~o0o~

The control room was cold, empty and silent, the only illumination coming from eight large monitors up on the wall. Each screen held a frozen image – that of the death of a cyborg at Global Justice's Antarctic base. All of them were from a cyborg's perspective. Seven of the images were of Mendelos. While the third … it showed a green ball of fire streaking towards the viewer.

From up on the command deck came the click of a button and one of the screens went dark. It was followed by second click and a third until only the screen with the green fire remained.

Janus leaned forwards in his chair, his intense gaze never leaving the image. He sat there with his hands clasped In front of him until a door opened down below, a henchman nervously shuffling in.

"Sir, they're almost here!" the henchman announced.

Janus raised a finger in acknowledgement, the henchman quickly backing out.

Janus left the image on the screen and exited the room, striding through his massive underwater base. Where his gaze fell henchmen moved a little faster, none wishing to raise their master's ire; and this was right and proper. Soon enough he arrived at the hangar bay, the smell of the ocean heavy in the air. His steady pace took him over to the room's dark, watery portal, a hovercraft rising from the undersea pool and landing nearby.

Janus stood there in silence, watching as the canopy slid back.

"Report!" he demanded, stepping forwards.

A henchman aboard the hovercraft stiffened at his voice, spinning about to give him a quick salute.

Janus ignored him and turned towards his favored lieutenant in the back of the hovercraft.

"We got her," Alphanso Malle said as he stood up, a woman in a prison jumpsuit sitting beside him. She appeared quite normal until you took in her light grey skin, long dark grey hair, and electric blue eyes that roamed the hangar bay with interest.

"My dear Electronique!" Janus said, a black-gloved hand raised in greeting.

"Dr. Drakken?" Electronique replied.

Janus managed to hold in his temper at that name.

"No. No you're not, are you?" she said, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Very perceptive of you," Janus replied. "I am Janus, and not that cretinous failure that you mentioned."

"And I prefer Marika Zavodny, and not that nasty persona who caused so much trouble for the world."

"Understandable." He stepped to the side, gesturing for her to join him. "Welcome to my lair."

"It's not like I had a choice. Your metal goon here dragged me out of my prison cell!"

"You'll have to forgive Alphanso. He's a loyal lieutenant and very eager to play with his new body. But we can discuss all that later. Come, let me show you why I brought you here."

"I won't build it, you know?" she said, exiting the hovercraft. "I've told the American government, and all the secret agents who've visited me, I won't build another Reverse Polarizer." She crossed her arms in defiance, exposing her chunky, power dampening wristwear. "That time of my life, of being evil, is no longer a part of me."

"But, my dear, I don't want you to build me a Reverse Polarizer."

"You don't?"

"You seem surprised?"

"I–I am. That's all anyone ever wants from me. Then why–"

"Why, for your amazing intellect, of course!"

Electronique smiled at the compliment, then frowned.

"I won't help you with anything that's illegal or wrong," she stated flatly.

"I know." He pointed at a distant door. "Please follow me, and I'll show you how you can assist me in my endeavors without compromising your values."

"And if I say no?"

"Then I shan't bring it up again."

She nodded and took his offered arm, the two of them walking out of the hangar bay with Alphanso in tow. Janus made small-talk as they went, one scientist to another. He kept the conversion away from where they were or who he was, and instead kept it on Electronique and her life.

"And here we are, my Brain Trust!" Janus said, stopping outside a nondescript door.

"Brain Trust?"

"A working title, for now."

He stepped up to the door and it opened, a wave of warm, damp air rushing out. Dim green lights barely illuminated the walls, the center dominated by a massive glass tank. There were things floating in the water of the tank, but it was too dark to tell what they were.

Janus strode in, followed by a hesitant Electronique, then Alphanso, the door closing behind them.

"Welcome to my latest masterpiece!" Janus announced, throwing a switch.

Brilliant, bright light filled the circular room, its floor, walls and ceiling all a pristine white. High-tech equipment hugged the walls, the objects in the tank now clearly visible.

"NO!" Electronique screamed, a hand over her mouth in horror.

Severed heads floated in the tank, their skulls wired up to a central pillar rising through the structure. They were still alive, their pain-filled eyes staring out at Electronique as their mouths opened and closed in soundless screams. How many there were it was hard to tell, heroes, villains, scientists and more, all hooked up to the infernal device.

"I had a minor setback in Antarctica, but you were already on my list to join my Brain Trust!" Janus said.

