Shego woke up after her little escapade groggy and with a hellish headache. The puzzle, formerly known as the reverse polarizer, was still there sitting on her bedside table looking innocent. She knew what she had to do but she couldn't bring herself to leave her bed. She turned over and pulled her sheets up over her head.

'Why can't I do this?' Shego asked herself rolling over and burying her face in her pillow. 'Didn't I already make this decision?' Shego, thief extraordinaire, was torn. She knew this was what she wanted but he couldn't bring herself to go through with it. She couldn't really even bring herself to get her stupid conflicted ass out of bed. But she wasn't alone.

------KIGO

Kim looked at the little roll of pictures she had gotten from Shego a few weeks ago. She had been doing that a lot lately. She missed having Miss Go as a friend. The green woman had been funny and done all the things Ron hated and Monique wasn't interested in with her. Kim had never been girly, which may explain why she had always had trouble finding guys. Shego had been like a big sister, a best friend, and a mentor for that short while. If Shego found a way to come back Kim would be happy to have her.

The redhead smiled as she put her little slip of photos back in under her pillow as she hugged her beloved panda-roo.

'What am I thinking? Shego… come back, right? Ron would give up Nacos before Shego decided to come and be my friend again. It was all the reverse polarizer, wasn't it? Kim let the contemplation fade as she slid into sleep. She had to work tomorrow and she wanted to get up early for breakfast.

"Shego…," Kim mumbled. She smiled and squeezed her adorable stuffed animal. " My Shego."

------KIGO

Shego sat down on the toilette seat as the bathwater ran. The sound of the water filling the large black Jacuzzi bath tub did nothing to ease the confused green woman's mind. She looked at her reflection, her streaked black lipstick, her tangled messy mop of black hair, and the heavy bags under her eyes and she frowned.

'Just look at yourself, Shego. Why are you in so much pain over this?' Shego asked herself looking towards the water again. "Really this is no big deal, just take a nice hot bath and start moving forward. Dr. D won't miss you…. he might even take his blue bungling butt back to school with no one to help him with his schemes."

She had finally found the will to get out of bed. She felt pathetic sure but this was huge choice she was making. It was against her very nature to give up any of her freedom. Shego, the pale thief extraordinaire, was in turmoil she knew she wanted to be with Kim, but if she really wanted that she couldn't stay evil. The only problem was that she couldn't bring herself to change. She liked having the choice if she really wanted to be with Kim she wasn't going to let a machine make her do the right thing.

"E-lectronique's damned machine would only do one thing take the choice away." Shego felt a little more like herself as her mind cleared.

"I guess I need to set myself straight." Shego murmured to herself as she added a few drops of the apple scented bubble bath she liked to her quickly filling tub. She sank in and let the jets work their magic and relax away all of her stress. Her mind drifted as the pulsating water lulled the tall woman into a near sleep.

Shego saw herself walking through the mall with Kim like she had when she was, as she liked to put it, under the influence. Shego saw herself take Kim's hand and drag her away towards the movie theatre. The pale woman was unbelievably happy. She saw herself kiss Kim lightly in the theatre during one of the boring parts of the movie.

As Shego climbed out of the tub she knew this was exactly what she wanted. She wanted to share some fun times and some fights, and possibly this big bathtub with her Princess. She had seen a whole new side of Kim as Ms. Go. She had seen Kim's hidden feminine side. Shego had seen Kim's longing to have someone who wouldn't judge her for liking The Memo Pad and Whispering Hills soap operas. Someone who could just let Kim be a normal woman not The-Girl-Who- Can-Do-Anything. Kim needed somebody who would let her be lazy, silly, angry, and even make mistakes. Shego wanted to be that person.

"So where do I start?" Shego returned to her bedroom, wrapped in a dark green towel, the question she had just asked still present in her mind. She knew the first thing would be to tender her resignation to Drakken. Sure he was annoying but overall he had been a good boss and she had gotten a lot of her current gadgets from him. The thought of leaving him made Shego sadder than she would admit but not enough to change her decision. Next she would have to find a way to run. She had a lot of warrants against her. She was wanted in more countries than most people ever saw. But, she did have an advantage she was one of the most known criminals in the world. She was recognized as one of the world's greatest thieves. And she had been one of its premier small heroes as well.

