Chapter 04: Troublesome Two

Shego groaned loudly when her phone went off. She opened an eye and it was still dark in the room. She Reached over to her night stand she picked up the offending piece of technology and answered it.

"What is wrong with you?" She growled. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Oh be quiet and come outside," Was the reply she got.

Shego sighed and hung up the phone, happy that she hadn't woken Kim. The children were asleep in their own room. She slipped out of bed and pulled on a long sleeve under shirt. She exited the room quietly and made her way down stairs. She put on her shoes and deactivated the security system.

Shego greeted the woman at the end of her walk way with a scowl.

"What?" Shego asked.

Karolyn Orrick smiled at her daughter's gruff behavior.

"I thought we could go for a morning run," Karrie said. "I've missed you."

Shego rolled her eyes.

"No run," Shego said. " and I need to be back before Kimmie wakes up."

"Of course," Karrie responded. "Wouldn't want her to think you've been sneaking out of the house to do anything naughty now would you?"

"Of course not," Shego said. "The last time you pulled me out of bed this early. I got my ass reamed when I got back."

"Such language young lady," Karrie said with a laugh. "Some times I think you forget I'm your mother."

"No, I just try not to remember," She said. She met her mother's smile.

"Are you sure you don't want to run?" Karrie asked.

Shego rolled her head and looked over her shoulder at her mother.

"Fine old hag," She said. "I'll give you a run for your money."

"You did not just call me old," Karrie growled reaching out for the younger woman. Shego moved out of her reach and took off.

"Don't forget the hag part," Shego laughed. Her expression dropped when he mother shot off after her.

The two moved off the side walk and out onto the road.

"This is suppose to be a run not a game of chase,"

"What's the difference?" Karrie asked. "We're still running."

"The difference is I'm starting cold and running for my life. While only god knows how long you've been warmed up."

"Well when I catch you, I'll just have to remind you not to talk so much shit, now won't I?"

Shego rolled her eyes and cut through an ally she approached. There were a couple of low fences she hopped. Her mother was right behind her. She could hear the woman's light breathing as she maneuvered over the obstacles.

They made it out of the residential part of the neighborhood and Shego found this was an excellent way to get her self off of the ground. She spotted a brick building and raced toward it. She used the uneven bricks the climb quickly.

Karrie laughed at her daughters attempt but figured she'd humor the girl. She ran along side the building watching as her young opponent hopped from roof top to roof top.

Shego ran across the next building and stopped. She wasn't exactly sure where her mother had gone. This was a problem.

When Karrie came up on her side she ducked and jumped back, avoiding her mother's attack. In a frenzy she ran off again, quickly jumping of the side of the building. Her ankles stung as she hit the ground, but it was nothing she couldn't handle.

She could hear her mother chuckling at her from some where behind her.

"Oh come on Shadow," She said. "Afraid this old hag is going to to give you a run for your money?"

Shego knew better than to become distracted by her mother's banter while she ran from her. This wasn't like a quick spar with Kim. Banter wasn't something she was cocky enough to spend time on.

Karrie figured they'd played enough, they'd already been out for fifteen minutes and if Shego wasn't back soon Kim would wake up in bed to find herself alone.

Shego turned and cut through a park gasping for air she cut back around toward the house.

"I'll admit for being half a century old you've still got it." Shego flew forward. Her body softening her mother's landing. She hissed as her bare skin scraped against the grass. The mouthful of damp soil wasn't as pleasant as she would have liked either.

"You should have expected that," Karrie said. "I'd have done more but I don't want to bang you up too bad before sending you home to your baby's momma."

"Do you think you can cut back on the elbow action next time?" Shego said, groaning. Karrie stood up before getting off of her.

"No promises."

"And be careful. We can't have you breaking your hip." Shego smiled when her mother offered her a hand up. She took it.

Kim reached over and felt for Shego. The sheets next to her were only faint with the warmth of the other female, which told Kim she hadn't been alone for very long. She opened her eyes, hair covering her face. She pushed the locks away and looked toward the bathroom. The door was open and the lights were off, indicating that it was empty.

She looked over onto Shego's night stand and spotted her cell phone. She reached for it and looked at her call log. There was a blocked call that had come in only moments ago. There was only one person who could call from a blocked number and coax her love out of bed.

