The only one 1/?
anonymous
March 18 2013, 16:14:17 UTC
James enjoyed having a drink once in a while - sometimes to relax, sometimes to celebrate and sometimes just because “why not?” He wasn’t one of those that often drowned his sorrow or anger in alcohol, he’d learned a long time ago that it wouldn’t really help, just make things worse, but as with all good life lessons, they needed to be revised once in a while. That was a nice way to put it - he wasn’t drinking because he was sorry for himself, he was learning. Vega snorted and put the glass to his lips - things he could come up with when he needed to justify doing something stupid.
If he had been good at sticking with his principle he wouldn’t need to be at this too fancy for him bar on the Citadel. Refugee camp was more to his taste, he felt like he belonged there more than anywhere else on this space station - he too had left his home behind because of reapers and not even “saving the galaxy” task was enough to erase the feeling of running away. But he didn’t feel like losing all his credits and joking tonight. The last thing they needed was another depressed face. The last thing he needed was running into Vakarian, seeing him work and reminding James he wasn’t good enough.
There really wasn’t anything to dislike about the turian. A good soldier, a good man, loyal, smart and with a decent sense of humor. From what he knew about Garrus, the two of them had more in common than James would ever admit even to himself, and in different time and different situation they could probably be friends. But there was one big, very special reason why they couldn’t now. And this reason chose exactly that moment to walk in the bar and sit down at the opposite counter looking as beautiful than as always. Commander Jane Shepard.
He wasn’t sure when it started. James always had respected her, looked up to her as a role model. She was everything he wanted to be. He knew he could never come close, because she was one of a kind. He remembered the first time he saw her - in handcuffs and a guard on each side like she was a common criminal not a war hero, but there wasn’t a hint of anger or offence on her face for being in such situation. She looked comfortable like she had spent every day of her life like this, confident and calm sitting in her chair while Anderson introduced them. Her eyes swept over him, calculation his strength, searching for weapons and weaknesses. For a moment he thought she would somehow break free and he’d be the first from this small group of men to find out why Shepard was made the first human spectre and he had a bad feeling there would be nothing he could do to stop her. But then she smirked content with his reaction to her gaze and said “Nice to meet you, James Vega. I’m sure we’ll get along great.” That moment he knew he’d love this assignment.
And he did. Those six months on Earth passed unnoticed. It wasn’t exciting like a field missions, but her presence made him feel comfortable. The silence between them never felt awkward. Their talks were never boring. It was her charisma, the type people are born with and no amount of practice and experience could give. It was why people followed her knowing she led them to death and did it with pride, why she could stop some of the most dangerous people in the galaxy with only her words. She used it purposefully and Vega knew he was turning into one of those people who’d follow her even when disagreeing and didn’t even try to resist. She was like a star, pulling anything that got close enough into her field of gravity, making them revolve around her and enjoy it.
The only one 2/?
anonymous
March 18 2013, 16:16:07 UTC
The Commander was for the most of the time a quiet person. Like many marines, she liked to keep her conversations short and to the point. His record was forty three minutes straight and by then he had asked her any question he could think of at the time. And she never answered the personal ones. When he asked, she’d either smile and remain silent or played dumb until he gave up. But just listening her speak about past assignments, her training and adventures made him wish almost desperately he had been there with her.
But it wasn’t always serious. When James found himself finally feeling comfortable around her, he started their little game of flirting. He’d say something provoking and she’d respond in kind. It never went longer than few sentences and served as a sign of friendship. Back on Earth he didn’t think of it as anything else and he was sure she didn’t either. During those small moments he felt like he was talking to more than just the legend of Commander Shepard, that there was a woman under the layers of hero, leader and soldier, but he wasn’t even sure where to start to find her.
James finished his drink while trying to catch a glimpse of her through the moving crowd. She wasn’t the most beautiful, the curviest or the most elegant woman in the galaxy, but she didn’t need short skirt or make-up to turn heads. There was no one he’d rather spend his evening with. If the turian was too busy to accompany her, he could use this chance to finally find out if she would give him a chance. Maybe she no longer wanted Garrus and was looking for some entertainment alone. The reason didn’t matter, he got up from his seat, ready to put his heart and pride on the line, the alcohol giving that extra courage he lacked when sober, but when he looked at the spot next to her, it was already taken.
