I don't own a thing, Disney does. Bonnie's Curse, most likely because of the tie-in from Twists, had just jumped over the 10,000 hit mark as well before the reset. Again, just want to thank everyone who is reading my stories! Now, I'm very happy to come back to this story, as it is quite different, yet so similar (from this point on anyways) to Twists, but is also much more… adult… then the other one was, which is fun.

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Life Changes – Chapter 7

Shego lay on her bed, looking up at the ceiling, the frown on her face having been locked in place for several hours. Her mind was a mass of confusion as she tried to process the events of last night. She had enjoyed it, much more than she thought possible, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was when she woke up so early in the morning. When she had struggled awake, eyes bleary, she remembered the first thing she had thought as she felt Steve's strong arm gently cradling her against him, his smell strong to her nose. She remembered feeling safe… and loved! When she realized where her thoughts had brought her, she had left his room as fast as she could without waking him, almost running back to her room.

Now she lay there, staring at the ceiling, unable to return to her elusive sleep as she tried to comprehend how she felt. This is why I never spend the night, it creates way too many problems! She hadn't spent the night with a guy since… Jason, and she didn't quite understand why she had done it this time either, but she had been so tired, with the mission and the… post-mission activities.

And now these bloody thoughts are running through my head. I really don't need the headaches of a relationship right now, I really don't. It leads to nothing but trouble, especially with this guy belonging to Global Justice. What the hell was I thinking in the first place anyways!

Shego buried her head in her pillow, hoping against hope that it would stifle the thoughts running rampant through her brain.

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Gertrude Lipsky found her son in front of the computer terminal, his eyes glued to some techno mumbo-jumbo that lay on the screen. She stood back and watched as his hands flew across the keys, bringing up screens almost faster than she could possible see. Almost with a flourish, he tapped one final key and sat back. She could almost sense the smug look on her little Drew's face. The screen remained steady for a few moments more, and than another screen popped up, showing a young, black boy, slightly overweight, an almost look of awe stretched across his face.

"Drakken… this is just amazing! If you patented this, you could make millions! This hover technology is just fascinating. I've never been able to properly reproduce the effect your vehicles have, every time I tried the results were… not exactly spectacular. But based on these formulas, you could actually design personal hover packs that would allow an individual the same abilities your hover car had."

Drakken's face lit up a bit before it faded again. "It would at that, though I haven't been able to make them personal size yet. The best I've been able to do is an individual sized platform so far. Every attempt at a personal sized one has failed. That's why I brought this to you Wade, so we could collaborate on it together, see if we can get a working model up and running. Oh… and it's just Drew now by the way."

Gertrude could see the small smile on his face before she saw his eyes widen slightly. "Umm… Dra… Drew, there's someone behind you."

Drew wheeled around, but smiled when he saw who was standing behind him. "Don't worry Wade, it's just my mother. Can I get back to you in a little bit?"

Wade just nodded. "No problem. Just call me when you get the chance."

The screen went dark, and Drew returned the smile that his mother had. "Can I help you with anything Mother?"

Gertrude just shook her head. "No, I'm sorry I interrupted your work. I was just hoping we could… talk a bit more."

Drew's smile disappeared, and he turned back to the screen. "I… don't really want to talk about it anymore."

"I just… I just want to know… was I a bad mother? Is that why you became a villain? I mean, I know it was tough growing up without a father…"

Drew wheeled as quickly as he could, a pained look on his face as he stared into the tear filled eyes of his mother. "No, it was never you! You were the best mother anyone could ever ask for. I was… I was stupid and weak. I let all the kids at school get to me, let them hurt me. You were… you had nothing to do with my mistakes!"

"But why couldn't you come to me with this? Why did you hide it from me? I could have helped you!"

Drew wheeled closer, and pulled her into a hug, holding her close, trying in vain to stop the tears from flowing. "I didn't want to hurt you. I wanted you to be proud of me. Everything you did for me, working two jobs, giving up your own life for me… I wanted to make you proud of me. That's why I didn't tell you, I didn't want to drag you into this… I didn't want you to be ashamed of me!"

She just squeezed him tighter. "I could never be ashamed of you. You're my son, and I love you!"

They held each other in silence a moment longer before Drew pulled back a little. "So… when did you…"

"Learn that you were trying to take over the world?"