She sat up, wide awake now, and wondered what the two could be up too. She pushed her blankets off and stood, stretching her limbs. Kim slipped on her house shoes and headed downstairs. She turned on the light and decided to put the kettle on for tea.

As the water heated she removed cups from the cupboard and set them out.

She went into another cupboard and pulled out a couple of tea bags. She'd become familiar with Karolyn's choice of teas. They were much like Shego's. Kim smiled at the thought of how pathetically alike the two were.

She leaned against the island, arms folded over her chest. It was cold in the house. Much colder than what she was use to this time of year. She debated starting a fire in the den and decided that's exactly what she would do.

The redhead looked at the time and figured she had a few minutes before the kettle began to whistle. She exited the kitchen and made her way into the den. Shego always kept it ready for a fire. She added her kindling and the prepared to build her fire the size she wanted it.

She had a minuscule fire going within seconds. She smirked slightly proud of her small accomplishment.

"Damn it," Shego said. The kitchen light was on when they approached the house.

"Well it was fun, Shadow." Karrie said withholding a laugh.

"Oh no you don't," Shego told her mother. She grabbed the woman's upper arm as she attempted to turn away. "You're coming inside with me and I know pumpkin, she's probably put out snacks and shit like she's Martha Stewart."

"I see you're rubbing off on her quite nicely," Karrie said. "I suppose I can stay for a few moments longer.

Shego released her arm and they turned toward the house. The door was still unlocked when they approached it. Opening the door they stepped into the entry way. The house was quiet but they knew Kim was in the kitchen. She came out with a tray as they were pulling off their shoes.

"Karrie," Kim greeted. "It's always a pleasure to see you."

"Likewise darling," Karrie said. "I'd hug you but Shadow here made me get all sweaty."

"Yes, I'm sure it was all her fault," Kim replied skeptically.

She turned to Shego and tilted her head expectantly. Shego gave her a kiss careful not to bump into the tray she was holding.

"Would you mind getting the light?" Kim asked. If she had attempted to turn it off herself it would have been an absolute disaster.

Karrie followed Kim into the den and took a seat next to her on the floor in front of the fireplace.

"So what brings you this way?" Kim said. She poured hot water into Karrie's tea cup and then Shego's. The younger dark haired woman soon joined them.

"Oh I just wanted to see, Shadow." Karrie responded. "I was passing through and thought I'd drop in."

Kim and Shego looked at each other. They both knew what passing through meant. The older woman had been on a very lucrative mission and was dropping in to give Shego all the dirty details. It was the way Shego got her fill these days. Listening to her mother's exploits when she cared to share them.

"I've got to know," Kim said. "How have you managed to stay out of custody for so long?"

Karrie pulled the tea bag from her tea and lifted the cup to her lips. She inhaled deeply before taking a sip.

"I'm fast," She answered simply.

"Well so is Shego," Kim replied.

"Shego wasn't working alone when she met you, now was she?" Karrie asked. "Us Orrick's work better alone."

"I suppose you have a point," Kim said. "What about the rest of your family?"

"A few of them have gotten caught," Shego answered. "But as you've noticed we're very good at getting away."

"It's difficult to keep an Orrick that doesn't want to be kept," Karrie answered taking another sip on her tea. "Nothing like a good breakfast black is there?"

"I don't see how you drink that stuff plain," Shego said.

"Haven't you heard?" Kim said. "Hot leaf juice is amazing by itself."

"Whatever, just because I prefer my tea without all that crap in it doesn't mean it's worthy of being made fun off."

Shego wrinkled her nose at her mother and went about fixing Kim's tea.

"You two really are pathetic," Karrie teased. "I take it you still don't cut your own pancakes?"

"Nope," Kim answered. "Waffles either."

Karrie shook her head.

"How is Elizabeth?" Karrie asked. "It's been a couple of weeks since I've spoken to her."

"Oh yeah," Kim asked,

"What business do you have with Betty?" Shego asked suspiciously.

"Oh calm down Debby Ryan, nothing to get your jimmies rustled over." Karrie said. "I had an interesting conversation with her mother."

"Betty's fine," Shego said. "She's driving me up the wall."

"I do believe that's her job," Kim said. "Someone got her a promotion she didn't put in for if I recall correctly. So her riding you harder is just another day in the office for her now."

