Special Events - Chapter 2: Bonding

Special Events

Chapter 2 – Bonding

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  “This has to be the longest elevator ride in history!” Garrus Vakarian bellowed, “Not even the one on the Citadel to the docking bay took this long!” He was overwhelmed by his nervousness. Tapping his feet and fumbling with his three-fingered hands, anxiously waiting to arrive at the top level. Usually he had no issues in visiting Reblicah Shepard in her quarters, in fact he loathed leaving, but tonight was different. Vakarian was determined to make Shepard his, if she would accept. The elevator alerted him about his arrival and the door to the Commander’s quarters parted open. ‘Spirits guide me.’

  Arriving early to Reby’s invitation, he expected some playful resistance. But there was none to be found. Only the deafening sound of her radio welcomed him. Garrus paced deeper into her room, slowly bringing his human companion into view.

  Shepard was sitting on her bed, propped up against the headboard. She was so focused on the large canvas displayed over her bent knees that she neglected to see the Gunnery Chief’s entrance. She had a brush carelessly dangling from her fingers, stroking aimlessly at the air. She must have been trying to visualize her painting. But as he got closer, he realized the brush was actually in sync with the melody and could hear the faint humming of Reblicah’s voice.

  He caught her singing once before, during their last shore leave at Illium. The Commander persuaded that they all go to one of the smaller bars holding a karaoke night. After coaxing the rest of the crew to take their turn assaulting the microphone, Shepard stumbled onto the stage. Everyone covered their ears in horror as another drunk human was going to attempt singing. But instead of hearing the shriek of a banshee, the most angelic voice echoed the lounge. The entire bar looked in awe, fastened to their seats, wondering how someone who barked orders all day could sing like a siren. When the song ended, every single patron stood and cheered. She took a bow and escorted herself off the stage. Staggering up to Garrus, she asked to be carried back to the ship, passing out in his arms shortly afterwards.

  This time she wasn’t under any alcoholic influence. Reby’s voice sounded even more hypnotizing. Typically she listened to electronic music and would attempt to dance along, failing horribly. But today she was a heavy metal rocker, which curiously suited her persona. Garrus didn’t recognize the song but could easily see that it was one of her favorites. Head banging with the rhythm, strumming along to the guitar solos. Her body was gracefully accepting every transition, delivering a pleasant performance. He leaned up against the pillar by her desk and contently observed the Commander. Watching as she closed her eyes and passionately sang along:

All the pain in the world won’t stop us now.

For we have each other.

All the hate in this world can’t tear us apart.

This love is forever.

  The lyrics seemed fitting to Garrus’s intentions. He thought of the possibility that maybe the spirits were finding ways to reassure him about his decision, and doing a damn good job at that. Filled with the mad admiration for the woman sitting on the bed, all his anxiety seemed to disappear. Garrus never felt so passionately for anyone. He used to think that he would never find someone, cursed to be a bachelor for life. Miserably bound by the red tape of Citadel Security and forced to feel cast aside for his ideals. Then a human Spectre turned his world upside down, giving him the opportunity to change his direction, giving him… hope. He never imagined he would fall for anyone, especially outside his species, but somehow that nymph made him feel complete.

  The song ended and Shepard opened her eyes, sighing as she brought her attention back to the canvas. Yet something stuck out in her peripheral vision. Bringing her gaze towards the anomaly, she noticed the Gunnery Chief standing at the top of her stairs.  Based on his smirk, she realized he witnessed the spectacle she was putting on. In one swift move, she dodged towards the radio, turning it off and screaming, “Damn it Garrus, you startled me!” 

  “I didn’t mean to,” he replied striding towards her.

  “How long have you been standing there?”

  “Only for a few minutes, I promise,” crossing his heart with his finger.

  She looked at her watch, noticing his premature arrival. A smile curled from her lips as she playfully imitating a therapist, “Tsst tsst tsst, Mr Vakarian, you’re always so early.”

  “What can I say, I have separation issues.”

  “We’ll have to work on that. Come sit with me,” patting the open spot on her sheets.

  “I’ve never heard of the song you were listening to. What era are they from?” climbing onto the bed and situating himself with his back to her very fluffy pillows.

