Merry Christmas! I know it's early, but I won't have another chapter out before the holiday, so there you go. I wish you all cheer and love in the season, even if you don't celebrate Christmas. Find someone you love, preferably multiple ones, and let them know how much you care. And don't just focus on it this time of the year! Love everyone everyday no matter what! The world is only as wonderful as we make it, so let's get started: I love you all!
Kim Possible: Necessary Changes Season 3 Chapter 3
"We're sorry for the long hold, ma'am," the overly friendly woman said on the other end of the line. "We'll have someone for you as soon as we can. Your call is very important to us."
Betty Director leaned back in her chair and propped her feet on the dining room table, "No, you're not sorry, no you won't have someone soon, and if my call was so important to you, you would have gotten someone thirty minutes ago. I did used to work there you know? I know all of Global Justice's tricks."
Silence answered her as the secretary on the other end was thrown off her little scripted dialogue. Betty had been working on contacting someone in GJ for weeks now. After awaiting calls hadn't worked and failing to contact Will Du, she'd resorted to the special number they set aside for VIPs and government contacts. Her old credentials still worked, not surprising since most high level retirees retain some kind of contact, but she'd been relegated to a substantial wait time.
"How many more people's names can I drop before you get one of them on?" Betty continued. "Bullock, Smith, Duper…"
"All are currently unable to take calls, Ms. Director," she sounded less chipper and more frustrated with a woman who simply wouldn't give up.
"Then give them my number and let them know they have two days to call me before I come there instead."
"Not a possibility. Your security clearance has been stricken."
"I'm allies with the world's greatest thief. I don't need anyone's permission to enter into anywhere."
She thought she heard the girl audibly gulp before wishing her a wonderful day and hanging up. Betty slammed the phone back into its cradle with a groan and leaned forward, rubbing her eyes with her palms as she rested her elbows on the table. This had just graduated from irritating to frustrating. She stared at the zip lock baggie before her, the spying device nestled inside and awaiting answers she seemingly would never get.
Almost a freaking month and no one at her old employment would give her any time. She had held out hope for Will, but she hadn't seen him in longer. She'd brushed away the whole Team Possible dilemma, ignored her worry over the team she'd never knew she'd grown attached to until they had split, but now she was forced to think about something else besides answers to their spy.
"No luck?" Bonnie walked in while brushing her teeth.
"Of course not," Betty stood and made for her coffee machine, her personal heaven in this hell.
Betty hated downtime, hated it with a passion, and now she was surrounded by it, possessed by it as her brain struggled to avoid turning to mush from inactivity. She'd kept up conversations with Kim's parents, with Wade, even with Drakken to an extent, but the whole situation just seemed to be stuck in limbo. She'd seen days ago that Kim, Shego and Ron had saved downtown from a robot invasion and hoped that would be the first step in resurgence for the team.
It hadn't happened, though now Betty had an interest in this new team that appeared from nowhere to assist the remnants of theirs. The new group hadn't made much more ruckus in Middleton, though reports were coming in of people saving civilians in foreign countries and it most certainly wasn't Team Possible. Whoever it was, they were always gone before paparazzi could show up to question them. Betty sipped her coffee and mumbled annoyances as she returned to her position at the table.
Bonnie disappeared to finish brushing and then walked back through to join her. She was dressed in only her sleep shirt, a short sleeve just long enough to reach her upper thighs. The girl had certainly made herself at home, at Betty's insistence, but she was definitely very light in her lounge attire. Even in her own home, the former director was still dressed in a button up and loose jeans.
"Staying in today?" Betty asked between drinks.
"Not much else to do," Bonnie sounded annoyed.
"Sorry I haven't been out and about lately. I'm a pretty bad housemate."
The teen gave her a strange look, "If I didn't like the company, I wouldn't stay."
Betty chuckled. Their reverie was interrupted by the phone ringing and Betty answered with a huffed hello.
"Betty," the familiar male voice said.
"Will? Well it's about damn time."
"Spare me the lecture, I need to see you; pronto."
She raised an eyebrow and wondered at this particular turn of events. She was half expecting to be waiting forever for them and now Will sounded on the verge of panic. She could tell this was already going to be an interesting day.
"Time and place," Betty answered.
He thought for a moment, "Diner next to the multiplex. I'll be there in two hours."
The old meeting place for GJ agents; made sense, "I'll be there."
She then looked to the brunette beside her and added, "I'll be bringing a friend."
"This isn't civilian business."
"You'll manage," she became stern and he eventually backed down before wishing her a goodbye.
Bonnie seemed intrigued, "We're going out."
"To meet an old friend," Betty stood and made for her room. "I might need backup."
"Or you just want to treat a girl to a day out."
Betty gave her a respectful glance, fully aware the girl could see through her more and more. It was true she was using this as an excuse to get Bonnie out of the house; the teen was getting restless being cooped up.
Bonnie couldn't keep the excitement out of her hilarious skipping run to her room, almost tearing her shirt off as she neared. Betty mentally encouraged the girl to hurry getting ready, as she could take upwards of an hour to gussy herself for presentation. Betty took fifteen minutes at the most and that was at a comfortable pace. She didn't bother changing her button up but did add a coat for warmth. The jeans would be fine too.
Minutes later, Bonnie appeared at her door in a lovely, sapphire sweater tunic with a keyhole slot, a 'boob window' as the boys at work used to call them. She also wore leggings underneath and those furry boots teens loved these days.
"You are not going out dressed like that," the teen remarked.
Betty frowned, "And why not?"
"You look like a mom. How are you going to get anyone's attention like that?"
"Bon, I spent years training to avoid people's attention. Besides, who am I trying to impress?"
She leaned against the door and crossed her arms, "This Will Du guy seems to have your fancy."
