A/N: I doubt I'll have another chapter out in the next week, so I'll take this time to wish everyone a very merry, happy and all around wonderful Christmahanukwanzaka! That should cover the major three demographics, though I apologize if I left yours out. Take care and enjoy yourselves as much as possible, even if this is just another day for you. Remember that, no matter who you are, you are loved by someone somewhere. Don't think you are? Well, you're wrong, cause I love all of you. ;)


Kim Possible: Reaching You

Chapter 28

The state the two girls returned in was quantifiably more complicated than when they'd ascended the stairs. Yori's stomach churned a tad seeing the seemingly mortified, yet blissful expression Kim wore. It was even more perplexing when Sheridan seemed like she'd just experienced the most pleasurable occurrence imaginable; and she knew the girl could imagine some intriguing scenarios. It was clear to anyone who cared to notice something had occurred and it was even easier to comprehend when one had spent the last few weeks neck deep in this weird tryst. She let it slide for now as she dutifully finished the dishes, bowed her thanks to James and Myra, and sought out the two girls who'd split at the base of the stairs.

Kim had entered into the kitchen and swiftly located a glass of water which she downed with alarming speed. She appeared on the edge of a mild panic, but in a seemingly enjoyable fashion. She didn't appear in any condition to be grilled, so Yori walked past her towards the living room where Sheridan had disappeared. Mid-stride, she caught Kim's eyes and felt the redhead reach out just enough to brush her hand against Yori's. She allowed it gladly, relief flooding that the girl could pay attention to her even in her trance.

She remained calm enough as she stepped into the entrance room of the house and saw the Gos and Possibles talking over their intentions for the remainder of the weekend. Her target was situated further away, sitting on the windowsill that looked over the property and seemingly lost in some deep thought. She stopped next to her, back to the parents, and awaited the girl to realize someone was nearby. After that took longer than she'd prefer she cleared her throat low enough to avoid the others' attentions.

Sheridan started as she finally acknowledged Yori, "…hey."

"What happened?" she wasn't set for small talk.

The green girl lost herself in a memory just long enough for Yori's stomach to shift, "She…she kissed me. Then she kissed me again…and told me she loved me."

She wasn't prepared for how much that hurt. She'd been steeling herself for the real possibility that Kim would not choose her, thought she'd made peace with that real outcome, but it seemed her body was still capable of feeling real, resounding disappointment.

"So…she has chosen, then?"

In a snap, Sheridan's attention became focused on her alone, "What? No! I mean…she's still gunning for both of us, I think."

"Then why are you so enraptured?"

Shego hiccupped a single laugh and shook her head, "Because I'm just so overwhelmed. She thinks we should hate her for not choosing. Hell, I thought I would, but she…God, that kiss was so awesome. And if that's the kiss I get with just part of her love…"

Yori took a seat next to her, "I do not understand."

"Neither do I," the girl was on a cloud far above nine.

This was far above their experience. She assumed it would be far above most adults' comprehension. As bizarre as it seemed, Yori was in a quandary. She was jealous of that affection and those words Sheridan had earned, yet she also felt some happiness towards the girl's joy. She felt many confusing things about both girls and she'd yet to decide if that was going to end interestingly or with disastrous tragedy.

"Hey," Shego touched her leg. "You okay?"

And there was one of those moments. Despite the enthralling grip Kim's action had on her, she was still that friend who realized Yori was troubled and honestly worried over her. It was heartwarming, one more emotion to join the multitude stirring in her insides.

"I…am not sure yet."

"Well, you've got plenty of time to figure it out," she patted her once. "I'm gonna' be staying with my parents at our house near Upperton for the next two days. In the meantime, try and see what's going on between you and Kim."

"That is awfully understanding of you. I am rather shocked you would leave her after tonight, especially with me."

"Oh, believe me, I don't want to leave. I want to stay here all night, sneak into Kim's room, and just…make out with herall night. Preferably naked."

Yori's mouth widened as her face caught fire, "That…how can…oooooh!"

She folded her arms and fumed from just how agitated that remark made her, which drew a lovably mischievous laugh from the crass girl.

"Relax," she wrapped an arm around her neck, reveling in close proximity to just how easily she could press Yori's buttons. "Kim and I…we have plenty of time to figure us out. Right now, though, I have a family I need to make up lots of things to. You'd better use this time wisely."

