Chapter 37: A Night to Remember
Shepard stared in the mirror, his uniform and medals pinned neatly to his chest. He was meeting with The Council to discuss the recent clone issue, he wanted answers to how Brooks got access to his files so easily and and the council would be in similar trouble with how his spectre codes were so easily stolen.
"You sure you want to do this?" Ashley asked from her seat in the jacuzzi.
"Yes, I don't want anyone to have their codes stolen so easily. And going in person will ensure something happens," Shepard glanced at her, he was tempted to undress and join her but he felt obliged to do this.
Ashley smirked, "Good luck skipper, I'll be here when you get back." She rested her head on her knee, "But I think it's pointless. Brooks and this Clone had planned everything for months, they knew you'd use your codes on that gate."
"I feel like something needs to be done," Shepard crouched in front of Ashley, "I won't be long."
"I'll message you where to meet for that drink I promised," Ashley winked, "Should be fun."
"Should be," Shepard smiled, "Enjoy lunch with your mother?"
"Oh, its tomorrow, she's working so she shifted it to tomorrow."
"Oh okay then, enjoy your free time, don't have too much fun without me," Shepard smiled, kissing her as she tried to pull him in, "Good try but I can't get wet."
"Shame," Ashley watched Shepard leave, she couldn't help but shake her head, even if he tried. What happened was bizarre and the likelihood of it happening again was almost zero. She knew his codes leaking would concern him but it was exceptional circumstances. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting time pass by happily. She hadn't sat down and done nothing for quite some time. Her body was tense and she could slowly feel it relaxing.
Her omni tool buzzed and saw Lynn's name pop up, she reluctantly answered it, not wanting to disturb her peace and quiet but knew she would keep ringing till she answered.
"Yes Lynn?"
"A Clone?! What the hell! Carter told me!" Lynn shouted.
"Your not suppose-"
"Oh please, Carter couldn't hold under torture," Lynn giggled, "Could you tell the difference? Between your Shepard and that Clone. Oh, did the Clone talk to you at all?"
"He said a few words, ones I wouldn't recommend you ever say to me if you want to live," Ashley chuckled, "And I knew what Shepard belonged to me. I could tell my Shepard from the Clone."
"Really? Carter said he couldn't tell the difference," Lynn revealed.
"I'll be sure to reprimand him for that," Ashley smiled, relaxing and letting go of the pass few stressful days.
"Where are you anyhow? Sounds like your in a bath?"
"Shepard's apartment has a jacuzzi," Ashley let out a deep sigh, "Is that all you wanted to call me about?"
"Oh, not just that. Shepard's having a party, where's my invite?"
"Not my party, and it's for the crew. Not you," Ashley answered, knowing her sisters would hear about it.
"Oh come on, can't you sneak me in?"
"No, and don't ask again. Just let us have this party alone, you can always join mum and me for lunch tomorrow?" Ashley offered lunch instead to get Lynn off her back about the party.
"Lunch tomorrow, okay. Don't be late."
"Bye Lynn," Ashley hung up before getting out. She wrapped herself in a towel before walking across to the bed and opening her overnight bag. She had no need to rush, Shepard would take a couple of hours. She let down her hair, having put it up to keep it dry from the water.
Ashley slipped into black jeans, a white singlet and a blue alliance leather jacket. She looked at the time, she had spent almost an hour in the jacuzzi before Lynn rang and pulled her from deep thoughts.
She opened her omni tool and sent Shepard the location to the upstairs bar at the Silversun casino. She smiled as putting her black alliance boots on and heading down to the bar.
She approached the bar and ordered two beers, she approached the railing overlooking the rest of the casino. She smiled, enjoying the last visit with Shepard despite their motives and the outcome of the night, she got to spend time with him and act as a couple in public for cover despite how hidden they normally have to be.
Shepard walked in, changed from his uniform into his old faithful N7 leather jacket, he didn't want to stand out. He saw Ashley above and knew she hadn't spotted him, her eyebrows furred close as if in deep thought.
He walked upstairs and through the dance floor over to her, pressing his hand to her back, "Hey."
"Hey," Ashley turned, smiling as she laid eyes on him, "Get anything-"
"The Council promised me they'd try to prevent it from happening again but told me the circumstances were extraordinary," Shepard answered with a sigh.