If someone had said that Garrus Vakarian and Commander Shepard were more than just friends when he joined her team Vega would either think the person was completely loco or had been watching too many interspecies romance vids. He clearly was her friend, comrade, her right hand at best, but lover - never. First time he started to have suspicion was when he noticed she visited the sniper more than him - and James really didn’t spend that much time in the mess for it to be obvious. But it could still be brushed off as close friendship or seeking another opinion. He was a turian - what could she possibly find attractive about him?
But then one early morning, a few days after the turians had come aboard, Vega was about to take elevator down to cargo bay after a night on the Citadel when the door opened and Garrus was standing there, clearly coming down from Shepard’s private quarters and dressed in his civvies. They stood there for a while, just looking at each other when the other man broke the uncomfortable silence by clearing his throat and greeting him. Vega could have convinced himself that it still meant nothing if it wasn’t for her smell on him. He didn’t know if she used perfume or just scented soap, but after spending many months close to her, he’d recognize it anywhere. What surprised him the most wasn’t the fact that there was something between his commander and her turian subordinate, but how much he cared.
The only one 3/?
anonymous
March 18 2013, 16:17:47 UTC
The realization settled only after Garrus had left the elevator and it did with a stinging pain in his chest. He had left the bar tired, hoping to catch a few hours of sleep before his shift, but when he finally got to his cot, sleep was the last thing on his mind. When had this happened? Why the turian? Why not him? Vakarian was just an ex-cop who got a place in turian military thanks to being a part of Shepard’s team. James didn’t claim to have the most successful career, but anyone he had met on the Normandy so far seemed a much better match for her than Garrus. Maybe the turian needed to be reminded of it.
Next day when they met in mess, he challenged Garrus, wanted to see what made him so special. It turned out not to be his brightest idea. Saren, Omega, Collectors, now Primarch’s best buddy, the turian was almost second Shepard. And she had heard it all; when she approached them he saw the pride in her gaze as she looked at her lover. It was enough to make him avoid them for the next few days.
James hoped that his sudden feelings would disappear as quickly as they had showed up, but it only got worse. Whenever the three of them were in the same room, the small signs of the couple’s closeness were painfully obvious to him - a lingering touch, small smile, an inside joke. Shepard was different with him around - more of a woman Jane Shepard and less of the galaxy saving commander everyone else knew. More he saw her like that, harder he fell for her and he wished desperately that he was the only man who knew that side of her. But James never dared to say anything that could give him away, he kept laughing and joking, being the friend he thought she needed. It was a good day if he could make her smile.
The fact that his and Shepard’s relationship hadn’t changed didn’t help either. Her friendliness and teasing drove him crazy. James always had to wonder if it was still just a game for her or was she trying to give him a sign that she’d leave Vakarian if he made the first step. When she finally asked if he was serious about the flirting, part of him wanted to get up and kiss her to show just how serious he could be, but part of him was terrified of making a fool of himself. If it was still a joke to her, in her eyes he’d become just another poor fool who’d fallen in love with the legend. Was it worth risking their friendship for the small chance of her feeling the same way? But while he was stuttering, trying to figure out how to answer, she took his hesitation as denial. Then she was gone and with her probably the only chance he’d ever have.
He did his best to keep it to himself and thanks to the war it wasn’t hard. Everyone was too busy to notice anything was off and he put an extra effort to play the role of laid back funny guy. The crew needed him like that more than another depressed face, she needed him like that. Humor was a good way to deal with any problems when missions weren’t enough to get his mind off his growing jealousy. All James had were fantasies of the woman he’d never have during those long, lonely nights traveling galaxy while a different man warmed her bed.
He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t thought of her when they were still on Earth. She had a beautiful body and he loved following her thanks to the perfect view of her ass staying a few steps behind gave him, her voice would be music to his ears when she’d moan his name and he knew if he touched her soft skin once, he’d never get enough. Ever since realizing his feelings, his mind went there more often and he silently thanked Esteban for sleeping in crew’s quarters and giving him some privacy.
