Smell Like Me

Charles came back from taking Eezo for a walk to find Ares still in bed, the lights off. He stood in the doorway for a few seconds, straining to make out the shape beneath the blankets and listening to the turian's breathing. Finally deciding Ares was awake, he kept his voice soft as he asked, "Can I get you anything?"

With a thick voice—probably from being hungover—Ares said, "More horosk."

Charles opened his mouth, ready to protest, but instead let a deflated breath seep out of him. "Alright. I'll go to the store. Anything else?"

Ares growled and, surprisingly, curled up, pulling the blankets over his head. "Don't talk so loud."

Biting back a laugh, Charles crossed the floor as quietly as he could, gently pressing his forehead to the lump under the blankets before standing up again. Creeping back out of the room, he grabbed Eezo's leash and hooked it on her, not wanting her to bother Ares while he was gone. He took her with him down to one of the stores a couple of blocks away that sold alcohol and tied her up outside.

Squatting down in front of her, he ran his fingers through her fur, holding her head in his hands and scratching. He leaned in, kissing her and said, "I'll be right back, girl." Making his way into the store, he stopped, taking a second to scan the shelves.

"Can I help you find something?" the volus behind the counter asked.

Charles glanced at him. "Horosk?"

The glowing lights standing in for eyes in the volus' suit blinked, his respirator hissing before he said, "Horosk? Are you sure I can't interest you in something a little less … dangerous for a human to consume?"

Smirking, Charles shook his head. "It's not for me."

"Oh." The volus' respirator hissed a few times. "It's on the third aisle, to the left."

"Thanks." Charles made his way over, stopping to check the credits in his account.

Eh … he'd survive. And, he could always ask Ares to help out if he really needed to. Besides, he'd get paid in a few days, and his commission bonus would be damned good. He grabbed a couple of bottles of horosk, tucking them under his arm before moving down the aisle to the coolers at that back. He opened one, snagging a bottle of Paragade and moving it to his other hand, the same arm as the horosk, before closing the cooler and turning.

A man crouched down on the floor, cooler opened, crates next to him as he stocked the shelf. Charles swallowed, images of Harvey forcing themselves forward. Licking his lips, he let his eyes lose focus, hand slipping into his pocket of its own accord. He saw himself, standing over Harvey in the convenience store on Shanxi again, the man looking up at Charles, confused and then afraid. So afraid. It felt so good to bring his razor down on the man, so good to see blood well up on his terrified face.

"Can I help you with something, sir?"

The voice snapped Charles out of his haze, and he realized he'd moved closer to the man. Licking his lips, he swallowed and said, "No, thank you." He turned, walking on unsteady legs back to the checkout.

Leaving his Paragade on the coffee table, Charles carried the horosk into the bedroom, moving on silent feet. He didn't say anything as he gently sat one of the bottles on the table next to Ares and bent down to put the other on the floor next to the table. Ares' hand darted out from under the covers, grabbing Charles' wrist as he started to rise, keeping him from standing up straight. Lifting an eyebrow, he turned enough to sit on the edge of the bed, gaze sweeping over the silhouette of the bundled up lump Ares made.

Ares rumbled, tugging at Charles, bringing him closer. Kicking off his shoes, Charles turned and pulled back the covers enough to stretch out on the bed next to Ares before dragging them back up around him. Ares pulled him closer, curling his larger body around Charles as much as possible even as he kept himself hidden under the blankets. A soft smile crossing his lips, Charles adjusted a little, lifting his arm up over Ares' head, giving him more room to get even closer.

Ares' even, steady breaths warmed the air beneath the blankets as he softly spoke, "You still smell like that damn soap."

Charles chuckled, tucking his hand under the blanket to run his fingers over Ares' crest. "I'll take a shower in a little while, smell like my own soap again."

"No."

Charles raised an eyebrow. "No?"

"No," Ares said again, pulling on Charles' hip. "Smell like me."

Grinning, Charles rolled over as Ares tugged at him, using his hand on the turian's crest to guide his face back out of the covers to where Charles could reach him. He pressed his lips to Ares' mouth plates, opening up when the turian's tongue brushed against his mouth. The taste of horosk and Ares' cigarettes filled his mouth, tongue moving soft and slow against his. Charles still felt the underlying current of Ares' hunger, but it was more than obvious the turian felt like complete crap. Still, Charles took his time, enjoying the very rare change of pace and brought a hand to Ares' chest, unfastening his shirt enough to slip a hand inside and press his palm against Ares' keel.