Still burning red, Yori found herself uncharacteristically teasing, "And if I am successful in 'making out' with Kim?"

Sheridan frowned for a moment, clearly envisioning such a scenario in her head, but then she shrugged, "I guess we'll see how I feel if it happens. Just try to stop at making out, if you please. I call dibs on her virginity."

The gasping, struggling sound Yori made as she clasped her hands over her ears brought uproarious laughter from this charmingly perverted creature. It took several seconds of denial of attempting to bed Kim before her brain begged her to realize it had only been a jest and she should calm before something untoward happens to her heart. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, calming her nerves as Sheridan held that grip on her and practically bathed in her embarrassment.

"You sane now?" she giggled and Yori shot her a dirty look, which she only returned as a smile. "Don't worry about anything but you and her, okay? I'll text you later. Good luck."

Then, she leaned in just enough to plant a quick kiss on Yori's forehead. The act was so out of left field that she found herself holding her breath seconds after Sheridan had already stood and walked to join her parents at the door. She then stopped, freezing in place as Yori gripped her skirt with both hands and rode out a sudden flutter that attacked her chest and stomach.

Shego finally turned with an unreadable look, "I don't know why I did that."

"Nor do I," Yori whispered and finally exhaled.

That was all they could say as they both racked their brains to make sense of both action and reaction without success. In the end, Sheridan merely spun and followed her parents out as Yori remained there at the window until her breathing steadied enough to stand. She still didn't stand for some time after that.

"She tell you?"

The adorable Asian had been so lost in contemplation, she seemed startled by Kim's sudden question, much less her presence that had gone unnoticed up to that point. The redhead would have found that lovable if not for the fact that she didn't like that look of near-hurt that dominated that usually passive, happy face.

Yori finally answered unenthusiastically, "Yes."

Why did it hurt so much to see her this way? It always bothered her when Yori was upset, rare as that was, but this was quantifiably worse. Perhaps it was due to the fact that she was responsible for it. She was a fool if she believed her pursuit of the two simultaneously would have simply been accepted without some form of heartache, but she also held some deep seeded belief that there was something there that made her confident it would succeed.

She prayed she wasn't crazy, because she couldn't live with the knowledge that she'd irreparably harmed either of these two wonderful people. Old Kim would have given up this fool's errand and merely settled for one or the other, yet…her confidence had returned tenfold since the Go Games and with it had come a much more intimate understanding of her emotions and her feelings towards these girls.

She'd never pretend she had anything long term with either. Despite what she wished, more vehemently as days passed, the two would leave her. She was forced to be content with the time they had and that was honestly more than she deserved. Was she selfish for her dual pursuit? Maybe, but it didn't feel that way. If either girl had been against the idea, she would have dropped it immediately, yet they seemed compliant and even intrigued by her actions.

Add to that the fact that she'd watched the two grow much closer over a short period of time. In fact, she'd caught them unawares on more than one occasion sharing a moment one could easily misconstrue as intimate and that did things to her she couldn't even begin to explain. There was no jealousy when she watched them lay against one another; in fact, it was quite the opposite. Like the time she photographed them cuddling asleep on her bed, Kim found something comforting and warm about their intimacy. It helped in pressing forward with what she desired over anything else.

"Are you staying tonight?" Kim asked to kill the silence.

She hesitated for a bit too long, "I do not believe that is wise. I am…unsure right now."

Kim was to her side in a heartbeat, sitting next to her and placing a hand on her own, "Talk to me. Tell me anything that's bothering you, even if you think it might upset me."

"It is not so easy. I am having difficulty understanding how I feel or even if I should feel that way."

"I never wanted this to negatively affect you. If what I'm doing is unfair to you, then tell me. We'll work from there."

"I do not desire you any less, Kim," she seemed adamant about that and that was magical. "I simply do not believe I stand much of a chance against Sheridan. While I am confident in what you and I have, I fear it pales in comparison to what she and you share."

"It's not a competition. I swear I'm not grading you two on your worth to me."

"I never expected you to, but it still weighs heavily on my mind. You and I," she grabbed both Kim's hands and held theme lovingly, "are not a mistake. I only fear I may be a hindrance to what you and Sheridan may truly achieve."

