I don't own a thing, Disney does. What do you think Drakken could be scheming? I know most of you suspect, but I don't like to make things too obvious. Besides, Drakken is warped in most of his schemes, and I don't think he'd settle for the easy route!
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Life Changes – Chapter 8
Fridays at a high school was always a study in mass panic, especially at then end of the day. When that final bell rang, there was no force on earth that could stop hundreds of rampaging students as they all made for the doors in their bid to escape their bondage for a few days of slack and sloth. Normally, Steve Barkin would be right there in the middle, handing out detention to some of the more rowdy students while trying to direct the flow of traffic in as organized a manner as possible. Today though, he just stood against one wall, his thoughts on something far different than misbehaving teens.
It had taken Bonnie far longer to find Mr. Barkin than she had thought. His normal booming voice could normally be heard over the din of noise, allowing anyone who actually sought out the man an easy means of finding him. Today, she actually had to go looking, and when she almost passed him by in the hall, she was surprised. He was just standing there, looking out over the milling students without actually seeing any of them. Shoving her way past a couple of students breaking for the door, she made her way beside him.
"Mr. Barkin? Mr. Barkin?"
Steve blinked, and looked down towards the sound of the voice. "Something I can help you with Rockwaller?"
Bonnie cupped her hands over her mouth, hoping to make her voice louder in a vain attempt to be heard better. "I was hoping I could talk to you about some of the plans I have for prom!"
Steve looked out over the throng briefly, before returning his gaze towards Bonnie. "Fine, my office in ten minutes!"
Bonnie watched as his gaze returned to the mass of students exiting the building, and she headed back for her locker, wondering just what it was that was bothering him so much that he'd give up his usual routine of doling out yelling and punishment.
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What the hell was I thinking… getting intimate with someone I'm supposed to be watching? I should have stopped her right there and then, but no, I have to let my baser instincts take over. When I see her again, I'll just tell her that, and that will be the end of it, simple as that!
"… and I really think the colour scheme I've devised will work great! Plum is so the in colour this season, and even though it costs a little bit more, I think… Mr. Barkin? Are you listening to me?"
Steve turned quickly as he felt a hand on his arm. He hadn't realized he had been staring out the window while caught up in his thoughts, and he almost panicked when he felt Bonnie touch him. For some time, ever since finding out about Bonnie's abilities, he had made sure to try and keep his distance, to try and maintain some distance from her in the off chance she picked up a vision about him engaging in activities that it was better she not know about yet. When he saw the look on Bonnie's face as she quickly stepped back, almost as if burned, he knew she had picked up something that she shouldn't have. This whole situation with Shego has got me so messed up it might have cost me my cover!
Steve turned, motioning for Bonnie to sit. After a moment's hesitation, she did so, a look of shock still evident on her face. He decided to try and play it cool, hoping that she hadn't seen anything… compromising. "I apologize Ms. Rockwaller. I am dealing with some… personal issues that I'd rather not discuss."
"I wouldn't either if I was sleeping with Shego." She had muttered it quietly under her breath, and it would have gone unheard if Steve hadn't been straining to hear. He felt almost relieved that that was all she had picked up in their brief contact, and decided to take control of the situation.
"Pardon?"
Guilt rode over Bonnie's expression, and she sank back into the chair. "Nothing… nothing at all."
Steve smiled. "Good. Now, perhaps we can pick this up on Monday, when I have more time to give it the proper attention."
Bonnie nodded curtly. "Yes, sir."
Steve stood, and opened the door for her, making sure to stand back as she made to move past. "I'd also appreciate if no one else found out I was having… personal problems. I'm sure you understand!"
Bonnie eyed him curiously for a moment before nodding, and she left without another word. Steve shut the door and sat back down, intent on finishing some paperwork before the weekend. That was when a realization hit. Rockwaller doesn't see the past, she's a precog. She only sees what is… going to happen…
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I still can't believe I did that… I should know better. Fuck em and dump em as quick as possible, none of this attachment shit. Now I have to deal with someone I'm working with, and that just creates a whole shitload of headaches. Maybe he doesn't even think anything of it. I mean, I made it pretty clear that it was simply sex last night. He's been in the military, probably done that sort of thing a dozen times over. No reason to think he's even considering wanting a relationship. So… why can't I get it out of my mind?