After a moment, he pulled back and rested his forehead against Ares'. Licking his lips, his heart thudded against his chest, making the words catch in his throat as his mind raced through about fifty different ways to tell the man how he felt. Finally, he just decided to stick to something simple, even if he had a feeling it wasn't something Ares would entirely understand. Sighing, he said, "I guess I can't expect you to just know it if I never say it … I love you, Ares."

Even though Charles couldn't make out the details of Ares' face, he knew the turian could see his just fine as Ares shifted to look at him. A feeling of stunned silence filled their little space, making Charles' heart pound faster and harder against his sternum. He swallowed, refusing to cower from his own feelings. He knew he was important to Ares, knew Ares had to know Charles thought he was pretty damn important, too. So why not just say it? Even if Ares didn't say it back, Charles meant it, he wouldn't run away or take it back.

Finally, Ares thrummed softly and said, "I don't … really have anything to connect with that word … but I trust you. I trust you with everything I am, my body, my sanity, my family, my past … I don't know if that's love, but you're the only one I trust."

Charles swallowed, staying silent as he struggled through the maelstrom of shit going through his head, making his chest burn and ache while at the same time making him feel weak and oddly light. He figured what Ares did say was, in his own way, the same thing. Hell, maybe even more. Charles knew that, he really did, and it awed him to know the turian trusted him so much … but there was a part of him that really wished Ares knew it meant he loved Charles and could say it back. A part of him that really wanted to hear those words. But … he was glad Ares didn't say it if he wasn't sure of it himself.

Lifting his hand to Ares' face, he pressed his palm against the man's cheek and just said, "You're mine. I'm yours." Maybe those words worked even better than 'I love you', anyway.

Ares purred, nodding and shifting down enough to duck his head beneath Charles' chin and pressed his ear to Charles' chest. "Your heart is beating the fastest I've heard."

Charles let out a surprised bark of laughter, bringing his hand down to run his fingers over Ares' crest, using his elbow to pull Ares in closer. "Yeah … I suppose it is. Not exactly an easy thing to tell someone you love them."

Ares hummed in agreement.

Charles swallowed again, moving his hand down to rub along Ares' neck and the back of his jaw. "I'm just glad you didn't say something like, 'Shut up, you idiot.'"

Rumbling with a hint of amusement, Ares said, "Then I'd be predictable."

"Can't have that," Charles said with a soft chuckle. He let the silence sit for a few seconds before venturing on. "What you said to Cammus … I figure that's something we should talk about."

"You mean bondmates."

Charles swallowed, his hand stilling on Ares. "Yeah … is that how you see me?"

Ares' hum vibrated against Charles' side and chest. "'Bondmate' is a word I've spent a long time trying to understand. What makes it a bond? Are there set rules?" He took a moment, just breathing as if thinking over his words. "They say a bond comes with a bondmark, and we've done that in our own way. They say bonds are official, but I won't put my information in anywhere legal, so there isn't that. Does that now make it not a bond? Who set these rules for what make bondmates?"

Charles hummed as he thought it over, fingers moving against Ares' neck and shoulder again in lazy, soft strokes. "I don't know for turians. The human side of things … well, I doubt you really care about the history, but it's always seemed to me to be more something people want as a way to somehow validate their relationship to the rest of the world. What it's supposed to be is a promise to spend their lives together and always do their best by one another."

"In that case," Ares said, shifting in a little more against Charles, "I think I've already made that promise by telling you about my true self, letting you into my life, past and current."

Crunching up enough to kiss the top of Ares' head, Charles said, "You'd have to kill me to get rid of me. The moment you told me you wanted to go after … you wanted to go to Shanxi. Like I told you there, I'd follow you anywhere, Ares. Anywhere."

Ares thrummed against Charles. "As for validation to others? I can't do that."

Bringing his hand back up to trace the lines of one of the spikes of Ares' crest, Charles took a deep breath. "I know. That's not really so important to me. I don't have any family left, no close friends … so it doesn't really matter." He smiled and added, "Although, it feels pretty damn validating when you do things like tell the bartender I'm yours or put your arm around me in public."

Ares snorted. "You're too short for me to put my arm around you comfortably."

"Pfft." Charles nudged Ares' head a little, just enough to feel, but not enough to hurt with what had to be a massive headache. "Maybe you're just too tall. I'm actually so not short for my species, but you're way taller than any other turian I've met."