Kim frowned, though she made sure Yori didn't relinquish her grip. She liked the warmth the girl radiated, from body to spirit. It was honestly difficult to find anything inside her that couldn't be loved. She also wished she was better at these heart to heart moments, as she direly wished to express just how important both girls were to her without implying there was some invisible scale they constantly needed to balance.

"If you had a husband," Kim attempted to try her luck, "and the two of you had a child, would the child's existence and your love for it diminish your love for your husband in any way?"

She blinked, "I…would like to think it would not."

"I do too. Except, in this case, I want to believe my love or affection or whatever it is for you two isn't some limited pie chart I have to section off for everyone in my life. One of you isn't going to get any less than the other. The sincerity is and utter enthusiasm is very much equaled out."

Yori swallowed and that was uncharacteristic of her, as though she were afraid of her next words, "I want to believe that, but I cannot deny the simple fact that what you and Sheridan share, what you have been through together, is far deeper than what you and I have accomplished. The things the two of you have shared…"

Kim laughed softly and squeezed her hands, "I don't have to share some sordid past with someone to love them. Sheridan and I have a connection I won't deny, but you're…you're just as awesome in a different way."

Her smile was proof enough some of this was getting through to her, "And precisely what is so special about me."

"Besides the beauty and intelligence and skills and ability to make anyone like you within seconds of meeting you? How about the fact that you're the easiest person to love I've ever met? The fact that you met me when I was most screwed up and still found something to like about me? I could keep going."

She chuckled, "No, that is fine. I do not wish you to strain yourself."

They shared a laugh, quiet, personal, and an additional moment in which they enjoyed one another's presence on so many levels. It was like breathing, like the most natural activity that took no effort whatsoever. Kim was certain now more than ever that she wasn't just being selfish and using these wonderful people as crutches. She loved them, the severity of which was undeniable with every instance she was near them. It wasn't easy, but it was getting so much easier.

"Knowing what happened between Shego and me earlier," the redhead leaned in and placed her forehead against Yori's, "would it be completely inappropriate if I wanted to kiss you right now?"

Yori pursed her lips playfully, "Only if you did not mean it."

That was all she needed. There would be those on the outside looking in who would merely see her kissing two people within the span of an hour and think her a despicable person. But those people didn't know what she felt, didn't feel what she felt for these two. Besides, it wasn't about them. People would believe what they wanted, but she knew how she felt. She prayed Sheridan and Yori felt the same as she took little nanoseconds to respond to her by claiming her lips as calmly as possible. It didn't last long, but it was as wonderful as the one earlier in its own way.

Yori broke away and stood, a little shiver going through her as she turned with a red face, "My, um, family I am staying with will be worried if I am not home soon."

Kim grinned and accompanied her as she gathered her belongings and waited at the door to give her a goodbye of some variety. Her goodbye came as a quick, second kiss, followed by the smiling girl backing out of the door and exiting with well wishes and thanks for the food. Kim was left behind, staring at the door with a goofy smile and a lot more confidence inside than she'd felt in quite some time.

It was strange being back in that house where most recently Sheridan had only experienced such heavy, negative emotions. She looked at that bed she'd cried tears of betrayal and sorrow into, the pillow stained as though struck by a downpour. She'd spent so much time alone there before the school year began, plotting and planning on what would become of her life after junior year was through. She'd sworn off her family and friends and had vowed to never bother making new ones.

Now here she was, in that same house, surrounded by the family she'd rekindled her love for and inviting over one of the greatest friends she'd probably ever have. She desired Yori's company for reasons she couldn't honestly fathom, but she supposed it was mostly the familiarity and kindness she couldn't get from Kim at that time. The redhead, her redhead, was traveling with her family to see more of the Possible clan on a ranch somewhere, effectively taking her away until morning.

She didn't even get to give her a farewell smooch before she'd left, but Kim had promised many when she returned and that was just wonderful enough to satiate the distance between them. Ugh, she was getting so attached to the girl. She would never classify herself as needy, but as far as everyone knew she had a time limit with the girl and she was amped to squeeze in as much personal experiences as possible. The same applied for Yori as well.

