A/N: An unusual and hilarious circumstance came up, where the MaleShep I'm using (his name is Aiden) was with Ash, then Tali, and now Cortez. So, obviously, I've broken it off with Ash and Tali. However, I chose to take those two with me on the first Geth/Quarian mission. Didn't even think about it. So, when I leave through the docking tube, I had a little giggle thinking about what sort of conversation they might be having while I was walking across. This isn't long.

Awkward Conversations

"I'll go outside, wait here," Shepard said. Tali and Ash waited in the airlock. It was a few seconds of awkward silence, when Ash spoke.

"So… you and Shepard…" Tali turned toward her, with her arms crossed over her chest.

"What about it? You were with Shepard."

"But you're a Quarian. How did that…?"

"A lot of luck and I spent a week sick, and another two with a nasty fever… but it was worth it. How about you?"

"Broke about fifty rules and regulations, but it was also possible that we would all go to our deaths on Ilos. Were you… jealous then?"

"A little. But now it seems silly. Who would have thought Shepard liked men?" Tali said with a laugh.

"Military life does weird things to you. I suppose it's a little… odd… but hey, if Cortez makes him happy, more power to him."

"So, do you call him by his first name?" Tali asked.

"No. He's always been a superior officer… I do call him Skipper from time to time, but never his first name. How about you?"

"I did. I called him Aiden for a while on the Normandy II. Then we were disbanded and he was grounded… I'm surprised he didn't take you back," Tali replied.

"Well, I didn't trust him. And on top of that, I almost shot him. I don't think that's really what did it though. He was on Earth for a long time. A lot about Shepard has changed. Probably thought about who he was."

"Yeah. He seems… calmer. He used to do reckless things, now he seems like he thinks things through a little more."

"Maybe it's because he realized who he was. I think the idea that he liked men and knew that made him try harder to be a tough son-of-a-bitch, and now that he's decided who he is, he can be kinder, the side that you and I have seen in him," Ashley replied.

"I think you're right. He seems a lot less edgy."

"That's very recent. I think I saw Cortez going up to his room a few days ago," Ash said with a little giggle.

"That helps," Tali replied with a laugh.

"Yeah. Apparently it does."

"Hey… you two realize I can hear you right?" Joker said over the com. Ashley blushed. Tali also got a little embarrassed.

"Right. Sorry Joker," Tali replied.

"I just have a couple of questions… both of you slept with Shepard?" Joker asked.

"Yeah, right before Ilos," Ashley said.

"And for me it was right before the Omega 4 relay."

"I really pay attention. And one more… he's sleeping with Cortez now?"

"That's what scuttlebutt says." Joker shook his head.

"At least he's not interested in me. I'd fracture my ass." Ashley and Tali laughed.

"And Shepard would never come between you and EDI, Joker," Tali joked.

"Oh, ha ha ha, says the Quarian."

A/N: Purely goofy, but fun. XD Just the kind of thoughts I get in my headcannon while playing Mass Effect. Now, back to the hard stuff to write...