"You did your best, reminds me of old times, the Council giving excuses. Us having to do the grunt work," Ashley smirked as Shepard nudged her, "Well, not all old times. We never got this."
"Wouldn't miss this, now this drink, is it going to be the best I've ever had?" Shepard raised an eyebrow at her.
Ashley grinned, "Hmm. I'll have to think of something now, but we'll start with your favourite. Whiskey."
"A girl after my own heart," Shepard smiled, he waved over a waiter, "Two whiskeys on the rocks please."
"Yes sir."
"Still can't believe Brooks was behind everything," Ashley admitted, "Miranda told me she knew her and apparently I did as well."
"You? How the hell would have you met her?"
"Miranda explained everything, I'd rather not tell you," Ashley asked for privacy on this issue.
"It was just after Eden Prime, wasn't it?" Shepard wasn't clueless, he knew it was after a traumatic event, one the galaxy wanted to know about.
"Yes, and that's all I'm saying," Ashley nodded, grabbing the two whiskeys and handing one to Shepard, Cheers?"
"Cheers," Shepard sculled the whiskey after clinking their glasses, feeling the soothing burn down his throat, "I've missed the taste of fine whiskey."
"My sister found out about the party," Ashley sipped her drink, pacing herself before tonight's party.
"You could have inv-"
"Honestly, I didn't want my sister there. I love them but it's nice to not have them around sometimes," Ashley sighed, "You're lucky you don't have siblings sometimes. You don't have to worry about them whilst they piss you off."
Shepard entwined their hands, overlooking the rest of the casino, "What's next for miss Williams?"
Ashley chuckled, "I have no idea what comes next to be entirely honest. I haven't given it much thought it be honest. If we defeat the Reapers. It could take decades to recover."
"Not what I meant but I'll take it," Shepard smiled.
"What did you mean then?" Ashley glanced at him, before finishing her whiskey.
"What should be order next unless," Shepard turned to the dance floor, "You want to test your dance skills."
"I'm fine but I want to be at the opposite end to wherever this is," Ashley was dragged out to the dance floor by Shepard despite her struggle. his hands wrapping around her hips, "Your insane."
Ashley saw Shepard barely move his feet to the upbeat song, "Oh lord help me."
"You chose me," Shepard was smug.
Ashley rolled her eyes at him before smirking, "I did, unfortunately no returns," she chuckled, entwining their hands and doing her best to help. She pulled Shepard over to the bar the moment the beat changed, "Round two. Drinking contest."
"A drinking contest, sure the pretender can handle it?" Shepard glanced at her.
Ashley scoffed, "Pretender? Glamorous and beautiful superstar Spectre first," she sculled her drink, putting it down with force before turning to him, "Sorry ass PRETENDER next!"
Shepard smirked as he sculled his drink, "I better go easy on you PRINCESS! Wouldn't want you to break a nail."
"You didn't," Ashley put another one down, glaring at him, "You really think your gonna beat me?"
"Know any poems about crying like a little girl?" Shepard glanced at her, putting this round down quickly before laughing.
"Cheap shot," Ashley sculled another one, "And I thought you were suppose to be a gentlemen?"
"Only with pretty girls," Shepard winked, earning a glare and a soft punch to the arm. He couldn't help but smirk.
"I thought-"
Shepard quickly sculled his drink, "I'm giving you hope before I crush you."
Ashley shook her head as putting another one down, "Your incorrigible."
Shepard's lip curled, he glanced at the glass in front of him. He could beat Ashley easily, but decided to let her have this one. "I'm out."
"Really?" Ashley crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow at Shepard as he downed the glass.
"Yep. Besides," Shepard pulled her against him, his hands gripping her waist, "I can think of much better things to do."
"Do tell?" Ashley asked.
"We have the arcade, the arena and the machines downstairs. Take your pick," Shepard chuckled.
Ashley escaped his grasp as she tapped the bar, "One more round to go."
"What?!"
"I want a stiff drink before we scoot," Ashley smiled, pulling him close as she entwined their hands.
"Alright," Shepard smiled when he was shoved at the bar, their hands parting as Shepard turned and was shoved again. His eyes narrowing at the Batarian and Vorcha together causing trouble.
"Alliance types, think they own the damn place," the Batarian bitterly spoke, Shepard brushed his jacket clean as Ashley sighed.
"I don't like alliance types," the Vorcha started. Shepard raising an eyebrow at the voice the Vorcha made. "My friend doesn't like alliance types either."