Betty laughed, "Will is over a decade younger than me."
"What does that matter?!" the teen actually seemed upset by that.
Betty scowled at her sudden indignant outburst, but took it in stride. Bonnie could be rough, proudly so, but it was rare she spouted off to Betty.
"What would we talk about?" Director mused. "What could someone his age have in common with me?"
"You and I do just fine."
"You and I are girls. Besides, I don't like him that way. He's just a very trusted friend, though he's been testing that lately. He'd be a great match for you, though. He seems to gravitate towards bossy women."
"I am not bossy."
"You just walked in my room and told me how I'm going to dress."
Bonnie opened her mouth, but was caught by her own actions. Betty chuckled at the annoyance on the teen's tanned features. With a pout, she walked over and began to take off Betty's jacket.
"This is for your own good," the woman didn't fight the teen's insistence. "You aren't an agent anymore, so start acting like a normal person. Normal people date, they flirt, they interact with people."
"You're all the interaction I need, Bon."
The girl stopped and her cheeks colored slightly. Her pause was just long enough to catch Betty's attention before Bonnie huffed and continued shockingly by unbuttoning her shirt.
"Why are you undressing me?" Betty asked.
"You've got a bra on, so what's the big deal? I'm putting you in something a bit more aesthetically pleasing."
Bonnie then moved to her closet and began rummaging through it with purpose. Betty should have been annoyed by her attitude, but she couldn't drop the sense that the girl was doing this, not out of malice, but out of a sincere effort to "help" the older woman. Perhaps the teen was right; maybe she did need to drop the soldier act now and again.
"The hell?!" Bonnie pulled out several things. "You literally don't even wear half the stuff you own! There are nice outfits in here!"
"Mostly presents from family."
Bonnie threw a black, long sleeve sweater at her which she easily caught. She followed with pulling out a pair of dark blue jeans of a tighter fit than her usual wear.
"Pants off," the teen ordered as she neared. "Shirt and new pants on."
"Like I said: bossy."
The teen grimaced playfully as Betty obeyed.
"You're so pretty," Bonnie mumbled as she watched. "Why hide it?"
"I never saw much use in being pretty."
"Being beautiful isn't about you; it's about how others perceive you. Does it not feel nice when someone compliments you?"
Betty finished pulling on the shirt, feeling the slight snugness to it, "It did feel nice to be called pretty. I can't remember the last time anyone said it to me. Still, it's not something I give much merit to. Pretty achieves nothing but taking away from what you possess elsewise. What's the point in being cute if you're useless?"
"Some of us only have that."
Betty pulled on the rather tight jeans and gave Bonnie an annoyed look, "I know you aren't referring to you. You have merits besides looks. More than you ever give yourself credit for at least."
Bonnie didn't answer, but instead seemed to critique the finished product of Betty's new dress. The shirt was form fitting, but at least comfortable, though it did almost openly expose her navel. The pants, however, were not only too form fitting, but they were dangerously low hip riders.
"Women my age shouldn't dress like this," Betty mumbled, though she secretly took a little pride at how nice her stomach looked for her age.
"You look as good as people my age. What are you, thirty three?"
"Almost thirty four," she answered.
"That's nothing! If I looked as good as you at that age, I'd feel like a teenager still. At least give it a try!"
Betty made calming motions, "Easy, easy, I'll wear it. Who am I to question your choice in clothing? You're much better at it than me."
Bonnie stared at her, deciding if she wanted to be mad or happy, and simply decided on some form of hesitance.
"Could you really…not be with anyone younger than you?"
Betty wasn't sure why this was an issue, "I suppose it depends on the person. It would be a tad weird."
"What's wrong with weird? Kim and Shego are weird. Ron and Yori are bizarre. Sometimes, weird makes it even better. Never have so many reasons to not date someone or you'll miss out on something special."
Betty was suddenly overcome by the intelligence of that statement. She'd rarely gotten such sound advice, especially from an eighteen year old diva. Would the girl ever realize just how much she had to offer besides her looks? Perhaps she needed Betty to help her understand that. Mayhaps they needed each other to understand what they both lacked. No matter what, Betty was more positive by the day that practically adopting the girl had been a wise idea.
"I think my midriff is going to be feeling this cold," Betty offered.
"The price we pay for being beautiful. How do you think I'll feel?" she pointed to her chest.
"Encumbered," Betty answered dead pan. "Possibly with an aching back. A girl your age shouldn't have boobs that big."
Bonnie blushed and covered her chest, "Since when have you been noticing my boobs?!"
"Don't blame me. They're hard to miss."
They stared at each other and Betty couldn't suppress a giggle at the teen's shocked face. Eventually, Bonnie lost her visage to fits of giggling and they both laughed like idiots for some time. This wasn't something Betty had done since being a recruit. It felt good to laugh at something stupid, at something shared between friends. She needed that normalcy now more than ever. She hoped she would have more opportunities ahead.
Monique's fist slammed into the punching bag with surprising force, shaking the training instrument along with the low hanging rafter it was secured to above. She'd been at that for almost twenty minutes now and she seemed to finally be losing some steam. Mon had always been in acceptable shape, but she had recently started to show a bit of muscle to her thin frame. It wasn't much, but it was starting to become noticeable.
Kim had been watching her the entire time, hidden in the doorway of the old training area at the now abandoned Team Possible headquarters. Wade had said her best GF had been frequenting the building since Leon left and now Kim could see why. Finally, Mon flopped to her butt on the pads nearby and attempted to catch her breath.
Kim grabbed a towel as she neared and tossed it at her, "Pretty good."
Mon had been too surprised to catch the towel, instead letting it hit her face. She pulled it back with a grimace.
"How long have you been there?" she asked.