Shego scoffed. She'd give Betty "another day at the office" if she didn't back off some time soon.

"I take it she and Vivian are still getting on well."

"Yes," Kim answered. "it gets worse every day with those two."

"Splendid," Karrie responded.

Kim looked over the two ruffled women. Shego had a bruise forming on her left cheek from what she could only assume had been Karrie's fist obtaining a solid connection with her face.

Karrie finished her tea and set her cup back onto the tray.

"Well girls, it has been a pleasure, but I really must be going. Hunter's got this work engagement I have to suffer through."

Shego got up and showed her mother out while Kim waited enjoying the fire. Shego came back and joined her.

"Sorry about that." Shego said. "You know how she is."

Kim nodded.

"You should visit her more often," Kim said. "If we can visit my parents twice a month we can certainly visits yours more frequently."

"But I don't want too," Shego whined. "They have sons!"

"You're being unreasonable," Kim said. "And Wego loves the kids."

"Who's talking about wego?" Shego said. "I'm talking about Hego and Michael."

"Wait, Hego moved back home?" Kim asked, looking at Shego incredulously.

"Unfortunately," Shego said. "I think my mother had a lot to do with it. She could guilt trip a rock if you gave her long enough."

"I wonder why she does that," Kim said.

"Don't blame it on me," Shego said. "My mother's just an attention whore. She may be just a little bit needy too."

"Uh huh," Kim said.

"Stop it, Pumpkin,"

"No," Kim said. "We're going to make time to visit your parents and that's that."

Shego wasn't sure she wanted to continue arguing with Kim. This didn't seem to be the time. She'd find a way to change the small woman's mind. There was no way in hell she was suffering the drive to her parents house with a screaming infant and the promise of a headache from the even bigger baby that was sure to be there when they made it.

"And don't think I'm not serious," Kim said. "I know you're over there trying to think of a way out of it."

Shego huffed.

"Fine."

Kim leaned over and gave her a quick kiss.

"You work in a couple of hours," Kim said. "Why don't you head up?"

Shego nodded and moved to clean up their dishes but Kim stopped her with a hand over hers.

"It's fine," She said. "I've got it."

Shego nodded and left, making her way upstairs for a quick shower.

Kim sat in front of the flames again. Sinking deep into thought. It would be more than easy for Shego to stay off out of Global Justice's spotlight if she worked alone.

She shook her head. What was she thinking? Was she really considering this?

Kim thought back to the day Shego had put her life of villainy behind her. She thought about the expression on the woman's face. Her attitude, her overall disposition about the whole situation. She'd treated the whole situation flippantly. Like it didn't matter much to her so long as she was challenged.

Shego was such a adaptable person, Kim thought. She just rolled with the punches. She was never truly phased about anything. Well aside from being pregnant, Kim thought. That was the first time she'd seen the other woman give what could be construed as a negative reaction.

When Kim had gone to her and complained about being sick those first few weeks, she had been shown nothing but concern. When they had met with Amy to discuss what her creation was actually used for, they had been quite confused, but even then Shego had kept a level head. She never had to wonder if Shego was going to be there for her. She never wondered what type of influence Shego would be on, what they thought at the time, was their sole child.

Although many people would disagree, Shego had a strong moral code to go along with all the badassery she tossed around. She never did anything without careful consideration and for that Kim was happy.

But she wanted Shego to revisit her career path. She didn't want this to be the other thing that Shego "rolled with."

Kim stayed and watched her small fire die down. She wasn't sure how long she'd sat there when she came out of her thoughts. She looked over at the clock on the wall that read half past three. She sighed and got up collecting the used dishes, she took them back into the kitchen and cleaned them.

Yori came in a few moments later.

"Good morning," Kim said.

"Morning," Yori responded. She sat down at the island in the middle of the kitchen and watched Kim clean.

"What's wrong?" Kim asked. "I hope you're feeling alright."

"I'm fine," Yori responded. "I think I'm going to do it."

"Go home?" Kim asked. She looked over her shoulder and saw Yori nod.

"I just got off the phone with, Ron." Yori said.

"Are you going back because Ron wants you too, or because you want to?" Kim asked.

She finished washing the dishes and set the last cup down to air dry.

"For him suppose," Yori said. "I'm not sure what's more stressful. Being around him or not."

