Chapter Text
Our apartment is very lively tonight.
The music in the background is at a comfortable level, people are talking and having fun, and the drinks are perfect—I’m confident my man is a bartender in disguise. I’ve had to pace myself. Don’t want to get sloshed.
I’d promised this party right before our final assault against the Reapers, and today is when I keep my word. Everyone is invited, and most of them have shown up. In addition to my old squad and some lucky people from my time with Cerberus, we’re waiting for three.
That’s why I’m hovering by the front door—I want to be the first person they see. Or maybe I just want to see them first. There are people I haven’t seen in an eternity. A whole-ass year. Like a giddy little girl, I’m almost bouncing on the floor.
The doorbell rings, and I open it eagerly, melting as soon as I see who’s standing there. My favorite krogan in the entire universe.
“Wrex!” I exclaim, opening my arms for a hug.
“Shepard!” he says just as happily, and graces me with a tight, krogan hug. “How’s the house coming along?”
Ah, the house…
Castis and I agree living on a space station for the rest of our lives sounds like hell. We want solid ground beneath our feet. Palaven has been recovering after the war and a lot has been rebuilt already. We’d thought about an apartment, but when we saw a lot of land for sale, we knew what to do.
The house we’re building—our figurative child—sits just outside Cipritine, right at a beachfront. Nothing huge, but big enough for us. Most importantly, it’s secluded and private.
I can’t wait to move.
“We’re moving in two months. It’s right by the beach, kinda hidden away,” I tell him. “How’s siring the next generation of krogan coming along?”
“It’s a lot of work, Shepard. These females…” Suddenly, Wrex looks a little haunted and very, very tired. “They won’t leave me alone.”
“How could they?” I tease. “You’re too dashing to leave alone, sir.”
He smiles. “So, where’s the lucky guy?”
Castis is already standing with us, eager to meet the krogan I’ve been talking so much about. They eye each other for a few moments, sizing each other up. When I’d first mentioned Wrex to Castis, he’d seemed very interested in him. Asked a lot of questions.
“Here he is,” I say lovingly. “Castis Vakarian, this is Urdnot Wrex.”
“Urdnot Wrex,” my man repeats and tilts his head. “I’m sure there’s an outstanding warrant for your arrest somewhere.”
“You’re going to arrest me, turian?” Wrex growls.
“Maybe I will, krogan,” Castis growls back, making Wrex chuckle darkly.
“I’d like to see you try.”
“Woah, relax, Wrex,” I say lightly. “He’s just messing around.”
“I’m not,” Castis mutters, and my eyes snap to him in a glare.
“Yes, you are.” I focus my attention on Wrex, smiling lovingly. “How about you head to the kitchen and get a taste of all the food we’ve got?”
He saunters deeper into the apartment, muttering, “Finally, something good to eat.”
As soon as he’s out of earshot, I address my man. “Don’t arrest my friends, Castis. Especially not Wrex.”
“C-Sec is sure he killed the owner of Flux,” he says, stepping closer. “They want him in for questioning. It’s still an unsolved murder.”
“Let me clear it up, then. Yes, Wrex killed him. I watched it happen.”
Castis raises a brow plate at me, and I shrug.
“He deserved it. He was working for Saren.” I step even closer, lowering my voice. “If you need to reprimand someone for it, why don’t you bend me over your knee after the party?”
That changes my man’s tune. He smiles and pulls me in for a rough kiss, making sure to squeeze my ass. I moan quietly into his mouth, and he spanks my ass cheek, giving me a taste of the consequences coming.
“That’s a date,” he says darkly, and walks away.
I fan my face, watching that perfect ass swaying back to the kitchen.
We’re still missing two people. For the next fifteen minutes, I stand by the door, sipping my Drossix Blue. When the doorbell rings again, I open up and break into a huge shit-eating grin.
“Jane!” Lorik says happily. “My dear, it’s so good to see you again.”
“You too, Lorik,” I answer, and give him a big hug.
Ah, Lorik Qui’in…
That sly bastard definitely managed to keep his ass safe. From what he’s told us, he’d sweet-talked his way onto Primarch Victus’ ship. Of course, the threat of him not making it was still looming, but the Carnifex—Victus’ dreadnought—had survived and is still operational.
His efforts on the Carnifex had been of massive importance. He had personally streamlined the algorithms for the ship’s cannons, tweaked the ship’s VI so it was an even bigger help with the ship’s different maneuvers, and arranged Victus’ engineers to make sure they worked more efficiently.
I’m so happy to see him alive and well. We’re friends and I can’t wait for us to become even better friends. This three-day stay at our apartment? I’m sure it’s going to be lots of fun.
“My, you look absolutely stunning tonight,” he tells me as we break our hug.
“Why, thank you, sir.”
I blush and swivel my shoulders a bit. I’m wearing a dress tonight. A tight, black, little thing.
