Just a Mass Effect Fanfic

Spare Time PT3 (short)

(While Joker is flying the Normandy towards Virmire, Thorne and Ashley are in the armory)

Ashley: Hey. Any interest in a small drink? It's a special occasion

Thorne: I'm on duty, Ashley

(Ashley frowns)

Thorne: Which means I can really use one

Ashley: That's the spirit

(Thorne and Ashley clink their glasses together and have a drink)

Ashley: Have you talked to Liara? She must be really hurting about her mom

Thorne: Actually, I think Shepard has that one covered

Ashley: I've seen how they look at each other. It's pretty obvious they'll be a thing sooner or later

Thorne: Honestly, it makes sense. She's not in the alliance military. She's pretty much the only lady on board that Shepard's allowed to fraternize with. Legally speaking

Ashley: I've heard Jenkins and Joker speculating about Liara, but she think might actually be dating Shepard

Thorne: Out of curiosity, what's the occasion we're drinking to?

Ashley: It's armistice day. When the first contact war ended. My family always marks it. Since I'm the only Williams on board, I thought I'd ask you to celebrate it with me

Thorne: I'm flattered, really. But why do you celebrate armistice day?

Ashley: In our family, it's not really a celebration. More like an obligation. Don't tell me you don't know about my family. My commanders always find out. Isn't it in my files or something?

Thorne: What are you talking about?

Ashley: I'm General Williams' granddaughter. The commander of the shanxi garrison in the war. "The only human ever to surrender to an alien race"

Thorne: Oh. Do you get blamed for it or something?

Ashley: Not formally. Dad got passed for promotion over and over. And I think my record merits more than garrison duty on a backwater agri colony. It takes a special kind of thickhead to march into a job where your family's blacklisted. And I did it anyway. I'm not going to let our name go down with Arnold and Quisling. Granddad deserved better than that

Thorne: If you really need it, Shepard and I can give recommendations for promotions. I'm sure the alliance will listen to a spectre and one of their best special forces operatives

Ashley: I can deal with this myself. Let me make one thing clear. I don't need a shoulder to cry on, or a knight to rescue me, or a man to make me happy. This is who I am. I like her. And you better like her too

Thorne: Oh, no, don't get me wrong, I got that part. You're not a damsel in distress. You proved that on Eden Prime and reinforced it with the last few missions. I see you differently

Ashley: Oh really? How do you see me then?

Thorne: I see you as a woman who's strong. Passionate about her career. Takes bullshit from no one. You may be prideful, but that also means you're strong emotionally, and that you can rely on yourself. Sure, you have your flaws, but you're still a good person

(Ashley, legitimately surprised and caught off guard by what Thorne really thinks, takes a step closer)

Ashley: Does that mean you're... interested in me? Baggage and all?