"OK, OK – Kaidan, so I've always wanted to ask" Joker began, and despite the fact she was beginning to feel distinctly fuzzy around the edges from alcohol, she could still guess this was going to be an awkward question the pilot would regret asking once he was sober, if not before. The alcohol was working to loosen his tongue as well apparently.

"I never had the nerve but - your hair – what is with that?" the Flight Lieutenant finished, and she couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her, one hand lifting to her mouth as though to hold the giggle back. "Is that product, man? Or are you just naturally…whatever…that…is?"

Kaidan shifted position before replying, a little uncomfortable at the sudden change in conversation she guessed, recognising the way he fidgeted and sat forward on the sofa as a sign he was feeling awkward.

"It's static electricity, actually" he confessed. "Biotics build up a charge, like the ship does during FTL. It's not so bad with the L3s and later one, but with L2s…yeah, it can get pretty bad. Pretty painful" he said, one hand lifting to rub the back of his neck.

"OK great, wow. I was just screwing with you and now I'm an asshole" Joker said, dramatically flopping backward in his seat with a thud that had Shepard wincing on his behalf, expecting a cry of 'my pancreas' to escape her pilot as he broke his ribcage on her couch.

"It's cute" she teased gently, lifting one hand and reaching to muss the curls affectionately, Kaidan turning toward her with one eyebrow raised sardonically as he looked up at her, her position on the arm of the sofa lifting her up above the others.

"Gee, thanks Shepard".

"Wait" Joker cut in, sitting himself up again as another thought occurred to him. "Is that why Jack had that shaved hair look? Avoiding bad hair days?"

"No, Jack's ten years younger – well out of time for the L2s" Shepard pointed out with a laugh.

"Wow, you're just full of compliments tonight aren't you" Kaidan send, rolling his eyes with a chuckle. "Are you having a dig about my age?"

"Wouldn't dream of it Major" she said, offering a softer smile, her hand sliding out his hair to rest on the back of his neck gently.

"If you're gonna be mushy, I'm getting out of here" Joker said, trying to push himself up from the sofa with some difficulty.

"Good idea. Go find EDI before Traynor converts her" she teased, watching him struggle to his feet as Kaidan wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Now I can get you back for making me sound old" Kaidan murmured as Joker successfully stood and walked away, and she grinned, leaning down to kiss him.

"You couldn't in front of Joker?"

"Well…I figured I wouldn't ruin your reputation. Wouldn't want everyone to realise you're not as in control as you seem".