  “These come from the turn of the 21^st century. I found them on the extranet recently. The musicians of that time were very poetic with their lyrics. I find myself becoming easily lost into their melody, obviously.”

  “I enjoyed the show. I love hearing you sing, you should do it more often.”

  “That can be arranged, depending on what I get in return.” She enjoyed making bargains with him. Discovering it was a successful way to get him to do whatever she wanted.

  “I’ll see what I can do on my vigilante’s salary… So what is this all about?” he questioned as he sat next to her, pointing at the array of art supplies. There were cans of different colored paints and an assortment of brushes scattered all over her night stand. Reaching for the canvas she tossed aside during her spectacle, she placed on the floor, leaning against the table.

  “Well, if you must know, the event we are attending has asked for all the guests to bring in a piece of artwork. I figured we could bring in a painting. Something we did together.”

  “Simple enough, what kind of exhibit are we attending?”

  “I cannot tell you, not yet. It’s a surprise.”

  “You know how I don’t like surprises,” staring at the Commander with his stern blue eyes.

  “Yes, I know, but it’ll be worth it.”

  “Fine, I’ll just tolerate it for a few more days. Just curious, but wouldn’t it be logical to paint at your desk? You’re just going to make a mess here.”

  “It would make a ton of sense to move but do you see how relaxed I am here. I mean look at all these pillows. I spend too much time in uncomfortable places. I think I can deal with a little paint on the bed. Plus painting over there would require me getting up, and I’m feeling really lazy today,” digging her back deeper into her stash of pillows.

  “What’s that old human saying? Oh yeah… stop the presses! Commander Shepard is actually being lazy. Should I be concerned? Should I call Dr. Solus?” Before he could continue, he was getting smacked by one of her pillows. Alas, there was some resistance!

  She pouted, “Can’t I get a day off? I don’t have to be Commander all the time. I like to have recreational hobbies too.”

  “But painting?”

  “So I’ve never painted anything in my life!”

  “Can’t we just shoot something up and call it art.”

  “I thought about it,” Shepard smirked at her turian companion, “it would be a lot easier but it just wouldn’t be as personal. And this event is really special to me.”

  “Did you have any ideas on what you wanted to paint?”

  “Absolutely none,” she sighed.

  “Well, you have the crew fooled. They seem to think you are in a good mood. But I know better than that, what’s wrong, Reby?” his raspy voice pierced right through her smile.

  “How can you tell? Maybe I really am in a good mood,” she scoffed.

  “Call it intuition.”

  Shepard paused for a moment, running through the rolodex in her mind. Turning her head away, she responded, “I don’t know how you do it, Garrus. I try to disguise my emotions but you can always see right through my masks.”

  “You don’t need to hide them from me,” cupping her chin between his fingers.

  At that moment, Garrus stared into Reby’s delicate brown pupils. They glowed, bearing the fragile emotions hidden deep inside, desperately seeking shelter in the protector glaring back. The Commander managed to keep a hardened disposition in front of others, keeping these feelings from consuming her and driving her to the brink of insanity. But behind closed doors, she was breaking into a million pieces, typically finding empty comfort in the liquor bottles stashed in her desk.

  “It’s just been another tough week. I can’t let it get the better of me or we both know what I’ll do. I just feel like I give everything that I can but still get shot down. By the Council, by the Alliance, by Cerberus, nothing I do seems right anymore. I’m really starting to miss the good old days. Hell, I even miss those on the spur missions from Admiral Hackett. At least he appreciated my work,” her eyes welling up.

  Garrus could see every thread of hope Shepard had was being destroyed strand by strand. Losing confidence in her quest to change the world for the better, her attempts seemed pointless. No one understood why she was fighting for a Council who showed very little concern for her since her death. Her last bits of energy spent clashing against her radical revivers just to protect her progressive ideals. All Cerberus did was remind of her duty to the organization, to repay the debt of her resurrection by protecting human kind from the greatest threat ever witnessed.

  The presence of the approaching Reaper army terrified the Commander. It was nearly impossible to destroy one, yet everyone was still relying on her to take out an entire fleet. As much as she despised dwelling over it, Reblicah would have to come to terms knowing this upcoming war might be her last campaign, fully aware this may be the end. Even after the death of the altruist, they would only award her sacrifice with meaningless medals and hollow titles like “The World’s Paragon” and “The Savior of the Galaxy.”