The only one 4/?
anonymous
March 18 2013, 16:20:49 UTC
If James really wasn’t going to act on his feelings he should’ve found someone else - a marine from a different ship he’d never meet again, someone from the Citadel to return to on shore leaves or maybe even someone from the Normandy - he was sure there had to be at least one woman willing to forget the war for a few moments by finding comfort in his arms. But he knew that no matter who he’d be with, his thoughts would return to Shepard and that wouldn’t be fair. He wasn’t that kind of man.
He never thought he was the kind of man who’d spend his free time daydreaming about his commanding officer and what could’ve been either. He preferred action over doing nothing and Horizon was what reminded him of that. No one on the Normandy was quite the same after that mission, they all knew the end was near and there might not be another chance to make sure they left for the final battle without regrets. Shepard might have thought so as well because she announced a longer shore leave on the Citadel while Normandy would be repaired. Maybe he wasn’t ready to give up just yet. She was definitely worth more than a pride and broken heart.
That was how he ended up in the Casino’s bar, watching the two of them while hiding in the crowd. He wanted to speak to her, to confess his feelings, but there never was the right time. She was either too busy to sit down for a decent conversation or there were other people around. He didn’t dare to visit her cabin after her shift, the last thing he needed was running into Vakarian. He hated thinking about what they did behind the closed door, hated the feeling of being inferior to him. While over the past few days Vega’s resolution to speak out had grown together with his hopes of her returning the feelings, it wasn’t really enough stop him from being afraid he’d humiliate himself in the eyes of the one person he absolutely didn’t want to. Rejection from any other woman he could take well, from his commander - not so likely.
Alcohol might have helped with fear, but the sight of Shepard and Garrus having a date did not.
James was brought back from his thoughts by the multiple gasps around him. Most of the people on this floor had gathered around the dance floor watching, cheering. Garrus and Shepard were gone from their spot.
When he got to the front line, he saw them in the most unbelievable situation - dancing what looked like tango. Everyone on the Normandy knew Shepard couldn’t dance, he had seen it with his own eyes. The few times she did it was when there wasn’t anyone around she’d be worried about seeing her or when she just tried to cheer up the people with her. She was confident and in control even then. But this was something completely different. He could see the nervousness and tension that melted away a little with every move as she let Garrus lead her. It wasn’t a complete surrender, but the most he’d ever seen from her, in a complete disadvantage yet somehow they worked it out together.
No wonder everyone near had stopped to watch them, they looked… No, he refused to admire what Vakarian could do, how much he could affect Shepard. Then she was before James and all he could do was hum in appreciation, but just when the lieutenant was about to take her in his arms and continue where the turian had left, he snatched her away. As always, he thought bitterly. Then the music was gone, the crowd dissolved and Garrus was leading her away. James caught her looking over her shoulder at him, heat in her gaze and smile on her lips like she was challenging him - your move. He stared after them - it couldn’t have been just his imagination, could it?
Though if he was right… James brought up his omnitool and typed a message to Shepard. He’d find out soon enough.
If he had been good at sticking with his principle he wouldn’t need to be at this too fancy for him bar on the Citadel. Refugee camp was more to his taste, he felt like he belonged there more than anywhere else on this space station - he too had left his home behind because of reapers and not even “saving the galaxy” task was enough to erase the feeling of running away. But he didn’t feel like losing all his credits and joking tonight. The last thing they needed was another depressed face. The last thing he needed was running into Vakarian, seeing him work and reminding James he wasn’t good enough.
There really wasn’t anything to dislike about the turian. A good soldier, a good man, loyal, smart and with a decent sense of humor. From what he knew about Garrus, the two of them had more in common than James would ever admit even to himself, and in different time and different situation they could probably be friends. But there was one big, very special reason why they couldn’t now. And this reason chose exactly that moment to walk in the bar and sit down at the opposite counter looking as beautiful than as always. Commander Jane Shepard.