Kim shrugged and smiled innocently, "Long enough."
Mon immediately picked up on her intensely improved attitude from the last time they'd seen one another. The look of relief on her friend's face was heartwarming in its sincerity.
"Is KP back to one hundred percent?" she asked and wiped her forehead.
"Seventy percent," the redhead fell down next to her. "But I'm not here about me. How are you?"
"Knuckles hurt," she answered.
"You should really wear gloves until your fists toughen from use."
"I'm not really paying attention to it at the time. This hitting things mentality certainly helps."
"It's cathartic, but I think you need more TLC than violence."
Mon frowned, but there was a definite desire behind those eyes to gush and open up about what had happened. It shouldn't have taken Kim this long to be there for her, no matter what pain she'd felt initially. She was a better friend than that, or at least she thought she'd been. No time like the present to make up for it.
"Talk to me," Kim scooted closer.
"What's to say? BF says TTYL and leaves me high and dry. I don't hate him and I certainly don't resent him for it, but I don't understand why he just had to…leave."
"It might have been harder if he'd stayed; for both of you. I didn't know him very well, but he seemed intent on always doing right by you. Maybe he thought this was the right thing."
Mon laughed bitterly, "He was wonderful to me. He was everything I wanted from someone. I told him I loved him, Kim, and I don't think I really did. I loved the idea of him, but it always seemed like something separated us. Maybe he was just too perfect, too predictable; maybe I just took him for granted."
She turned to Kim and her eyes watered only slightly, "I don't know who to blame, Kim."
Kim sidled up next to her and gave a comforting, single armed hug, "Blame can't always be placed on one thing. Sometimes everyone does their best to do something stupid."
Mon rested her head on Kim's shoulder, "Is that what happened with you and Shego?"
Kim didn't answer, intent on simply hugging her friend and being there in the way she should have days ago.
Monique nudged her, "Don't clam up on me."
"We both did wrong. She lied and I…I couldn't forgive her when it mattered most. I always told her I loved her too but I let her go so easily. How much could I have possibly loved her if that's all it took to separate us?"
"She misses you."
"I miss her so bad it hurts."
"Then go get her."
Kim didn't respond, because she knew exactly how the conversation would play. Kim would say the awful truth she'd been entertaining for days now, that she didn't deserve Shego after giving her up so easily. Mon would claim she's great and wonderful and she deserves that and more. Kim would woefully disagree, knowing full well that her well-lived life up to this point didn't negate the cowardice she'd shown these few weeks.
Deep inside, she also still feared that betrayal. Shego loved her and she'd never deny that, but what if she simply lied again. She had no qualms about it, she'd spent her life doing it; at what point did justified trust lose out to self-preservation. She'd recovered this time, but could the great Kim Possible survive that same pain again? Her uncertainty annoyed and frightened her.
"I know," Kim exhaled deeply, "I used her at first. I was just reaching out to someone close by, at least to an extent. I had no business falling for her as fast as I did. I was just asking to have my heart broken."
"But that didn't happen," Mon reminded her. "You two were legit happy. I'm talking old married couple happy. So what if you just wanted someone nearby to ease the pain? Even if it was shallow at first, you two eventually fell utterly and hopelessly in love. You got lucky, hon."
Kim became silent again and that frustrated Monique to no end. Her angry growl was more than indicative of her lessening tolerance to Kim's silence.
She spun and forced Kim to do the same, making them lock eyes, "What did you love about Shego? What did she do that no one else did that made you feel special?"
"She…she was nice to me," Kim stammered.
"Anyone can be nice to you. What did she do that no one else did?"
Kim's mind went blank at that sudden realization. What made Kim fall for the woman so completely? What did she see that made her want and need the former criminal beyond anyone she'd met before? She began to panic as she went longer and longer without an answer.
She tried to list the things she desired in a partner. Trust? She thought they trusted each other, but that proved woefully inaccurate. Kindness? Shego was rude and crude to anyone and anything, even Kim at times. Support? Shego was supportive at least, especially with her college life. Good with Kim's friends? Shego disliked most everyone, at least outwardly, but she was cordial.
This wasn't turning out well. Her chest ached every second she struggled to justify the source of her devotion for the woman. Oh God, what if she'd been wrong this whole time about them!? She wracked her brain, reminded herself of the wonderful times they'd shared these past few months, pictured the woman in those most intimate moments when she'd felt her very soul ignite by simply sharing a room with Shego.
"That is what made her special," Kim whispered.
"What?" Mon blinked.
Kim's mind calmed as clarity absorbed her, wrapped her in comfort, "The fact that she was kind to me; that's what was special about her. She spent her life hating, despising, and loathing the thought of allowing others inside her walls. I was the first. All the people, all the friends and family she's known and I was the one she let in. That's why I fell for her: she changed her very core in an attempt to meet me halfway and it was the most selfless thing I'd ever seen. I saw so much good in her at one time and I adored it."
Kim was smiling now and almost shedding a tear, which was mimicked on her friend's face as she grabbed her hand and gave it a healthy, stronger than normal squeeze. Kim felt weight leaving her, weight she'd carried for three weeks, and she found it easier to breathe, to smile, to exist.
"So go get her," Mon encouraged.
"It's not that simple. I can't just walk up and pretend like there isn't something to be forgiven on my end. I have to make this up to her. I just need to find the perfect way. She deserves that…she's so worth the effort."
Monique huffed and stood, "Well, we can talk about it while you give me some pointers."
Kim followed, "You looking to join us in the field?"
"Couldn't hurt to try," she cracked her knuckles. "Looks like you guys will be having some competition anyways."