Looking at the girl now, walking in and easily charming Shego's parents and brothers, the green girl felt an honest pain when she thought of how far away she would be far too soon from now. It was shitty and unfair, but then again life never advertised itself as fair. She even made the mistake of imagining the heartache her absence would cause Kim and that was nigh unforgivable. If only life had a face she could punch; stupid life.

"Beautiful," Yori took in décor and fancy designs of the Go mansion in one full sweeping gaze.

"This is know," Sheridan rustled her hair sexily. "The house isn't bad either."

"I have the feeling you do not need to be reminded you are lovely. You do own mirrors."

"Smooth, Yo-Yo. Come on, I'll give you the grand tour."

The girl bowed lightly and followed as she led her from room to room. The bottom floor's foyer entered into a surprisingly sparse den with not much amenities save for the miscellaneous items displayed on the walls, vanities and bookshelves. That, however, led to a door that opened up into what many would mistake for a five-star restaurant. The kitchen was immediately noticeable, as it took up almost half of the room, complete with a daunting array of utensils and appliances for honestly any foreseeable meal the Gos could dare to prepare.

The other half was an odd layout for a home, one large table in the center and four smaller, dining tables surrounding it, giving the impression of a high class eatery. There wasn't even a partition of any sort separating the two sections, which allowed the diners to see the food as it was prepared.

"This is…unique," Yori said.

Shego chuckled as though she were used to this reaction, "My oldest brother, Hector, is in college on a culinary degree. He's always been awesome with food, so my parents basically gave him his own simulated restaurant for practice. We've actually had the mayor of Middleton on two occasions to mimic a VIP customer."

"Your parents seem supportive."

Sheridan paused for a moment as though lost in thought, "Yeah. They've always been so good at giving us everything we wanted; it was sometimes difficult to remember they're not perfect. They make mistakes, but I have to remind myself that they've earned the right to make up for those. You may not think it from my spunky, lovable attitude, but…we were raised by people that loved us."

"Love you," Yori corrected and nudged her shoulder with her own.

Sheridan only grinned slightly before continuing the tour to the right of the kitchen. This led into a small study just large enough to house a mock conference room, complete with an ovular, wood polished table and digital projector pointed towards a wall-sized screen against the opposite wall. Sheridan explained it was for the random, hoity-toity meetings her parents had even while on vacation. Next to the screen was a door, which she said ended at her parents' bedroom, which didn't need to be shown.

She walked them back out to the foyer and up the narrow staircase against the right side wall that led to the second floor. Not much to see up there besides her room, along with Melvin's and Hector's, each bedroom having its own personal restrooms. The third floor had once been designed for a game room of sorts, perhaps even a man cave for her father, but the twins' birth had nixed that in favor of a slightly larger shared bedroom for both. Now, they had a smaller game room set off to the side that was still honestly large enough to accommodate most of the family at a single time.

"It is elegant," Yori said, taking in her surroundings as they returned to Shego's room

"Eh, it's alright. Kinda' stuffy if you ask me, but it impresses the higher-ups."

Yori snickered as she took a seat on the wide bed, "You are not meant for this business oriented world. What do you intend to do if not continue your parents' legacy?"

Sheridan scratched her head, "Shit, I don't even know yet. Always assumed I'd take the easy way out with a sports degree, but coaches and I have a bad habit of butting heads. I've always liked fighting, so maybe MMA?"

Yori titled her head, "That seems a waste of your skills."

"Eh, fighting isn't really useful for anything legit."

"Not at all. Fighting to protect the ones you love is quite honorable. It is just not useful in making money."

"Like I said," she grinned. "No use."

She laughed heartily at that and Shego enjoyed making her laugh. She joined in a bit more softly as she tossed herself on the bed and lay on her stomach, kicking her feet in the air as their light jubilance died down. It was quiet for a few, scant moments as neither really knew what to say. She assumed their minds wandered to the same subject, so she forewent any sense of subtlety and merely opened up the dialogue they knew needed to be brought to light.

"So, we just not gonna' talk about us and Kim?"

She heard Yori inhale and exhale before responding, though she kept her gaze away, "Neither of us is equipped to make sense of that at the moment."

"It needs to be talked out, especially while she's away and not distracting us with that…thing she does to sidetrack me."

"You enjoy being sidetracked," the words could have been construed as accusatory, yet Shego detected no malice in them.

