Six Days - DJ Shadow
Garrus,
Get your turian ass down to the comm room ASAfuckingP.
Zoey.
Although he had no idea what this "ASAfuckingP" meant (perhaps it was some sort of human code?), Garrus knew that this was not an order to disobey. He gently rested the remaining pieces of dirty armour on a cloth and jogged to the elevator.
When he reached the comm room, Zoey was pacing and appeared incredibly distressed.
"Lock the door." He obliged to her command. She didn't stop pacing as she spoke. "I'm in between a rock and a hard place, Garrus. Human saying, means I have to make one of two decisions, both of which have unfavourable results.
"Our Normandy crew has been kidnapped by the Collectors. Option one is that we get our asses to the Collector base and rescue them. Option two is that we wait, develop our ground team, and hit them when we're ready.
"At first, option one seemed like the most sensible response. But after I dismissed everyone, Miranda and I had a small... disagreement. She believes that we need to work on our ground team, because they don't trust me and we'll be putting our ground team's lives in danger to rescue the ship crew.
"But there's more." He could see her becoming more distressed as she spoke. "She told me that she thinks part of the reason the ground crew doesn't trust me is because I spend all my time with you. But I make an effort to let them voice their concerns, I truly do, and I wanted to help all of them but now we have to worry about the crew! Regardless of which decision I make, someone has to lose." Her frustration reaching a clear peak, she began to emit a faint blue glow before punching one of the walls. "My fucking XO just told me I'm a shit Commander for not taking care of my fucking crew and focusing on my own interests!"
Garrus ran to her and held her hands to prevent her from continuing to beat up the ship. "Before we even begin to talk about this, Zoey, take a few deep breaths. Miranda has the best interests at heart, I know she does, she just has a tendency to be a bit aggressive when it comes to showing that she's right. You need to forgive her and forgive yourself before we can come to a level headed solution."
She reluctantly complied, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. "Thank you," she muttered after two minutes of silence. "You're right. Miranda has everyone's best interests at heart."
"Now Zoey, regardless of what I say, you're the Commander and your word is law. But I will give my two cents, if you'll allow me."
"Please do." She resigned to taking a seat and Garrus sat across from her, holding her hands in his own.
"I know that I'm very lucky to receive so much of your attention, but I also know that I have seen you spend countless amounts of time with your crew. It's obvious to me that you care about each and every one of them. You always ask for their opinion and make sure that everyone has a chance to be on the ground with you. It's what makes you so extraordinary. I think that Miranda's concern is that a few of our team members have some unresolved issues that she believes could compromise them on such an important mission. That being said, I have complete faith that your team them are unquestionably dedicated to you and your cause and will follow you without hesitation, even if it means following you to their deaths, because that's just the way that you inspire people."
"I don't want anyone to die."
"And no one will have to die! We need to get those crew members. No one deserves the fate of being captured by the Collectors, and it leaves a bad impression on the team knowing that you'd abandon your crew so easily." He stood, casting a shadow over her. "So we're going to tell Joker to send us through that damn relay, you're going to give one of your brilliant speeches, and we're going to kick some Collector ass to get our crew back!"
She stood, fire in her eyes, and pulled him tight to her for a passionate kiss. "This is why I need you on my team, Garrus." She smiled broadly at him. "Alright, we have work to do."
"What do you need me to do?"
"I need to get Joker to set course to the Omega-4 relay and talk to Miranda. You need to meet me in my quarters in an hour, no armour permitted."
"I like the sound of that," he whispered in her ear, the purr in his subvocals sending her mind to very dirty places.
They briefly touched their foreheads together before Shepard made her way to the bridge, a new air of determination to her now that a plan was in place.
"Joker, set a course to the Omega-4 relay. We're going to save our crew."
"Aye aye, Commander." His hands flew over the controls with ease. "Expected time to relay is in three hours."
"Good. Send word to everyone in the ship to prepare themselves."
"Will do, Shepard."
She spun around and marched to the elevator, the lack of crew members in the ship feeling like a gaping hole. Instead of discouraging Shepard, it increased her sense of purpose.
Tapping her foot impatiently in the elevator on the way to the crew deck, she cursed Cerberus for making such a technologically advanced ship with such slow elevators. Her mind was running so quickly her body had no patience. She walked briskly to the XO's office, the mess far too silent for midday.
When she opened the door, Miranda's focus was on her terminal, the corners of her lips turned down. "I see that we're setting course for the Omega-4 relay."
"Miranda, I appreciate what you had to say earlier, and I respect your opinion. But in the end I'm your Commander, and I say that we go through the relay and save those people."
When Miranda looked up from her terminal, her expression was bitter. "The good thing about me not being a Commander is that you're the one with the lives in your shoulders, not me."
Shepard turned away to leave. Although what Miranda said hurt, it was true. "Being a Commander means that you're able to make your own decisions. It also means you have to live with the consequences."