  As bleak as Shepard’s future was, Garrus was dedicated to standing strongly by her side. To catch her when she falls, protecting her when things become too much to handle. To being her outlet, sharing the burden she was carrying. Nothing would shatter the devotion to the human he cared so deeply for. He committed his life to his commanding officer, making sure she was not going to be alone.

   “We all appreciate what you’ve done Commander, we couldn’t do any of this without you and I mean that. You may not receive the thanks you deserve, but as long as you just keep doing what you believe is right, that’s all that should matter.”

  “I know I cannot say this enough but thank you for being here for me, Garrus. I’m a lucky woman to have you.” Her smile returned to her face, making their brief appearance. A twinkle of hope, like a ray of sun beaming through the heavy rain clouds

  ‘Do it now, Vakarian. This is the perfect moment.’

  “Commander… Reblicah Marie Shepard… Reby…” The Gunnery Chief took her hands into his, feeling the soft touch of her fingers rubbing against the insides of his tense palms. “I want you to know that you are the light that keeps me going in this dark world. I lose my way when I don’t have you around. You have saved my life, in so many ways, that I want to return my gratitude. I know I cannot offer you much. But I will always be here for you, every step of the way. As long as I’m around, you are never going to be alone. Nothing would please me more than to completely devote my life to you, sharing your pain and victories, and to ask…”

  ’Come on, Vakarian. You can do this.’

  “Will you… give me the honor of making you mine?” Anxious, he could feel his piercing blue eyes fixed on Shepard, anticipating her answer. The atmosphere in the room changed. The air felt thick and seemed difficult to breathe. All of the ambient sounds faded away, leaving a numbing silence in their absence.

  Then her calming voice broke through the barrier, politely asking, “You mean to mark me, right?”

  Garrus responded with a nod. Attempting to clarify, “I know it is a lot to ask. It’s uncommon for humans and turians to bond, with us being so… different. Marking is symbolic for my species and I would love to share that tradition with you. I would understand if you want to wait until after a… oh what is it called… a wedding ceremony. Or if you are against it, I can, I, uh, now I’m rambling like a fool.”

  “Garrus, it’s okay,” she smiled, “I would be honored to bear your mark.”

  Immediately he felt the crushing weight of the environment dissipate. Her smile broke the spell holding him hostage. With all his senses returning, one stood out the most. The pounding of his heart echoing, ‘She said yes.’

  “I’m actually surprised you didn’t ask me sooner,” she continued.

  “I was nervous, obviously. I didn’t know if we were even ready. The significance in marking your mate shows your eternal bond to each other. Let alone I didn’t think you would allow me, since it may hurt.”

  “I’ve been shot, stabbed, poisoned, kicked, thrown, hell I was dead. I think I can survive one bite. In fact, I would gladly accept being bitten by you than be shot at again, but that is inevitable with me. Bullets seem highly attracted to me for some reason. All these damn implants must be making me a walking magnet.”

  “Isn’t that the truth,” he chuckled.

  Shepard composed herself, “I do understand what this means. As far as I am concerned, we already belong to each other. Why not go the final step and seal the bond? I want this, Garrus. I don’t want to wait. We both know that my future… our future… is so unstable. If we wait, it might be too late. But… we have this moment,” squeezing his talons, pulling him down to her level. She waited until her lips were brushing against his to whisper, “right now.”  

  Feeling his instincts take control, Garrus freed his hands and brought them to her face, passionately locking their mouths. Even though he couldn’t kiss back, he loved the feeling of her dexterous lips on his. Allowing her tongue to trail against his opening, to flick against his tongue and tease it. It drove tremors down his spine, causing his mandibles to twitch.

  Upon separating their jaws, Reby’s breathing was heavy, every inhale expanded her chest. Garrus brought his face to her bust, nuzzling against her fabric restraints, taking in the familiar scent that defined Shepard. Placing his hand on the small of her back, she arched her body towards the pillows, directing their bodies down. 

