Three Days Ago

"Hey Kim, can I ask you something?"

The redhead looked over from the television to her girlfriend. "Sure."

"I don't want this to sound rude... I do like the constant company - it's a nice change, but how come you've been coming over here since you had that dinner at your parents'?"

Kim thought for a moment before answering. "I guess saying that I'm a bit annoyed at a particular teenager would probably be the best answer, but it's more the fact that every time I go home, she's there to ask me a bunch of questions."

"...about...?"

"Work, us, you, and you."

"Me?"

"In a way, I understand why she wants to ask all the questions, but it just seems like she's investigating you. Through me."

Shego chuckled, but stopped when Kim made a face. "Making sure I'm not a egoistic jerk who'll treat you badly?"

"Something like that." Kim continued to frown.

"Maybe I should just talk to her in person to clear up whatever concerns she has."

Kim shook her head. "No, it's fine."

"So you're just going to walk away and camp out here?"

"When you put it like that, you do make it sound like you don't want me around."

"It's not like that, Kim. I just think you're taking the easy way out."

Kim bristled at Shego's remark, and then relaxed when Shego put a comforting arm around her.

"It's just... She's my sister. Imagine how upset she'd get if I told her to stop and mind her own business? I mean, in the past with all the other stuff I had to do deal with, I wouldn't mind if she intervened. But this time, it's different with you. I mean, you're just so kind to me and I really don't think Hana would do anything detrimental to the relationship, but I really can't handle going home and having questions thrown in my face about things like what colour you like, why aren't you over at my place, stuff like that..."

"I see, but she'll eventually figure out you're just avoiding her by camping out here... And that would make things even more awkward," reasoned Shego.

Kim sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. She really didn't want to deal with this after a busy day at work. All she wanted to do was to curl up on the couch with Shego and forget about Bonnie bitching about the Christmas specials for the paper, looming deadlines, and Hana. "Shego, can we just not talk about it? I just want to be with you right now."

"Ok." Shego remained silent for a few minutes before getting up and rummaging through a cabinet drawer in the living room. She softly called out, "Kim, heads up and catch."

Kim looked up to see something sail at her head. With her quick reflexes, she caught the object: a pair of keys.

"Lobby door is the bigger one and the smaller is for the suite," murmured Shego.

Kim stared at Shego.

"It makes things easier for you if you want to come over, and if I'm not around to open the door. I don't want you to stand around and wait if I'm still in the office or busy in the kitchen... I swear, the security guard probably knows who you are by now too... I mean, he totally winked at me the last time I had to come down to the lobby to take you up..."

Kim remained silent for another minute before Shego continued rambling.

"And, I guess... I've been meaning to give you them for a while..." The older woman stared at an interesting piece of carpet as she continued. "I mean, I know we shouldn't really rush things but I do enjoy your company too... So you're free to drop by when you want." She looked up at Kim and smiled. "Even when you do want to escape from a nosy teen."

"Shego... I don't know what to say... 'Thanks' doesn't seem like enough."

"It's like... How you say, 'no big'..." replied Shego with a wave of her hand.

Kim murmured, "It means a lot to me." She got up and walked over to Shego. Hesitating for just a second, since she noticed the older woman was nervous about how giving Kim keys might change the pace of their relationship, she hugged her girlfriend.

Shego kissed the top of Kim's head in response, and felt Kim smile on her chest. "C'mon, Princess, let's go to bed."

Present Day

Hana was silent for the entire ride back to Kim's apartment. She had decided that it would be best not to pry any further about how Kim had keys to Shego's apartment.

It was only until they were inside the suite that Kim mumbled, "She gave them to me a few days ago." Hana had nodded her head in understanding and headed to the guest room to retire for the night.

Kim's cell phone started ringing shortly after and Kim quickly turned off the ringer. Without looking at the caller display, she answered with, "Hey, you woke up?"

"Very funny with the sticky note," Shego responded dryly.

"That was Hana's doing."