Sensing that the brief conversation was over, Shepard turned and left. Although they disagreed, Miranda was showing no signs of insubordination, and Shepard had something wonderful to look forward to before the nightmare of the Collector ship.
Once again she tapped her foot in impatience on the elevator.
"I see we're about to make our assault."
Shepard nearly jumped out of her skin as she saw the air beside her shimmer before revealing Kasumi.
"This may come as a shock to you, but you can start conversations with people without being cloaked."
Her slightly husky giggle filled the elevator. "I'm aware. It's much more fun this way. So, Commander, how are you spending your last few hours before we dive through the relay?"
"I'd rather not get into it."
"Don't worry so much, he knows what he's doing. I caught him doing some research on turian-human relations on Fornax before."
Shepard shot a wide-eyed glare at Kasumi. "The cloak can be used to find out secrets, too," the thief said, a wicked smile on her face. "Don't worry so much, I can't blame you, he's cute in his own way. Life's too short to be alone - well, too short for everyone except for you."
Don't remind me. "That mantra goes for you too, Kasumi."
The elevator doors opened at Shepard's quarters. A glance at Kasumi revealed a wry smirk on her face. "You're not the only one who's doing something a little crazy before our suicide mission."
Taking a step backwards to hold the door, Shepard raised an eyebrow at her. "Really?"
Her voice took on an airy tone. "I guess thieves and assassins just go well together."
A grin spread across Shepard's face. "Go get 'em, tiger."
"You too, Commander."
Shepard took a step forward, allowing the doors to close behind her. She walked into her quarters and immediately made her way to the shower, desperate to wash away her concerns for the mission.
The shower provided the relaxation that she needed, and she closed her eyes and reveled in the warmth that engulfed her. She used a vanilla-scented shampoo from the bath set that Garrus had bought for her, sighing in contentment as she relaxed and massaged her scalp.
Far too aware that harsh reality awaited her, she remained in the shower until her fingers became soft and wrinkled. She accepted defeat and turned off the hot water, dressing in a loose shirt and comfortable pants and brushing her hair and teeth quickly. There was a small micro-injector sitting on her sink that Mordin had prescribed her to prevent such horrible side effects as 'illness through ingestion', so with a short sigh she pricked her arm.
When she stepped out, Garrus was waiting for her, a bottle in his hand. "It was the best I could afford on a vigilante's salary," he muttered. He sauntered over to her intercom and played one of the awful pre-programmed songs throughout the cabin. He looked... positively dashing in his civvies, clinging tightly to his turian form.
She couldn't let him go on with the sad attempt at seduction. WIth a condescending smile on her face, she turned the music off and grabbed the bottle from his hand. "Garrus," she said softly, placing the bottle on the desk behind her and resting her hand on his chest. "You've been watching too much of Mordin's material. Relax. Tonight will be about us, and nothing else."
He let out a long sigh and rested his forehead on hers, closing his eyes. "I've done so many things wrong in my life - I'm a failed C-Sec Officer and a failed vigilante - that for once, I just want to get something right."
(Mid-chapter A/N: I know that some readers enjoy smut, and some readers don't! If you don't, this is an excellent point to stop reading - there is no plot advancement for the rest of the chapter. If you do enjoy smut... read on!)
"You haven't failed as a member of my crew, or as my boyfriend. Quite the opposite, you've excelled at both."
He ran his talons, so gently, down her cheek. "Honestly Zoey I don't even know where to start."
Her eyes never leaving his, she took his hand and lead him to the bed, lying down on her side beside him. She ran her hand tenderly down his injured mandible, his neck, and his chest, resting it at his waist. His muscles felt hard and wiry. "When I was conducting my own research, I found one major difference between turian and human intimacy." She paused to move her hand up to his fringe and massage it slowly. He let out a noise between a purr and a groan in contentment. "It makes sense considering the habits of your species, but turians seem to like to get straight to business. Humans take their time, going slowly and allowing themselves to get warmed up before diving to the big event."
"I think I see where you're going with this." He removed his gloves and visor, placing them on the bedside table, and ran his bare hands underneath her shirt and over her soft stomach. He closed his eyes and focused on the feel of her skin and the way it ran smoothly underneath his hand as he moved it over her torso, touching her hips, her back, her shoulders, her breasts.
Zoey let out a relaxed sigh. "Mmm, you're on the right track. It's also typical, but not necessary, for us to undress each other." She paused, trying to determine how daring to be. "Using your hands or your mouth, whichever you prefer."
His voice was husky in his response. "Teeth sounds fun." He pushed her gently onto her back, grabbing the bottom of her shirt in his teeth and the sides with his hands. In unison, he ran his hands and his mouth up her body, breathing deeply to inhale her scent. He paused at the sweet pink nubs on her chest, flicking the tips of each of them with his tongue, satisfied at the soft moan that escaped her lips. "I like that," she whispered. Desperate to please he alternated between squeezing and licking each breast. Feeling her squirm underneath her at his touch, he lingered on her small pink nubs with his tongue and thumb.