' Maybe if I turn over some of the smaller villains they'll reduce my penalties. Nah' I'm no weasel. There has to be something else I can do.' Shego buzzed around her room on autopilot. Her thoughts were all consuming and she placed no emphasis on what her body was doing. Through she still managed to pull on clothing through the grace of God. \

I do have valuable information that I could turn over. But do I have anything big enough for a full pardon? Well I have skills if I promised to work off my debt with GJ or some other idiot crew that stay buried up to their ass in red tape. I'd be working for the rest of my life and I'd still probably do time.'

"Damn it to all hell," Shego muttered, letting the blow dryer steam moisture away from her hair. "I'll call Dr. D first. Let the goof down easy and STRONGLY suggest he retire." Shego took a steadying breath. She knew this was not going to be as easy as she was making it sound. Shego slid her ergonomic leather chair over to her computer. It was top-of-the-line InTerrornet machine. The wide screen was perfect for the video-conference she was about to hold.

She tapped her nails impatiently as she saw the little swirling dial telling her she was connecting to Drakken.

"Shego, what a nice surprise. I wasn't expecting a call from you while on vacation."

"Hey, Drew. I'm glad you're up. It must be pretty late state-side." Shego wasn't on the clock so she didn't feel the need to call Dr. D by his professional name.

"Yes, but I'm right in the middle of a very interesting project. I think this new compound, when I perfect the dosage, will be able to amplify-,"

"Hold it, Drew, I called to talk to you about something important. I hate to interrupt you mid-rant- alright no I don't- but this takes priority. "

'Yeah this is definitely more important.'

"Fine what's the big news Shego?" Drew looked so happy, for him anyway, so normal. Shego almost lost the will to do this. Then the image of Kim hugging her at the mall made her shudder. She wanted that more. How could she want that more?

"Drew, I quit."

Shego saw the life drip out of Drakken's eyes. She saw a flash of madness so brief she assumed she imagined it.

"What? Shego you quit? You have a contract and it is not up yet."

"Dr. D," Shego began, holding up a placating hand. "I can't do this anymore. My hearts not in it. I guess you were right when we were in Go City. I've gone soft. I'll even pay double the severance for breaking my contract. I just want to part amicably."

"Part amicably? Shego how could you!? We were an evil family! And you go and do this!" Drakken's eyes widened as he slammed his tiny fist down onto the desk. Shego faintly heard him mumble an angry oath as he picked his keyboard up off the floor. "You are leaving? No explanation? No snarky insults? Just leaving?"

"Drew, do you seriously think you can take over the world?" Shego had said it calmly. Not one trace of insult or sarcasm. It was merely a comment. " Don't you think it's time we retired? You are sitting on a nice chunk of change from the muffin plan, right? You could go back to school finally earn the respect you want."

"You don't believe in me do you? That's what this is! You think I'm a laughing stock!?" Shego flinched at the shrill shriek Drakken was using. Why was he so angry?

"No, Dr. D I know you aren't a failure. I know I'm mean sometimes. I'm even a bitch sometimes, but I do care." Shego never dreamed she would tell Drakken that but it was true.

"If you cared you wouldn't be abandoning me! You wouldn't be saying I'm a failure!!"

"I'm not saying you are a failure, Drew. I'm saying it's time to move one. I am moving on. You should to." Drakken hissed at Shego before his screen went black. "God, that was draining. I wasn't expecting him to take it that bad. Maybe he'll calm down and I can talk to him later." Shego leaned back in her chair and blew out a heavy puff of air. What Shego needed was retail therapy. Was it silly and juvenile? Yes. Did Shego care? Not just not, but bloody hell no.

She looked at the clock. It would be mid- afternoon in Middleton by the time she got there. Perfect time for her to meet up with Kimmie. Didn't she work at the Tri-state mall?

-------- KIGO

Kim grumbled, stacking the last shelf. It was finally almost the end of her shift. She trudged the heavy box back up to finish stocking. MoNique wasn't there to make work fun today. The girl behind the cashier desk tapped her fingers irritably. She didn't even try to help Kim finish the stocking. It wasn't like there were a line of customers waiting. Kim finally finished her work and thankfully clocked out.

Kim's head felt good against the cold lacquer of the table in the food court. It was calming and relaxing. She pulled her giant smoothie towards her and reluctantly sat up. She needed this. She needed this few minutes to decompress and be normal. She loved being a hero and saving the world. But every now and then she needed to just be normal. Her reputation was pretty much the only reason she still had the job at Club Banana. She was great publicity and she drew in customers so she was allowed to keep the job even if she had to run off to Italy to stop a flood or to the Alps to stop an avalanche once in a while.