"Can it wait, we're kinda in the middle of something?" Ashley glared at them, muttering some bad words underneath her breath as she tapped the bar for another drink.
"My friend doesn't like alliance types either!" Shepard got shoved again, hitting Ashley as she went to drink.
"Raincheck?" Shepard turned to Ashley.
"Hold on," Ashley sculled her drink before cracking her knuckles and stepping around him, knocking over the Vorcha with a left haymaker. "Too many teeth for my liking."
Shepard smirked as Ashley dealt with the both of them, tapping the bar for another drink. Ashley finished the Batarian with a knee to the head before turning and twisting the Vorcha's arm and slamming his head into the bar twice before shoving him into the Batarian. She brushed her hands clean before turning to Shepard.
"Great to see you helped," Ashley shook her head, Shepard offering her drink which she gladly sculled.
"I didn't need to help," Shepard smirked, gesturing to the two groaning on the ground after the beating they got at the hands of Ashley. "Shall we?"
Ashley nodded, stepping over her opponents as they headed for the exit, she laughed, "Arcade." She almost skipped across, eager to see what awaited them on their next adventure before Shepard shoved her into the door almost. "Hey!"
Shepard pushed her through, walking through and hearing thunderous cheers ahead. A large crowd gathered, "You alliance types!"
Shepard winked at Ashley as they pushed through, spotting Traynor at one of the games across from a Salarian, Liara urging Traynor on to victory, pointing out moves despite Traynor ignoring them. Shepard and Ashley made their way over to Traynor side, "How's it going?"
"Not now," Liara shushed him, watching the game intently.
Traynor defeated the Salarian, celebrating her victory with Liara, "Yes," she saw Shepard and Ashley, "Commanders."
"Traynor," Shepard greeted, "What is this?"
"Oh, a tournament I entered. Liara dared me, I didn't think I'd make it this far to be honest-"
"Don't worry, you'll be free to join them in twenty moves or fewer."
They all turned to seek out who spoke in that tone, Traynor glaring at the Asari who approached. Their eyes narrowing at each other.
"T'Suzsa."
"Traynor."
"Should you just hand over your frigates now? It will make it so much easier than taking them from you."
T'Suzsa took her seat at the table, waiting for Traynor as she turned to the group with her.
"Polgara T'Suzsa. She's knocked me out of four tournaments," Traynor sighed.
Liara glanced over her shoulder at Polgara T'Suzsa, she appeared calm and determined. Her eyes trained on them, "You've got this."
Shepard smirked, "Traynor?"
"Commander?"
His eyes narrowed, making sure she caught his glare, "Kick her ass."
"Roger that," Traynor took a deep breath before sitting and activating her end, starting up the game.
Shepard saw the crowd gathering for this match, Traynor struggling at first against Polgara T'Suzsa who destroyed one of her frigates, zapping Traynor who shook it off.
"Throwing away frigates doesn't help your cause."
Traynor shook it off, "Just warming you up."
"I think if you had a few more centuries, you might be a worthy challenge. I'm able to live a comfortable live teaching Asari maidens tactics and strategies through this game."
Traynor ended her turn, thinking to think of a plan, Liara encouragingly squeeze her shoulder.
Shepard smirked, "I'm surprised your not helping with the war effort. A great thinker like yourself. Capable of helping the Asari. I mean. Earth was taken by surprise but Thessia, you had all the time in the world and the Reapers just rolled in."
"Excuse me. I'm trying to play a game," Polgara T'Suzsa glared at Shepard.
Shepard smugly smirked, "Your trash talking, doesn't work on the Reapers. Didn't work on the Rachni either. Or the Krogan. In fact, have the Asari ever won a war?"
"The Asari were exploring space when you were using stone spears, and they say humans aren't savages," Polgara T'Suzsa rebuffed.
Shepard crossed his arms, "I think your suppose to hit the button when your done."
Traynor smirked, "This will hurt a little." She made her move, destroying Polgara T'Suzsa planet and winning the game, zapping Polgara T'Suzsa out of her chair.
"You won," Liara smiled, nudging Shepard for his part, "I'll forgive you for your trash talking."
Ashley chuckled, entwining her hand with Shepard's as Traynor got up, turning to the group, "Good work Traynor."
"Thanks Ash," Traynor smiled.