Electronique turned to run, but Alphanso grabbed her by the throat and lifted her high into the air. She struggled and scratched at his metal skin as she was carried across the room, her efforts in vain against his superior cyborg strength. She was slammed into a seat and strapped into place, a metal box-like contraption pulled down over her head and locked it into place.

"She's secure," Alphanso stated.

Janus turned away from the tank and looked Electronique over, then unclasped his hands from behind his back and sat down at a computer terminal. With a few deft clicks of a mouse, soft, soothing music filled the room, helping to drown out Electronique's cries of terror. He adjusted various settings on the screen before nodding to himself, then he pressed a big red button on the console.

Electronique's whole body stiffened, her blood curdling screams abruptly cut short.

A long, sinuous robot arm detached itself from the ceiling and lifted out Electronique's freshly severed head, then neatly deposited it into the tank – where another set of robot arms quickly and efficiently wired up her skull to the central pillar.

Janus checked the readings on the monitor, then walked over to the glass tank and stared into Electronique's pain-filled eyes.

"As you can see, I have no need of your past trinkets. I have your memories, your knowledge, and your creativity all at my fingertips. All helping me to take over the world."

He watched her mouth open and close.

"But first, let us find this miscreant called Mendelos!"

~o0o~

Kim woke with a start, her troubling dreams slipping away like mist on a sunny morn. She gently stretched as she opened her eyes, Shego still curled up in her arms. Neither seemed to have moved much during the night and that suited Kim just fine. She was here to comfort and protect Shego and there was no need to worry about their intimate situation.

She let out a happy sigh and relaxed back onto her pillow.

"I've got you, you're safe," she whispered, and she gently stroked Shego's back.

She delicately kissed Shego atop her head, Shego's unique aroma enveloping her senses. It was an unmistakable scent, slightly exotic and one that Kim had never been able to place anywhere else. In the past it had always triggered a rush of fear, adrenaline, and excitement throughout her body, but these days it only highlighted how much she desired the woman in her arms.

She bit her lip, very aware of Shego's warm breath down the front of her shirt.

Be good!

She had been so worried for Shego last night, that she had barely paid any attention to what Margaret had dressed Shego in for bed. Right now, she was acutely aware of Shego's blood-red silk pajamas against her skin. There was something about the way the fabric contoured to Shego's body, revealing her curvy features just as much as it hid. It was incredibly sexy.

I never really noticed… how well red and green go together. Just like us.

She shifted slightly and glanced down, right into Shego's eyes.

"Hey, you're awake. How're you feeling?" Kim asked, gesturing with her gaze at Shego's bandages.

Shego said nothing in reply as she searched Kim's face, looking for something.

"How did you know?" Shego asked, her voice dry and scratchy.

"Did I know?" Kim replied.

"That I was in trouble. With… Mendelos."

Oh. "Well, you said 'they're taken care of'. For the cyborgs, that is. Not 'I took care of them'. It told me something was off. So I came looking for you. And since Wade keeps track of everything, like through the earpiece, I knew what was happening."

"Should thank my rescuer," Shego murmured.

"Sleeping in is thanks enough," Kim replied, smiling.

Shego barely nodded in understanding, closing her eyes.

Kim felt relief that none of the pain and horror from last night was evident on Shego's face, so she didn't push her questioning. She lay there and waited for Shego to move, yet it did not come. For a moment she thought that Shego may have fallen back to sleep, but then Shego's hands twisted in the hem of her shirt. More than ever she became aware of Shego's warm breath and closeness and that for the first time they were actually in bed together, as a kind of couple. She forced herself to relax and let her fingers drift across Shego's back, feeling the play of muscles beneath the silk top.

"Perfect," Kim whispered in happiness.

"Hm?" Shego mumbled in reply.

Oh! Um… "Are you sure you're okay?" Kim asked, covering up her slip of the tongue.

A bandaged wrist was thrust up in front of her face. It was Shego's left arm and it was missing the IV line from last night. Kim felt a tinge of worry at its absence, then she pushed it aside and delicately unwound the bandage.

She grimaced at all the dried blood, but it simply flaked away to reveal pure, unblemished skin. Turning Shego's hand this way and that, she softly probed the former injury.

"And your feet?" Kim asked, glancing down the bed. "They had broken bones."

"They're fine," Shego replied as she stretched out her legs, wiggling her toes beneath the covers.

Kim opened her mouth to comment, then lost her train of thought as Shego snuggled back into her.

Something had changed between them overnight.

Something new.

Something wonderful.

