Ah, and we're back. I'm back. Whatever.

I got a lot of reviews last chapter! Thank you all a lot! After reading your excitement about the kiss, kinda kills me to do what I'm doing with the rest of the story. Well, not so much as the rest, as a lot of the upcoming stuff.

Anyway, here we go.

Chapter Ten:
Preoccupied by a Single Leaf

Ten minutes later, Shego and Kim were stretching on the mat in the gym. Both held grins in anticipation of what they were about to do.

"So, Pumpkin, not counting our little bout a couple days ago, when's the last time you had a decent fight?" Shego asked, her grin turning into a predatory smirk.

"Ah, are you worried I've replaced you?"

"Can't replace this kind of skill."

"I could say that the last fight I enjoyed was a few years ago. But the last decent fight? Within a couple of weeks."

Shego stood and rested her eyes on Kim as the hero finished her stretches. "Aw, Kimmie. Enjoying our fights? You really are a flirt."

Kim rolled her eyes before standing. "Here to talk or fight?"

A soft growl left Shego's lips as she dropped into a ready position. "We usually do both."

A voice interrupted their banter. "You ladies gonna be done anytime soon?" They both looked over to see an older man, fairly fit, standing by a lean but embarrassed looking younger man. "We want to do some real fighting."

Emerald met olive for a quick moment before returning to the man. "A real fight?" Shego now returned to addressing Kim. "Ready, Princess?" The look in Kim's eyes mirrored the look in Shego's. They were going to show him exactly what a real fight was.

"Do you wish to engage in combat?" Kim asked in a slightly robotic voice, referencing her show from earlier.

"Neeeerd."

Shego aimed high, but Kim ducked the blow to knock her sparring partner off balance. Shego caught herself and retaliated with a side swipe that Kim blocked. They invested their all in each hit with a sound knowledge that the other could handle it. Smiles graced their lips as they performed their violent dance. Each blow was either blocked or weathered.

Shego felt the adrenaline pumping through her veins and the usual good mood that accompanied it. Wow, Kimmie, the villainy was worth it just to fight you… This had better be a normal thing now that we're friends. Her mind was clear of troubles because it was so focused on Kim. Nothing else mattered with her body moving and her sparring partner in front of her. Pumpkin, if you're this good in a fight, you must be amazing in bed.

The two of them fell back, Kim pinning Shego down. "Out of practice, Shego?"

Shego took a look at the situation, noticing where their heckler was standing. Others had surrounded the mat, watching the fierce fight. "Not for long, Pumpkin." In a split second, Shego had kicked Kim off her and into the man who had heckled them.

Kim swore as she sat up and moved away from him. She managed to apologize as she launched herself back at Shego. Contact was made once more as they met in the middle.

The fight lasted almost an hour, if not more. Rarely did their expressions fall from the cocky smirk they each mirrored. Their banter flew back and forth almost as much as their fists. The spectators numbers grew, but neither woman noticed. They were too focused on each other.

Finally, Shego managed to pin Kim down. She had a knee pressed to the hero's back and her arms twisted behind it. "Shego: one, Kimmie: zero," she murmured in Kim's ear before releasing her captive. Applause caught the thief off guard, causing her to glance around. "Shit…" She ignored the people watching and offered her hand to Kim. "Come on, Pumpkin. Let's get out of here."

Kim rolled over and grabbed the hand. "Damn, that was fun," she commented, gracing her friend with a smile. "Honestly, I missed that."

They walked away from the mat, ignoring any inquiries from the spectators. "You aren't the only one. Now c'mon. We'll go change and go out for dinner." And I am going to try to crush this crush. Or maybe I'll enjoy my time with you. I haven't decided.

"Seido."

"Sir."

"I've got a job for you." There was only silence in reply. Seido was a handsome man. His hair was cut army short and he had a strong jaw. His eyes were a cloudy cerulean, his eyesight only worth anything because of her. His face was scarred from his years fighting. A chunk of his left ear was missing. "So, darling, I'm missing one last thing. I'm allowing you twelve soldiers, sapphire class."

"What is it you want me to retrieve?"

"Just another gem. It's quite large, and the museum quite guarded, but I believe you can do it." She caressed the side of his cheek, taking slow steps around him.

"I will do my best."

"Return to me with the gem and you will be rewarded, darling." Her voice was a purr. "But," the purr now gone, she continued, "you must be careful. Global Justice has begun to catch on. Do not get taken and allow no harm to befall the gem. The soldiers are expendable."

