her grin wasn't repressed fast enough. Garrus caught it, a guilty sign.
"What is it?"
"I'm sorry." She said sincerely.
"It's okay, you were defending-"
"Not for that."
"Then for what?" He asked, backing away slowly.
"Converting a few people. I'll bail you out.. or, pay for the both of us... don't worry."
"Shepard what are you-?"
"Making sure you never wear civilian clothes with me out in public ever again."
Shepard started running back to the group of xenophobes. Garrus followed her, if only to make sure she didn't cause anymore trouble. Authorities had surely been called already.
Right as he caught up to her, she turned on her heel.
She closed her eyes and grabbed the waist of his pants.
"Shepard-!"
"Sorry!" And with that, she tugged.
…
"Two counts public indecency." Garrus said.
"I bet a few more of them will start to see things my way. I could see some of the women..."
Garrus laughed.
"Sorry if I embarrassed you."
"I got you back."
"So you did." She said thoughtfully.
"I've actually never been arrested before." He said conversationally.
"Me neither, actually... and all the rules I've broken..." They both laughed.
The clicking of heels that stopped in front of their cells ended any smiles. It was like being caught all over again.
"Miranda, I can-"
Miranda held up a hand, saying she didn't want an explanation. It was more scary than Miranda blowing up on them. She probably had something planned.