Kim leaned against the sink, hands folded over her chest. She pursed her lips in thought.

"Give it a shot," Kim said. "It's been five months since you've lived at home. You're always more than welcome to come back here if you decide it was a bad idea."

Yori nodded resting her head on her hand.

"Thank you, Kim." She said. "For everything."

"It's no big," Kim said.

She bid Yori goodbye and trudged up the stairs. She'd only get a couple more hours of sleep if she was lucky before the children woke up. She went to their room before going to bed and looked in on them. Hunter laid flat on his stomach. His tiny hands balled into fists on either side of this head. He'd kicked off his cover in his sleep. Kim didn't bother putting it back. It never stayed on for very long,

Kanna laid on her back, left arm resting on her stomach and her right arm rested against the mattress next to her head.

Content that they were alright she headed to bed.

Monique turned over, the babbling of children waking her up.

"I wonder if this is how they wake up every morning," Bonnie muttered sensing Monique was awake.

Monique looked over at her bare skinned girlfriend.

"Probably not," She answered. "The crying gets them."

"Maybe we should be nice and strike preemptively?" Bonnie said. "I'll take Xero if you go for Luci."

"You know if you'd play with her more she'd like you more," Monique said. "Babies are like dogs, the sense your fear."

"I'm telling Shego you compared her daughter to a dog."

"You know what I mean," Monique said. "You are afraid of an infant."

"I am not," Bonnie defended. "That is one ornery child and she doesn't like me. Forcing us to spend time together is not a good idea."

Monique rolled her eyes.

"She's ten months old,"

"Don't give me that," Bonnie said.

"Come on," Monique said, nudging Bonnie. "You get Kanna. You big fraidy cat."

Bonnie opened her eyes and groaned at the brightness of the room. Before getting up and pulling on clothing like her girlfriend. They went gathered their toiletries and went through their morning hygiene routine. When they were done Bonnie stopped Monique, pulling the woman to her for a morning hug before they went to rescue the children from the confines of the cribs.

"Morning," Monique greeted the two infants.

Kanna was sitting up, chewing on the ear of her teddy bear again. While Hunter was using the bars of his crib to stabilize him while he rolled onto his side, he was attempting to stand.

"Better watch out, Kanna, it looks like you're going to have some competition in the walking department soon." Bonnie said.

Kanna stopped her actions and turned to look at Hunter. She gave him a look that made Bonnie uncomfortable.

"She's creepy too," Bonnie said. "Ornery and creepy."

Kanna turned her gaze upon Bonnie and softened it a bit. Her godmother was her way out of her crib without getting into trouble after all. For the moment, it appeared she needed her.

"You're pathetic," Monique told her. She reached into the crib and retrieved Hunter.

They wandered downstairs and into the kitchen where they found Shego making breakfast.

"I didn't know those two were up," Shego said, stopping what she was doing. "I hope they didn't wake you."

"No worries," Bonnie said. "They weren't crying or anything."

Shego nodded.

"They've been doing pretty well," She said. "I think Yori's presence in the house has had something to do with it. They're never as fussy when she's around."

"Yeah, it has nothing to do with your parenting skills," Monique said. "Yori uses the force on them."

Shego and Bonnie laughed.

"Are you two going to be here all day?" Shego asked. "I'm going to need to know so I can figure out what I'll need for dinner."

"Don't worry about us," Bonnie said. "Monique will cook."

The two women froze and looked at her. Shego in horror and Monique out of annoyance.

"One day you'll get tired of volunteering me to prepare meals for people."

"You do remember the last time she cooked right?"

"That was one time, Shego," Monique defended. "I mess up one time and you all will never let me live it down."

"Why should we?" Bonnie asked. "It wasn't like you burned the bread or something."

"Just let it go," Monique said. "Where's Kim?"

"Upstairs sleeping," Shego replied. "She had a long night."

Monique and Bonnie nodded.

"She better be well rested we've got some exciting stuff to get into today." Bonnie said.

"Well we'll get out of your way now," Monique said. "Wouldn't want to hinder your preparations."

Shego went back to fixing breakfast and before long she could hear Kanna start crying from the other room. She heard Kim's voice as she spoke to the little girl and the crying stopped.

She counted herself as rather fortunate to have Kim as the mother of her children. She carried her selflessness on her shoulder.