He gave her a salute and exited.

Her eyes trailed after him. He was her favourite worker, in more ways than one. He was competent, handsome, and, after having his sight restored, unwaveringly loyal. She was attached to him, to say the least. He had remained at her side for years and had no issue with what she did. While at time she found it troubling, she did admit she felt a sort of affection for him. Any other man would've taken advantage of it. He was not any other man.

She repaid loyalty with loyalty. Anyone to hurt him, to cause him harm, would suffer.

She took care of her own.

Shego woke late at night. She wasn't sure what had woken her, but she knew her dream must've been a good one as she could feel a slight arousal from it. She sighed and sat up. Something had to have woken her.

"No…"

Shego jumped, eyes falling on Kim. The redhead was mumbling in her sleep, moving around some with the blankets tangled around her legs.

"Shit. Kimmie?" Shego stood and moved to the side of the other bed. She… She's having a nightmare. A sigh left Shego. Little Miss Perfect is gonna make me go soft… She ran a hand through Kim's hair, trying to calm the hero. "Shh, it's alright, Pumpkin. Nothing is gonna get you. I've got your back."

It took a few minutes, but eventually Kim seemed to settle down. Shego continued to play with the soft, fiery locks of her friend. She was half asleep, looking down at Kim.

Soft lips attached themselves to Shego's neck, pulling a moan from deep in her throat. She buried her hand in Kim's hair in order to direct her movements. "Mm, Kimmie…"

Shego's eyes snapped open. So… So that's what my dream was about. Well. Okay then. She gulped, removed her hand from Kim's hair. She was wide awake now. She moved to her bed and climbed back in, trying to handle the information.

Staring at the ceiling, she tried to ignore how appealing the thought of sleeping with Kim was. I knew I was attracted to her, but is this is fucking ridiculous… Can't I just crush how I feel and ignore the fuck out of it? I've done it before.

She groaned and rolled over. Maybe… Maybe I should just ask her out?

That could be an option. Kim had been flirting with that woman at the party, so maybe she wouldn't be against dating a woman. But what if that woman was Shego? Her once arch-enemy? Would she be up for it?

I know she's my friend but… I still get so fucking worried that she still hates me. I worry over that, and yet, here I am, having a sex dream about her.

She shoved her face into the pillow. Maybe I can ask someone what she thinks about me? I mean, Monique knows her pretty well. I could go see her…

Yeah.

I'll go see her.

"Hurry up, Pumpkin," Shego complained, tapping her foot as she stood by the door.

She heard Kim huff. "Gimme a minute, my hair isn't co-operating."

"Doesn't really matter much. Frannie won't care. Or she'll do your hair for you. Either way, we need to get going." She crossed her arms and watched as Kim finally stepped into view. She wore casual clothes, a simple light blue t-shirt and jean shorts. Her hair was back in a messy ponytail.

"It's not too bad, is it?"

Shego shook her head. You always look amazing, if I'm completely honest. Too bad for you I'm not. "It looks fine. Now come on."

Kim pursed her lips, giving Shego a very bland look. "I just wa-"

Beep-beep-bedeep.

"Wade?" Kim asked, looking at her wrist.

"You two need to get to the museum now! I just caught footage of three men sealing up the room. Ride is there in five," he informed quickly.

Shego sighed but leapt into action as Kim signed off with Wade. I guess I better call Frannie. But first, clothes. Hm, change in front of Kimmie? Yes, I think so.

She grabbed the garment that she had spent much of her past in: her catsuit. Without hesitation, she stripped down to just her bra and panties. She turned away just as Kim turned in her direction. She could hear a slight gasp as she pulled on her catsuit.

Shego smirked, but continued to pull the tight-fitted outfit on. She could tease Kim later. She did, however, catch a glimpse of Kim changing; a long stretch of skin down Kim's side and her back were captured by Shego's eyes for a few split seconds. Mm, Kimmie… I would absolutely love to get my hands on you. Shego grinned, happy with the decision she had made earlier in the day. Just a couple weeks. I can stand that.

The thief gave Kim her privacy though, and rolled her shoulders. "You ready for this, Pumpkin?"

"As always."

Earlier that Morning

Shego rapped her knuckles hard on the door before her. It opened.

"Whoa, Shego, what's up?" Monique asked, stepping back as Shego pushed her way inside.

The thief held a rock in her hand and wore an angry, troubled look. She simply let out a growl in reply at first. After a deep breath, she looked at Monique. Get straight -heh, bad pun- to the point. "Is Kim gay?"

