Okay, here you go ...
The had ended three months ago and the year became old. The crew is still on board of the Normandy SR2 and although they had suffered losses of dear friends, they're finally looking forward optimistically. The war is over, after all. And it's Christmas time.
Shepard: *intercom* Shepard to Williams. I need your assistance for that report I need to finish. Regarding our last mission. Shepard out.*intercom*
Joker: Seems even today the commander is on duty. Does he ever sleep?
Ashley: Oh, he is. I can prove it ...
Joker: No thanks, Ashley. Whatever, Shepard needs you.
Ashley: Indeed. But the reason why I was here is this one - a little gift for you.
Joker: What's that? Feels like a ... digital photo frame.
Ashley: Just open it, Jeff. It's something special ... merry christmas.
Joker: A photo frame ... as I said. That's Zaeed ... and Mordin. Miranda is here, and Legion. And Kaidan ... wait. Photos of our friends ...
Ashley: I thought you'd like it. You said you're not a people person ... I think you were wrong. Never saw someone caring for his friends like you.
Joker: Thank you ... and you didn't see that, okay? *wipes a tear off his face*
Ashley: Don't worry, Jeff. Won't tell anyone. Have to go now, Skip is waiting ...
Joker: Thanks again ... see you later, Ashley ...
.................
*door beeper beeps*
Shepard: Come in, Ash.
Ashley: Hey Skip. Merry christmas.
Shepard: *embraces Ashley* Merry christmas.
Ashley: So where's the report, Skipper?
Shepard: What report? There's none ... I just needed to get you here.
Ashley: Skip, why are you still making a secret of this? Everyone knows that we're together. Anderson, Hackett ... hell, even the Council knows. And they're fine with that.
Shepard: I know.
Ashley: Hmm. You'll have your reasons. So, what's up, John?
Shepard: Not much. I just have something for you. Something really special. Do you want it?
Ashley: Do I have a choice?
Shepard: No *smiles*
Ashley: Now hand it over ... don't make a secret of it. What is it?
Shepard: You'll have three guesses ...
Ashley: Oh no, not again, Skip. Now the last time I guessed right after one try? You were so upset because you thought I cheated somehow.
Shepard: You won't find out this time. C'mon, lets give it a try ...
Ashley: Okay. First guess ... a huge poster of you naked for my cabin?
Shepard: You don't have an own cabin, Ash ... so this is a "no".
Ashley: Hmmm, okay. Maybe a digital photo frame with our friends?
Shepard: Joker got one, am I right?
Ashley: Yep.
Shepard: My present has nothing to do with our friends. More with our past.
Ashley: I give up, Skip. No idea.
Shepard: Could give you a hint, Ash. Was working on that matter for months now ...
Ashley: You were working on defeating the Reapers. If that's the present, then you're a bit late.
Shepard: No, no, no.
Ashley: Okay, tell me.
Shepard: No. But you can have it now, you had your three guesses.
Ashley: Oh, thanks, Skip. *opens present*
Shepard: What are you thinking?
Ashley: That's a family tree ... a big one. Goes back into the early 19th century.
Shepard: Yes.
Ashley: It says the "Shepard-Williams family tree" ... wait. Did you fuse our both family trees together?
Shepard: Yeah ... was a hell of a work to find out all those little branches. Must be over 300 people or something.
Ashley: Guess you're right. But wait ... why did you make our two trees into one?
Shepard: Isn't it obvious?
Ashley: No, not really. It's nice, Skip ...
Shepard: Okay, I think I won't help you this time. So what's your gift for me?
Ashley: Not much ... it's not as big as yours. But special. Here, Skip.
Shepard: My mom said "best things come in small packages".
Ashley: Yours is not that small.
Shepard: I pretend I didn't hear that. *snickers*
Ashley: I pretend I didn't say that. *smiles*
Shepard: So, let me open yours, okay?
Ashley: Make it happen, Skipper.
Shepard: *opens present* It's a medaillon.
Ashley: Not just one medaillon. It's from my dad. He gave it to me before he died.
Shepard: Hmm ... and now you give it to me.
Ashley: Yes. I had to promise dad that I'll give it to the one I love ... and when I'm sure I'm going to spend the rest of my life with him
Shepard: Ashley ...
Ashley: Skip ... yes, I want you.
Shepard: I want you too, Ashley.
Ashley: Wait, Skip ... that fused family tree ... I knew it. You ass! *smiles*
Shepard: Ehh ...
Ashley: You proposed before I had a chance ... that's not fair. That means I'm the first Williams in five generations that did not ask her lover ...
Shepard: Sorry, Ash ...
Ashley: I'm fine, Skipper ... *laughs* ... I can take it.
Shepard: Ash ... merry christmas. And I love you.
Ashley: I love you too, Skipper
Shepard: Wait, there's one thing I need to do first ...
Ashley: What?
Shepard: Joker ... do us a favor and give us the night without any calls, okay? And I mean it. No. Interferences. From. Your. Side.
Joker: *intercom* Okay, commander, won't disturb you. Joker out. As if I am disturbing those two lovebirds. Seriously ... oh, intercom is still active. Sorry, Sir.*intercom*