Kim thought back to their recent victory along the new team she'd been hearing news reports about. Iris hadn't answered her calls and that was annoying; not only because she wanted to know more about this team and if it was the one Jack Hench was supposedly helming, but they also needed to break the ice on the little kissing occurrence at Kim's the other day. At least the group had been doing all good deeds as far as they knew, saving civvies and bashing villains, but it was just all too fishy for Kim's sake.
"Let's go eat out tonight," Kim offered and took her stance. "I need some time with you guys."
"Spankin'," Mon took a basic boxing stance, slightly sloppy, but showing potential.
The two girls laughed together as they neared Ron's apartment hours later, cleaned, ready to go out and intent on surprising Ron and Yori with an invite. Kim shushed Mon as she grabbed the door handle, counted to three, and threw it open thanks to the spare key Ron had given Mon.
"Who's ready for dinne-!" barely escaped her mouth before her throat dried.
Her mind processed the scene just as the two inside reacted. A darting figure made for the right, towards the bedroom, but Kim's focus unfortunately fell directly on the figure still left center stage of the living area. A familiar, nasally yelp accompanied the blond as he dove for cover behind the armchair, but not before Kim had gotten a full view of a very naked Ron.
"My eyes!" Monique screamed as she shoved her palms into her orbital sockets, intent on grinding the image from her memory.
"What the hell!?" he cried in nervous anger. "Don't you people knock!?"
"Who has sex in their living room at midday?! And Yori is injured, you horndog!"
"That's no excuse for you bursting in! And she jumped me!"
"I jumped him!" Yori nervously yelled from the bedroom.
Kim only listened, her face distorted into a confused and fairly displeased mask that wouldn't recede.
"Look, you even broke Kim!" Mon patted her shoulder.
Ron peeked out from behind the chair, "We're still friends, right KP?"
Kim could only nod in response. It was almost an hour later before the two ninjas could even walk out of their room, fully dressed, to see the two girls sitting on the couch and looking as despondent as anyone who walked in on their friends porking would. Ron looked aggravated and Yori was practically glowing red from forehead to neck.
"So," Yori stammered. "To what do we owe the honor of this visit?"
Mon looked to Kim, who still was only recovering, so she answered instead, "We were wanting to go get a bite to eat."
"You guys already got a visual buffet," Ron mumbled.
Mon sneered, but Ron's full focus was on Kim, who refused to make eye contact with anyone. He looked bothered and no one was surprised. This wasn't the kind of thing that ended friendships, especially one as storied as theirs, but it could make things awkward for a time. Kim wasn't even aware of her surroundings, only registering the speaking as ambient noise as her mind caught up to itself.
She'd seen him before, or she'd seen…it before when they'd dated, but for some reason seeing it now was uncomfortable. Still, one thing stood prevalently above all else and that was the image that played through her mind when it had occurred. She had only seen her lifelong friend for a split second before her mind had realized what was happening and instead blocked her mind with visions of Shego.
A very sultry, very nude Shego had swum through her vision and she wasn't sure what to do with that. She wanted the green goddess, she wanted her in so many ways right now, but that wasn't an option. Still, it was a calming sensation to know that, after everything, she still wanted Sheridan just as badly as she ever had. It made her feel like it was a possibility. After the gentle ankle rub the woman had offered the other day, she was more sure as time passed.
"Kim," Ron almost whined.
Her head shot up, "I'm sorry, Ron, I'm fine. Yori, I barely saw anything, I promise."
"I saw everything," Monique groaned.
"Don't sound so repulsed!" Ron grumped.
Yori reached out and grabbed Ron's hand, "It is alright. She understands that you are for my eyes only."
"Don't worry, hon. It's like you two are meant for each other," Mon smiled.
The Asian teen beamed proudly, "I've always believed so."
"Well then," Mon stood and dragged Kim along, "let's go celebrate the mental scarring I've gained and also the return of good old Kim."
Ron's eyes darted to his best friend's face, "Kim?"
She smiled and nodded, "Good to be back."
He was up and hugging her before she knew it, lifting her in the happiest bear hug she'd ever received. She loved that; she loved that, even after that unfortunate occurrence, his first thought was jubilance towards her happiness. No awkward handshake, no shoulder pat lacking eye contact; he held her without worry or embarrassment because that was the friend he was. She loved them all and she was tired of losing friends. It was time to start regaining them.
Wade pressed his hand to the reader and let the red line scan his prints. Only three people had access to Drakken's Middleton base and the young teen was proud to add his name to that list. He missed Drew and he'd been given a great reason to locate him, a reason that gave him a joy he could barely contain.
"You're bouncing," Yoko giggled beside him.
"Can't help it," he grinned.
He knew it made him look even more like a kid, his height and chubby frame included, but who cared what others thought? He was happy and not just a little bit either. Hearing Kim's voice, seeing her bright, warm face after so long had lifted a weight from him he never knew he was nursing. She was so much better, that was clear, but she sounded so hopeful. He made no secrets about his admiration for Kim, one of the main reasons he'd agreed to be their tech guy years ago, so he didn't care who knew he was ecstatic she was back to form.
"You're adorable," the girl beside him walked closer, entwining their fingers as they entered the lair.
Look who was talking. While Camille had dolled Yoko up for her visit to Middleton, she'd eventually gone back to her previous look out of frustration over how long it took to simply maintain her appearance. She was now back to a simple clip in her bobbed hair and seeing glasses, a look that Wade loved far more. This was the real Yoko, the one he'd met online months previous, and he wouldn't trade her for the "hottest" model in existence.
Drew's lair was lightly decorated throughout as he seemed to have little to fill the many rooms once dedicated to villainous plots. Still, the living area was impressively furnished at this point and actually appeared to hold some semblance of homeliness to it. Warm lighting, an actual chandelier dangled from the ceiling, a small library had been set up next to a mock fireplace and cushy armchair, and Wade suddenly found a hint of home cooking in the air.
