I was specifically trying to avoid writing James and Kiliane, and was instead trying to focus on my other, angsty story. A few of my followers on tumblr started using dirty tricks to get the fluff they wanted. This was the result.
I regret nothing.
"It's...fluffy."
"Well, of course it is, Scars. It's a puppy."
Garrus looked skeptical. "Right. I, uh, didn't know Shepard liked...fluffy."
"Well, she'll like this. Trust me. Don't turians have pets?"
"Sure, but they aren't usually so...fluffy."
James frowned at Garrus before turning his eyes back to the road. "You know, you don't have to keep saying that word like it's some sort of curse."
"Sorry, Jimmy." The turian looked down at the little ball of fur that had fallen asleep in his lap. "It's just not something I would associate with the Commander."
"Why not? Remember Gimli?"
"Her space hamster?"
"Yeah. He was furry, right?"
"Yeah, but he wasn't fluffy."
James sighed in exasperation. "What is your problem with fluff exactly?"
"It's just weird." Garrus tentatively ran his talons through the puppy's fur. "It feels funny."
"Compared to your scaly hide, maybe, but to a lot of humans it's comforting."
"Really?"
He nodded. "Yeah. Plus, dogs are very protective of their people. He might not look like much now, but trust me. When he grows up, he'll be able to go from soft and cuddly to mean and scary in a nanosecond. But only if someone threatens Lola."
"Which happens on pretty much a daily basis."
James laughed. "Exactly."
Garrus looked over at James and his expression softened. "She can take care of herself, you know."
"I know." He shrugged. "I still don't like the idea of leaving her alone as often as I have to. I'm not saying it's rational, but knowing she'll have this little guy with her will make me feel better."
Garrus considered for a second before he answered. "Well, I guess fluff isn't all bad."