"Hey, you look like you could use some company."

Kim looked up and did a double take. This woman was gorgeous. She looked like an amazon with some super model built in. Tall and sleek with curves that made Kim burn with jealousy. Her skin was the sun-kissed bronze of a natural tan and she could dress. She was perfect from the designer shades on top of her head buried in her long blonde hair to the five inch platform stiletto's.

'How does she make those look comfortable?' Kim stood impressed by this woman bold enough to approach her.

"Who are you?"

"KiVaughn." The woman took a seat across from Kim , propping her elbows up to cradle her face. Something was familiar about her but Kim couldn't see it. Kim couldn't see past the blonde hair or the tanned skin. She couldn't see past the strangely blue eyes or the deep red lipstick.

"Well, KiVaughn, nice to mee ya'."

"Wadd'ya say, Need some company? " Kim nodded, sucking the last of her smoothie down.

"Why not? I'm bored anyway what do you want to do?" Kim couldn't see any harm in hanging at the mall with the older woman for a while. She knew sixteen styles of Kung-fu and could handle most weapons. She doubted this woman could hurt her, what was she going to do? Toss her sunglasses at her? Her bag? Sure it was a big Prada bad, but easily dodged. "Wanna hit Club Banana?"

"Club Banana? Kim, you need to learn the fundamental difference between Fad-shion and fashion. Does it look like I wear anything out of that pit Club Banana?"

Kim scanned her new friend again and shook her head. She sighed and responded, "No none of that looks like you could find it at Club Banana. I don't think you could find any of that outside of a runway show."

"Well Follow me, Kim, I'll show you the world of real designer duds." Shego was elated but she couldn't give herself away just yet. She wanted to call Kim Princess or pumpkin…she wanted to hug her and say I'm BACK KIMMIE. But, she couldn't not now. She'd need to build up to it and this was a good opportunity to start. "So why do you shop at that rat hole anyway?"

"Peer pressure I guess? Everyone wears stuff from there. I wanted to fit in."

"Fitting in is for puzzle pieces. Standing out is for you. Step outside the box there's more room out here."

Kim giggled she had to admit KiVaughn was witty… and pretty. It felt natural to stroll beside the gorgeous amazon-supermodel hybrid.

"So where exactly are we going?"

"A surprise." KiVaughn led half way across the enormous mall comples before turning a corner.

"Setter Trendzz? I've never been in here."

"A pity, Kim, that's truly a pity." KiVaughn grabbed Kim's wrist and dragged her into the store. "You need to dazzle. You're not just a hero you're a woman too so you don't always have to be dressed for convenience."

That made Kim beam she was right. She wasn't just a hero she a fashion conscious eighteen-year-old-girl.

Shego, KiVaughn, ransacked the racks of high fashion clothes snagging piece after piece and piling then over her arms. Kim looked on in shock as the equivalent of a whole new wardrobe was thrown at her.

"Uhm, you want me to try this on, right?" The older woman rolled her eyes in an exaggerated mime of exasperation.

"No, I want you to go tag them and ship em' to New Guinea."

"Fine." Kim retreated into a dressing room. What was the harm if anything she got to play dress up in high dollar clothing. Kim stripped off her usual tight green tank and baggy cargo pants, holding up the first thing she would try. "WHAT!? FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS?" Kim held the striped mini-dress out like it was breakable. She stuck her head out of the curtain at her new friend and held out the dress. "You know I can't afford any of this, right? I can hear my wallet screaming just looking at it."

"Just squeeze your poor ass into the thing," she said shooing Kim back behind the curtain. "I wanna see how it looks. You don't have to buy it."

'Damn right you don't have to buy it, Kimmie, I will.'

Kim obeyed pulling the dress over her head. It was amazing. The tight dark blue mini-dress with the white stripes fit perfectly. It came to just the bottom of Kim's thighs and made her legs look curvy and toned. She hardly ever got to see her legs. They were normally covered in jeans or cargo pants. She felt pretty in the dress. It hugged her narrow hips just right making her look nearly curvy.
She stepped out of the dressing room, striking a pose. KiVaughn laughed and applauded.

"This ensemble is flexible, flirty, fun, and functional. Notice how it is well made for the slim athletic body type adding curve and shape to the silhouette. It also excellent at accentuating the length and shape of the leg. Well done model.

Kim giggled as she turned and gave her best model shimmy back into the dressing booth.