Drew just smiled lightly. "Yeah."

"I've known for a while. I just… I just always hoped you'd find your way back from that. Just like you have now. I'm so proud of you Drewbie. I always knew you could be a good person if you wanted to be. I just… I just love you so much, and I just want you to be happy!"

Drew pulled her close again, hugging her tight. "I love you too Mom!" He smiled as he pulled back a bit. "And please don't call me Drewbie"

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Steve sat in the kitchen, glaring almost angrily between the clock on the wall and the doorway that led to the bedrooms. Finally, with a final look at the clock, he rose to his feet, grabbing his briefcase, heading for the control room. When he got there he saw Drakken and Wade conversing over the computer screens. Wade nodded in his direction as he moved to stand behind Drakken, the formally evil genius turning to glance up at him.

"Wade, you got anything you need me to "drop off" with Team Possible?"

Wade just shook his head. "Nothing right now, but Drew and me are working on something that could really help the team out, as well as something Shego might be able to use."

Steve nodded lightly, averting his gaze briefly at the mention of the green hued woman. "Keep me apprised of that. Anything else?"

Wade seemed to fidget briefly in his seat. "Well, to be honest, I really don't like lying to them. I mean, it's one thing if they don't know you're the one who drops off their gadgets, but don't you think…"

Steve's face hardened as he interrupted the young man. "You know why they can't know for now, especially with Possible still out of action. Believe me, they'll know everything when the time is right." He glanced between Wade and Drew for a moment before continuing. "And I'd appreciate if Shego didn't know about it either! I understand you telling Drakken about this, as you two will need to work together, but she doesn't at this time. Am I understood?"

Wade slumped slightly in his seat, defeat evident on his features. Drakken however seemed almost pleased. "Agent Barkin, you have nothing to worry about."

Steve looked at him curiously, interest piqued, but let the matter drop for now. "Good, now I need to speak with Drakken briefly."

Wade nodded again. "No problem, interruptions seem to be the order of the day. Call me later!"

Steve waited for the screen to go dark before turning to Drew. "I have to head to the school to resume my initial assignment. I managed to call off yesterday because of everyone settling in and the mission, but I can't afford to go slack with the end of the assignment approaching in a few months. Could you… could you let Shego know I need to speak with her when I get back?"

Drew nodded, a trace of the smile remaining as he looked up at Steve. "I can tell her, but no guarantee she'll listen to me. After all, I usually try to stay out of Shego's… extracurricular activities."

"Fine."

Steve turned to leave getting to the door before Drew's voice stopped him. "Oh, Agent Barkin, I was just thinking, I do have an idea that might help you take your mind off your… recent troubles."

Steve just turned slowly, eyes almost glaring into Drew. "And what would that be?"

Drew just grinned. "Well, tonight is Friday night, and I always go sing karaoke on Friday night…"

"I don't sing!"

Drew just raised his hands in a defensive manner. "And far be it from me to force you to. It's just… my mother has her bridge night tonight, and I really don't want to have to ask Shego after everything she has done for me. I thought it might be good for you to get out. They have sports on the televisions, as well as pool." Drew could see the uncertainty on Steve's faced, and pressed the issue home. "Drinks will be on me?"

Steve grunted under his breath. "Fine… I guess it won't hurt to give you a lift."

"Thank you Agent Barkin!" Drew watched as Steve, mumbling under his breath, quickly left. Turning back to the computer, he smiled. "Phase one of my scheme is now complete! Heheheheha!"

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Shego glanced at the clock again and noticed it was already the afternoon. I must have dozed off for a bit there. After a quick shower, she made her way to the kitchen, intent on grabbing a cup of coffee. When she got there, she saw Drew and his mother sitting at the table, polishing off what appeared to be stew of some sort. Both smiled when she came into the room, and Shego just rolled her eyes.

"Any coffee made? I'm dying without my caffeine fix."

Gertrude Lipsky just smiled at her as she picked her now empty bowl up, depositing it in the sink. "Of course Dearie, I always keep some on hand for my Drewb… Drew. He can't get enough of the stuff."

Shego quickly followed the line of her pointing hand, locating the pot. Grabbing a cup out of the cupboard, she poured herself a cup and moved to sit down. Gertrude seemed to linger over her shoulder, watching her sip her drink.

