The music faded and sped back up. Shelby looked up and smiled at Kaidan. They walked back to the bar hand-in-hand and sat back down. Shelby looked at her glass with a smile creeping up on her lips as she started to speak.
"Do you know how long it's been since I've actually danced - with a real smile?" Shelby said and turned her head towards Kaidan. Kaidan smiled and looked at Shelby.
"Well, then I feel like I did something good." He said.
Shelby had a big smile on her face. "You did." She said looking at Kaidan.
Kaidan lightly bumped Shelby's arm. "Come on, let's get out of here." He said.
Shelby just continued to smile and stood up with Kaidan. Shelby held out her hand and nodded to it. Kaidan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. Shelby looked up at him and gave him a big smile. They walked outside and sat on a bench not far from Shelby's apartment. They had once again managed to be out late just by walking with each other around the presidium. They had only known each other for three days, but Shelby cared about Kaidan and she knew he cared about her.
Shelby didn't truly feel comfortable with the whole dating thing quite yet though. Mainly, because she was worried Kaidan didn't feel the same way about her, and that telling him might ruin their friendship.
"Shelby? What are thinking about? You look lost." Kaidan said curiously with a growing smile.
"Us. We've only known each other a few days, but it feels like forever."
"Yah. Oh wow. It really has been only three days hasn't it." Kaidan leaned against the backboard of the bench.
"I know. It feels like a lot longer." Shelby said nodding her head.
"Maybe it's a personal connection." Kaidan said jokingly. Only he knew that he truly meant every word.
Shelby smiled and lightly pushed his shoulder. Kaidan smirked and Shelby yawned a little.
"Well, looks like we'd better get you back." Kaidan said teasingly.
"Well, when you wake a girl up early and then run her all over the Citadel the whole day, it gets exhausting." Shelby said smartly.
"Alright then. Let's get you back." Kaidan said as he stood up.
Shelby smiled a little and stood up next to Kaidan. They walked to the apartment building and to Shelby's door; non-stop talking the whole time.
"Well, here ya are Shelby. I'll see you tomorrow?" Kaidan asked.
"Uh, yah. I'll see you tomorrow. Thank you, for everything today Kaidan." Shelby said almost distantly.
Kaidan grabbed her elbow as she opened the door. "Are you alright Shelby? You seem like you don't want to go in alone." Kaidan asked concerned.
Shelby just nodded her head toward the open door, telling Kaidan to come in with her. She didn't like talking about her personal life where others could hear her. Kaidan followed her to the couch and sat down next to her.
"Honestly, I'm glad that I'm safe and I'm not dead and all, but…."
"But what if you have nightmares again?" Kaidan asked, finishing Shelby's sentence.
Shelby nodded. "Yeah." She said quietly under her breath.
"Come 'ere." Kaidan said and wrapped his arms around Shelby with a hug, comforting her.
"You'll be alright, Shelby. But, if it'll make you feel better, I can stay here with you a couple of nights and look out for you."
Shelby hugged his waist. "Really? You'd do that for me?" She asked sounding a little excited.
"Of course Shelby. I'm always here for you." Kaidan said and hugged Shelby a little tighter.
"Thank you Kaidan." Shelby said still holding onto him.