By the time that Joker had made his way back downstairs, everyone was contemplating the upcoming mission. Arabelle stood with everyone's attention on her as she contemplated her options. Joker assumed that it was the choice of which gun to use and how quickly to use it.
So, of course, her next words surprised him.
"I don't have anything formal to wear, Liara," she informed said Asari with more than a little note of exasperation. "My only dress now smells like fish and is stained and ripped- or do you not remember my recent encounter of falling through a fish tank?"
It took every iota of control that Joker possessed not to laugh.
Liara rolled her eyes. "So we buy you something new," she said nonchalantly, and almost as though she was speaking to a petulant child. "All you need to worry about is picking a date- someone to help distract security if needed." She paused for a moment. "Do you have a preference of color?"
Shepard's eyes flicked momentarily to him before she nodded. "Yeah. Go for something in red."
That was almost enough to make him blush. Somehow, without him even telling her, she knew that he had a weakness for a woman in a red dress.
The evil, temptuous smile that played on her lips said that she knew his inner-most private thoughts and she didn't even have to look at him.
Liara nodded and gathered EDI, Tali, and Cortez to accompany her in the purchase. After Shepard gave them a warning to stay low-key, Liara said, "Just have someone picked by the time we get back."
Shepard waved away the words. "Pick up a tux for…" Shepard looked around the room at her options (and Joker was pretty damned sure that was going to pick James), and then said, "Joker. He's been a pretty good decoy this shore leave."
"Gee, thanks, Commander. We still need to have a long chat about you using me as bait."
Liara rolled her eyes at their banter and left the apartment with her chosen squad to purchase the required attire.
"Why red, Shepard?" Kaidan inquired.
She was silent for a moment as a small, secretive smile crept onto her lips. "Surprises- good and bad- seem to happen with me wearing that color. Hopefully this'll be another good one."