"Dear, do you want something to eat? There's plenty of stew left over."

Shego just shook her head. "No thanks, this will get me through the day."

"But Dearie, you really should eat something. You're so skinny, you look like you're about to waste away!"

Drew just grinned. "Yes Shego, you really should eat something."

Shego just glared at him before deciding just giving in would take less energy than arguing. "Fine."

Gertrude moved quickly, and promptly placed a steaming bowl in front of her. She stood there until Shego took a bite, and grinned in satisfaction. "I'm going to do some laundry. If anyone wants anything done, just put your basket by the door, and I'll take care of it!"

"Thank you Mother!"

Gertrude left the room, her mind on her tasks ahead, allowing Shego the opportunity to glare again at Drew. "Momma's boy!"

Drew mockingly raised his hand to his chest, the look of shock on his face ruined by the big grin. "Shego, that's not nice. Besides, I know you like the attention she's giving you."

Shego just smirked at him, but didn't answer him. Taking another bite, she smiled a little. "You know, this isn't half bad!"

The two remained silent for a moment, as Shego, hungrier than she thought, quickly polished off the bowl in front of her. When she was done, Drew put a smile on his face, leaning in slightly. "You know Shego, tonight is Friday nig…"

Her spoon dropped with a clatter. "I am not going to karaoke with you!"

"But Shego, it's tradition! Besides, Agent Barkin wants to spend the whole day hereworking on reports when he gets back and my mother has her bridge night. I need someone to bring me back, and I figured you could stand to get out of here for a little while, what with what's going on between you two."

Shego's hand flared to life, the fire dancing across her knuckles. "What exactly did you hear?"

Drew looked a little worried as he responded. "Nothing, I swear! I just… I just picked up a bit of tension from him this morning as he was leaving. Besides, drinks will be on me! I'll even give you my credit card to pick up some new outfits!"

Shego let the fire disipitate as she contemplate his offer. "Fine, I'll meet you there. I'm going to work out for a bit, but when I finish, you better have that credit card ready to go for me!"

Drew just smiled. "Of course!"

He watched her head for the gym, and his smile broadened, becoming almost malicious. "Phase two is now complete! This will be my most diabolical scheme ever!"

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Author's Notes – Well… this is… OK, I know what you're thinking… karaoke? Believe me, there is a purpose to it! Just 2 more chapters left folks, and I hope to get them done soon!

I'd like to thank the following for their reviews;

mattb3671 – I kept his talk with Steve light, but that talk earlier with his mother just really underscored how serious he could be. As for Gertrude… it just seemed to fit her. She seems like a Gertrude. Hmm… and I wasn't quite able to return the favour you granted me so many times in reading DTMM? Guess I'll have to try a little harder!

MrDrP – It was definitely something that needed doing. After all, that kind of thing changes a person, but so far he had seemed almost himself. Showing why was important. As for that look, that is exactly what I was picturing when I wrote that!

Seamus Dubh – Do you really think she didn't have some idea what her son has been up to? Think about it, it's kind of obvious that he wasn't what he said he was. Maybe she didn't want to face the truth and played along? Maybe she just prayed her son would change on his own, hoping he would find his way? Either way, she's confronted him now.

Intrepidwarriors – Almost no one has, it's not something you see very often. But I read The Chrysanthemum and the Sword by Charles Gray, and he had the two of them working together. They had a good chemistry and interplay, and it got me thinking, so when I decided to do this little story, I just had to get them together.

Campy – Well, he was only comparing how Steve would react to someone hurting one of "his" kids to how he would react if Shego got hurt. Gotta admit though, that would be a very disturbing image… or maybe an interesting one… tight outfit… playing up the innocent angle… hmmm… OK, my mind's out of the gutter now.

Worker72 – Well, it will end soon, but maybe I can do a second one soon.

chao-hellsing – No idea who Brock Sampson is, but thanks for reviewing.

MORE? – I think it can be quite fun! And as for Drakken and Shego, let's just say they have a… complicated relationship.

I'd also like to thank Pwn Master Paladin, charizardag, Titanwolf, Matri, SHADOW ANGUS, Akemi, the Desert Fox, momike, Ace Ian Combat, Worker72, mattb3671, G-Go, and MrDrP for their reviews of The Twists and Turns of Love!