Next up was a pair of jeans and a halter top. It wasn't what she'd normally wear. It was nothing like she owned. It was a lot more …. mature. Kim slid the jeans up her legs and pulled them closed over her skinny hips. The shirt rode high revealing her marvelously defined abs and the straps to her, thankfully black and neutral, bra. The dark green halter top was actually quite flattering. It was sleek and probably silk. The color made her eyes seem to glow and the dark jeans worked well with it. It made her look older …like an adult and she felt sexy and sophisticated. Even in her cheap sneakers, she felt gorgeous.

She stepped out and winked, turning her back to look at KiVaughn over her shoulder.

"This is classy with just a dash of sexy. The tops is loose and flirty, adding volume to narrow hips. The dark wash jean have a clean line going all the way down to the foot and sit just right on the hip. It adds height and defines the waist very well. Very elegant… but still easy to wear as casual. Model Kim Possible."

That's how it went for the next hour and a half. Kim tried on gorgeous high dollar clothes to get the runway-rundown on her look. Soon she was laughing and striking outrageous poses with KiVaughn. She even managed to get Kivaugn to do the Charlie's Angels theme as she stepped out in a metallic gold top and denim mini-skirt. It was silly. It was fun. It was something she never really got to do. Whenever she shopped with MoNique she left drained and feeling inadequate. Ron hated shopping… but this woman she knew how to make it fun.

"Thanks, you have no idea how much fun that was?"

"Yeah, I know. Everybody needs to have a blow off session. So what were you favorite outfits?" KiVaughn called into the dressing room.

"The green shirt with the jeans… and the dress I tried on first. I liked them."

'I did too Kimmie, my colors look great on you.'

Kim stepped back into the store in her normal clothes. She looked at the pile of gorgeous duds wistfully and handed them to KiVaughn.

"I liked em' too. You need shoes to go with them but they looked good on you. Here go put some of this stuff up while I put this up." Kim nodded, taking the half the pile KiVaughn handed her. She pointedly kept Kim's favorite outfits.

She dumped the clothes pointedly on the counter. She glared irately at the cashier ignoring her. "Hey, you, notice the pile of clothes on the counter in front of you?"

"You, bitch, notice the ON BREAK sign in front of you. I don't have to help you for fifteen."

KiVaughn held up one slender finger right in front of her face."

"Yes, you do." She let green fire snake up that finer and make her tanned face glow. "Because, you see, if you don't you are going to be flash fried." KiVaughn looked over her shoulder at Kim having put the clothes up while browsing amiably.

"You… you're … you. And she…she's.."

"Yeah, now ring this up. Or I ring your neck." She added just enough menace to make the idiot teen on the cash register throw the sign down and ring her up with a passion. The store was deserted this time of day and for good reason it was a fairly new store.

"2,423.76," The cashier said holding out the two large bags. Shego reached into the large bag and counted out the bills plus an extra hundred.

"This bill here is for keeping your mouth shut." Shego took a quick moment to scribble a note and drop it into the bag. "Make sure she takes this. Don't let her say no, alright?"

"S..…Sure."

Shego nodded dropping the shades over her eyes and stalking out of the store. Kim looked up and realized she had gotten distracted. KiVaughn was probably waiting on her. Huh, where was she.

"KiVuaghn.., you still here?" Kim was sad that the older girl had left her. She was fun and she had been beginning o think she had been lucky enough to find a new friend.

"Scuse me but did you see the woman I came in here with?"

"Yeah, she had to go but she told me to make sure you got this. She bought it for you."

"She bought this? It must have cost a fortune I can't accept this."

"Well it's for you. We can't do anything about it so take it. She said not to let you say no, so, just think of it as a present or something."

Kim looked at the bags. They were really nice clothes and she had bought them for her. Was it so wrong to be selfish just this once? No, she helped the world on a nearly daily basis so this was just karma paying her bad. Yeah, she deserved a handout every once in a while, didn't she? Kim took the bag as was home in a flash searching through the bags of sadly expensive clothes. Then as she reveled in this gift she saw a piece of paper flutter to the ground.

Kimmie, I had a great time with you. Consider this the first good deed of many and a gift. I miss you Princess.

Ms. Go.

There was a faint pink lip-print where she had kissed the note. Kim dropped the bag and stared at the note. She blinked several times as if she was seeing a two headed pink dragon blowing bubbles.

"That was Shego? What is going on?"