The air in Mina and Garrus's apartment on the Citadel was lively. Strings of lights, strung with questionable precision by Garrus, shimmered around the living room. Solana had decided to help make the turian food.
The low thrum of the extranet news report was being played in the background. They were waiting for the Council to make their big announcement. All three pairs of eyes instinctively turned to the wall screen as Councillor Tevos began her address to the press.
"...and so, the Council can confirm that the individuals responsible for the illicit development and distribution of the pheromone-based control agents have been apprehended. Their network has been dismantled, and all remaining caches destroyed."
A collective sigh of relief passed through the room. The pheromone case had been a dark cloud hanging over the Citadel for weeks – a chilling reminder of how easily control could be exerted.
Tevos continued, her voice gaining strength. "Furthermore, the Council has established a comprehensive compensation program for all those affected. Therapists, medical assistance, and financial aid will be readily available. For those who, as a result of these heinous acts, wish to separate from their current relationships, comprehensive support and guidance will also be provided."
Mina exchanged a glance with Solana. They'd heard countless stories, some heartbreaking, others terrifying. Solana looked particularly somber. Garrus, his posture stiff, his mandibles slightly flared, was clearly disturbed.
"Good," Garrus finally said, his voice a low growl. "Took them long enough to pin down the bastards. And the separation option… that's important. Imagine being trapped, not knowing if your feelings were even your own." He shivered, a subtle tremor through his armored plating.
"It's a heavy thought," Mina agreed softly.
'Why don't you just ask him?' SAM inquired, reading her mind. 'I know you want to confirm what he meant by you're not separating.'
'I just - this isn't the time to ask,' Mina said, looking at Solana. 'I don't want to bring it up with Solana here.'
'Talk to him,' SAM advised.
'I will, just not right now,' Mina promised.
"Wrex said not to cook anything for dinner," Solana called out from the kitchen. "He's bringing some takeout for everyone."
"Saves me from washing dishes," Mina muttered.
As the sounds of the extranet faded back into the background hum of general news, the three of them continued finishing getting ready for the New Year.
**
"Aster," Wrex greeted as he entered the apartment. "It's good to see that you didn't get kicked out by the pyjak."
Garrus growled. "I wasn't planning on kicking her out."
Wrex laughed. "If you weren't married, maybe you would have."
Garrus growled at him.
"Stop teasing him," Solana said, grabbing the take-out from him. "Let's eat."
Nihlus showed up some time after.
"I heard the news on the way here," Wrex was saying as he stuffed his face. "Good things that's taken care of."
"Now we can focus on the important things," he continued.
Everyone waited for him to continue.
"Who's going to challenge me to a drinking game?"
Mina threw a pair of napkins at him. She thought it was important.
"Let's just take this time to relax," Solana said. "We'll have plenty of time to talk about our plant for the Ball."
Once everyone had left, Mina was getting ready for bed when she stopped at the doorway to the bedroom. Garrus was sitting at the edge of the bed, deep in thought.
'This is your chance,' SAM commented.
"Garrus?" Mina asked softly, walking over to him. "Is everything alright?"
"I- I need to apologize," he began. "I shouldn't have spoken out of turn."
Mina frowned.
"I told Solana we weren't separating," he explained. "I shouldn't have said that. We hadn't discussed what we were planning on doing."
Mina nodded. "What do you want to do?"
"I don't think my feelings for you are a cause of the pheromones," he said. "I don't want you to think that I'm only with you because of this or because of my honor and my responsibility toward you.
"You're someone I respect and admire. I'm willing to try to make it work between us as long as you are."
"I'm willing to try," Mina answered after a few moments. "But let's not kid ourselves. If our plan fails, I may never be safe. I don't want to burden you."
"If it fails, we'll move to Omega, or somewhere we can't be found," Garrus said. "We'll figure it out."
"Alright," Mina said with a small smile. "Let's head to bed. We have a lot to do."
*
The morning of New Year's Day came too fast. Mina groaned, burrowing further into Garrus's side.
"Morning, Aster," Garrus rumbled, his voice vibrated through her. She felt the twitch of his mandibles against her hair. "Happy New Year."
"Happy… to you too, Garrus," she mumbled, finally cracking an eye open.
Their apartment, usually organized, was a gentle mess of holiday wrappers and fairy lights. The digital clock on the bedside table glowed a cheerful 08:00. Too early.
"We should get up," Garrus stated, snuggling closer.
Mina hummed in agreement but didn't move.
'Solana will be showing up soon,' SAM informed her.
Mina groaned. "We should get up."
"Alright, let's go."
The two eventually disentangled themselves and got ready. Mina pulled on a soft sweater. Garrus, ever efficient, was already stretching his broad frame, his armor plates clicking softly.
"Breakfast?" he asked, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
"Definitely as long as you're cooking," Mina grinned.
"Nutrient paste pancakes?" he asked.
