Chances (F!Shep x Garrus romance) Ch2

For once, it felt like things had gone right.  At least, better than expected.  They were all alive and together, which was more than they could have all asked for.  People were supposed to die on this mission, after all.  They all called it a suicide mission; they all knew it could be the end.  And it wasn't.  He was so fucking happy that he didn't notice that Shepard was the only one who didn't seem to feel this way.  The rest of them did, and it felt great to be happy for once… to be thankful to be alive when death had knocked consistently on the door.  All they wanted to do was celebrate, and they did.  Upon arriving back at the Normandy, all anyone seemed to want to do was take a few shots and drinks.  The ship's bar was their first destination, and while they went to drink Shepard had hid away somewhere apart from them.  

"I'd like to propose a toast!  To Shepard!" Zaeed shouted, lifting his glass.  It was then that it hit Garrus—and it hit him hard.  Shepard wasn't there.  "Huh.  She must be tired or something.  Don't blame the girl though, hah! Tonight's gonna be the best rest any of us'll get!" Zaeed continued, shrugging it off and urging everyone to continue to have a good time.  As shots were taken all around, Garrus moved away from them all and slipped away unnoticed.  It didn't seem to take long for them to get drunk—but they were probably already halfway there just because they'd survived.  He didn't blame them, he was right there in the moment too.  Until he realized she wasn't with them.

The elevator ride took too long.  His impatience dragged out the time as he stared at the passing walls and light fixtures through the windows of the elevator.  Reaching her floor, he got out walked the path toward her bedroom.  He'd visited her once, hoping the two could … No.  She had denied him then, and there was no reason for her to accept him now.  But he was concerned—he wasn't coming for any other reason than her wellbeing.  Garrus growled quietly, slowing his pace until he stopped in front of the door.  He was foolish to think she'd be interested in him.  He was a turian and she was a human.  Just because she was an alien accepting person didn't mean she'd be willing to—with him of all—

Garrus was stunned by the door's opening.  The turian had expected it to be locked, like the many times it had been whenever he'd made the venture up to her room, just to turn back from nervousness or hesitation.  Fear, even.  He glanced around the place, surprised that he wasn't met with a voice.  She wasn't there.  Frustrated at first, he leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and growled slightly.  Where could she be?  He stepped in, and as the door closed behind him, he noticed the sound of running water.  Of course.  She had her own bathroom and, no doubt, was taking a shower.  Garrus sighed softly and lightly chuckled at himself.  Foolish.  He felt foolish for being so worried and tense and angry.  

"EDI?"
"Yes, Garrus?"
"Please don't inform Commander Shepard that I'm here.  I'd like to surprise her."
"Very well, Garrus.  The consequences will be yours as well."

"I'm fine with that," he murmured with a chuckle.  Reclining into her desk chair, Garrus leaned back and for the first time since they'd returned, let himself really relax and let the calm fall over him.