"She kiss you?"

She took even longer to answer, "Yes."

Shego growled and rolled over to face her, "Shouldn't we be pissed about that? I mean, I don't know about you, but I certainly never considered myself a sharer when it came to relationships. I should be slugging you for tasting what's mine. Why am I not?"

"I consider myself even-tempered, so rage is a rather foreign concept to me. Still, I could see myself resenting you for what you share with her."

"Do you?"

Yori finally met her gaze and it was full of just as much confusion as she assumed hers was, "All I see when I look at you is a friend…no, that is not even an appropriate word. Tara and Bonnie are friends. Great friends, no doubt, yet you are something else. Perhaps it is the common bond we share with Kim that connects us. Perhaps…"

"Perhaps?" Sheridan was intrigued in where this was going.

"In Asian culture, there is a concept known as the red string of fate. It is believed this invisible string connects people, as though they are fated to meet or assist one another in their lives. It could also be the mark of star-crossed lovers."

Shego made a face, "I don't subscribe to fate and crap like that. Fate didn't bring me to Middleton and fate didn't do jack in getting to know Kim. We did that. We put in the effort without any assistance from gods or invisible manipulators."

Yori chuckled, "I agree. I never gave much credence to it once I reached my teens, but perhaps there is something to it beyond the metaphor. I have lay in bed recently and wondered what role we play as a trio and my mind kept going back to that red string. It took me a moment to realize that red I was picturing Kim."

She inhaled and exhaled much more deeply this time before continuing, "Sheridan, I am confused by what I feel for you. I suppose, to make peace with it, I began to imagine you and I are connected as well. Except, instead of a red string, we have a person tying our pinkies together. Perhaps Kim does not bind us toward each other, but she holds us as one single entity…"

She trailed off, frustration and slight embarrassment coloring her face. She was clearly bothered by this and that concerned Shego as well, though she'd not given much thought to why until those words were spoken by the other girl. "I am confused by what I feel for you". There was so much implication unspoken in those words and the green teen was forced to confront her own thoughts on not just what Yori was to Kim…but more what Yori was to Sheridan herself.

"So…you think Kim is just a connector for…us?"

"No," Yori's face scrunched in concentration, as though grasping the idea in itself was an intense struggle. "She is a bond that strengthens us. All three of us."

That…that was an odd thing to hear out loud and they both went silent in quiet contemplation of precisely what that entailed. What she was suggesting was that the two weren't just in love with the same girl. She was suggesting that…

"Am I interrupting?" Melvin was suddenly at her door and startled the two of them.

Sheridan even straightened out as though her brother had caught them making out, which they most assuredly hadn't been! Then, she noticed his face was a bit more agitated than usual, almost confrontational in their general direction. Holy hell, how much had he heard?! This was bizarre enough without members of her family being privy.

"What's up?" she couldn't think of anything more to ask in that moment.

He actually sneered a tad to himself, "Just overheard your conversation about Kim. I needed to speak with you about her anyways, so now seems like the best time; especially since I have you both here."

Shego felt the hairs rise on her neck, which was her body's way of warning her that an altercation might be in the wings. Indeed, Mel looked like he had something significantly important to let out and it wasn't going to be pleasant.

"Speak," Shego stood.

"You weren't entirely honest with me about you and Kim. Something happened upstairs last night, didn't it?"

She narrowed her eyes, "You know me, Mel. I don't kiss and tell?"

"Something common between you and Kim, since I assume she didn't tell you she kissed Yori last night after you left."

Her stomach clenched a bit and she saw Yori flinch from the words, though she assumed it was more from someone having found them out. She wouldn't pretend she was embarrassed by what the three were doing, but she knew adding in outside factors would do nothing positive for it.

"I'm well aware of that," the belligerent teen curled a fist and relaxed it just enough to even out her temper.

The look of surprise that overtook him was telling. He was shocked, that much was obvious, but it was almost as though he'd known this information beforehand. His surprise came more from her knowledge of it. Then again, he could be thinking anything. The little prick had always been talented in disguising his emotions.

"Jesus, so it's true," he finally breathed. "She's two timing the both of you and you're letting her?!"

Sheridan was in his face with incredible speed, "Volume down or I throw you down the stairs."