"And how are your injuries?" Shego asked, her voice muffled by Kim's chest.

"I'm fine," Kim replied, her eyes wide as she stared up at the ceiling.

"Kimmie!" Shego growled, and she pulled back to glare at her.

"It's true!" Kim said. "They're no big, honest!" She adjusted her shirt to show off two well-healed injuries on her side. "See? No need to kiss my boo-boos any better."

Shego's frown softened as she took in Kim's injuries, then she rested her hand over the larger wound on Kim's waist.

Oh geez! Kim thought, her toes curling.

She stopped breathing as her puckered skin was lightly stroked, her shirt shuffled out of the way for a closer view.

"Are you sure I don't need to kiss them any better?" Shego whispered, leaning in.

Wh-What–?

Kim's shocked expression was priceless as Shego's warm breath caressed her side, soft lips teasing her sensitive skin in the lightest of kisses. Off-balance, there was nothing going through her mind, then heat, fire, desire, want, and need all ignited and blossomed forth at once. She managed not to react or say anything; afraid that if she spoke or moved she would break this magical spell.

"Where else?" Shego whispered, her lips trailing their way up Kim's side to another wound.

Kim weakly pointed at her shoulder, a soundless moan of desire escaping her throat as her shirt was pulled down to reveal a tanned shoulder. It felt like her brain was going to melt as Shego's lips found the next well-healed injury, Shego's teeth lightly scraping her flushed skin.

"Any more? Shego whispered as she gracefully straddled Kim's leg, moving up and over Kim's body so they were eye to eye.

Kim couldn't remember much of the Mendelos fight right now. She could barely remember her own name. She tapped her scalp where her hair had been sliced short, hoping against hope that Shego would get her meaning.

Shego nodded, and kissed her brow. Then kissed her cheek. Then raised an eyebrow in question.

Kim was not sure how she did it, but a shaking finger touched her lip.

Shego gave her a smile and brushed a stray curl from Kim's face, the caress feeling like it was electrified. Kim tried to gather her thoughts, lost in that piercing emerald gaze, her chest heaving as Shego advanced. Coming in closer and closer, Shego's exotic aroma bombarding her senses. Closer still, until she could see nothing but pale green skin surrounded by raven-black hair.

Please!

And as her eyelids closed, their faces millimeters apart, her world exploded as pale green lips found her own. The kiss was so unbelievably soft and gentle, a molten heat rushing through her. She arched against Shego, lost in the moment.

Then it was gone. Too soon. Warmth turning back into cold.

She opened her eyes, Shego looking down at her with a mixture of desire and uncertainty on her face.

It felt like an eternity as Kim drank it all in, then they both crashed back together, kissing the life out of each other. Kim didn't think, a years worth of pent up desires taking over. She buried her fingers in Shego's hair. Curling her hands around the silken strands as she tried to pull her closer. To devour her. She growled as Shego sat up, trying to follow; hands reaching out. But she was pushed back down, which only increased her arousal.

Shego arched back and ripped off her pajama top, buttons flying everywhere. Then she threw the shredded remains away, breaking something as they went.

Kim didn't even notice.

She stared at those perfect breasts with raw, wanton lust burning in her eyes, wishing she was wearing something sexier than the clothes she had thrown on last night. They weren't even pajamas. She was grabbed by her shirt and pulled up. A flare of green, then another, and her top was left in tatters, her bra offering no resistance at all. Chest to glorious chest she admired the expanse of pale green skin before her, their breasts rising and falling against each other's. She bit her lip then threw her arms around Shego's neck and passionately kissed her, the two of them tumbling back onto the covers.

"–Should knock," came the voice of Wesley as the bedroom door swung open.

"It's fine–" Hego replied, then he froze as he took in Shego's and Kim's situation.

Shego rose to her knees with a frustrated, angry cry, her fingers curled like claws as her Glow erupted along her entire arm.

Hego let out a high-pitched squeal as he jumped back out of the room, pulling the door shut as he went. Only then did Kim register that she hadn't covered herself. She was mortified that she had been seen like this and, distracted, she reacted far too slowly as Shego rolled off the bed and stormed off into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her.

"Shego," Kim mouthed, her hand outstretched.

She stared at the bathroom door with longing, and while her heart and body told her to go and knock, her head told her that the moment was gone.

It's so not fair!

She wasn't one to cuss, but she really felt like letting one loose right now. She pulled the sheet around her and tried to calm down, a feat she found profoundly difficult. A year of fantasizing and dreaming about being with Shego and she had been so close.