"And it's a bitch to find clothing, too," Ares said with a huff. As if he really cared.

Charles chuckled. "So … feel up to making me smell like you again?"

Ares stretched out, spine popping loudly as he rolled over onto his back. "I think I can make due if you do all the work," he said, teasing tone to his voice. "And leave the lights off."

"I think I can handle that." Charles smirked, sitting up to strip his shirt off before turning over to finish opening Ares'.

Ares sat up long enough to pull his arms out of the shirt before laying back down and working on getting his pants open. Charles undid his own before rolling over to his back to lift his hips and pull them off, dragging his socks off, too and tossing them over the edge of the bed before moving to his knees. He wrapped his hands around the waistband of Ares' pants and helped ease them down.

Rumbling, Ares lifted his hips. "There are snaps around my spurs. These damn pants are too tight to just pull off of them."

"Okay," Charles said as he worked the material down far enough for Ares to relax against the bed again. Reaching down, Charles took a second to run his hands over Ares' spurs before popping the snaps loose and going back to the task of pulling his pants down.

As soon as the pants were free of his feet, Ares nudged him with a foot. "I'm not down there," he said, humor filling his hum.

Charles snorted, swatting at his foot. "Smartass. Now I'm going to take my time." He wrapped his hands around Ares' ankles, massaging his thumbs and fingers into the softer spots while he moved lower down on the bed to position himself between Ares' legs. Leaning in to rub his face over Ares' knee, he twisted enough to scrape his teeth very gently over the backs of Ares' calf and spur.

Ares chuckled. "I should walk around without pants or with shorts on more often."

"Yes. Yes, you should. I'm all for you walking around completely naked, whenever you'd like." Charles moved to the other leg, running his tongue over the spur before nibbling at it, moving his hands up to massage Ares' calves.

Humming, Ares sat up on his elbows, dark silhouette looking down at Charles. "Spurs, huh? Do I need to worry about some kind of spur fetish?"

"Shush and lay down." Charles nipped a little harder at the spur to punctuate his words before moving his hands around to the front of Ares' legs, running his hands over the turian's knees before gripping his thighs. He stopped there to rub into the muscles as he scooted up higher on the bed.

Actually doing as he was told, Ares laid back again, shifting around a bit to get comfortable again. Charles smiled, leaning in to kiss Ares' thighs before pushing his hands up the man's legs, digging in a little with the heel of his hands. Moving up over Ares' hips, he closed his hands around Ares' waist, squeezing and kneading, pulling a deep rumble from the turian. He lowered his face to Ares' abdomen, rubbing his face over the hide as he kissed, nipped, and licked, letting his chest brush and press against Ares' groin plates as he moved, getting a soft, hungry growl from Ares in return.

Bringing his hand back down to Ares' left leg, he ran his fingers along the underside of the man's thigh, pulling just under his knee to straighten the leg out a little more before shifting his own leg over to the other side of Ares. He returned that hand to Ares' waist before doing the same with the other side, biting into his hide far softer than normal, savoring the twitch of hide and muscle beneath his teeth. Ares never really gave him the opportunity to take his time like that, touching him everywhere, let alone being so gentle. It definitely wasn't what Charles wanted all the time, but every now and again ….

He traced Ares' wound but didn't dig his fingers into it before dragging them back down to grip Ares' waist, and Ares thrummed, letting a heavy breath out through his mouth. Charles took his time there, kneading for a few moments before moving higher. Kissing, nipping, and licking, he made his way up the edge of Ares' keel before trailing off over the sides, bringing his other hand down to knead at the bite mark he left on the right side of Ares' waist. Leg muscles flexing beneath Charles, Ares let out an aroused sigh, bringing a smile to Charles' face. He continued up, stopping here and there as the mood struck until he reached Ares' mouth and brushed his lips over the turian's mouth plates, pulling away again before Ares could deepen the kiss and nipped at his mandible instead.

Ares gave him a disappointed huff, humming as he said, "I didn't take you for the cock teasing type."

Charles smiled against the side of Ares' jaw, bringing a hand up to press his fingers to Ares' mouth plates. "Shhh."