"Nothing like a little trash talk to win," Shepard cheered a little, happy to do his part. "She had to go down."
"I kicked her ass," Traynor laughed.
Liara put her arm behind Traynor, resting it on her lower back, "Im proud of you."
"I never thought I'd see Polgara T'Suzsa flinch and I'll never forget it," Traynor was happy with her victory, "What are you two doing here anyhow?"
"Thought we'd see what was happening over here and play a couple of games," Shepard smiled.
"Good luck Shepard, if you play these like you did chess. You'll need all the help in the world," Traynor laughed.
Shepard scoffed, "I wasn't that bad."
"Was it six, or seven times," Traynor smirked.
Ashley pushed Shepard aside, "We're gonna head off before otherwise he'll never quit."
"The great commander Shepard needs a chaperone!" Liara shouted as Shepard scowled at her.
Ashley pushed Shepard down the stairs, "You'll live," she knew Liara got in a lucky jab at him and he'd make her pay later.
"I don't need a chaperone!" Shepard yelled back, he went to gesture when Ashley slapped his hand down, "Hey!"
"You'll live," Ashley pulled him along to the robot fighting game, "Not even sure what this is called but I'm game to have a go."
"Button masher, you shouldn't have a problem trigger happy," Shepard saw the two kids in front playing, hitting the buttons furiously.
They stepped up and quickly read the instructions, a few people recognizing Shepard, "That's Shepard!"
"Sweet, I'll have an audience to kicking your ass," Ashley laughed to herself, preparing for the game as Shepard rolled his eyes at her.
Shepard and Ashley traded shots, hitting at each other's health bars when Ashley landed a combo and slammed Shepard's health almost to zero.
"This chick is badass!"
Ashley smugly smirked, going to finish Shepard when he hit her with a combo. Knocking her character across the field, "It's on!"
"Just smile and wave when you lose," Shepard chuckled, preparing for the final combo when Ashley finished him off, raising her hands triumphantly.
"Victory is mine!" Ashley smirked, turning to Shepard who shook his head.
"Beginners luck!" Shepard laughed it off, turning to see the crowd gathered, "Not-"
Ashley chuckled, tapping his shoulder before departing, "You can't be the best at everything."
Shepard shook his head, "I'm never gonna live this down."
Shepard stared down at the party he organized on short notice, despite the initial hesitation. He was glad to agree with Joker to host it here. He glanced down through the hole into his empty bottle of beer, putting it on the floor out of the way.
"Refill?" Garrus handed Shepard a replacement.
"Thanks," smiled Shepard, clinking his beer against Garrus's choice of dextro based beer. "Enjoying yourself?"
"It's been good, one last party before we go all in," answered Garrus, Shepard unable to tell if he was ready for what they were going to face.
"You've got my back Garrus, I know you'll be with me when we retake Earth," Shepard nodded to his oldest friend.
"I know, just wondering what will be left of Earth. Considering what's left of Palaven won't be much different to what Earth will appear like."
Shepard smiled when he saw Ashley sit beside the gals of the Normandy, he saw Tali sit beside Ashley. A hand on her shoulder, "Do you love her?"
"Who?"
"You know who I'm talking about, I've seen the way you look at her," Shepard wasn't subtle.
"I care about her," smiled Garrus, leaning beside Shepard. "Tali gives me something to fight for."
"I know the feeling," Shepard couldn't help but think of who he was fighting for, "We all need someone to fight for."
"Do you love her?" Garrus asked back.
Shepard glanced at Ashley before turning to Garrus, his back to the party, "I'll save the galaxy for her. For the chance to spend the rest of our lives together."
"You two deserve happiness, after everything you've both been through," Garrus remembered the pain they had both experienced and inflicted. "Horizon, I remember that day vividly."
"Don't remind me," Shepard grimaced, "I was just so wrapped up in Cerberus and the Collectors I ignored the one person who didn't deserve it."
Garrus squeezed Shepard's shoulder, "Your both here now."
"Thanks Garrus," Shepard tapped his hand, grateful for a good friend in his life. "You've stuck by me no matter what we've faced."
"It's what friends are for," Garrus smirked, stepping away and towards the party, "You gonna stay up here or rejoin the party?"
"In a minute," Shepard smiled, "Just want a minute to myself."
"Enjoy yourself," Garrus walked off.
