Mdoggy1214 wrote...
I like to start out Mass Effect 1 being pretty mean and harsh on Ashley. That's the way I like to play out my story. At first Shepard and Ashley can't really stand each other, but then as the story progresses they begin to like each other more before ultimately forming a special bond. I like to give their relationship a bit of an arc.
That's why I actually liked the Horizon bit from ME2. An epic romance should have challenges along the way, otherwise it ends up being boring.
*snip*
Kinda funny. My Shep was always friendly to her. Not because he wanted her or something, but because my Shep is an "OUTSIDE CHEERFUL GUY" (don't check out his inner character, it's not the most pleasant view, but at least my inner!Shepard didn't get through that sh*t Aurora's had to).
So he welcomed her on board.
After a while it turned out (at least my) Ash digged Shepard's cheesy lines & quite positive attitude. So yeah, at first he wasn't fully flirting with her, although Shep saw Ashley as a fascinating woman.
Result: they finally confessed love by actions.

Horizon? It broke Shepard's heart, reduced his ability to feel emotions by a lot. Although he understands why Ash did what she did, but that didn't make it easier for him.
Current status: locked in feelings for Ashley, not able to move on for another woman, unresolved nightmares every night.
Not in peace with himself resulting in disrupted Chi flow.
Something like that.