"I know." Kim heard Shego chuckle. "Sorry for passing out like that... Ice cream usually makes me drowsy after a really heavy dinner."

"I should feed you more ice cream if that's the case."

"Oh?" Shego responded amusedly. "Why's that?"

"You're one big teddy bear when you're asleep... that I like clutching onto." Even though Kim couldn't see Shego, she knew that her girlfriend just grinned.

"One big cuddly teddy bear, eh?"

"Yup, and you're cute when you sleep."

"No, you're the one who's cute when fast asleep."

Kim blushed at Shego's comment and mumbled, "To be honest, I didn't want to go but I have to do laundry."

Shego blew a raspberry and scoffed. "Laundry can be done later!"

"Is that your way of saying you miss me right now?"

Shego immediately answered with a "yes" that it caught Kim off-guard. Normally, Shego would never really admit she missed the redhead or be completely direct with her feelings - the older woman was subtle with her touches and looks of affection, but she had surprised Kim earlier this evening by being, well, flirty with a hint of seductiveness.

"I miss you too, Shego..."

"It's ok, I understand that it made more sense to go back home today because of Hana."

Kim whispered, "Thing is, she just went to bed when we got back, so... I don't know whether I should talk to her about it so more or just leave it alone..."

"She went to bed probably because she doesn't want to annoy you any further than she did before. Just leave it as it is... Talking about it might make it worse."

"Ok," replied Kim. "You know, for an old lady, you sure are wise."

"Hey! I'm only five years older than you. That doesn't make me an old lady."

"It does, because you're older than me."

"Don't be a smartass," laughed Shego. "A cute smartass..."

"Shego, behave. Gosh, why are you so feisty tonight?"

"We're on the phone, Kim. How is saying you're cute and awesome being feisty? I'm just stating the truth."

"Charming."

"That's me! Your Prince Charming... uh, Princess Charming...? You get my point."

Kim smiled. Even in her drowsy state, Shego still managed to put a smile on her face, and made her feel warm and fuzzy. The redhead whispered, "I kind of wish..." and then mumbled something that Shego couldn't hear.

"What was that? I didn't catch the end."

"It's nothing, it's fine."

"Ok, whatever you say, Princess," replied Shego. "I'm going to turn in for the night then... Still sort of drowsy, not to mention you guys did the dishes for me, so I have nothing to do to keep me awake. Now, if you were here on the other hand..."

"Shego, behave! No more tickle battles and pillow fights! At least, not for tonight... Besides, you always win since you know how ticklish I am!" chuckled Kim as Shego roared with laughter over the phone.

"You're just cute when you make that face after I tickle you... it's like a look of disgust and amusement..." Shego yawned loudly. "Ah, looks like it's time to hit the sack."

"Sweet dreams," murmured Kim.

"Good night, Pumpkin."

"Good night, Shego."

When the line went dead, Kim sighed. To her, Shego was the perfect girlfriend; the older woman always knew how to put a smile on her face. Yet, a part of her was afraid of things that might disrupt this balance of contentment and happiness. She muttered to herself as she went to grab her dirty clothes, "I kind of wish I wasn't like this... So terrified of the future and what it might bring if I make the next move... Shego's made hers with giving me the keys to her suite, but what comes next? Will everything change, or will it just be the same?"

Kim pondered about this for the remainder of the evening as she did her laundry, unaware that the growing feelings she had for her girlfriend might have evolved into something deeper than just 'like'.

Author's Notes: Been getting some comments that Kim and Shego are hella awkward with each other: it's intentional. Realistic? It's possible (believe me, I'm probably much worse :P).

And no, they won't be moving in together any time soon... But, what will Kim do? Does Shego expect Kim to also give her a pair of keys? (Cue suspenseful music here...)

Chapter title is from "Is This Feeling Love?" by Tommy Heavenly6, the J-pop/rock artist. Engrish lyrics! Context of the lyrics for this song is irrelevant to the story - it was the first song that came to mind when I wrote the last sentence.