He wasn’t sure when it started. James always had respected her, looked up to her as a role model. She was everything he wanted to be. He knew he could never come close, because she was one of a kind. He remembered the first time he saw her - in handcuffs and a guard on each side like she was a common criminal not a war hero, but there wasn’t a hint of anger or offence on her face for being in such situation. She looked comfortable like she had spent every day of her life like this, confident and calm sitting in her chair while Anderson introduced them. Her eyes swept over him, calculation his strength, searching for weapons and weaknesses. For a moment he thought she would somehow break free and he’d be the first from this small group of men to find out why Shepard was made the first human spectre and he had a bad feeling there would be nothing he could do to stop her. But then she smirked content with his reaction to her gaze and said “Nice to meet you, James Vega. I’m sure we’ll get along great.” That moment he knew he’d love this assignment.
And he did. Those six months on Earth passed unnoticed. It wasn’t exciting like a field missions, but her presence made him feel comfortable. The silence between them never felt awkward. Their talks were never boring. It was her charisma, the type people are born with and no amount of practice and experience could give. It was why people followed her knowing she led them to death and did it with pride, why she could stop some of the most dangerous people in the galaxy with only her words. She used it purposefully and Vega knew he was turning into one of those people who’d follow her even when disagreeing and didn’t even try to resist. She was like a star, pulling anything that got close enough into her field of gravity, making them revolve around her and enjoy it.
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But it wasn’t always serious. When James found himself finally feeling comfortable around her, he started their little game of flirting. He’d say something provoking and she’d respond in kind. It never went longer than few sentences and served as a sign of friendship. Back on Earth he didn’t think of it as anything else and he was sure she didn’t either. During those small moments he felt like he was talking to more than just the legend of Commander Shepard, that there was a woman under the layers of hero, leader and soldier, but he wasn’t even sure where to start to find her.
James finished his drink while trying to catch a glimpse of her through the moving crowd. She wasn’t the most beautiful, the curviest or the most elegant woman in the galaxy, but she didn’t need short skirt or make-up to turn heads. There was no one he’d rather spend his evening with. If the turian was too busy to accompany her, he could use this chance to finally find out if she would give him a chance. Maybe she no longer wanted Garrus and was looking for some entertainment alone. The reason didn’t matter, he got up from his seat, ready to put his heart and pride on the line, the alcohol giving that extra courage he lacked when sober, but when he looked at the spot next to her, it was already taken.
If someone had said that Garrus Vakarian and Commander Shepard were more than just friends when he joined her team Vega would either think the person was completely loco or had been watching too many interspecies romance vids. He clearly was her friend, comrade, her right hand at best, but lover - never. First time he started to have suspicion was when he noticed she visited the sniper more than him - and James really didn’t spend that much time in the mess for it to be obvious. But it could still be brushed off as close friendship or seeking another opinion. He was a turian - what could she possibly find attractive about him?
But then one early morning, a few days after the turians had come aboard, Vega was about to take elevator down to cargo bay after a night on the Citadel when the door opened and Garrus was standing there, clearly coming down from Shepard’s private quarters and dressed in his civvies. They stood there for a while, just looking at each other when the other man broke the uncomfortable silence by clearing his throat and greeting him. Vega could have convinced himself that it still meant nothing if it wasn’t for her smell on him. He didn’t know if she used perfume or just scented soap, but after spending many months close to her, he’d recognize it anywhere. What surprised him the most wasn’t the fact that there was something between his commander and her turian subordinate, but how much he cared.
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Next day when they met in mess, he challenged Garrus, wanted to see what made him so special. It turned out not to be his brightest idea. Saren, Omega, Collectors, now Primarch’s best buddy, the turian was almost second Shepard. And she had heard it all; when she approached them he saw the pride in her gaze as she looked at her lover. It was enough to make him avoid them for the next few days.
James hoped that his sudden feelings would disappear as quickly as they had showed up, but it only got worse. Whenever the three of them were in the same room, the small signs of the couple’s closeness were painfully obvious to him - a lingering touch, small smile, an inside joke. Shepard was different with him around - more of a woman Jane Shepard and less of the galaxy saving commander everyone else knew. More he saw her like that, harder he fell for her and he wished desperately that he was the only man who knew that side of her. But James never dared to say anything that could give him away, he kept laughing and joking, being the friend he thought she needed. It was a good day if he could make her smile.