"You too, don't get my engineer too wasted," Shepard chuckled, leaning on the railing again.
"No promises."
Shepard finished off his beer, placing it beside the other empty bottle, he rubbed the back of his neck as he overlooked the party once more. Noticing the different groups that had formed tonight. He smiled, examining the different people. He was surprised to see Jack and Miranda at the bar with Joker and EDI out of all people. Liara appeared in deep conversation with Samara by the piano, Liara leaning on the piano a little too much for his liking. Ashley was with Tali, James, Traynor, and Garrus. The remaining group of Grunt, Zaeed, Carter, Cortez and Wrex appeared to be involved in a head butting contest near the windows, he wouldn't be helping out anyone if they went through them. Only handing over the bill, he wasn't even sure how much the windows cost and he certainly didn't want to find out.
"Are you going to stay up there the entire time or join the party?" Ashley asked from her seat below, catching Shepard's attention as he smirked.
"Can't I enjoy the view from up here?" Shepard was a little smug, considering everything that led to the party in the first place.
Ashley shook her head, she got up and walked upstairs to join him, cocktail in hand, "You okay?"
"I'm good," Shepard grasped her hand, "Considering myself lucky if anything."
"Still thinking about your clone?"
"I wonder if the clone would have given me access to the vaults treasures," Kasumi randoming appeared beside them before disappearing once more.
"Who the hell is that?" Ashley turned to see where Kasumi went, "What the hell just happened?"
"Kasumi," chuckled Shepard, "And your not suppose to do that at a party. Haven't you been to one?"
Kasumi reappeared below, "But it's not awkward when I move between groups."
Ashley smirked, glancing at Shepard who scratched his stubble, "You always had a way of bringing unique people together." She looked at the people gathered all because of Shepard.
Shepard grimaced, remembering who couldn't be here because of the decisions he made, "Not everyone is here."
"You can't save everyone, no matter how many times you try," Ashley entwined their hands tenderly, "I wish I could take back the decision I made that day on Virmire," She would regret the decision to activate the bomb for the rest of her life, her eagerness to prove her worth cost Kaidan his life.
"A good leader backs their decision," Shepard stood up tall, entwining their hands, "A Williams has to be better than the rest, if only to avoid suspicion."
Ashley chuckled, "You always remember the canny things."
Shepard tucked a stray hair behind her ear, he brushed their lips together teasingly before pulling away, "Can't ignore the crew and I don't want to give them a preview of what awaits-" Ashley pulled Shepard away from their view before he could finish.
She glanced to make sure no one could see them before Shepard crushed their lips together, his hands firmly resting on her hips as he turned and pushed her into the wall. She stifled a moan. He parted breathless, "That was worth sneaking off for."
"Who said we were finished?" Ashley raised an eyebrow seductively, Shepard complied and passionately crushed their lips together, savoring her taste as if it was his last. His hands slipping down up her shirt, her bare skin warm against his cold finger, "Your hands are cold."
"Sorry, better have you warm them up," Ashley pulled him against her, leaving no distance between them. They parted as Shepard rested his forehead against hers, "I envy these moments."
"Anyone would, its me," she chuckled, her usual wit and humor shining, she rubbed his arms and shoulders before resting her hands on his neck, she glanced at his lips before brushing hers teasingly against his.
"Continue this later?"
"Definitely but we can't sneak off forever, I don't want to picture the face of whoever catches us," Ashley sighed, Shepard tenderly kissed her one last time before entwining their hands to walk back to the party together.
Shepard approached James, offering his hand, "Good to see you."
"Same Commander," James gave Shepard a firm handshake, "Feels good to be alive."
"What a time right?" Shepard smirked as he sat on the coffee table, letting go of Ashley as she squeezed between Traynor and EDI.
"Traynor," Ashley picked up her drink, "I bought you something." She reached for the box on the table and handed it to her, "I finally got Shepard to join us for longer than thirty seconds."
Traynor examined the box, reading the note, "Someone remind me I owe Traynor a toothbrush. From Shepard."
Shepard smiled when he realized Ashley went shopping for Traynor's replacement toothbrush, something he had forgotten about. He crossed his legs as he turned to face Traynor, wanting to see her reaction to the gift Ashley organized on his behalf.
Traynor destroyed the wrapping on the box, and opened it gently to reveal her famed toothbrush, "I never expected you to replace my broken one."