I'd let her do anything to me. I want her to! She touched her lips. But we kissed, and almost

She drifted off for a second into fantasy land, then shivered and looked around. Playing it slow was working like a charm, unfortunately Shego's brothers had the knack of interrupting them, every time.

She let out a big sigh.

Eyes on the bathroom door she slid from the bed and, keeping the sheet wrapped around her, she shuffled over to the bedroom door and locked it. She poked the offending barrier with a little more force than necessary, then made her way over to her suitcase as her glum thoughts moved on.

A week and a bit before I have to leave, but between now and then, me and her, there's Mendelos. She glanced at one of the injuries on herside. She's gonna be consumed by him. So if there's to be an us before I leave, he's gotta go down quick.

She grabbed a fresh bra, dressing slowly as her thoughts happily dwelled on Shego.

~o0o~

Shego stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around herself. She had taken her time with her ablutions, a lot on her mind. Still dripping, she dried her hair with her Glow, then leaned against the counter and stared into the mirror. There was criticism in her eyes, but also the hint of a smile on her lips.

So I caved? I woke up in her arms. And, gods, I wanted her so bad. She pictured a topless Kim and gripped the bench tighter. I was going to fuck her so hard!

The moment had been perfect. Everything had been perfect.

Then my idiot brother had to interrupt us, again! If I didn't know any better, I'd swear he's doing it in purpose!

She leaned her forehead against the mirror and weakly punched it, the sexual tension between them building for days. She had tried to ignore it, but it was always there, slipping out. And waking up in Kim's arms after being so heroically saved … Well, a girl could only be so strong.

So here I am in my bathroom, hiding.

She turned around and slid to the floor, back against the counter.

I don't want to run away… again. Maybe it's time we just fucked? Get it out of my system? Get her out of my head?

She shivered as she remembered the feel of Kim's breasts against her own, Kim's rock-hard nipples begging to be taken, sucked and nibbled on. And that kiss… She touched a heated cheek, her heart thundering away in her chest. Tingling fingers were raised as she stared at nothing, other deeper parts tingling as well. She still wanted to deny herself what she truly wanted, all for Kim's sake. But she was losing, badly. Licking her lips, she slowly took in a deep, shuddering breath and dropped her head.

Maybe… one date, on the down-low? See where it goes?

The silent question hung in the air.

She wasn't stupid, she knew where even a single date would end up – the two of them having wild, mind-blowing sex all-night long.

I've had that body. Tasted it. Fucked it! She felt her mind start to wander. Dammit!

She ran her hands through her hair.

I like her. I want her. So it's about time I fuckin' owned it!

She breathed in and out a few times as she pulled herself up, determined eyes staring back at her from the mirror. She had considered herself dead inside after losing Rachel, as no sexy spandex wearing heroine or villainess had ever turned her head. Then Kim had come along. Butterflies swirled away in her stomach, a giggly nervousness filling her.

She hadn't felt like this in years.

Of all the girls in all the world, it had to be her. Still, it doesn't mean I can't look out for her. Keep her away from all the bad shit in my life.

A plan slowly came to mind on how to deal with Mendelos, alone.

She'll understand, once I get back.

~o~

Kim looked up expectantly from the bed as the bathroom door opened, her jaw dropping as Shego stepped out. Eyes wide, she tried to find her voice as she admired Shego in just a towel. The thin layer of cotton didn't leave much to her imagination and she could feel all the blood rushing to her ears as she strained to keep her gaze fixed firmly upon Shego's face.

She only had pajama bottoms on when she left. What else was she gonna come out in.

A feeling of déjà vu washed over her. She had been here before, she and Shego in a bedroom, Shego in just a towel. It was back when she had first realized her feelings towards Shego, and the effects she was feeling right now were exactly the same as back then.

She smiled at Shego and put her book aside.

Shego glanced around the room, the balcony doors and windows thrown open to let in the mid-morning sun. She then turned her attention back to Kim and raised an eyebrow at Kim's jeans, t-shirt, jacket and boots before her gaze fixated on a business suit laid out on the bed. She frowned, clearly putting two-and-two together.

"No!" Shego stated, raising a finger.

"Just hear me out?" Kim replied, calmly.

"You're not helping me with Mendelos!"

"Let me explain–"

"There's no way I'm lettin' you anywhere near him again!"

