Ashley has been with others, of course, but nothing has quite been like this. Others have been clinging to every stolen second, every desperate embrace in hidden corners, every kiss laced with worry that this one might be the last, or this one, or this one.
Shepard is nothing like that. She knows that every time she gears up she might be heading to her death at Saren's hands and the destruction of all life in the galaxy, but she still doesn't press her body against Ashley's when they share cover in the field, doesn't try to protect her from enemy fire in the least. That could have put Ash off, caused her to doubt how genuine Shepard's feelings are - if it wasn't for the way the other woman takes her hands.
It happens rarely - Shepard isn't the sort to show much physical affection - and when it does happen there is no thumb slowly caressing the back of Ashley's hands, no reassuring squeeze. Still, there is a promise there, a promise that means more than breathy kisses and words fill with equal amounts of lust and anguish over a potential loss, a promise of something real and lasting once they can afford taking some time to themselves.
When Shepard holds Ashley's hands like that, the Gunnery Chief believes more than ever that they'll make it.
xxx
a/n: this is actually the first time I write shepley, which is stupid because they really are my mass effect otp. hopefully this challenge will help me get to know ash even better!