hot take: on some level, i think ashley always loves shepard. not necessarily in a romantic way (although it could absolutely be that) but just??? Love. and loyalty and care for this person who gave her more opportunity and chances than ?? anyone else. more than the entire alliance combined like regardless... ashley will Always have a lot of care and respect for shepard and deep seated emotions that arent rly romantic or platonic -- just ... General? general warmth and care its in the way she says things like 'you were more than our commander' and 'almost as many times as you saved me hero lady' like these soft...... almost intimate but Heartbreaking things she says w/ ??? so much care ??? so yea h ... its not .... like ........ Romantic Love. altho it could be. just ??? a lot of Care!!! which is why horizon hurts so bad and why ashley takes it almost as this personal betrayal -- even if shepard didnt mean it that way whew... whew!!!! its abt the Complex Emotions and Struggles bc shepard is sb she will ALWAYS care abt the entire normandy crew: um i think we ALL love shepard? anyways hi tbd.