They followed the scent to a kitchen set into the far left wall with beads dangling in the doorway. They made quite a ruckus entering, which alerted the person currently working over the stove. Dressed in a surprisingly classy, black and white maid uniform, the woman immediately halted stirring a boiling pot to smile brightly at the newcomers.
"Welcome," she said with an excess amount of pleasantry. "You must be Mr. Lode and Ms. Carolan."
Drew had a maid? It didn't seem his style, but Wade could see why he'd hired this one. She was young, possibly early twenties and slightly baby faced. Her hair was a strange shade of dull pink, but it didn't look dyed, and was set into a braided bun behind her head. Strangely, there was a slight glare to her hazel eyes that reminded him of a computer monitor.
The woman walked to an intercom on the kitchen wall and tapped a button, "Dr. Drakken, Dr. Porter, the guests have arrived."
"On our way," Drew's voice sounded back.
The woman politely offered them wait in the living area as she busily returned to her meal preparation. Wade and Yoko obeyed and only waited a moment before Drakken arrived on his elevator near the entrance. He stepped out and was followed by a very beautiful blonde in a purple miniskirt and fur coat. It took him a moment to recognize her.
"Vivian Porter?" he presumed.
Vivian Francis Porter and Drakken neared them as the woman answered, "The only. It's been some time, Wade."
"Too long. I never was able to sit and speak with you about robotics."
"From what Drew tells me, you aren't far behind us as is."
The elevator dinged a return as a rotund, bespectacled man joined their group.
"Sorry," he mused. "That elevator wasn't spacious enough it seems."
"Why build him so corpulent to begin with?" Drakken asked.
"It makes him unassuming," Vivian grinned and held her mock boyfriend's arm. "People make far too many assumptions on appearance."
"And I'm built like a tank," Oliver banged his metal chassis. "No better bodyguard imaginable."
"He's a robot?" Yoko whispered as she moved to inspect the larger man.
"Top of the line," Vivian said proudly. "I've been meaning to upgrade him for some time, but I've run out of ideas. Luckily, Drakken was more than willing to help on James Possible's recommendation."
"Quid pro quo, dear Vivian," the blue scientist grinned widely. "We've both gained something in this little endeavor."
The pink haired maid stepped around the corner carrying several pots and plates without any noticeable effort. She held herself with flawless grace and a winning smile as she neared the group.
"Lunch is ready, Doctor. Shall I prepare for the new guests?"
"Please and thank you, CiCi," the blue man stole from Kim's lingo.
Wade took a moment to realize the gleam in her eye was familiar. He looked back to see the same one reflecting off Oliver's and it hit him.
"She's a robot."
CiCi pouted, "Aww, how did he see through me so easily?"
"Now, now, dear, he's a genius as well," Drakken kindly consoled her. "Normal people will have no clue as to your origin."
CiCi almost giggled as she carried the plates and pots to the dining room just off from the living area. Drakken beamed proudly as he watched her leave.
"So, this is what's kept you busy," Wade nudged him.
"It was driving me mad simply waiting for the authorities to come for me," Drew frowned. "Plus, my expertise in housework and cooking are severely lacking."
The smaller boy hesitated, "Is she based off the Bebe design?"
"Only in overall structure. Her personality matrix is strictly hobbies; she has absolutely no combat protocol built into her, as Vivian can confirm."
Porter nodded, "She's completely harmless. She's also incredibly advanced thanks to our combined tech. Drew picked out her shell, just to let you know."
"I'm just proud of him for not going the easy, French maid route," Yoko deadpanned.
"Oh yes, because all forty year old, single men are clamoring for a lovely, twenty something to march around half naked in their homes!" Drakken growled. "What kind of man do you take me for?"
"The kind of man who found the costume online, but didn't order it because it might offend the woman coming to help you program her," Wade said matter-of-factly.
Drew pursed out his lower jaw in indignant anger, "Something we share in common."
Wade glanced away and accidentally made eye contact with his girlfriend. They held it for a moment as the very clear thought process went through his pubescent brain.
Yoko reddened, "Not even once…well, maybe once."
Wade reddened even darker.
"See what you've started?" Vivian threw her hands up and made for the dining room with Oliver close behind.
Drakken only chuckled. They sat as a group before their meal, chicken fettuccine alfredo, and shared in a less than common instance in being completely surrounded by people who understood technology as intimately as the other. Their conversation was soon filled with theory and inventive ideas, each guest making competent and sometimes profound responses to one another. Wade enjoyed it immensely and loved the food just as much. Moreover, he was simply happy to see that Drew was not only well, but good enough to still feel his creative juices flowing.
"Oh, I forgot why we even came," Wade finally said. "Kim wanted us to come out tonight to eat with her. She's off to find Monique and wants Ron and Yori to come too."
Vivian rested her chin on her hands, "How is Kim? I've heard…less than positive rumors lately."
"She was bad off for a bit, but you should see her now; she's practically glowing."
"And Shego?" Drew asked.
"I'm not sure, but maybe we'll find out tonight."
Drakken visibly contemplated this for a moment. Wade knew the man wasn't exactly jumping to leave his home, but he couldn't stay cooped up forever.
Vivian shrugged, "Might as well, doc. Oliver and I already have plans and CiCi's working to perfection. Maybe now might be the time to give her a test run. How about that, CiCi?"
The maid brightened considerably, but she held herself, "Only if Dr. Drakken wishes it."
"You aren't a slave," Drew turned to her. "You are just as capable of making decisions as I am."
"Is that an order?" she asked timidly.
"It's a request."
CiCi grinned appreciatively and threw her arms up, "Then I want to go out tonight!"
"Then go we shall," Drakken laughed and nodded to Wade, who couldn't have been happier.