Monique was completely caught off guard by the question. "Wh.. What?"

"Is Kimmie gay? Does she like girls? Prefer a V over a P? Is she a cat person?" Shego huffed. "I really can't think of any other way to ask it."

Surprise showed on Monique's face, followed by understanding. "Oh!" She smirked. "I'll tell ya', but you gotta tell me why after, deal?"

"Whatever."

Monique closed the door and crossed her arms. "Why do ya' have a rock?"

Shego shrugged. "I'm likely to get angry. I don't really deal with emotion well, and I'd rather not destroy Kim's best friend's apartment. Now can you tell me, please?"

"Oh, yeah." Monique smiled. "Kim likes ladies, yeah. She's dated one or two before too."

"But wasn't she with the buffoon?"

"Yeah, but she didn't like him for sex. It was a romantic thing, y'know? But Ron didn't want just romance. That's why they broke up. She told him how she loved him, but his parts held no interest for her." Monique frowned and looked away. "Stupid of him, really, but I guess it was his choice." She shrugged before moving her eyes up to meet Shego's. "Sooo... why'd you wanna know if she likes ladies?"

A fierce blush sprang up across Shego's cheeks, colouring them a darker green. Sparks of green danced across her hand, affecting the rock only. "Because I'm fucking stupid, that's why."

Monique's face lit up. "You like her?"

The sparks of green flared up into a steady burn. "I'm fucking stupid, and I think she's fucking beautiful, and I'd like to fucking date her."

"Fuck and date her?" came the question, Shego's word pulled apart. Monique smirked.

A sigh escaped Shego. "Not really what I meant, but interpret freely," she grumbled.

Monique's eyes seemed to light up. "This is great! Oh, are you gonna ask her out?"

"No." The answer was quick, but not painless.

"But… why not?"

Shego gripped the rock tight, focusing her emotion into her plasma. "She hates me. She has to. She's even said it before." The words came out as a growl, but sadness was their fuel.

Monique gave her a confused look. "What're you talking about? Just a couple days ago, you two were hanging out and trying on dresses together."

Shego's grip became a vice on the rock. She was doing her best to keep control and leave Monique's house in one piece. She could feel the rock changing underneath her hand from the heat and pressure. "She told me she hated me and then kicked me into a tower. Pretty sure she meant it. I don't know why she'd be my friend now."

"Shego, that was more than two years ago!"

Shego pursed her lips and held the stone up to stare at it so she could avoid Monique's gaze. "Hasn't left my mind since."

Monique frowned. She remembered the nights after the prom very well. Kim had been torn apart by what she had done to the point of crying for a couple nights after. Monique had stayed up with the hero to comfort her as needed. Never had she seen Kim so guilt ridden before that.

"She didn't mean it."

Shego raised an eyebrow. "How do you know that?"

"She told me." Monique crossed her arms. "That night, actually. She told me a lot that night. She felt so guilty for knocking you into that tower… She could barely look in the mirror after seeing you all up and hurt like you were."

"But-"

"It was a heat of the moment thing. She never wanted to say it."

Shego was quiet. Her plasma flickered. "So… Say I were to ask her out. Think I might have a chance?"

A grin appeared on Monique's face. "TBH, yeah. But," Shego frowned again. "You should wait a couple weeks. It hasn't been long since she and Ron broke up. She needs some time. But after that? Go for it! My girl needs some lady love, and if you're up to it, I'll support you all the way. Just don't hurt her and we'll be all good."

"I wouldn't hurt her on purpose, not any more. Only screaming I want from her is the good kind."

Monique let out a chuckle. "I think you two would have a real Maureen and Joanne kinda vibe, but better."

A huff left Shego. "What is it with you two and references to musicals?"

"I took her to a few when I lived back in New York. Why, what'd she reference?"

"Wicked."

Monique's eyes lit up. "Girl, you two would make great a great Elphaba and Glinda. Lotsa homoerotic subtext there." Her grin was wide as she winked. "If you two are together by Halloween, I'm makin' you SFKC."

"SFKC?"

"Some freaking killer costumes."

Shego rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She set the stone down on the table. It had a blackened handprint burned into it, green around the edges. "I guess… I can wait a couple weeks. Then I'll ask her out."

Monique let out a happy squeal. "This is gonna be great!"

And there we are! Who's excited? I know I am.

Thank you all for reading and reviewing!