“You look delicious,” I tell him with a wink.
“Good enough to eat?”
“Always.”
“As much as I crave your attention,” he gestures to his bag, “I think I’ll settle in and mingle for a bit first.”
“See you around.”
We’re only missing one guest now, it’s one I’m really looking forward to seeing again. It’s been way too long, and I regret that. Unfortunately, there’s a chance he won’t make it at all—he’s become a very busy man since this war concluded.
I wait by the door obediently for an hour, my disappointment growing steadily. But when it finally rings, my heart lurches. I open the door and end up in a staring contest with the man on the other side of the threshold. He looks menacing, so I put on my very best bitch-face to match his energy.
“Spectre Shepard,” he drawls.
“Spectre Vakarian.”
Our staring contest lasts for ten seconds more—and then we break into big smiles. My best friend made it! The party is about to be ten times better now. I give him a big hug, and he pulls me in tight. We let go right when it borders on being a little awkward.
God, he looks good. Healthy and strong. The Council had been in dire need of Spectres after the war. Garrus had asked if I’d be willing to sponsor him. Pull some strings. For my best friend? A man I know well, and have worked with for three years?
Hell yes, I agreed.
“How have you been, Garrus?” I ask.
“Good. Lots to do, but the galaxy is slowly getting less and less erratic,” he answers, and I hum. “I’m still in dire need of a good X.O., though.”
“Eh…”
“Still set on this retiring thing, huh?”
“Yup.”
And I’ve earned it.
Don’t need money—I’m rich these days. I’ve also saved the galaxy from certain doom three times now. I firmly believe I have a good reason to never work a day in my life ever again. Besides, I don’t want to. It’s time to hang up my gloves and pass the torch to someone who can get the job done better than me.
Like Garrus.
“How’s my baby doing?” I still ask, referring to the Normandy.
“Oh, she’s in good hands,” he assures me. “Sol keeps her in shape.”
“And how’s Joker doing?” I wonder, this time a little more seriously.
He’d struggled with the fact that EDI had died when the Reapers were wiped out. That’s also why he’d declined coming to my party—he’s depressed, understandably.
“Well, he’s been all sunshine and rainbows now,” Garrus tells me. “Sol managed to get EDI back online yesterday.”
My mouth falls open. So… Joker isn’t here because he’s busy, the rascal.
“Yup, EDI’s back. No memory loss from her deactivation point either,” he adds. “She’s the same, old EDI.”
“Oh, that’s fantastic!” I exclaim. “It just wouldn’t have been the same if I couldn’t continue joking about him literally fucking the ship.”
“Exactly,” he laughs.
“Garrus!” Castis calls, walking over to us.
“Hey, Dad!”
They give each other a familial turian kiss. I’ve been lucky enough to witness their relationship mending, and it’s been heartwarming. They’re not perfect yet, and there are still some points of tension between them, but I stay out of it. Meddling isn’t my job.
However, if I’m asked for an opinion, I don’t hold back. Whoever’s being an ass hears it, fair and square.
“You’ll come visit when your house is done, yes?” Castis asks.
“Of course,” Garrus answers. “When are you moving in again?”
“Two months,” I tell him.
“Are you still adding an apartment?”
“For you,” Castis tells him lovingly, clapping his shoulder. “You’ll always have a home with us.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Castis steps away to entertain our guests. And just as he’s out of earshot, Garrus leans closer and murmurs, “Damn, that was cheesy.”
I snort. “You’re not fooling anyone, though. You loved that.”
“Maybe I did. Feels good when things are like this.”
“I bet. Let’s go mingle.”
“Is that Wrex I see? Better go say hi.”
We separate and make our rounds. I catch up with everyone. Vega is training hard for his N6 exam, Kaidan has settled down on Earth with a girl—good for him—and Liara is still busy doing her thing as the Shadow Broker. Javik has gone MIA, and I don’t blame him for that. Everything he knows is gone, and he’s completed his goal.
I wish him all the peace in the world, wherever he is.
Castis is talking with Lorik. They’re standing close, speaking in hushed tones, and looking at me from time to time. It’s like they’re scheming, and I really want to hear what it’s about. Because I hope it bodes well for the next three days.
But as I try to walk closer, Castis clinks his talon against his glass, silencing the entire room in a matter of seconds.
“Can I have everyone’s attention, please?”
Is he going to hold a speech? Am I going to see my man say a few words, like a goddamn boss? I stay put and listen intently.
“I’m not normally one for speeches, but there’s a first time for everything. Thank you all for coming and celebrating with us. It’s been a long journey. This arduous war, its demands, and the recovery. And who would have thought some hope and happiness would grow from that misery?” My man looks at me lovingly and I smile back at him. “Jane. This year with you has been a dream. Every day I wake up, thinking I’m still in it, but then I realize that this is real life. Val always urged me to find someone I could live out the rest of my days with. When she departed, I was so sure she was wrong. That I could never feel something like I felt with her again. But you proved me wrong, baby. I love you.”