Kim had expected this overreaction. Plus she hadn't had much time to plan and organize what was to come. Shuffling off the bed, she parked herself in front of Shego, in part to make her point but also to be closer to that barely clad body. She tried not to stare, yet her eyes drifted across the wonderful view of pale green cleavage afforded by the towel. Shego's physique was … impressive, to say the least. She itched to caress what was on display and especially the well-rounded parts that were covered.

"He's not there," Kim stated.

"What?" Shego snapped in reply.

"Mendelos. He didn't blow up the base, and he's no longer in Antarctica. But Global Justice is on site, which means–"

"That they'll most likely know where he is," Shego said, scowling.

"So we need to go and talk with them, at their HQ. If I call Dr. Director and tell her we're interested, it's gonna get messy. Cross-jurisdictional stuff and all. But if we surprise her by showing up, like unannounced and in person, well…"

"Kimmie, I'd sooner shoot myself than walk into GJ's headquarters and ask for help."

"I'll be the one asking. You'll just be there, with me. So we do this together, okay?"

Shego glanced at the clothes on the bed.

"You think you've got this all worked out, don't you?"

"I do. But it's not that bad, is it? Us working together to take down Mendelos?"

Kim could almost hear the gears grinding away in Shego's head. She had not set out to trap her like this, but there was no way she was going to let Shego run off to fight Mendelos by herself. And Shego would, Kim knew her too well.

"What about Wade? Why can't he find out what's happening?" Shego asked.

"The Antarctic base is off the grid, so there's nothing he can do right now. The best course of action is Dr. Director." She crossed her arms over her chest. "But if you don't wanna come with, then... I guess I'll go talk to her by myself?"

One... Kim counted off in her head.

She uncrossed her arms and turned towards the door.

Two

She took a step.

Three

A pale green hand shot out and gently grabbed Kim's wrist. She looked back at Shego, an eyebrow raised in question even as she silently cheered.

"Not without me," Shego stated.

Spankin! Kim thought. "Well, hurry up and change, and we'll–"

"And why on earth do you think I'm going to wear all that?" Shego said, pointing at the clothes on the bed. "Since when do I wear a suit and tie?"

"Why, whatever's the matter?" Kim replied in her most innocent of voices.

"The matter?" Shego snapped, hands on hips. "Don't give me this 'little miss innocent' routine." She strode over to the bed and waved a hand at the attire on offer.

Ohhh wow...! Kim thought, openly admiring Shego from behind. Shego was still damp from the shower, and her glistening legs were fully on display, and as Kim's gaze drifted higher, she bit her lip at Shego's sexy backside. She considered herself a good girl, but there was just something about Shego that brought out her animalistic side.

A low rumble came from somewhere deep in her chest, and she quickly moved up next to Shego.

"A hat? What is this crap?" Shego growled.

"You needed something appropriate to wear, since we're going to Global Justice HQ. So I asked Margaret for help. Since, you know, you don't have any clothes as yet." And if I had any ulterior motives in getting you to wear some love heart dotted panties, I'm sure I don't know what I'm talking about.

Shego glared at her, but Kim knew she had won. It went without saying that time was of the essence, and there was no way Shego was going to let her go off on her own. Though, as a mischievous smile played across Shego's lips, Kim felt a faint flutter of doubt.

"All right, we'll do it your way," Shego said in a voice that was far too reasonable. She grabbed the cream shirt from the bed and raised an eyebrow at Kim.

Kim gave her a blank stare in return, then understanding kicked in. She spun about and stared at the bedroom door, banished from the wonderful sight of Shego changing behind her. It felt so unfair after this morning. She naturally fantasized about the moment, of Shego tossing the towel away, stepping closer, her hands reaching out–

A towel landed on Kim's shoulder.

"Eep!?" she squeaked only to hear a chuckle from behind. "No fair, my mind was elsewhere."

"I'm sure it was," Shego replied.

Shego sounded so close that Kim closed her eyes, waiting for Shego to touch her. Nothing happened. Only silence. She pouted, but it once again brought up this morning … and what had happened.

Guess… there's no time like the present to ask? she thought. "Can we talk about this morning? Us?" There was no reply. "Shego?" Still no reply. She peeked over her shoulder and found herself alone in the bedroom.

She sighed and rolled her eyes, and picked up her backpack.

~o~

Shego sprinted around the front of the house, her expensive jacket, shoes, hat, and tie in hand. She was aiming for her motorcycle, before Kim caught on; but it would be close. She had the element of surprise on her side, but with Kim you never knew. She skidded on the grassy lawn as she rounded a corner, the open garage beckoning.