Ares flicked his mandible but didn't say anything else. Charles' nipped his mandible along the edge before tucking his head under to bite Ares' neck, trailing his tongue down over Ares' throat before biting again. Thrumming, Ares lifted his chin, offering Charles more of his throat. Charles smiled, moving down to a new spot and sinking his teeth in again, trailing his hand away from Ares' mouth to caress over his cowl and then along his shoulder. Running his hand down Ares' arm, he ghosted his fingers across his name carved into Ares' forearm before wrapping his hand around Ares' wrist and bringing the arm up to settle the turian's hand on his own waist. Ares squeezed, thumb softly stroking the skin beneath Charles' ribs.

Charles brought his hand back up, tucking it under Ares' head to knead at the hide at the base of his skull. Biting Ares' neck again, he kissed the spot before moving back to Ares' mouth, tongue slipping past his mouth plates. Ares growled but didn't take any action to rush Charles, letting him set the pace. Hips shifting beneath Charles, Ares' plates loosened. He reached down between them, digging the pads of his fingers into Ares' stomach a little, holding the level of pressure as he slid his hand down, savoring the rumbling hiss Ares let out as his plates opened up the rest of the way, the tip of his cock sliding out to press against Charles.

Brushing his palm over the split in Ares' plates just once, Charles moved his hand to squeeze Ares' inner thigh, high into his groin, grinning against Ares' mouth. As much as Charles loved taking his time, he also knew he was driving the turian insane, making him question his decision to let Charles take over. And it was kind of hilarious. A part of him wanted to see just how far he could push Ares before the turian either decided it wasn't worth it or took control of the situation, but an even bigger part of him really just wanted to take Ares right up to the edge before bringing him crashing back down with an orgasm—hopefully—good enough to make him see stars.

Tongue retreating from Ares' mouth, he nipped at the turian's mouth plates before moving away to sink his teeth into Ares' throat again, exploring new territory as Ares lifted his chin again. He massaged around Ares' plates, occasionally actually running his hand over the head of Ares' growing cock sticking out between. Bringing his mouth up to Ares' ear, voice low and husky, he said, "Tell me what you want me to do to you."

Ares hummed and shifted beneath Charles, flicking a mandible against him. "Fuck me."

Stilling for about half a second as the words sunk in, Charles nipped Ares' neck again. "How do you want me to fuck you?"

"Me on my hands and knees, you behind me." Ares growled, shifting his hips again to press his cock against Charles. "I don't care how, really. I just want you to do it."

Breath catching in his throat a little, Charles scraped his teeth over Ares' neck again before pulling back to kiss him. After a few seconds, he broke away and shifted off of Ares, moving to the bedside table. "Get comfortable, then," he said, glancing over his shoulder with a smirk.

Ares sat up, moving slow—probably thanks to his hangover—as he righted himself and rolled over. Pressing up onto his hands and knees, he rested his upper body on his forearms. Charles took a moment, soaking in the image of Ares waiting for him. He'd just planned to ride Ares' cock, never expecting Ares to actually want Charles to fuck him, but he was more than happy to. He just hoped he could keep his shit together.

Grabbing the lube from the table, he dropped it on the bed next to Ares' knee before moving behind the man. He ran his hands over Ares' back and along his waist, leaning in to bite the turian's hip bone. Moving a little closer on his knees, he sat back on his heels, running his hands over Ares a few more times before picking the bottle up. He squeezed some onto his fingertips before tossing it back on the bed.

He ran the back of a knuckle down over Ares until he felt the man's asshole and turned his hand, spreading lube over the hole before easing a finger inside. Ares relaxed into the touch, letting himself open up to take in Charles' finger, clearly having done so before. Charles filed that away for later consideration, sliding his finger in deeper, twisting a little before slowly dragging it back out to press the pad of his finger down toward Ares' perineum—well, whatever the equivalent on a turian—massaging into it with a circular motion, helping to relax the opening further before sliding another finger inside. He could tell Ares didn't really need the guidance, but he savored the moment anyway, taking in something new about the man he loved he'd never had the chance to explore before.

Ares' rumbled, that same low sound he used to tell Charles to get on with something, and Charles smirked. He didn't really take the time with Cammus to look, but he didn't feel a prostate in Ares, at least not where he could reach with his fingers, so he didn't plan on taking much time there anyway, but he'd considered dragging it out further just because of Ares' impatience. He figured he'd given Ares enough slow-burn torture for the time being, though, and pulled his fingers free instead.

