A/N: Just some one shots set in the same universe as my story Ashes to Ashes. Reading that isn't necessary but if you're wanting a shenko multi chapter fic it's all yours :)

A is for...

Kaidan watched as Joker awkwardly reached underneath the main console from his seat in the cockpit, and slowly pulled out a small cardboard box. Kaidan raised his eyebrows at the sight of it. There was a large sparkling bow wrapped around it, glitter falling off every time the material moved in the artificial air. What shocked Kaidan the most was that instead of losing his shit about how much glitter was now all over his nice leather chair and uniform, Joker was snickering to himself as he glanced over each of his shoulders.

"Joker. What the hell is that?"

The pilot's head whipped around, a goofy smile stretched across his face.

"It's a present for the Commander, Alenko. You didn't get her anything?"

Kaidan's mouth fell into the shape of an 'o'.

"Is there a specific reason why I should have gotten her a gift?"

"It's her birthday, Alenko. God, I'm shocked you didn't have that etched into your brain."

As realisation dawned on him, Kaidan groaned, running a hand down his face, and let his head fall back to hit the headrest on his seat. She had never told him her birthday. He had never asked though. Did she know his? Shouldn't couples know each other's birthdays? And how on earth did Joker know her birthday and not him?

"Don't worry, man. She keeps it tight lipped. I only know it cos I sneaked a few looks at her files when she was being brought back to life by Cerberus."

After all this time, the thought of her lying out on a cold surgical table, all broken and alone, still made his stomach turn. In a way, Kaidan was relieved he hadn't joined up with Cerberus with Joker. He wasn't sure if he would have been able to handle it.

"Yea, but I'm her-"

Her what? Her boyfriend? Her partner? Her fellow soldier and Spectre?

"Yeah, yeah we all know about you guys, no need to pathetically try to hide it. Like seriously. Everyone has known since the SR-1."

Kaidan was furious that his cheeks started going red.

"And come on. You think nobody noticed you never being in your bunk? Not that I blame you. If I was banging-"

"Joker, shut the hell up. She's coming over."

Joker's eyes filled with manic glee as her familiar footsteps approached. Then, in a typical Joker fashion, he swivelled around his chair, the box in his lap, his arms up in the air, and a party popper in each hand. Confetti spiralled in the air as her face fell from her casual smile to a glare.

"Joker, what the hell do you-"

"Happy birthday, Commander!"

Barely containing a laugh, Kaidan hid his grin behind his hand.

"Joker. I. Will. End. You."

He didn't falter at her words, however, and instead threw the party poppers into the cockpit and handed the box to his commanding officer.

"Nah, you love me really. Especially once you open this.'

"I swear, if this is just a box full of exploding glitter I will-"

"Pssh, I'd only ever do that to Jack, Commander. Seriously. Open it."

She narrowed her eyes and briefly flicked them over to meet Kaidan's. Suddenly feeling like he was being questioned, he shrugged his shoulders and held up his hands in defence.

"Go on then, Shepard. I want to see what it is as well."

Joker was practically bouncing on the edge of his seat as she slowly removed the gaudy bow. The more excited he got, the most cautious she became.

And then Kaidan saw all of the pressure and stress of the last few weeks completely disappear from her face. In its place was delight and surprise.

"Joker, these must have cost you a fortune to import!"

The pilot turned his head to look at Kaidan smugly, as if to say 'good luck beating that'.

"Anything for my commander."

Kaidan was still eagerly waiting to see what the hell Joker had given her. Surely it wasn't jewellery? The only jewellery he'd ever seen her wear was the pendant he had given her that she kept on her dog tags. But what else could it be? Chocolate? Bacon? Bacon! That had to be it.

She reached into the box and pulled out a perfect red apple.

Of course, he thought. Always something he and others took for granted. There weren't many apple trees growing on military ships. He wasn't sure why he was so surprised anymore.

Without anymore hesitation, Shepard bit into the fruit and let out a little moan as she munched on it, a small bit of juice trickling down her chin.

"Right, well. I'm off to the little boys' room. Back in a bit. Like two minutes. No longer."

Kaidan wasn't sure if it was the look on his face that gave him away or just that common sense decided it was the perfect time to hit Joker in the face. He watched Joker limp out and close the door behind him while Shepard continued to munch, seemingly oblivious to Kaidan.

"So the 11th of April. I'll have to make note of that."

Shepard smiled and set down the half eaten apple and the box on Joker's seat, and then in one fluid movement, sat down on Kaidan's lap, her arms around his neck as she straddled him.

"Well, I've already made a note for the 20th of July," she said with a smirk, gazing down at him with affection.

"I'm so sorry I don't have a birthday present for you."

"Meh, I know of ways you can make it up to me."

She tasted like apples.