Chimera: A Garrus / Shepard Romance

CHAPTER 5: FRUSTRATED

Garrus left Liara's office more frustrated than when he went in. He understood her predicament but that didn't mean that he had to like it – far from it – but there was nothing he could do about it either. He had kept his word to Shepard and never told a soul about their time together, so he couldn't very well start now.

Shit. Now what?

He could feel the tension throbbing within him. He needed to do something to get rid of it or…..not good. He headed toward the elevator. Perhaps some sim sparring would help. It had before and it had been a while since he had done any – no need to really, war was a perfect substitute.

In the docking bay, Vega had set up a corner for just such a purpose. He had even hung up his old punching bag from home. As Garrus got off the elevator he could hear Vega grunting as the rattling chains that held the bag echo throughout the bay.

He rounded the corner. "Vega!"

"Hey, Scars!" Vega huffed out.

"Mind if I go a round or two?"

"Sure. Just remember you break it, you buy it."

"Hmmm…okay maybe not the bag then. Can you set up the sim for me instead?"

"Yeah, okay. Right now?"

"Yeah. Right now."

He needed it – badly.

"Geezz, what's eating you?" Vega said eyeballing Garrus carefully. He didn't know the Turian very well and was wary of him.

Garrus stopped short and looked around and then at Vega, "What?!"

Vega chuckled, "No, no, not literally…man you gotta lighten up."

"What are you talking about?!?" he spat, clearly irritated that Vega still did not clarify himself.

"Hey now, you don't need to get your panties in a bunch. I just meant what's bothering you?"

Panties?? Human terminology was irritating to say the least.

"It's nothing, Vega. I just need a distraction right now. This seemed like a good idea."

No need to explain the other option.

"Ah, understood – enough said. Gimme a minute and I'll set it up for you."

Garrus nodded, "Thank you."

While Vega set up the program, Garrus cleared some more space in the corner.

"What's your pleasure?" yelled Vega

Garrus looked over at the beefy human and glared in response.

Vega looked up, "WHAT?!? I just wanted to know what sim partner you want, damn!"

"Then say that," Garrus growled out, his tone much lower and more menacing than he intended, "A Turian or Krogan will suffice."

"Okay, okay…..shit!" Vega hit the key that started the sim and made a quick exit from the docking bay.

Garrus almost couldn't resist the urge to grab the nearest object and hurl it at the human's head. He thought better of it, not wanting to start an inter-species incident – one was already more than he could handle at the moment. The strangled look Shepard had when they're eyes locked in the Mess Hall was freshly burned into his memory. It was all he could do to restrain himself from following her.

An hour later, he felt much better. The three rounds he did sufficiently cleared his head enough to think clearly once more. Definitely not his preferred choice of the two options, but it worked enough for him to figure out his step. They would be arriving at the Citadel within the next hour and he thought he better clean up before they docked. He turned off the sim program and made a mental note to apologize to Vega for his attitude earlier. He headed for the elevator, intending on taking a quick shower before heading to Liara's office.

About half an hour later, he was at Liara's door, pressing the keys to enter.

"Liara?" Garrus called as he entered her office.

"Yes?" she called from the back of her quarters.

He realized she was in the bedroom and that he probably should have called her rather than just stopping in unannounced.

Awkward. Dammit.

While he quickly tried to decide whether to leave or stay, she walked out from the bedroom wearing a thin robe and clearly nothing else.

"I – I'm so sorry Liara. I didn't mean to intrude." His eyes were wide and he barked out a cough as he shrank back to the door.

She smiled warmly; completely unaware that her state of undress had any effect.

"It's okay, Garrus. You know I'm always available to talk. I was just getting ready before we dock."

"Yeah, about that..." he said walking past her to look out the window.

She eyed him, waiting for an explanation.

"Uhmmm….do you know who else is going?"

"I thought everyone was going…." She was evading the answer he was looking for.

He huffed, "Liara, don't play games with me. You know very well what I'm asking."

She snapped, "Then ask me what you want to know! Who's playing the game??"

His shoulders slumped a bit and sighed heavily. She's right – again.

"Fine. Is Shepard going?"

"I don't know. She didn't say. Actually, she left my office before I even had the chance to ask her."

"Really? What happened?"

Finally some answers!

Liara pondered for moment, debating on what she should or could tell him without betraying Sera's confidence.

"Remember when you asked me to find out why she wasn't responding your messages? Well, I told her about that..."

He stood up straighter; mandibles tight against his jaw as he held his breath. "And?"

"She said she didn't know you had sent her anything. No one told her. Then she just got up and walked out."

But that doesn't explain that look on her face or the scent of fear…why would she run? She was afraid….wait, afraid? Of what? No…not what… she's afraid…of me? Why?!??

"Yes, I know. I saw her leave…." he confessed.

"Well that explains your visit earlier..." She wasn't bothering to hide her annoyance.

He looked away in defeat, "But you didn't see her face after she walked out. I did. Liara…..it was like she was afraid of me. Why?" The tone of his voice lowered, the flange making it nearly inaudible.

"Garrus…" she said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder.

The sound of the door sliding open caught them both by surprise. Garrus turned sharply and saw the svelte, yet imposing feminine form standing there. Her scent hit him before he could focus his gaze on her.

Oh Spirits!…. she smells exquisite…

He took in the vision before she could disappear – long, ebony black tresses with rich red undertones emphasized by the top she wore. The soft tinkling of the long, thin, silver earrings that brushed against her neck just above where the neckline of her top had slipped off her shoulder, revealing the silky whiteness of her skin.

Her startled sapphire blue eyes grew wide. Without saying a word, she turned and left just as quickly as she had come. He and Liara looked at each other, silently exchanging concerned thoughts. Neither one of them knew what to do.

"Don't worry Garrus, I'll talk to her." Liara said as she stepped away from him and walked back to her bedroom.