Adding more lube to his hand, he slid it over his cock before lifting back up to his knees. He held onto Ares' hip while he lined himself up, easing inside, breath catching in his throat as heat surrounded him. Charles groaned, closing his eyes and sucking in a steadying breath. Ares thrummed, reaching back to move Charles' hand to his waist, squeezing Charles' fingers as he pressed back against him. Charles gripped Ares' waist, pulling a soft groan from Ares as he pushed the rest of the way inside of the man.

Bringing his other hand to Ares other side, he pulled back out. Despite Ares' obvious comfort, Charles took it slow at first, for his own sake. He needed to make sure he had his mind under control before he picked up the pace. Even with him on top, he doubted Ares would have any problem with him getting rough and going to his dark place, but it wasn't what Charles wanted for his first time in that position with Ares, especially not right after telling Ares that he loved him.

He expected the bloody thoughts to force their way forward, but they didn't. The only thing he thought, the only thing he felt, was his hunger and the desire to bring Ares pleasure. Moaning, he moved a little faster, stretching out the sensation of Ares' tight heat swallowing him again. He reached around Ares, stroking his cock, but Ares growled, wrapping his own hand around himself, pushing back against Charles again, urging him on.

Charles smiled, pulling his hand back to wipe the wetness from Ares' cock off on his own ass and thigh before gripping Ares' waist and squeezed, bucking his hips to slam into Ares harder. Ares let out a low growl of a moan and pressed his forehead to the pillows. Doing it again and again, slow, hard thrusts, Charles soaked in the sounds coming from Ares. He picked up the pace, fucking Ares faster and harder, the low light coming in from the hall letting him see the turian's talons digging into the sheet as he held to Charles' pace, stroking himself with his other hand while backing into Charles.

One of his fingers slipping into Ares' cowl, Charles grabbed his shoulder, digging his fingers into thick hide and dense muscle as he found the leverage he needed to buck his hips faster and harder still. He closed his eyes, focusing himself to fight off his own orgasm when he felt himself nearing the edge, wanting to give Ares whatever he wanted, what he needed first. Ares lifted his head, tilting his crest toward Charles' hand, growling as he arched his back, giving Charles a better angle. Shifting his weight a little, Charles moved his hand from Ares' shoulder to his crest, instead, wrapping his fingers around the spikes, squeezing and pulling a little.

"Harder." Ares' voice was thick with arousal, growling and panting.

Charles tightened his grip, pulling Ares' head back more, really hoping it didn't make his headache worse. Bringing his left hand up, he squeezed the wound on Ares' side, fucking him harder still. Ares gasped for air just before his breathing stopped entirely, body growing taut. The sound of talons ripping through fabric filled the air as Ares arched his back further, ass squeezing Charles' cock, and let out a loud, drawn out moan.

Sucking in a sharp, deep breath, Charles let it rumble deep in his chest and throat as he let it back out. "Fuck," he muttered. Hearing those sounds coming from Ares, feeling him come undone around Charles, pushed him to the point of no return. He slammed into Ares, only taking a few more deep thrusts before the first wave hit, tearing a loud groan from him, fingers tightening around Ares crest and waist. "Fuck," he managed again, the word tumbling from his mouth as he let his head fall back on his shoulders, something between a cry and a moan ripping through his throat as he slammed into Ares once more, pressure building up before spilling out again and again. He jerked his hips with the spasms, grinding against Ares ass while he rode out the last of his orgasm, letting go of Ares' crest.

Ares panted with deep, rumbling breaths as he dropped his head, back heaving as he leaned on both of his forearms. Charles slowed to a complete stop and leaned over, kissing Ares' lower back before rubbing a hand over the same spot. Grabbing Ares' hips, holding him in place, Charles pulled out of the man before moving to stretch out on the bed next to him.

Ares cracked open an eye, the light barely catching on the glassy surface. He looked down at Charles, humming before stating, as a matter of fact, "You keep grabbing that wound and it'll probably scar."

Chuckling, Charles grinned. "I think we've already established how I feel about scars, but I'll leave it alone if you want. It just gets such a fantastic reaction out of you."

Ares snorted and relaxed, laying on his stomach and turning his head toward Charles. "I'm far beyond worrying about my looks. And I keep it clean, so it's fine."

Rolling to his side, Charles settled a hand on Ares' back. "Good, because when it does finally heal up, I'll be sad."

Ares chuckled, vibrating against Charles' hand. "I'll be sure to get into another bar fight, then."

