Think of it like this.
Who: Shepard and AJ What: Random coffee shop encounters and peptalks When: A few days before the halloween plot Where: Coffe Status: Complete Rating: Low
It had taken a great deal of effort, but Shepard had gotten her Mako moved out to Urdnot Ranch, where it would be more secure, and also less of a threat to the safety of ordinary citizens if she tried to drive it. She was on her way back home, and had stopped to get a cup of coffee.
AJ had been at the coffee shop a lot lately. Far too much, especially considering that she was now living with Tonks, and had a place to make coffee at home, normally with another person. One of the main reasons she went to the coffee shops was for the human interaction.
She turned to head out of the shop and nearly bowled into someone else. “Oh, I’m so sorry, please excuse me.”
"It's okay," Shepard said, placing a hand on AJ's shoulder to steady her. It wasn't easy to move the marine. She gave AJ a grin, and patted that hand on that shoulder, "You all right?"
She pushed her hair back with her other hand, thinking it was time to trim it. It had gotten way too long.
“Yes,” AJ said, smiling sheepishly. “I guess I really need this coffee, huh?” She said. A little had spilled on the floor in her haste to not dump it on the stranger.
"Let me buy you another one," She replied, putting an arm around AJ and guiding her back inside. "Hate to see you not get your fix because I wasn't watching where I was going."
“Oh, you don’t have to do that!” AJ said, but she turned to follow the other back inside the shop. She grabbed a couple of napkins for her hands on the way. “Really, I can get it.”
"I don't mind really. My name is Shepard." She guided AJ back to the counter, "Another one of whatever she ordered. I bumped into her."
She needed coffee, herself, and added her own request to the order. She had a long night planned, and was willing to procrastinate a little.
“AJ,” Applejack said, following along. She tossed her nearly empty cup into the waste bin, and wiped her hands with the napkins. “Thank ya kindly. I mean, it’s really my fault,” she added, modestly. “But I wouldn’t mind the company.” Winona was still at home today.
“AJ. Nice name. Short for something?” Shepard paid, then led her over to some tables. She’d finally placed her need to talk to this person, laying at the feet of her dreams. Not that she’d dreamed of her, but with where her dreams had left off, she wanted to talk to the sort of people she’d been sacrificing herself for.
“Aponi Jackson, aka AJ.” AJ said. She was called Apple, and Applejack, but that was too weird to think about when she’d been having those dreams. She gave a “thank you” and picked up her drink, then followed Shepard over to the table to sit.
“Normally I stop here while I’m walking my dog, but she’s at home in the yard today.”
"Aponi? Your mom has a sense of humor." Shepard took a seat, and sipped at her coffee thoughtfully. She liked dogs, but on a space ship all she could have was something small. Her grumpy little hamster wasn't her space hamster, but he worked out, "What kind of dog?"
AJ chuckled. “I was named after a Native American nanny that she had at one point.” It was awkward to explain to people sometimes. “Winona? She’s a border collie. Chocolate coat. She’s my pride and joy. Came all the way out here with me from North Carolina.”
"She sounds beautiful. I've been thinking of a dog." Shepard twisted her coffee around on the table a bit. "Hopefully something good with children. Have you been out here long?"
“You have children?” AJ asked. “Oh, yeah, I’ve been out here for a long time now. Long enough to know my way around, at least.” She grinned. “What about you? Are you from around here?”
"Not right now, but I'm hoping someday soon," She replied, smiling. Shepard took another sip of her coffee, and nodded her head, "Live around here. I've lived in this state for a long time, excepting when I was on tour."
AJ nodded, smiling. “That’s nice. I dunno if I’ll ever be a mother, but I think I’d make a good one.” She said, thinking about it for a moment. “I’d have to find a man first. And get married.” She was the traditional sort. “On tour?”
"Working on the married part," She replied, chuckling. Babies would have to be adopted, unless modern science prevailed, "Military tour. I was in the Marines."
“Ah, I see.” AJ gave her a smile. “Congratulations on the working on the married part,” she added. “It’s wonderful when two people who love each other make that decision to be together forever.” She paused for a brief moment. “Oh, and thank you for your service to this country.”
Shepard waved a hand, "You don't need to do that, but I appreciate it. Good luck in the man department, I gave up on those a long time ago." She winked, leaving it at that, and sipped her coffee. It was a nice subtle way to gauge someone's reaction to such things.
“I’ll need it. They’re not exactly knocking my door down lately.” Or, well, ever. “Doubt I’d have much luck with women, either,” she added with a smirk. AJ lifted her cup and sipped from it. It was really hot, and she burnt her tongue. A little splutter and she lowered the cup again, frowning.
"Never know if you don't try!" While she might not have the recruiter badge that someone like Kitty might pride herself on, Shepard wasn't above a little nudge. If someone found happiness, what was the problem?
"You okay?"
“Okay? Sure, I’m okay.” AJ said, softly. “I’ve found a new roommate, and my dog has a yard to play in. I’ve got some great new friends, but... well, sometimes I miss my family. I feel a bit lonely.” She wasn’t sure why she was spilling her guts to a complete stranger.
Shepard smiled softly, "I meant the hot drink, but if you want an ear, I can listen. Where's your family located?"
AJ laughed. She couldn’t believe that she’d taken that the wrong way. It felt good to laugh. She shook her head a little, going rather pink. “Yes, I’m fine.” She said, smiling. “Little tongue burn.”
"Never hurt anyone. Should try getting out more, kid. Making friends is the best way to combat loneliness."
“I’m a bit of a home body,” AJ confessed, then gave a gentle shrug. “I should get out more, but it’s... not really easy for me to figure out things to do to meet friends. I think I work too much.”
"Think of it like this," Shep replied, seeming to speak from experience. "You never know what tomorrow will bring, so seek those out that you can face it with, and not be alone."
AJ listened to the words, trying to let them sink in. It was true, and she knew it was true. But she had no idea who she wanted to face tomorrow with. She lifted the coffee cup for another sip. It wasn’t as hot this time.
"Don't let it hang over you too much." Shepard's voice was gentle, "You're very young, and you seem to have a good heart."
“I like to think so, yeah.” AJ said, grinning a little. She shrugged gently. “I guess maybe the trick is figuring out how to meet the best people. Those same people I’d like to see tomorrow with, you know?”
"Good start," Shep confirmed, grinning at her. "I should probably get going, but keep that in mind. And also keep in mind you can make the best of friends in the oddest circumstances."
She thought of the incident at Miss Kitty's Massage Parlour in Seoul, where she'd met Garrus. Don't ask.
“Definitely.” AJ stood with her, and reached out to shake her hand. “Thanks for the coffee.” And the chat. That part was unsaid, but implied.
Shepard shook her hand, “Anytime, AJ.” She gave a little playful salute, and headed on out the door.
AJ watched her go for a moment, then picked up her coffee, pulled out her car keys, and took the exit to the parking lot.