Shego took the top she had been looking at over to the counter, approaching the woman at the counter with a half smile.
The girl rang it up on her computer and smiled back. "Find everything you need?"
"Yeah, thanks."
The woman folded the shirt neatly before tucking it into a bag for her. "You know, I saw you in here a couple days ago, and just couldn't get over how familiar you seemed. Have you been on TV or something?"
Shego just smirked. "Something like that."
A voice behind her caused her to turn. "Hey Monique, how's my… Shego, what are you doing here?"
The grinning blond behind her hobbled in, cane in one hand to help balance in the walking cast, and a bag of take-out in the other. "Hey Stoppable, just picking up a few things on Dr. D's account. Sure you should be walking in that thing?"
Ron just grinned. "Hey, it's called a walking cast. Figure I might as well keep the name accurate." He looked behind Shego, and the look of concern on his face became evident. "Monique, are you all right?"
Shego turned to see the nice cashier she had been chatting with now had an almost look of fury etched in her features, as her eyes burned holes into Shego. "This… this BITCH is the one that's been giving my girl problems over the years? And you have the audacity to come into MY store as if nothing happened?"
Ron moved quickly to the counter, getting between Shego and Monique, as it didn't look like the counter would keep the two separated for much longer. "It's okay Monique, she's fighting on the side of the angels now!"
Shego just snickered at that, but Monique overheard it. "You think that's funny? I'll show you funny when I get my hands on your scrawny neck! Ron, you don't seriously think she's changed, do you, just cause she helped you out?"
"Monique, I can…"
"You know, the way you're acting, I'd almost think you were the one dating Princess. You don't swing that way do you? Cause, I mean it would be fine if you did, in this day and age."
Monique's jaw dropped almost to the floor, her eyes almost burning with hate. Ron decided it was time to act, and quickly grabbed a smiling Shego by the arm, dragging her out of the store. "There's your dinner Monique, talk to you later! Shego, let's go!"
Shego just waved to Monique as she was dragged from the store, feeling better than she had in a while. She, and half the mall, were still close enough to hear Monique's final words.
"You better run bitch! You come back into my store, I'm going to give your ass a whuppin it won't soon forget! You hear me bitch?"
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"Why'd you have to do that?"
Shego grimaced as Ron stuffed half the pizza slice into his mouth, chewing almost obscenely. "Because it was funny as hell, that's why! Did you see the expression on her face?"
Shego tried to think of the last time she had seen someone eat that disgustingly as he continued talking, the food in his mouth trying desperately to escape as he talked with his mouth full. "Shes a fwend of min, and id apweciate it if you teated them a little betterr."
"Oh come on, just because I'm wearing the white hat now doesn't mean I'm going to change who I am, even for my friends."
Ron swallowed quickly, a look of shock crossing his face. "You consider me a friend?"
Shego just groaned, tilting her head back. "Look, don't make a big deal out of it. My definition of a friend is someone I don't plan on killing in the immediate future. Make a scene, and I promise that will change very quickly!"
Ron just smiled and nodded. "Understood… friend." He covered the grin by stuffing the next slice in his face, chewing rapidly.
"Uhh… why do you eat like that? It's disgusting!"
Ron's face fell as he swallowed. "Well, I always had to compete with… Rufus. The little guy could tear through a meal like crazy."
Shego winced. "Sorry… guess I shouldn't have brought it up."
Ron just shook his head, though it was evident all trace of humour was now gone. "Not your fault. You didn't know."
Shego took a bite of her slice, allowing silence to come over the two of them. She noticed he was now eating much slower as well, almost tentatively, and Shego regretted ever bringing up the subject, especially since it had only been a couple weeks since Rufus had passed away. She knew she had to change the subject, and even though she had no desire to bring everything to his attention, there was only one thing she could think of to talk about.