I never promised her we'd take down Mendelos together, and this is for her own good. I'll make her understand, when I get back.

She slid to a stop on the gravel driveway, a problem arising.

"Hey Shez, lookin' sharp," Wesley said, his friendly greeting repeated by about twenty of his copies lounging about the garage.

More importantly, they were all around her motorcycle.

"Thanks…" she warily replied. She glanced behind, no sign of Kim as yet. "Look, I'm in a hurry. Can you–"

"Nope," they all replied at once.

She pinched her nose, seeing the trap.

"Kimmie put you up to this, didn't she?"

"She sure did!"

~o0o~

"This is a truly momentous day!" Hego proclaimed for the umpteenth time. He was sitting in the back of the hovercraft with Kim and Shego, a big smile on his face. He was in his civvies, his superhero outfit underneath, Wesley and Wendell the same as they sat up front with Sadie.

"Evil doers of the world beware!" he announced, pointing a finger at the sky. "Team Go is together again!"

Shego groaned and dropped her head, wishing she could tune out her brother.

"C'mon, his enthusiasms not that bad, is it?" Kim whispered in her ear.

"Kimmie–"

"Say it with me, guys," Hego said, standing up, "Go Team Go!"

"Yeah, no. Just kill me," Shego whispered back.

She was stuck here in this hovercraft as they flew over the Pacific Ocean, on their way to New York. How Kim had been able to organize her brothers and everything else while she had been in the shower, she did not know. She glanced at Wesley and Wendell, then groaned again as Hego exuberantly let out Team Go's signature catchphrase once again.

And she deliberately sat between me and Henry, so I can't smack him across the back of his head and tell him to shut the fuck up.

"Only ten more minutes and we're there," Kim whispered.

Save me!

It was ten minutes too long as far as she was concerned. The only silver lining on this flight from hell was that Kim was pressed up against her, Kim's arm resting on the seat behind her. A month or even a week ago, she would have moved away, but that battle had been lost. She was still unsure how to approach this new attitude, so she was taking things as they came.

She squeezed Kim's knee that she had heard, and sighed yet again.

Beep…Bee…Beep. Beep.
Beep…Bee…Beep. Beep.

Kim's adjusted her position and leaned forwards, both hands on her kimmunicator as she answered the call.

"Hey Wade, what's the sitch?" Kim said.

"All done," Wade said triumphantly.

"What's done?" Shego asked.

"Our way into Global Justice," Kim said. "And they won't even know we're coming, because Wade's that good."

~o0o~

Kim exited the New York taxi cab, followed by Shego, the two of them standing out front of a skyscraper. This was the new face of Global Justice, the building's flashy, overt design a symbol of world safety and security. Kim shaded her eyes from the early morning sun as she looked up, her gaze returning to her partner-in-crime. Shego rocked the roguish look in her business suit, her collar undone, tie loose, and hat sitting snugly upon her head. The whole ensemble gave her a sultry, sophisticated look as far as Kim was concerned. And looking back, choosing that hat really had been a moment of whimsy, but now Kim couldn't picture Shego without.

I feel like we're in a fifties crime drama, Kim thought.

She was still in her jeans and t-shirt, but had opted for plain brown hair from her appearance changing amulet. On instinct she held out her arm for Shego, and was surprised when it was accepted. Not for the first time she wondered what was going on as, arm in arm, they walked up the stairs to the building's revolving door.

We almost had sex, and now we're kinda holding hands. Will wonders never cease?

Kim was hardly surprised that Shego stepped forwards to enter the building alone, Kim following close behind. They both understood that the revolving door was full of hidden surveillance equipment. It was how these places worked. Arrive here with ill-intent and you would be in a world of trouble.

She's too quiet, Kim thought, watching Shego look around the glittery lobby. She really doesn't like being here. She touched Shego's arm. "This way." And she led them away from the busy reception desk and over to some lifts.

"I'm really not a fan of going in the front like this," Shego muttered.

"You prefer sneaking in the backdoor, huh?" Kim replied.

"Well… I usually ask before I do," Shego said as she dropped her eyes to Kim's backside. "'Cause it can be a lot of fun, if you know what I mean?"

Kim stared at Shego and went bright red, the lift dinging in arrival.

Shego winked at her and stepped inside the empty lift.

Kim blinked then followed, then fumbled to use the palm-scanner as her thoughts swirled.