Charles smirked and leaned over, kissing Ares' shoulder. "I'd rather you didn't. I don't like the thought of you getting hurt. I know, I know," he said, rolling his eyes up to the ceiling and shaking his head, "you're a badass, but still … you're mine. I worry about you whether you like it or not."

Humming, Ares flicked a mandible, giving Charles a teasing smile. "You turn into a sap when you cum."

Snorting, Charles reached down to pinch Ares' side. "Shush. I can't help whatever hormones my body dumps into me."

Ares chuckled and closed his eyes. "I need to buy you new sheets now."

Charles hummed, laying his face on Ares' shoulder blade. "Doesn't matter. So, are we spending the whole day in bed?"

"Or maybe I should just get you a more comfortable bed," Ares said, voice mellow and relaxed even with the playful, taunting quality to his subvocals. "One that isn't flat."

Charles huffed. "You can get us a new bed if you really want. Maybe even a few things for you to actually have when you're here … make the place a little more yours."

Ares opened an eye, turning just enough to look at Charles. "You have seen what I travel with, right?"

"That's why I said for you to leave here." Charles huffed again, rubbing his cheek over Ares' shoulder before kissing him. "You have a place where you can always come back to now." He shrugged. "I'm just saying if there's stuff you want … you can have it here."

"That's the thing." Ares laid his head back against the pillows. "I don't know how to have something that I'm not supposed to carry on my back."

Charles let that sit between them for a few seconds, refusing to allow it to spoil his mood before he changed the subject. "Are you hungry?"

"I'm always hungry," Ares said with a snort.

"Feeling brave enough to leave the apartment?" Charles turned his face to kiss Ares' shoulder blade.

Ares groaned but nodded. "I need a shower first. I still look like two halves of different turians."

Charles chuckled. "I don't know, I kinda like you smelling like me."

Snorting, Ares slowly eased up, giving Charles enough time to roll off of him. "You can always fuck me after, but right now, the smell of horosk on myself makes me want to puke."

"Oooohhh, maybe we should find something to eat here?" Charles asked, scrunching up his face.

"I said I'd shower." Ares sat upright, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. "I may have shit cleanser, but it will get the smell out."

"Your stomach will be alright after that?" Charles sat up, digging through his pants for his cigarillos. "Mine sure as hell wouldn't be. I'm surprised you didn't give yourself alcohol poisoning." He glanced over his shoulder at Ares as he pulled out a cigarillo and lit it.

Ares made a dismissive, groaning sound as he waved the statement off and headed toward the bathroom. Charles grinned, stretching back out on the bed and pulling the ashtray over to enjoy his cigarillo. He figured he'd take a shower after Ares, it seriously wasn't easy to get the both of them in there together. As soon as Ares left the room, Eezo ran in and jumped onto the bed, curling in against Charles' side, making him laugh.

Sitting out on the veranda of The Wheelhouse, Charles swallowed the last of his tea and looked over Ares. "How's your head?"

Ares hummed, the sound a mix of pain and frustration as he sat with his elbow on the table and forehead in his hand, the other holding his cigarette. "Same. Not sure if it's the hangover or my usual migraines." He shrugged and said, "It'll go away soon enough."

Leaning back in the chair, Charles pursed his lips. "We can stop somewhere on the way back and get you something to take."

Taking a drag, Ares shook his head as he blew the smoke back out. "No. Nothing really works if it's a migraine, so I'm not wasting my credits. Like I said, it'll go away."

Charles nodded. "Alright. Well, I'm ready when you are. We can head back home, let you sleep it off or something."

Ares rumbled as he opened his mouth, letting smoke waft out. "You know, I still have that hotel room booked for a few more days."

"Hmmm. You want to go back?" Charles figured they'd go back at least long enough to check out, but if Ares actually wanted to spend a few days there … well, it was quite a bit posher than Charles was used to, but it sure as hell would be nice. "I'll still have to work day after tomorrow, but I don't mind coming and going. I can change at work, I guess. Maybe I can get Lindsey to watch Eezo for a few days."

"Whatever you want to do," Ares said, shrugging before taking another slow drag.

Charles had a feeling Ares really did want to go back, he just wouldn't outright say so. He pursed his lips again, looking over Ares as he tried to ferret out the turian's reasoning. Finally, it occurred to him, Ares may simply want to do something nice for the two of them. It brought a slow smile to his face. Opening his omni-tool, he looked up the old contact information he had for Lindsey from when she still worked at Citadel Souvenirs and hoped she hadn't changed it since, and he placed the call.