"Play it again, Sam," Iris purred and ran a finger over Nos' chiseled jaw.
"As you wish," he chuckled and ran pale fingers across the ivory keys of the grand piano.
A heartfelt melody echoed across the cavernous room, the music enjoyed by the dusty blonde teen and the multitude of collector's baubles that dominated Jack Hench's mansion. The vampire's melodies always put her at ease and he knew all her favorite pieces. Not that she was nervous, but Jack was reportedly in a severely foul mood and had called the group there for what she could only assume was a tongue lashing of some kind.
The first mission hadn't gone as planned and there'd been little chance to meet with the boss since they'd already been scheduled to go on dozens of missions since their inception. Their little show in Middleton had the desired effect in garnering the attention of many suitable clients, especially ones who were a tad too…shady for Team Possible's tastes.
She ran her hands through her hair and pretended to brush all the worries away, enjoying her guardian's dulcet tunes instead of worrying. She lay sprawled across the piano on her back while looking upside down at Nos' perfect face and watching him play. He almost seemed to be in a trance as his eyes remained closed and he ran the keys as though he knew every inch of the instrument intimately.
"Get a room you two," Adrena walked through the entrance and rolled her eyes at the couple.
Iris showed her teeth playfully, spun, and slid down until she was straddling the vampire and wrapping her legs around his torso, "Why not right here? Don't tell me you've never wanted to watch before, Lynn."
"Freaks," Adrena huffed and took a seat in one of the many armchairs set about the expansive showroom.
Nos' playing never stuttered even from the movements in his lap, "Try and be nice, pet."
She ran a finger down his neck and across his collar bone, "Nice is so rarely fun, draga."
"I thought you were gay," Adrena mocked.
Iris turned and gave her the dirtiest look she could muster. She knew she shouldn't react, shouldn't goad her, as the former celebrity was only intent on irritating her and knew the buttons to press. Still, her sexuality wasn't something she was intent on simply being mocked over. Stupid people thinking that just because she was gay didn't mean she couldn't be attracted to someone else. Iris, like anyone, had a type and that just happened to fall more on the female spectrum than the male one.
Nos played a tad louder to mask their conversation, "I can kill her if you like."
She leaned into him, "Maybe she's right. Maybe we should get a room."
"I'm afraid my hair isn't quite red enough to be mistresses' type."
She dug her nails into his back and pulled him closer, "Watch what you say."
"I was simply referring to Winter," he smiled and felt no pain whatsoever. "Whoever else would I be referring to?"
She felt a bit of fire rise into her and swiftly scooted from his lap and stalked away. He chuckled as she pouted like a petulant child, but she couldn't help herself. She was still sore and that wasn't changing anytime soon. He was trying to pressure her into getting over it, but she wasn't ready to just let it go. She hated love, hated the things it made foolish people do and she hated it more that she almost thought she felt something deep for the redheaded hero.
She didn't love Kim. She wanted her, that was obvious, but she wanted her on a purely physical level. She admired her, respected her immensely, but she wasn't looking to start a family or spend her life with her. Iris wanted to throw her on the bed, ravage her, be ravaged by her, and then they could simply do that throughout a healthy friendship. She liked Kim, that was certain, but love? Gag.
The problem was: Kim was in love with Shego. Any idiot could see it. That was the first sign to simply let her go and never return, but…she loved seeing Kim smile. She enjoyed that sincere happiness the redhead gave off and she wanted to see it more. She desired a real, lasting friendship with Kim and that was going to be the most difficult thing now that she'd been a dumbass and stolen a drunken kiss from her.
Thank the gods she'd begun traveling with Jack's group as an excuse to stay away from Middleton. She wanted to see Kim, wanted to talk to her and make peace between them, but she also wanted to stay away until everything was better. Getting between Kim and Shego was not an option and there certainly wasn't anything she could offer that would get them back together. Right?
"Oooooh," Junior's pleased squeal almost drowned out the piano. "Never have I experienced a sauna of such quality. My pores are practically dancing."
He walked into the room from a separate door, the one that led to a private spa Jack had for some reason. He was only dressed in his speedo with a towel wrapped over his broad shoulders.
"See what you're missing out on," Adrena said to Iris as she nodded her head towards Junior. "Might not be much going on upstairs, but that body doesn't quit."
He was a marvel for sure. While childishly dumb, Junior was chiseled like an Adonis and knew it. He made a show of walking about like a peacock showing its feathers. It was the only reason he'd taken the position on Jack's team: he was mostly an interview guy and could use that charisma to butter up their potential viewers. Women, of course, salivated over his good looks and cared nothing about how chauvinistic and rude he could be.
At least he was loyal and only took slight threatening to convince him to help save Team Possible days ago. He was also becoming handy with the gadgets they'd outright stolen from different countries to use as their own. He had a chip on his shoulder as well, as the mere mention of his father caused him to buck up in effort in an instant.
Still, Iris was totally uninterested. She could appreciate how attractive he was, but that personality was just the pits. He'd never look at someone he cared about as lovingly as he gazed into the mirror every time he passed one.
The double doors into the main foyer flew open as Jack Hench stormed into the room. He was pissed, that much was evident in an instant.
"Everyone's attention, now!" he ordered and Nos' playing died instantly.
The group moved in dutifully, very aware of where their paychecks came from and how generous a happy boss was in comparison to an angry one.
He adjusted his jacket and began, "Middleton wasn't exactly a perfect introduction to our little group. I don't blame any of you; you couldn't have known Possible's remnants would have made an appearance. That disappointment has come and gone and now I'm over it."
He certainly didn't look over it, but clearly he'd found something else that had him just as angry. Iris had a good idea what that something was.