She flirted with me! And said– That we–

With a chirpy beep the scanner registered Kim's palmprint, and the lift went zooming down into the bowels of the earth. The upper levels we're all generic businesses and Global Justice administration. Deep underground was where the magic happened, it was where Central Command watched and reacted to flare ups all across the globe, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

"Cat got your tongue?" Shego asked as she reached out and unclasped Kim's choker, her fingers ghosting across Kim's neck.

Kim shivered at the touch, even as her hair returned to its naturally vibrant red.

"Much better," Shego said as she leaned against the wall, pocketing the amulet.

Wh–What is going on? Kim thought. It's like she's a completely different person.

She took a deep, steadying breath and inched closer.

"Shego–?"

The lift dinged in arrival.

Argh! she silently screamed.

The moment between them was gone in an instant as the doors slid open, Shego's expression going icy as she took in all the Global Justice agents passing by outside.

Kim's eyes darted between Shego and the unsuspecting agents and for the first time she had doubts about her plan. Not for coming, but for convincing Shego to tag along. It was like bringing a lit candle into a fireworks factory. Everything was fine until someone slipped up … and then boom.

She quickly exited the lift, making sure she was between Shego and the agents outside.

"They don't care, really," Kim said, holding out a hand for Shego.

Shego didn't accept Kim's offer as she stepped out of the lift, her whole body radiating tension.

"Kimmie, we're disaster magnets."

"Sometimes, but not here. Trust me."

It was the right thing to say as she watched Shego relax ever so slightly.

"Kimmie?"

"Hm?"

"Why're they all staring at us."

What?

She had been so intent on Shego's discomfort that she had failed to notice that all the nearby agents had paused in their duties and that they were all looking at her and Shego.

Uh-oh! Kim thought.

"Hey!" a burly agent called out, striding forwards.

"Be cool," Kim whispered out of the corner of her mouth.

"Not going to happen," Shego replied, clenching her fists.

"Can I get your autographs?" the agent asked, holding out a notebook and pen.

With that simple question it was if a dam had broken, as all the agents surged forwards to ask the same, or to shake their hands, and to take photos with them both.

Kim was used to this reaction, it was why she had worn the amulet through New York. What she wasn't used to was playing second fiddle, because most of the agents adoration was centered on Shego. Kim wasn't jealous, just worried how Shego would handle it all. Luckily, she need not have worried. Shego seemed so shocked and overwhelmed that she kind of went along with it.

Well, she used to be a hero in Go City. I'm sure she's done all this before.

Eventually the small crowd dispersed, leaving behind a smiling Kim and a frazzled Shego.

"We did save the world together," Kim said as a way of explanation. "And you… Well, you're kind of a legend in certain circles."

"Uh-huh," Shego replied.

~o0o~

Dr. Director looked up as her office door opened, frowning at the interruption. She opened her mouth to castigate whoever it was, as her personal assistant would never end let anyone in without informing her first. To her surprise, Kim walked in, closely followed by Shego. Dr. Director kept her expression carefully neutral even as her mind spun ahead with plots and counterplots as to why they were here. She had been trying to get Kim to visit ever since the new headquarters had opened, and that had been months ago. As for Shego, it was like seeing a unicorn in her front yard.

"I see," Dr. Director said, carefully managing her response. "And my assistant?"

"She's fine," Kim replied, flicking her eyes back towards the door. "Sleeping on the job, actually."

Dr. Director took this in even as she glanced at Shego, then back at Kim.

"If you wanted to talk about Antarctica, you could have just called?" Dr. Director said. "There was no need for all this cloak-and-dagger, and assaulting one of my agents."

"She'll be fine," Shego drawled, holding up a hand. "Won't even have a headache when she wakes."

"I'm well-aware of your Glow, and what you can do with it."

"Good! 'Cause I've got some questions for you!"

"Guys! Settle," Kim said, her gaze on Dr. Director even as she touched Shego's arm.

Dr. Director watched Shego calm, something passing between the two women.

At least I now know why Kim disappeared, she finally caught up with Shego. She pushed her paperwork to the side and gestured for them both to sit. She would have preferred to do this in private with just Kim, but they came as a pair. It was there in their body language and their interactions. Well, time to find out if they are in a relationship, and to narrow down why they came to see me.

Kim sat and looked completely at ease, while Shego stood with her arms crossed.

"Who was it?" Shego demanded as she glared at Dr. Director. "Who the fuck put Mendelos on ice?"

Good cop, bad cop? Dr. Director thought. She took in Kim's pained expression. No, just bad cop. "That's classified."