Aww…
“I love you, too,” I answer.
“That’s why there’s something important I want to ask…” he says.
And then I get to watch him get down on one knee. He opens his palm to reveal a little, black box. He opens it, and reveals a ring inside. I’m sure I’m about to pass out then and there. Even if I hear everyone gasping around me, I’ve got tunnel vision, only able to focus on Castis.
“Oh my God…” I murmur, and step up to him.
“Jane… baby…”
Shit… He’s actually going to ask!
“Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“Yes!” I exclaim, giggling and crying.
I throw my arms around him while an applause erupts around us. I give him a kiss, coating his facial plates with my tears. After wiping some of them away from him, I finally look at the ring.
It’s the prettiest goddamn ring I’ve ever seen. Thin band in white gold, a sapphire in the middle, and eight small diamonds around it. It looks like a flower, and it’s perfect. Elegant, pretty, doesn’t look like it’s be in the way, and interesting to look at.
This man knows me so well.
Castis slips it on the ring finger on my left hand and it’s a perfect fit, too? What the hell is going on?
“God, it’s gorgeous!” I sob. “You researched to be able to do this, didn’t you?”
“It was easy when I did it for you,” he answers and I swoon right into his arms again.
“Such a fucking smooth talker.” I don’t think I can feel any happier than I feel these days, but here I am being proved wrong. “We’ll have a bonding ceremony too, right?”
“Who’s been doing the research now, huh?” my man teases.
“Ah, what a riveting turn of events. And a bonding ceremony, too. How exciting,” Lorik says, creeping up behind us. “You’ll do it on Palaven, yes? By the Danori Spires, perhaps?”
“I haven’t planned anything yet, Lorik,” Castis answers, shrugging.
“Well, whatever you choose, I’ll be there, cheering the two of you on,” the amber eyed turian says lovingly and smiles at us warmly. “There aren’t any other people I can think of who deserve this as much as you.”
Fuck…
Is he smooth talker by trade, too? If he keeps this up, I’m sure Castis and I will insist he stays in our bed, and not the guest bedroom. A celebratory and wild threesome sounds right, after all.
The party gets a whole lot better. I’m walking on cloud nine, feeling blissful and light. Everyone wants to see the ring and congratulate me. I show it off happily, proud and honored the best man in the entire galaxy has chosen me to be his forever person.
Everyone except Garrus, curiously enough.
I find him in the kitchen. He’s leaning against a wall, looking at me with a coy smile. He doesn’t seem to hate this. On the contrary, he’d been the first to cheer for us when Castis proposed. But now he looks at me so strangely that I feel obliged to go see what’s up.
“Congratulations,” he says dryly—he’s a little tipsy.
“Thank you,” I answer.
“You managed to turn my dad into a soft little cotton fluff.”
I frown. “That’s a little mean, no?”
“Just never thought I’d see the day when hardass C-Sec Officer Castis Vakarian melted into actual goo on the floor,” he comments.
“He’s just expressing his feelings for me.” I shrug—can’t see the problem. “Nothing wrong with that.”
“Of course not. But by how much he’s into you, I’m sure he’d lick it all up and swallow it down like a good boy as long as you patted him on the head.”
Huh.
I see. He’s picking on his dad like any good kid would. But I’m not so sure I appreciate his tone this time. Instead of chuckling with him and being in on the joke, I do the opposite. I put on my stern-face, ready to give him a hard dose of reality.
“That so? Well, you do realize what this means, Garrus?” I answer, crossing my arms. “We’ll have a bonding ceremony, maybe a human wedding, I’ll take your dad’s last name…”
“Yeah?” He shrugs. “So what?”
“Means you better start working on your manners, big guy,” I tell him, cocking a brow. “If you don’t start acting like the good boy I know you can be, I’ll make your dad insist you call me mommy.”
“No, you won’t,” he chuckles.
But I don’t change my expression. As the seconds tick by and I don’t falter, Garrus starts getting unsure of whether or not I’m joking. He needs to hear me say sike this time.
Intentional or not: the last time I promised him something big like that, it unfolded just the way I said it would.
“Jane?”
It’s fun to see him sweat a bit. An evil smirk starts forming, and that’s when he starts panicking a little. Deciding to leave him hanging, I turn on my heels and walk away from him slowly, heading toward Castis.
“Jane?” Garrus calls after me, clearly stressed. “You won’t actually do that, right?”
That I’m in the position to make him sweat is enough for me. It fills me with joy and makes my belly tingle. It’s the same tingle I felt when I tossed that little cum rag off my ship; satisfaction with a little horniness sprinkled on top.
Whether or not I’ll do it?
I smile wider and chuckle under my breath.
We’ll definitely see about that.