"We've been making a name for ourselves and that's good, because we need to be associated with every good deed imaginable if we're going to earn peoples' trust. What we cannot be associated with is murder."
"Uh, what?" Adrena cocked an eyebrow.
Jack pulled a remote from his pocket and pressed a button, causing a projector screen large enough to fill a theatre to descend into view. Another click and the local news appeared and Iris knew she was right. He rewound the live broadcast to the beginning and hit play.
"Tragedy strikes as local millionaire, Carlos Raval Guerrero, was found dead in the woodlands outside his home this morning. As of now, police are calling this a tragic accident, as the coroner reports alcohol in Carlo's system and his fall is very indicative of a spill over his second story balcony. The investigation is, however, still under way. More details will be provided as more comes to light."
Jack paused it and Iris could see his hands shaking slightly from how tightly it squeezed the remote.
"They are saying it is an accident," Junior said. "What makes you think he was murdered?"
"Nothing concrete, but Carlos had many personal enemies and that man could hold his alcohol like a pro. I don't see drunken balcony diving as one of his outcomes. As of now, nothing is outside the realm of possibility. We cannot have our association with Carlos drag our newfound names into the mud. We need to go into damage control now."
"What did you have in mind?" Iris asked.
"We need something positive, something to tug the heart strings of the world. At least something that sets us in a more relatable light for the masses and preferably local."
"Perhaps we might not need such a thing," Nos stood and walked soundlessly across the room. "Perhaps all we need is someone else to take the attention away; someone who can suffer the investigation besides us."
"Like who?"
"Team Possible!?" Betty exclaimed, drawing the attention of some of the patrons of the diner.
Will glanced around annoyingly, "Yes."
"What could possibly make them think they'd have anything to do with Carlos' death?" she added a bit more quietly.
"It's come to light that Carlos had threatened your group, though the details of which have mostly remained unknown. Needless to say, your team has the motive more than anyone else Global Justice knows. You employ former villains and this breakup kick you're currently on doesn't paint you in the best of lights."
"So, what's stopping them from coming down hard on us right now?"
"A lack of evidence mostly. Whoever offed Guerrero was almost perfect in its execution, but the fall was just a bit too convenient for authority's tastes. Plus, there are those within GJ who are currently on your side and are vouching for you."
"Like you," she said without question.
He nodded, "But it might not be enough. There's been a power struggle rising ever since you left and no one's been able to take the position yet. We've been far too busy rebuilding what Dementor destroyed. I take it you've been trying to reach me about that spying device."
Betty darkened and tossed the baggie onto the table, "Was this you?"
He sighed, "Yes, I planted it the last time I visited."
"Dick move," Bonnie whispered from the side, arms crossed and staring daggers into Will.
He scowled at her, "Does she need to be here?"
Betty never took her eye off him, "Need to? No. I want her here, so she stays. It feels like I have fewer people to trust these days."
Bonnie smiled smugly.
Betty continued, "Why the deceit?"
"Planting that bug was proof of my loyalty to Global Justice as opposed to you personally," Will didn't blink under her glare. "I didn't want to, but doing so has gotten me into the good graces of several top men and women, not to mention a few increases in rank. I'm now one of three acting Deputy Directors."
"So, you're one of the ones vying for Director."
"And I've used that power to force their hand in finding more concrete evidence as opposed to bringing the organization down on you completely."
Betty placed a hand on his and smiled, "Ever the boy scout."
He laughed lightly.
"Anyway," Bonnie interrupted, "what are we supposed to do about all this?"
"As of now," Betty said, "nothing comes to mind. Let's let Will do what he does best."
"I won't let you down," he promised.
Bonnie's phone rang and she answered with lightning speed, her skill with a cell almost unmatched, "Hello? Hey Mon…yeah…," Bonnie looked to Betty with slight surprise, "…yeah she's here and we'd both love to come…see you then."
She hung up as the other two stared her down, "We've been invited to eat with the crew tonight."
"All of them?" Betty asked.
"All of them."
"This is good," Will said. "The public needs to see all of you out and friendly with one another. It makes it seem like you have nothing to hide."
"We have nothing to hide," Betty insisted.
Will frowned, "I know you didn't and I assume you vouch for Ms. Rockwaller here. But can you honestly tell me you're positive Shego or Drakken didn't do this?"
Betty didn't need to mull that over for long, "Drakken lacks the skill and has never had the taste for assassination. Shego has the ability…but no, she wouldn't in her darkest hour."
"How can you be sure?"
"Because of Kim," Bonnie offered with confidence. "She could certainly do it, but she's far too afraid of what it would do to Kim. Even after their split."
Betty only gestured with an open palm, echoing the girl's words with a simple hand movement. Will laughed and shook his head as he stood to leave.
"That seems to be the going belief everywhere besides Global Justice. Still, I'm starting to believe it myself. Don't worry, I'll do what I can and keep you posted."
"Thank you," Betty said and meant it.
Will wished her goodbye and disappeared from the diner as discreetly as he'd come. Bonnie stood next to her and looked slightly nervous.
"What do you think?" Betty asked.
"I think he couldn't take his eyes off your stomach until you sat," she answered dryly.
She grinned, "Then he kept glancing at your cleavage."
Bon scowled, "Perv."
"Like you haven't drooled over boys' backsides before. Double standards, dear."
She sighed, "Yeah, yeah. Maybe I just want certain people to look. Anyways, what now?"
"Now?" Betty wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Now, we have a dinner to attend."
"What will we tell them? Should we tell them?"
"Yes, we should, because we don't hide things from our friends. And we'll tell them everything. Let's just allow them a night of fun before that."