"That's total bullshit, and you know it! You covered it up, that Mendelos was there at the Baxter Building. I lost Rachel that night, and you lied to the police about it, about my involvement, and then you tried to blackmail me! So who the hell ordered it?"

"Betty, she needs to know why it all happened," Kim said.

Dr. Director maintained her calm visage even though Shego had just dropped a bombshell.

We tried to blackmail her? What kind of operation were you running back then, John? She drummed her fingers in thought and came to a decision. "Kim, Shego, if you were agents of Global Justice, I might declassify some of the files for you, but you're not." She leaned forwards. "Kim you've chosen to remain on the outer, and Shego's a former villain, so it would be criminally negligent of me to reveal such classified intel to you"

"Tell me who it was, or so help me…" Shego growled, flames flickering around her fingers. "Because I will find out, eventually!"

"Are you threatening one of my agents?" Dr. Director said as she stood up, hands on her desk. "Come at me all you want, but go after one of my agents and I'll bring the full force of Global Justice down upon you. You're on a paper-thin amnesty, Shego. And I'm sure there are those who would hate to see you go on the run again?" She pointedly looked at Kim. "Or to jail!"

Kim was up and in front of Shego before Shego had even uncrossed her arms, Kim whispering quiet, calming words to her.

Dr. Director watched them, gaining valuable insight. She had deliberately pushed Shego's buttons just to see what would happen, and it was everything she expected. They were in a relationship, each making the other stronger.

John Blake may no longer be director, yet I'm still cleaning up his messes.

She sat back down, making links where there were none before.

This mystery villain is interested in Shego. John goes missing. Then someone tries to remove this Mendelos from our facility, and he's somehow linked to both of them. It can't be a coincidence! Someone's playing the long game, and we're already a step behind.

"Betty?" Kim said, resting her hands on the edge of the desk.

"Yes?" Dr. Director replied.

"If I joined Global Justice, like right now, would you give us the file on Mendelos?"

There it was, the breakthrough that Dr. Director had been waiting for, for over a year. She watched it instantly come apart as Shego's hand came down on Kim's shoulder, unspoken words passing between the two women.

Kim tilted her head then nodded at Shego, cleared her throat, and turned back to Dr. Director.

"Dr. Director, I'd like to formally request that Shego and I lead the mission to capture and contain Mendelos. We've both fought him, so we're clearly the best operatives for the job."

"I see… but you're too late. My agents already have his compound under surveillance, and I have additional reinforcements on the way. We'll secure him and bring him in, so there's no need to concern yourselves about him anymore."

"Your men will be useless against him!" Shego stated.

"My men are exceptionally well-trained," Dr. Director replied.

"He can mind-control with just a touch!"

"You appear to be fine."

"I can do this," Shego snapped, igniting her Glow. "Your men can't. Each and every agent you send is just adding to his army."

"Interesting," Dr. Director said. "Kim?"

"It's true," Kim replied. "He's got some bastardization of Team Go's Glow, and a weird range of abilities because of it. Regeneration, metal manipulation, power absorption, and mind-control are what we know of. He's sure to have more. We think they're the main reason why he's so mutated."

"Well, thank you for the information. Anything else you'd like to add?" She glanced between Kim and Shego. "No? Then let's talk about the surrender of both your hovercrafts–"

"Didn't you hear what Kimmie just said?" Shego snapped.

"I did, and now you listen to me," Dr. Director calmly replied. "Global Justice, in all its incarnations, has been taking down villains since before you were born. We're exceptionally good at it. We'll be able to handle this Mendelos, no matter what he throws at us."

~o~

Shego hurried out of Dr. Director's office, following an angry Kim. She caught up to her in the hallway, Kim smiling and waiting for her. It was such a dramatic change that Shego instantly called bullshit on the argument that Kim and Dr. Director had just had.

"It was all an act, wasn't it?" Shego said.

"Why, whatever do you mean?" Kim replied with wide, innocent eyes.

"Yeah… we really do need to work on your lying face."

"I'm quite happy with my lying face, thank you very much. Because I don't. But I was angry and frustrated with her, so I used it as a diversion to plant a bug under her desk."

"You bugged her office?!"

"I did."

"Maybe there's hope for you yet."

"Well, it's the fastest way for Wade to find Mendelos, so that makes it the best way for us to save those agents. Wade will probably even have his location by the time we get topside. So, ready to go get the big bad?"

"Kimmie, I was born ready."

~o0o~

I have a lot to say here, but I won't. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

~o0o~