"You saved the Normandy Traynor, with a toothbrush," Shepard still couldn't grasp that Traynor has used her toothbrush to help save the Normandy. "We wouldn't have saved the Normandy without you."
Traynor hugged Shepard much to everyone's surprise, "I did my part. That clone kicked me off the ship! Shepard never would."
"He'd answer to me if he ever had such a thought!" Liara chuckled, Shepard glaring at her as she turned away.
"Ah yes, that fighting spirit," Ashley smirked, noticing how easily Liara turned, "You certainly put up a real fight."
Liara smiled, "I doubt you'd put up a fight."
"May I remind you Shepard used me as a shield against his clone," Ashley chuckled, remembering how Shepard used her in that car lot.
"I was saving you," Shepard chuckled, crossing his arms.
"By pulling me in front of you?" Ashley raised an eyebrow.
"Accidental I swear," Shepard insisted, "I pulled you to safety."
"I'm sure," Ashley sat back, she glanced at Cortez who poured her a glass of Shiraz, "Thanks Cortez."
Cortez smiled, he poured several glasses before handing one to Shepard, "Commander."
Shepard smiled, "Thank you Steve."
"A toast commander?" Ashley suggested, smirking as she sipped her wine.
"Alright," Shepard stood, holding up his glass, "To toothbrushes, clones, the weird and oddly wacky. But most of all, to the Normandy," Shepard raised his glass to the toast.
"Normandy."
Everyone drank to the toast, Shepard looked around, wanting to remember this party for a long time, "I think a photo to remember this night. Liara, do you think glyph can take one?"
"A great idea," Tali jumped at the idea, pulling Garrus along.
Liara nodded, "I'll make sure."
"Good," Shepard walked over to the bar area, "You lot! We're taking a photo. You lot are in it."
"Who gave you that idea?" Joker asked.
"You started all this with the party, so I'll blame you," Shepard answered with a smug smirk, walking back over to the main area. Everyone getting in for the photo, Shepard squeezed between Ashley and Liara. Traynor beside Liara as Joker sat next to her, with EDI on the edge. Tali and Garrus quickly claimed the other side of Ashley as everyone cramped in, Cortez sat on the raised floor beside EDI as James stood comfortably at the edge next to Garrus. Everyone cramped in behind the main couch, Shepard glanced at everyone before nodding to glyph. "I'd take it before everyone complains."
Glyph set up to take the photo for everyone, Shepard put his arm around Ashley, pulling her close to him, "One to cherish?"
"Definitely," smiled Ashley, waiting for the photo to be taken before putting her hand on Shepard's chin and pulling him in for a tender kiss.
Liara pulled Traynor from the couch over to glyph to check out the photo taken, "Sending it through to everyone."
Shepard and Ashley nudged their foreheads before he helped her up, Glyph playing upbeat dance music as Traynor and Liara made a beeline for the upstairs overlook for a dance, "Dance with me?"
"Oh god no, I want to save you from the embarrassment," laughed Ashley.
"Can't be that bad?" James asked.
"You haven't seen the worse side of Shepard I'm afraid," scoffed Ashley, she managed to escape his grasp and flee upstairs with a couple of the other girls to dance.
Shepard smirked, "I'm not that bad."
"He's exaggerating," Garrus followed Tali for the dance floor, smirking at Shepard's dancing skills.
Shepard rolled his eyes, "I'm really not that bad."
"That remains to be seen," Joker laughed.
"I've never seen you dance," Shepard crossed his arms.
"I would like to dance Jeff, everyone is with their partners."
"You welcome to dance with me EDI?"
"Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha," Joker broke into deep laughter at the suggestion Shepard dancing with EDI.
"Then dance with her Lieutenant Moreau," Shepard took a serious tone, approaching Joker and forcing him up so he'd dance with EDI, "She shouldn't be dancing with me."
"Ah fine," Joker followed EDI towards the dance floor, Shepard felt a small tap on the arm.
"Can you really not dance?" Carter asked, standing beside him as they looked at the dance floor.
"Apparently not, but hell. Why not attempt anyway?" Shepard put his arm around Carter, clinking their drinks together before sculling them to join the dance floor.
Shepard did his little dance as making his way to the dance floor upstairs, Carter laughing as he looked at Cortez sitting down, "What the hell is that?"
"He's our commander," Cortez answered, Carter opened another beer.
