A little fic I was inspired to write after another playthrough, even though I knew what to expect, I found myself delighted to see Garrus again. This is in honor of my space bestie.

On Palaven’s Moon

Palaven was on fire.

And I was surprised to discover a deep pain in the center of my chest. It felt heavy, and it ached unlike anything I had previously endured.

Even more so than when I left Earth. That was unexpected.

I had nothing to tie me to Earth, save Anderson, but it was “home” nonetheless. And I had left her. It had been pointed out to me on more than one occasion that the Normandy was my true home, and there was no denying it, but Earth, well, that was something else entirely. There was a special feeling whenever we entered the Sol system and saw that blue marble from above. 

Now, as I stood on Palaven’s moon, watching it burn, I cringed with regret and sorrow for the things I had done and the things I might never do – like see Garrus again. I could practically feel the heat of Palaven’s destruction on my cheek, and I couldn’t bear to think of him surrounded by such chaos, knowing full well he was most likely leading his people through it.

How would I ever find him? Who was going to callibrate the Normandy’s weapons? That man and his tinkering.

My friends had been scattered during the two years of my incarceration, and knowing they each were going to have to fight such a ruthless foe and their insurmountable odds without me to watch their backs…

Okay. One thing at a time. Focus on the mission. Get the Primarch and broker an alliance, and maybe through his connections, he could update me on Garrus’s status.

Garrus. 

Garrus was one of the best friends I had ever had. Not only was he a crack shot and a fearless fighter, he was a loyal and devoted friend. After Cereberus had put me back together, there were those who had questioned me and my allegiance. Some of them had turned their backs on me, but Garrus, no, he never did. He had stood by me, even when he didn’t understand or agree with my actions, he had backed me up, and became a solace in turbulent times. He was a true friend, and I couldn’t imagine having to steer through these murky waters without him.

And then I heard a voice. It was like hearing an old song. Almost hauntingly familiar. I felt its timber tingle down my spine before it registered who it belonged to, because how could he be there?

He strode up, with that self-assured swagger, and devious glint in his eyes, and for a moment the world went silent. I felt my breath catch. I half remember my bumbling words. I was just so relieved, and so damn happy to see him again. 

And then I felt it. The swell in my chest.

Hope.

The Reapers had better watch out. If Shepard and Vakarian could find themselves reunited with the galaxy in such a state, there would be no stopping us.