Random Mass Effect Stories

Mistletoe (Garrus&Shep)

The Commander came out of the elevator and was surprised to see the whole CIC deck decorated with Christmas stuff. It wasnt the fanciest or the nicest decorations, but it did make her a little homesick for Earth.

She walked through examining the various green and red streamers. When did the crew have time to set this up?

Shepard made her way to the cockpit and stood behind Joker with her arms crossed. He spun around as if he had sensed her presence.

"Isn't this great, Commander? Its like a little slice of home."

"Yeah, it's, uh, nice."

"Oh, I know that face. It's not like we're Alliance anymore, so don't really have to worry about this being unprofessional."

"No, it's not that. Just makes me a little homesick," the Commander replied.

"Oh, I guess it reminds you of Mindoir."

"Yep. Celebrated Christmas every year."

"Well, hopefully the surprise I have lined up will cheer you up."

She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "What surprise?"

At that moment, Garrus walked up, glancing around at the decorations in confusion. "What are all these?"

"Hey, big guy," Joker greeted with a sly smile. "This is a human holiday called Christmas. We might be hunting the Collectors on a suicide mission, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate. There is one tradition I should tell you about. Why don't you both look up?"

They both glanced up and Shepard's face soured when she spotted the little green plant above them.

"A mistletoe? Really, Joker?"

"Hey, you can't pass on traditions," the pilot shrugged.

"So, uh what does a mistletoe mean?" Garrus asked, glancing between the two.

"Oh, I'll let Shepard explain," Joker smirked.

She gave him a long glare before turning to Garrus. "It's just a stupid thing teenagers would do. We don't really need to-"

"Yes, you do," Joker snickered.

She sighed in frustration. "Fine. Stand still for a moment, Garrus."

The Turian froze as she stepped towards him. He didn't know what to expect. This Human tradition could be anything but he trusted Shepard.

The Commander leaned up and he felt something soft on his mandible. She stepped away, her cheeks dusted with red.

He reached up and held his face for a moment in confusion. "What was that?"

"She kissed you, big guy," Joker told him with a shit eating grin.

"I, uh..." Kissing wasn't something his species really did on account of having no lips, but he knew what it was. And he knew it was something the other species did to show their love.

Shepard let out a sigh. "When two people are under a mistletoe, they're supposed to kiss."

"That's a weird tradition," Garrus replied, bringing his hand down. "Joker? Why did you set this up?"

"Well, it's also a way to show your love," he shrugged.

Shepard's face was one of horror and was as red as Garrus had ever seen. "Or appreciation to a good friend," she snapped. "Take us to the Citadel. I'll be in my quarters."

She quickly retreated and left the Turian bewildered. Humans are weird.

"I'm confused," Garrus admitted to the pilot.

"I already gave you a pretty big hint. Figure it out, big guy." Joker spun back around and returned to his duties.

Huh. Could Shepard really love him? A Turian?

He made his way to the elevator and hit the button for the top floor. Shepard's quarters. He stood outside the room, his body froze with hesitation. This will either be a really awkward moment that they'll laugh about in the future if they even have a future or it will turn into something to treasure.

Garrus let go of the breath he was holding and knocked on the door.