He instantly flinched and stepped back just a tad, very aware of how violent his sister could be, "This is what you've been doing all this time? Pining after this girl and letting her screw someone else while keeping you on a short leash?"

Yori stood to defend herself, but Sheridan was feeling that missing flame and allowed it for the moment, "Nobody is screwing anybody, you fucking dweeb! And you don't get to talk about what happens between the three of us! I suggest minding your own business!"

"Why?! So she can continue manipulating you because you're emotionally distraught and stupid?! What does she have to do and who does she have to do it with to prove to you she's a two-timing slut?!"

Shego's teeth clenched and her fist oh so naturally balled into that familiar shape of rage and violence. It took little thought and strategy for her to plan precisely where the little pissant would receive the sizable wallop coming to him. And it was coming…except her trajectory was blocked by Yori stepping in between them and striking Mel across his narrow face with an audible smack. The action quite literally took both Go's off guard.

Silence dominated the room and seemingly the house as the darker haired boy hovered a shaking hand over his already reddening cheek. Yori stood firm in her action, but Shego could see she'd hated doing it.

"Forgive me," the pretty Asian frowned, "but I will not have you speaking that way to my friend and you will not say such things about Kim."

"Why…," he breathed. "…why are you defending her?"

"Because I choose to. Because, despite what you think you know, Kim has shown nothing but compassion and dedication towards us, even at her most confused and distraught. I will not allow you or anyone else to spread otherwise."

Now he was completely lost or at least mentally wasted. He couldn't fathom the things they were saying and thusly his mind seemed to be blocking it out. At the very least, he seemed fully intent on focusing on his damaged face. Still, Sheridan wasn't content to let this go.

"How do you know all this, Mel? You seem a bit too familiar with this to have just now found it out."

His mouth opened once soundlessly before he found words, "Online…the stories are all there online about you three. I didn't think they were true."

"What stories?!" Shego growled, but, after seeing the fear in his eyes, toned down. "Show us. Now."

He nodded and left, to where she had no clue, but she knew he'd be back and hopefully with answers. In the meantime, she saw Yori shake her hand a bit, possibly relieving the sting of that impressive strike, and she gave a comforting rub of the tingling appendage in worry.

"I am sorry," the shy girl whispered. "I needed to interject."

"No reason to be sorry. If you hadn't, then I would have and then some. You saved him an ass whipping."

"I am aware. It is why I struck him. You and your family are finally beginning to mend. I do not wish to see you pushed back to square one."

Her eyes became wide in realization and then deep, appreciation, "You hit him so I didn't have to."

She only smiled at the floor in return, but she'd been found out. A single, echoing thump sounded off inside the green girl and she recognized it as something wholly familiar, but rare in its existence. Before that day, that thump had only occurred for one person and one person only. As of that moment, now two people had caused it to exist. She felt her face heat and Yori met her eyes with slight embarrassment.

"You are staring again."

"Yes I am," Sheridan said soft and low.

Whatever this had been was interrupted by Melvin reentering the room carrying his laptop. He hesitated just enough to see the two slowly separate and maintain their locked eyes before Sheridan shook herself from her stupor and gave him full her attention. Without speaking, he set the computer on the small work desk next to Shego's bed and pulled up a site. Both girls took either shoulder as he scrolled through whatever he intended to show them.

The words "Middleton Leaks" were displayed proudly at the top and Sheridan could see different menus for a multitude of subjects. It looked like your basic file sharing site, images, videos, etcetera, but it all seemed to be centered on the town itself. It was the type of site she expected him to surf, filled with angry losers who say inflammatory garbage safe behind the comfort of anonymity.

"It's an underground news site," Melvin spoke if for no other reason than to break the silence. "It's supposedly run by students. A buddy of mine sends me funny or weird stuff from it time to time and he found…your names on one of the articles."

"Show us," Shego spoke through her teeth, already dreading where this was going.

With a low sigh, he pulled up the most recent news and scrolled to a rather popular discussion ongoing on the site. One click and one loaded page later and Sheridan felt her nails dig into the desk from pure rage and astonishment. The article made no bones about its content as it showed snapshots of Kim, Yori and herself and proudly displayed at the top in bolded letters:

"Kim Possible Adds Two More Hotties To Her Sex Harem"