He lifted her shirt over her head and began to run his tongue down her neck and her torso, squeezing her hips firmly. He slowly ran his finger along the elastic of her pants, feeling her gyrate her hips as his thumb slipped lower and lower.
"Garrus," she breathed, "You're very good at teasing."
"Teasing?" he asked gently, nipping at her hip. "I thought you said humans like to take it slow."
"We do, trust me. Taking it really slow is like a tease, as you build it up but deny the - oh!" She let out a cry as his thumb found her sweet spot. Reading her body, he began to rub gentle circles, watching her cheeks flush and her breathing become more rapid. "Tell me what else to do," he growled. The more excited that she was, the more hungry he became for her and he felt the pressure on his plates increasing.
"Mmm..." she emitted a soft moan. "You can use your tongue... And you can put a finger inside of me... Just be gentle with those talons, mister."
"Like this?"
Her hips bucked into him and she whispered his name when he plunged a finger inside her wetness and ran the tip of his tongue over her sensitive nub. He marveled at how wet and smooth she was as his blunted talon gently eased in and out. He pulled back momentarily to marvel at the human sex, so gentle and pink and framed by tiny lips. The sight turned him on even more, and he dove back in to pleasure her further. He began slowly, but as her entire body became flush and her breathing became erratic he moved more quickly. She suddenly cried his name and bucked her hips so quickly that he had to stop, and when he looked at her expression her eyes were closed and a blissful smile spread across her face.
"You're a natural," she whispered, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she regained her breath.
He pulled himself up so that his face was level with hers. "Before meeting a human woman I never thought of pleasing someone with my mouth."
"Allow me to return the favour then," she whispered into his ear. He felt the pressure on his plates reach an almost painful point as she aggressively pushed him onto his back and worked on the clasps of his top.
She slowly lifted his top over his torso, stopping to plant kisses along the sides of his waist. When his entire upper body was revealed, she had to stop and admire how attractive it was. His leathery skin was tight to his long and lean muscles, perfectly outlining their shape. She ran her hands across his wide chest and down to his slim waist, a shudder arresting her body at the strength she could feel beneath her hands. She wanted him. Badly.
Impatient, she tore down his pants and kissed up his legs, marvelling at the definition and hardness of each of his muscles. She planted gentle kisses on his spurs and ran her tongue along the inside of his legs. "If I knew turians were this sexy I would have given up on humans long ago," she muttered between kisses.
Her soft lips were sending entirely new sensations through his body, and he had to work hard to form a semblance of a full sentence. "No more... turians for me."
She laughed and nipped one of his plates, soliciting a moan from him. As gently as possible she pushed the plates aside, her sex tingling in anticipation at the sight of his long, hard cock. She bit her lip gently before grabbing the base and flicking her tongue over the tip; Garrus grabbed her sheets and sucked in a breath through his teeth in response. A devious grin spread across her face before she wrapped her mouth around his manhood and slowly took in as much as she could. As she worked on his cock, swirling her tongue in circles and moving him in and out of her mouth, he let out a series of primal noises between a purr and a growl, grabbing her hair and holding tight.
"Stop!" he cried after several minutes of sweet bliss. He took a moment to catch his breath. Her soft lips and tongue felt so amazing and it had been so long since he had a release that he had almost gone over the edge.
"Everything ok?" Zoey asked gently.
"Yeah," he gasped. "You're good at that. Really, really good. I just need a break or this will be over far too soon."
She giggled and began to run her hands over his body while he allowed himself to come down from the sexual high. When she kissed his neck he grabbed her face and kissed her deeply, setting her whole body on fire. She pulled out of the kiss to look deep into his eyes before grabbing his cock and slowly lowering her wetness onto him. As he filled her up he let out a groan and shuttered, amazed that anything in the galaxy could feel this good.
Gripping his chest for support she rocked herself rhythmically, his eyes wide as he watched his manhood slide in and out of her mound. He began to massage her bouncing breasts, and he felt the need to take her in spite of how incredible she looked on top of him.
Unable to control himself any longer he leaned up and threw her down hard on the bed, a feral growl escaping him as he began to pump himself hard into her. Zoey gripped his waist and rocked her hips with him, a constant stream of moans escaping her lips.
He watched as Zoey began to arch her back, his name escaping her lips in a cry as her sex tightened around his cock in waves. The sensation sent him over the edge, and he growled her name as his body gave him his sweet release in waves. His breath coming rapidly he gazed into her sweet brown eyes, feeling a wave of affection towards her stronger than anything he had felt before. Moving as gently as possible he rolled off of her to lay beside her; his sweet human, his sexy human, his strong human. His Commander. His girlfriend.
All energy taken from his body, she closed her eyes as he ran a talon along her cheek and whispered, "Spirits, Zoey."
With a giggle, she responded, "Spirits, Garrus."
He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her as close to him as possible to rest his head atop hers. He inhaled her sweet scent and sighed. At that moment, he didn't have a care in the world.
Not even the Collectors.