The fact that his and Shepard’s relationship hadn’t changed didn’t help either. Her friendliness and teasing drove him crazy. James always had to wonder if it was still just a game for her or was she trying to give him a sign that she’d leave Vakarian if he made the first step. When she finally asked if he was serious about the flirting, part of him wanted to get up and kiss her to show just how serious he could be, but part of him was terrified of making a fool of himself. If it was still a joke to her, in her eyes he’d become just another poor fool who’d fallen in love with the legend. Was it worth risking their friendship for the small chance of her feeling the same way? But while he was stuttering, trying to figure out how to answer, she took his hesitation as denial. Then she was gone and with her probably the only chance he’d ever have.
He did his best to keep it to himself and thanks to the war it wasn’t hard. Everyone was too busy to notice anything was off and he put an extra effort to play the role of laid back funny guy. The crew needed him like that more than another depressed face, she needed him like that. Humor was a good way to deal with any problems when missions weren’t enough to get his mind off his growing jealousy. All James had were fantasies of the woman he’d never have during those long, lonely nights traveling galaxy while a different man warmed her bed.
He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t thought of her when they were still on Earth. She had a beautiful body and he loved following her thanks to the perfect view of her ass staying a few steps behind gave him, her voice would be music to his ears when she’d moan his name and he knew if he touched her soft skin once, he’d never get enough. Ever since realizing his feelings, his mind went there more often and he silently thanked Esteban for sleeping in crew’s quarters and giving him some privacy.
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He never thought he was the kind of man who’d spend his free time daydreaming about his commanding officer and what could’ve been either. He preferred action over doing nothing and Horizon was what reminded him of that. No one on the Normandy was quite the same after that mission, they all knew the end was near and there might not be another chance to make sure they left for the final battle without regrets. Shepard might have thought so as well because she announced a longer shore leave on the Citadel while Normandy would be repaired. Maybe he wasn’t ready to give up just yet. She was definitely worth more than a pride and broken heart.
That was how he ended up in the Casino’s bar, watching the two of them while hiding in the crowd. He wanted to speak to her, to confess his feelings, but there never was the right time. She was either too busy to sit down for a decent conversation or there were other people around. He didn’t dare to visit her cabin after her shift, the last thing he needed was running into Vakarian. He hated thinking about what they did behind the closed door, hated the feeling of being inferior to him. While over the past few days Vega’s resolution to speak out had grown together with his hopes of her returning the feelings, it wasn’t really enough stop him from being afraid he’d humiliate himself in the eyes of the one person he absolutely didn’t want to. Rejection from any other woman he could take well, from his commander - not so likely.
Alcohol might have helped with fear, but the sight of Shepard and Garrus having a date did not.
James was brought back from his thoughts by the multiple gasps around him. Most of the people on this floor had gathered around the dance floor watching, cheering. Garrus and Shepard were gone from their spot.
When he got to the front line, he saw them in the most unbelievable situation - dancing what looked like tango. Everyone on the Normandy knew Shepard couldn’t dance, he had seen it with his own eyes. The few times she did it was when there wasn’t anyone around she’d be worried about seeing her or when she just tried to cheer up the people with her. She was confident and in control even then. But this was something completely different. He could see the nervousness and tension that melted away a little with every move as she let Garrus lead her. It wasn’t a complete surrender, but the most he’d ever seen from her, in a complete disadvantage yet somehow they worked it out together.
No wonder everyone near had stopped to watch them, they looked… No, he refused to admire what Vakarian could do, how much he could affect Shepard. Then she was before James and all he could do was hum in appreciation, but just when the lieutenant was about to take her in his arms and continue where the turian had left, he snatched her away. As always, he thought bitterly. Then the music was gone, the crowd dissolved and Garrus was leading her away. James caught her looking over her shoulder at him, heat in her gaze and smile on her lips like she was challenging him - your move. He stared after them - it couldn’t have been just his imagination, could it?
Though if he was right… James brought up his omnitool and typed a message to Shepard. He’d find out soon enough.
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I'll just be here... waiting...not creeping at all..
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in other words, MOAR
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Please continue soon!
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Keep up the good work! <3
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