  As he positioned himself above her, Shepard’s wandering hands began tugging the zipper for his uniform, exposing his plated skin underneath. The cold air rushing in, striking against his body’s rising temperature. Taking hold of his shirt, he pulled his arms through the sleeves revealing his upper half, and tossed the cloth away.

  Bringing his attention to the overdressed Commander, she needed out of her constricting uniform. Garrus slid his talons under her shirt, feeling the warmth of her skin radiate against his claws. Pushing the cloth up her torso, it began bearing the flesh hidden underneath. Reblicah rubbed her hands from his shoulders down his arms, following the ridges in his plates. When she reached his hands, she grabbed the tail of her shirt, pulling it over her head, and cast it aside.

  Studying the uncovered human that lay cushioned below him, Garrus memorized every curve her body held. Even though he explored every bit of her body before, it still felt like an adventure, each time becoming a new experience. He loved her smooth skin. It was so delicate, so… sensitive.

  Grabbing the sides of her waist triggered her to squirm, wildly making his mandibles fluctuate. Guiding his hand up her stomach and around the contours of her chest, every movement on her figure had a reaction. The response elevated around her collar, her weakness. When he rubbed his finger down the traces of her neck, it sent shivers down her spine, causing her hair to stand on end. The sight of her vibration triggered him to growl. Reby wrapped her arms around the neck of the turian, feeling the rumble. She began massaging the base of his fringe, clawing her fingers into his skin, pushing her tips around his plates. His neck tensed at her fingertips, growling louder.

  Garrus could no longer resist. He leaned into her neck, nestling his nose faintly against the location of their bonding. The heat escaping her neck, welcomed his arrival.

  “Are you ready?” motioning his lips lightly against her skin.

  “Yes.” She closed her eyes, her heart beating against her ribcage, harder and harder, anticipating him.

  “With this mark, we will be bound. We will belong to each other, loyal to the end. Our spirits, our minds, and our hearts, linked as one. Never breaking the bond between us, this is our promise,” his words echoing, purring.

  His mouth wrapped around the side of her neck, breathing her in. Closing down and allowing his teeth to scratch the surface, feeling her pulse pounding through her skin. Reby let out a quiet moan as his sharp teeth dug deeper and deeper, the pressure in his jaw increasing gradually. Then they successfully broke through, thrusting through the surface. A strong burning sensation beckoned, causing her head to jolt back. Moaning louder, she felt her blood rushing through the new openings.

  Tasting Shepard’s livelihood being summoned into him, Garrus’s instincts urged to continue. He clenched his eyes shut, sinking his teeth further into her flesh, pursuing to seal their bond. Imagining their hearts beating together, their spirits binding, their two bodies mended into one. Embracing his mark, he persisted, imprinting Reby mentally, physically, spiritually. The intense connection made his body tremble, sending out a muffled growl.

Artwork by Krubbus

  Reaching what felt like an orgasmic peak, Reblicah’s body quivered uncontrollably. Her heavy breathing made her moans sound like whimpers. She never felt such a fierce exchange. The ritual consumed more than she expected, not even their sexual encounters drained her energy like this. This was a new experience entirely. Her senses tingled, even the way he felt at her finger tips seemed intensified. The burning from her open wounds faded away, being replaced with a strong impression. Becoming highly receptive to any separation from the turian she bonded with, making any time apart intolerable.

  Garrus slowly brought his teeth out from her flesh, careful to not irritate the damaged area. Panting through the gaps in his mouth, he took a look into his companion’s eyes. There was a new shine, a look that will stay etched forever in his mind. They looked broken yet whole, confused but somehow confident, peaceful and wounded, all at once. She went through a ritual very few humans endured.

  Noticing the red droplets filling up the open holes on her neck, Garrus grew concerned. He attempted to move but felt her hands grip him firmly.

  “Please don’t go,” she pleaded, wheezing.

  “I just want to get you some medi-gel.”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine, I promise.”

  “But…” he immediately got interrupted with her finger over his lips.

  “Just lay here with me.”

  Garrus didn’t put up any more resistance. He brought his forehead to meet hers. She responded by gently rubbing the tip of her nose against his, looking exhausted from the ordeal. He closed his eyes, taking in this moment. She was his.