Bueno Nacho would never be mistaken for a place of sophistication or fine dining, but Kim could think of no better place to be surrounded by her friends. Ned had no qualms about allowing the group to rent out the entire restaurant for themselves and even had his employees push multiple tables together to allow Team Possible a chance to dine on deliciously unhealthy cuisine. It seemed the bespectacled manager had secretly feared the team's breakup and had been ecstatic when they'd shown as a group.
Most everyone was there save for the last three invitees and Senior, Senior who politely declined as he was away on business. Kim tried to avoid staring at the front doors, tried to do anything but hope that she would show. She allowed Ron and Rufus to entertain her and Yori by balancing multiple burritos on his nose and letting the pet mole rat leap by and devour them midair. Kim also made sure to dote over Yori, as she was worried over the ninja's injuries whilst Yori failed at assuring her everything was fine.
Monique, Wade and Yoko attempted to convince a stubborn Drakken to try the food, but the scientist seemed hesitant to touch whatever concoction they'd ordered him. Mon seemed to enjoy Yoko's company as the two hadn't had much time to get to know one another. Kim also desired to get to know her, especially if she and Wade were becoming as serious as they seemed. CiCi, Drakken's new maid, was busy helping the employees prepare more food with a smile on her face.
It was then that Shego arrived, visibly nervous and hesitant as she entered and the noise died bit by bit. She hung at the doorway and paid attention to no one else but the redhead that held her gaze with a combination of longing and confusion. Seeing her always brought about the same befuddled emotions and she wondered if it might ever change to what it was before. She had been content to wait, but no longer. Kim swore action from now onward and it started tonight.
She stood and made for Shego with purpose and the green woman didn't flinch as she allowed her whatever she desired. Her response was to throw her arms around the taller woman's neck and hug her lovingly. She could almost feel Sheridan's entire body relax as she hugged her back, albeit with less fire than she was hoping. A bit at a time, she reminded herself.
"I'm glad you came," Kim said only to her.
"Wouldn't miss it," she replied.
"Catch, Gamorra!" Ron called and threw a burrito towards her.
She caught it with mild disgust, "I'm not eating this garbage, Star Lord!"
"Please, Shego," Yori implored. "I feel my body softening from so little exercise lately. A true friend would ruin their body along with me."
"I hear Ron's keeping you pretty active," she wiggled her eyebrows.
"Oh come on!" Ron cried. "How could you possibly know that!?"
"There are kids present!" Mon interrupted with a laugh.
"Not to mention people who would rather not hear such things," Drakken added.
Shego took a seat next to her former employer as Kim was already surrounded, "So, replaced me with a pretty, young, bubblegum haired thing, eh?"
Drakken looked at her with a surprisingly honest expression, "No one could replace you Shego."
The look on the woman's face said more than she'd probably ever say to the man, but Kim saw a profound appreciation exchanged between them. There was appreciation all around as everyone was so comfortable. They'd been through so much, no thanks to her abandoning them, but they hadn't given up on her. They'd come when she'd called and they now sat together as allies and friends, enjoying everything the other had to offer. It was beautiful, wonderful normalcy and Kim wondered what she'd done to earn it all.
Finally, Bonnie and Betty arrived and were all smiles as they took seats next to each other. Even with her distaste of the former villains, Director still made friendly with them and Bonnie even gave Kim a small hug as she passed. Whatever Betty was teaching her, Kim was already pleased with the results.
Amidst the revelry, Kim stood and lifted a plastic cup to garner everyone's attention.
"We're here," she began. "Through five years of Team Possible, through half a year of the new Team, we're still here. We've faced things we never would have survived had we been alone. We've suffered things that no person can endure alone. They say I'm the girl that can do anything and they're right. I can do anything, because I have all of you to help me. The world calls us many things: heroes, monkey masters, nerds, ninjas, mad scientists, designers, divas, soldiers and world renowned thieves. I have a different word for you: family."
The room was intently focused on the redhead and she slightly basked in the sheer amount of respect they offered her. They didn't hate her for running and she swore to repay that faith with renewed vigor in their cause.
"The world is continuing to change around us. Villains are still popping out and now a new team has decided to test the waters. I don't know their intentions, but I do know this: Team Possible will not stand by while someone else does what they should be doing. I don't need to ask if any of you are with me, because I don't doubt your loyalty. I trust all of you because you've earned it. I need all of you for the hard times I know are ahead. Let's show the world that we're still the best at what we do!"
Cheers rang out and glasses clanked together as even the employees joined in the celebration. There was no shifting, uncomfortable stares or hesitant gazes around the room. Everyone, every ally she'd placed her faith in was ready and willing to pick up where they'd left off. She took a seat next to Shego and exhaled slowly.
"Riveting stuff, princess," she grinned.
"Not a word of it was untrue," the teen responded.
"I don't think anyone would ever question your sincerity."
"Thank you for being here."
Shego gave her a strange look, but it wasn't bad per say, "Well, let's just say I owe you some time to be selfish."
Kim chuckled and they met eyes…and simply held their unblinking stares. The redhead took a moment to appreciate that beautiful face, those captivating eyes, that ever present, confident smirk. God, she wanted to kiss her so badly right then; no matter how badly it might hurt, no matter if it might bring her future pain. Perhaps, that was what needed to be decided: was that feeling of unquestionable love worth the heartache it might cause if she lost it again? She wouldn't know tonight.
She didn't kiss her but she did smile at her, genuine and sweet, the smile she'd never given anyone else except the woman who'd stolen her heart like a rare trinket. They held eyes for only seconds longer before breaking away simultaneously and joining in on the festivities that rocked the warmed inside of Bueno Nacho.
A/N: CiCi's name is a play, of course, off the old BeBe design. It's also the name of my favorite pizza restaurant and I am an absolute whore for pizza, aka the most unhealthy food in the world. Her physical design is loosely based off Phantasy Star, if anyone knows what that is.