"My favorite," Mina answered.
They made their way to the kitchen, a surprisingly spacious area for a Citadel apartment. Garrus had also remodeled it after Aster had left the Citadel. Mina started sifting flour while Garrus, with surprising dexterity for his talons, began whisking eggs.
Just as the first pancake hit the sizzling pan, a familiar chime echoed from the door.
"Mina, are we expecting company so early?" Garrus murmured, already reaching for his pistol out of habit.
Mina laughed, "Relax, dear. It's New Year's. Probably just one of the others making sure we're still among the living."
The door hissed open to reveal Nihlus, a faint smile playing on his usually stoic face. Behind him loomed Wrex, a bag of… something clutched in his massive hand. And then, Solana slipped in, already surveying the kitchen with an expert eye.
"Thought you might need a little… persuasion to get moving," Nihlus greeted. "And Wrex insisted on contributing his 'special' breakfast jerky."
Wrex gave a toothy grin. "Good for the soul, human. Builds character."
Solana, already at the counter, picked up a forgotten spice jar. "This needs to be in the cabinet, Mina. And Garrus, your technique for folding is… unique. Let me." She deftly took over the pancake flipping, her movements fluid and precise.
The kitchen, moments ago quiet, was now a lively hum of activity. Wrex, surprisingly delicate for a krogan, started chopping fruit with a large knife, while Nihlus, ever observant, began tidying the living room, gathering stray decorations.
Mina and Garrus exchanged a look. This was not what they were expecting. After breakfast, Garrus began prepping the racha beast tenderloin. Mina, meanwhile, started on her famous spiced krogan shortbread, the scent of cinnamon and something vaguely alien already beginning to fill the air.
Wrex took out a massive bottle of something unlabeled from his armor.
"Anyone going to tell me what needs destroying?" Wrex boomed, heading straight for the liquor cabinet Garrus had optimistically hoped to keep stocked until at least noon.
"Wrex, no!" Mina laughed, but it was too late. The uncorking sound was definitive. "You're meant to help, not start the party early!"
Meanwhile, Solana was tying on an apron she had found. "Right, snacks then! Sister, what have you got for me? Those fruit tarts, perhaps? And those little… human cheese things?"
Mina almost choked on her spit after Solana called her Sister. "Yes, that would be great."
Solana began to hum a cheerful Turian folk tune as she worked. Mina worked alongside her, arranging a platter of nutrient paste snacks into festive shapes.
**
After all the prepping, the group of friends sat around the couch, taking a breather. Dinner was cooking, snacks were put out, and Wrex was slightly drunk.
The low table in the center of the room was already laden with an array of snacks: a vibrant charcuterie board piled high with cheeses, olives, and cured meats; a bowl of perfectly crisp vegetable sticks beside a creamy dip; and, most importantly, a small tower of their favorite, ridiculously expensive shortbread cookies.
"No last-minute runs for the good shortbread, I see," Solana said, plucking one up and taking a blissful bite.
"Of course not! And the champagne is chilling. Garrus even managed to find those silly noisemakers you like." Mina pointed to a small, brightly colored pile on a side table. "He's just finishing up setting the playlist."
Solana smiled. "Good thing he didn't forget."
"You guys are the best," Solana said, her voice a little softer than she intended. She picked up a gleaming party popper. "Alright, let's get this New Year's Eve started. But first, let me rush home to change. Then, we can pop some champagne."
Mina winked. "Don't be long. Garrus has perfected his New Year's cocktail, and I'm pretty sure it requires immediate tasting."
Solana grinned and rushed home. Nihlus borrowed some clothes from Garrus and went to freshen up. Wrex didn't care and kept drinking. Mina quickly showered as well and got ready. She put on the dress she had bought for the occasion, and she hoped she didn't look bad.
Mina stood by the full-length mirror, her back to the door, her head tilted slightly as she fastened a delicate clasp at her neck. The dress she wore was a simple, elegant sheath of deep, midnight blue. It clung to her curves with an understated grace.
"Mina?" Garrus's voice was a low rumble.
Mina turned, a soft smile gracing her lips, and her eyes met his. "Garrus! I was just about to call you. Shower's free."
She gestured to the dress. "What do you think? I wanted something… celebratory, but not over the top. It's our first New Year's as a married couple, after all."
Mina heard Garrus chuckle softly.
He walked towards her, his multi-jointed fingers reaching out, tracing the smooth fabric of her sleeve. "It's perfect, you look… breathtaking."
Mina looked down, hiding a blush. She reached up, her fingers brushing his mandibles. "What are you going to wear?"
He chuckled. "Give me ten minutes. I promise, I'll try to live up to your midnight blue perfection."
Garrus quickly pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist.
"Happy New Year, my love," he whispered against her hair, his lips brushing her temple.
She leaned into him, her head resting on his chest, and he felt her heart beating a steady rhythm against his own. "Happy New Year, Garrus."