To: Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau

From: Lieutenant Commander Arabelle Shepard

Hope you're enjoying your Shoreleave. I was just wondering if you'd like to meet me at the Sushi Bar (you know which one I'm talking about). It's a pretty fancy place, so try for semi-formal (maybe jeans and a nice shirt?) and you should do fine.

I've heard the sushi is supposed to be the best in this part of the galaxy. Plus, I've heard that the cooks somehow manage an Earth-like greenhouse right here on the Citadel- so it's all natural vegetables.

Let me know when you're available.

-Ari Shepard-

Joker shifted uncomfortable in his chair. He wasn't a huge fan of anyplace that required him to wear certain clothes and frowned heavily at his hat.

That and he preferred his meal to be cooked- not raw.

He gestured over a waiter. "Shot of your strongest whiskey and a bottle of your finest wine."

The waiter wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and, with a French accent, asked, "First date?"

"Not sure- kinda hoping it is, though."

"Probably wasn't your idea to come here, was it?" The waiter had dropped the cheesy accent.

Joker gave a shrug. "Apparently she likes sushi, veggie, raw, natural stuff. This kind of restaurant makes me feel out of place."

The waiter nodded in understanding. "I'll be right back."

Joker returned his attention to scanning the crowd. He stopped his survey when he noticed the crowd outside of the restaurant all starting to make a fuss- craning their heads around to catch a glimpse of…someone.

For a long moment, all Joker could see was red.

Red fabric clung to every sexy curve of the most perfect torso. The bottom of said dress flared after hugging him and revealed a pair of beautifully tanned, toned legs that any man with a pulse would want wrapped around their waist. The top was cut just right in order to show off a fair amount of cleavage without being completely vulgar- of course, it didn't stop his mind from going to vulgar places. The brunette gracing the Citadel with the dress was…

…Shepard.

Damn.

She was looking around (obviously for him)- oblivious to the commotion that she was causing- and all he managed to do was wave her over like the biggest damn dork in the galaxy. It was about at this point that he began worrying about how he was going to greet her.

Commander?

Shepard?

Arabelle?

"Ari," he said accidentally when she was near the table.

She graced him with a hundred watt smile and waited for him to pull out her chair. It was at this time that the waiter finally came back and was stopped dead in his tracks. He looked from Joker to Shepard and then back to Shepard.

As he handed Joker his shot, he muttered, "No damn wonder you were so nervous- that's Commander Shepard!"

Joker threw back the shot and handed the waiter back the glass and, as Joker sat down, the waiter poured them each a glass of wine and left after a very obvious glance at Shepard.

"I'm sorry about the dress- Liara forced me into it," she apologized, picking up the menu.

Joker couldn't believe it. She was apologizing for the most spec-fucking-tacular dress he had ever seen.

In his whole damn life.

"You look good," he assured her, cursing himself for the massive understatement.

"I look ridiculous."

Without thinking, Joker caught her hand. "You could be sitting here covered in blood and body parts and you'd still be nothing less than a ten- trust me, I've seen you in the blood and body bits."

Shepard stared at him in shock- jaw slightly dropped.

One point for Joker, he thought.

He couldn't believe that he'd struck the Commander Shepard silent with his words.

"Joker-"

Not really sure that he wanted to hear what she had to say, he interrupted, "So…you like sushi?"

She gave a small nod of acceptance of his wish to change the topic. "Yeah. How'd you know that, by the way?"

Joker shook his head. "You invited me."

Shepard shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm going to kill my dad next time I see him- interfering with my personal life like this."

Her words made Joker slightly uncomfortable. He stood awkwardly. "Oh. Okay. Well-"

She reached out and touched his arm gently. "No. I want to be here," she lowered her eyes and all but whispered, "with you."

Joker sat down slowly- not believing his ears. "Then what-"

Looking nervous, she leaned forward. Her lips were nothing but a breaths length from his and-

"Commander! Commander Shepard!"

Damn. Must be fucking karma for cockblocking on the SR-1.