Curious Jealousy- a F!Shenko Fic

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Complicated

Dinner had been a good time for them both- seemingly long and never ending, but good none the less.

In some ways, it was like they were just getting to know each other while already knowing the sweet complexities that were their personalities.

While they were both eager for the date to be over so that they could progress to the next chapter of the evening (which, given the hand that Kaidan kept rested on one of Shepard's bare thigh and her other leg wrapped around on of his, they were both anticipating the same thing), they lingered over desert and one last glass of wine. By the end, they were as relaxed with each other as any long-lasting couple would be with each other.

It was almost like all of those missing years never happened.

After the last dishes were taken away and Kaidan's credit chit had been returned (he denied her any opportunity to pick up any part of the bill stating, This is a real date, damn it, and I will pay for it), they got to their feet and left the restaurant. While they weren't holding hands or being openly intimate (they were still part of the Alliance and there were still regs against Fraternization, after all), they walked a little too close to be able to call it a professional distance apart.

"Thank you," Shepard murmured for his ears alone as they stopped in front of a poster advertising the newest comedy romance movie.

He discreetly let his hand roam down her arm to squeeze her hand briefly. "For what?"

She cocked her head and smiled at him sweetly. "For convincing me that it was okay to take some time for just us," she answered leaning her head briefly onto his shoulder.

Kaidan smiled and kissed the top of her head (thankful for the late hour and the reduced foot traffic). "The night isn't over yet, Hope," he reminded her.

Biting her bottom lip, Hope looked around the corridor before backing him into a corner away from any potential prying eyes. "And what, Major Alenko," the way she said his rank and last name sounded like a dirty promise that had a shiver going down his spine, "is left to do?" She spoke the final words with her lips pressed against his neck and her hands on his chest.

He eagerly moved his hands to her waist and pulled her closer to him. He took the opportunity to capture her lips with his own.

Neither was sure which one groaned first, but the intent was clear:

They wanted to get somewhere alone.

Soon.

He moved his lips to nibble her earlobe and smiled as she pressed harder against him. With his lips still on her ear, he murmured, "Well, we could always go to my apartment or your cab-"

Her omni-tool flared to life marking an urgent call and she cast him an apologetic look as she stepped away from him before making sure that she looked relatively acceptable. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she opened up the call. "Commander Shepard," Hackett greeted, scrutinizing her.

"Sir," she responded, making sure that she was the only one he could see. "Something urgent?"

Hackett narrowed his eyes at her, and, though Hackett couldn't see, Kaidan did too. "I tried contacting you on board the Normandy but Traynor said something about you being off duty for the remainder of the evening."

Shepard didn't even fidget as she nodded at Hackett. "That's correct, sir, but if this is urgent then I'll forget the rest of my plans for the evening," she answered- just like the Alliance Golden-Girl she had always been.

Kaidan glared at her and she had to struggle not to let a small smile loose.

They would both hate it, but they were soldiers before they were humans- especially given the current state of the galaxy.