"Oh! Hi, Charles!" Lindsey's perky voice filled the air as she gave him a big smile.

Charles glanced up at Ares, catching him cringe, before looking back at her. "Hey, Lindsey. I wanted to see if you could do me a favor?"

"Sure, what's up?" she asked with a shrug.

"I'm going to be away from the apartment for a few days. Think you could watch Eezo at your place?" He tilted his head toward his shoulder. "I know you said you can't have pets, but really, just a few days?"

"Um …" She bit the corner of her lip before letting her teeth drag over it as her lip popped free, and she nodded. "Sure. She's a good girl, I can hide her if I need to."

Charles grinned. "Thanks. Send me your address, and I'll bring her by in about an hour if that works. And you'll have to tell me about lunch with Mahlia."

Laughing, she nodded. "Alright, see you in an hour."

Charles winked at her and cut the call, a part of him thinking the woman was far too trusting. He turned his attention back to Ares. "Work for you?"

Ares hummed in approval around his cigarette before stamping it out in the ashtray. "Let's go. I want that horosk you brought to the apartment, and you can deal with that woman."

Paying for their meal, Charles chuckled and headed for the exit. "Aw, come on, she's not that bad."

"Then you're fooling yourself," Ares said as they stepped out of the restaurant.

"You're just intolerant." He grinned over his shoulder at Ares as they started walking back home. "I think she's going to end up hooking up with the asari you saw at work. Maybe getting laid and 'embracing eternity' will calm her down a little."

"'Embracing eternity,'" Ares mimicked the words with a dismissive scoff.

Charles laughed and shrugged. "It's what they always say in the vids, right?" He paused for a second then shook his head. "I could never do it. Let someone in my head like that, besides maybe you."

"Asari are a pointless species," Ares said with a low growl.

Charles snorted. "What point do any species really have?"

Shaking his head, Ares gave him an annoyed rumble. "Most species can depend on themselves. Asari? They've become so dependant on others. Like I said, pointless. Pointless and useless," he said as if it should be obvious.

"Dependant on others how?" He furrowed his brow, trying to follow Ares' train of thought but missing it entirely.

"Breeding for one. Second? Salarians provide scientific advancements. They needed the krogan to fight the rachni for them, and look at what they did to clean up that mess," Ares added, motioning at himself. "They can't do shit without relying on others."

"Okay," Charles said, waving his hand, "but they don't need other species for breeding, and the asari aren't the ones who made or deployed the genophage, yeah?"

Ares shook his head, glancing up a moment before back down at Charles. "The asari and salarians uplifted the krogan to fight the rachni, forgoing the concept of letting a species mature enough to actually be of use in the galactic community. When then krogan became a problem, they turned to the turians to clean up that mess. They sent turians to fight a battle that came about because of theirs and the salarian's decisions." He growled and tossed his hand in the air. "We didn't cause the Rebellions, but we finished it. Because of that, we're the ones blamed for all the shit with the krogan."

Charles hummed, starting to realize the asari were apparently a real touching subject for Ares. And he was pretty sure the krogan uplifting was far more a salarian thing than an asari thing, but whatever. He dug out his cigarillos, pulling one out and putting it between his lips before going back for his lighter. "What asari pissed in your cereal?"

Ares huffed, giving him a throaty hum. "It's a long story. Let's just say there was a moment when I let my guard down just enough to almost get fucked."

Lighting his cigarillo, Charles hummed around it and asked, "She dead?"

"Yes." Ares huffed again. "But only after I had to chase her and track her down on Omega."

Chuckling a little, he moved closer to Ares and slid his arm around the turian's waist as they walked. "Well, Mahlia's not so bad. She's actually starting to talk to me more." He glanced up at Ares. "Apparently, a few weeks back, I took some time off from work and since I've been back, I've been less 'mousy.'"

"You say she isn't bad, but just the other day she was glaring at you like—how did you put it?—you pissed in her cereal." Ares lifted a brow plate.

Charles snorted but winced a little. "Yeah, well, I kinda did. In retail, especially where commissions are involved, my stepping in to direct you over to my kiosk was a pretty fucked thing to do. We're alright now, though."

Ares merely hummed as they arrived at the apartment, falling silent save for lighting another cigarette.