"I'll need another," Carter chuckled, making his way upstairs. He saw the reaction to Shepard's dancing as joining the fray.
Ashley felt Liara nudge her, "You need to do something, he's your responsibility."
"I ain't responsible for that," Ashley giggled, not wanting any part.
"Ash!" Miranda joined in, "If Liara is trying to convince you, I'm in too. No way you can let that continue," They all turned to see what Shepard was doing, his dancing was cringe worthy.
"I can't save dancing that awful," Ashley admitted.
"Just make it look better somehow," Miranda disappeared into the group again, Ashley rolled her eyes as she made her way over to Shepard, taking his hands as she pulled him closer.
"Saving yourself from the embarrassment?" Shepard smirked.
"Something like that," smiled Ashley, Shepard followed her lead, letting her lead him through the song. He smiled, Ashley lifting his hand and turning in his arms, "This is perfect."
"What about my left feet?" Shepard asked, his hands resting on her hips.
"I do not care," whispered Ashley, pecking his lips as her hands rested on his shoulders. Shepard pressed his forehead against hers before crushing their lips together.
"Get a room!"
Ashley smirked, her hands circling his lower back, sending a small tingle up his spine, "We could?" He suggested, trying to entice her with his lips, kissing her neck and collarbone.
"You didn't have a door the last time I checked."
"I could kick them downstairs?" Shepard smirked, "Commander's orders."
"Lets enjoy tonight, our bed can always wait," smiled Ashley, she stepped back and offered her hands to Shepard who took them, leading him through the next song. Both of them laughing whenever Shepard did a small stumble, "You'll improve with time and everyone will forget you couldn't dance."
"It's been years and they still remember. They'll probably thank you," laughed Shepard, knowing his dancing hadn't improved.
"I should get an award for this," chuckled Ashley, Shepard smirked.
Ashley pulled Shepard into a deep long kiss, her hand grazing his stubble. Shepard's hands firmed their grip on her hips, pulling her against him.
The night passed quickly with the music, dancing, drinking. Shepard and Ashley the only two remaining
"Couldn't have asked for a better night," Shepard smiled, his hold on Ashley not breaking.
"Couldn't complain," shrugged Ashley, she glanced downstairs to the couch where Cortez, Carter and James had passed out.
"I think everyone is out except us," Shepard suggested, "How about we call it a night?"
"What do you have in mind?"
Shepard pushed his hips against hers, his hands circling around her hips as they threatened to go underneath her clothing and feel her bare skin, "You know what I want?"
"You win," Ashley crushed their lips together, "Convincingly."
Shepard walked them to their bedroom, his hands wrapping around her as he fired her to walk backwards towards the bed. Smiling against her lips as he kicked his shoes off and removed his belt.
"Eager are we?"
Ashley fell backwards as her knees hit the bed, Shepard falling on top and laughing as he nuzzled her neck and collarbone. His hands unzipping her jacket and tugging it off her before focusing on her neck again. Ashley moaning against him as she pushed his jacket off, "Not fair if I'm the only losing clothes."
Shepard threw his jacket aside before pinning her hands above her head, his free hand tracing down her side and lifting her shirt to trace over her bare skin. Ashley stifled a moan as he kissed her to keep her quiet. Ashley arched her back as Shepard played with the waistband of her jeans, teasing her. "You tease."
Shepard lifted her shirt, tugging it off her before throwing it aside, he kissed his way up her stomach and neck before brushing their lips together. His hands feeling her bare skin.
Ashley pulled his shirt up, throwing it aside before kissing his neck, Shepard smirked as she laid a trail of kissed down his chest before unbuttoning his pants and tugging them down slightly, her hands squeezing his backside when Shepard pulled her against him, his hips grinding hers. His hands feeling the curve of her breasts as his lips locked with hers. She stifled another moan as Shepard ran his hands down her side and unbuttoned her jeans, moving to pull them off completely and quickly throwing his aside before kissing her inner thigh.
Ashley moaned, "Shepard," Her back arched as Shepard's hands played with the waistband of her blue panties.
Ashley tried to push her way to be on top, Shepard smirked as he grabbed her hands again and pinned them above her, his free hand slipped down her chest and stomach, trailing down to between her legs. She laid her head back as she squeezed her wrists together in pleasure.
"Shepard," Ashley moaned, Shepard crushed their lips together as their bodies met in pure ecstasy.