"Ron… I might have a problem you could help me with."
The bad mood showing on his face let up a bit. "What kind of problem?"
Shego winced internally. "A… relationship problem."
Ron leaned forward now, a half grin on his face. "Really? Oh my God, it's that Global Justice agent they sent over, isn't it? He must have really pushed some buttons if he's getting to you this quickly!"
Shego just glared at him, sorry she had brought it up, but glad to see him no longer in a funk. "We got back from a mission last night, and I was still a little… worked up, so I went into his room and fucked him." Ron sputtered pop all over the table at that, choking slightly, and Shego allowed him to get it under control before continuing. "So, how do I make sure this guy understands it was just a one-time thing, and not something more?"
Ron picked up the napkin, wiping his chin quickly. "Okay… don't have much experience in this field. I mean, wouldn't it be a simple matter of just saying that to him?"
"I already did, before we started."
"So, what's the problem? Why would this bother you unless… oh my God, you WANT there to be something more, don't you?"
Shego sat back, looking indignant. "I really don't! He's a fed, and I'm…"
"And now your just making excuses. You do want there to be something more!"
Shego's hand flared, and a couple nearby diners looked at the pair a bit concerned. "Shut it Stoppable!"
Ron leaned back, a grin still evident on his face. "Okay, no problem. Just ask yourself one thing. Why is this bothering you so much if it didn't mean anything?"
Shego had no answer for that.
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Steve sat at the table, watching Drakken drum his fingers on the table, looking almost impatient. "I wouldn't worry. This place is pretty quiet right now, I'm sure you'll get to sing soon enough."
Drew just grumbled, glancing over at the door. "Yes, yes, I know. I just… I'm just anxious to sing is all. I've missed going out the last few weeks, you know?"
Steve just nodded, not quite buying the excuse, but not willing to dwell on it either. "Look, I'll go get us a couple of drinks, and when the game comes on, I'll go watch that while you sing to your hearts content, all right?"
Drew just waved a hand at him. "Yes, yes, that's good. Just a cola for me."
Steve made his way to the bar, leaving Drew by himself to catch the approach of his former assistant walk through the doors. His smile widened as she got closer. "Ah, Shego, I was wondering if you were going to be late."
She grimaced as she pulled up a seat, taking in some of the stares from those around them that had obviously recognized the pair. "Just doing some last minute shopping at your expense. Besides, I doubt you've had a chance to get up yet. Just tell me you're not starting with an O Boys tune tonight?"
Drew just grinned broadly. "I think I can make that concession for you tonight!"
"They had Pepsi, I hope that's all…"
Shego's eyes widened as she saw Steve standing there, a couple of drinks in hand. "What the hell is he doing here? I thought you said he was doing paperwork!"
Steve looked equally as indignant "And you said she wouldn't be coming!"
Drew just looked sheepishly between the two. "I must have made a mistake or something when I was talking to the two of you. My bad!"
Shego stood up quickly. "I'm outta here!"
Drew laid a hand on her arm, and she stopped, staring down at him. "Please Shego, stay. I mean, if you two can't get along here for a couple hours, what good will you two do out in the field?"
Steve remained standing a few moments longer, waiting for what Shego would do. After a few moments, she pulled her arm back and sat back down. "Fine, for a little bit anyways."
Steve placed the drink in front of Drew before sitting down. "I'm going to watch the basketball game in a little while anyways."
Drew just smiled, looking between the two and taking a sip of his beverage. "See, we can all get along. Now, if you'll excuse me for a moment, I have to make sure that they have my play list ready!"
As Drew wheeled over to the DJ, Shego and Steve made a pointed effort to avoid looking at each other. It was Shego who spoke first. "So… how'd he talk you into this little show?"
Steve just grunted and took a swig of his beer. "Free drinks. You?"
Shego grunted as well, waving to the waitress. "The same."
The pair remained silent until Drew came wheeling back up, the grin on his face even bigger than before. "They have everything ready to go. How's everything going over here?"
Two grunts were the only reply.
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Drew tried constantly to get the two of them to engage in conversation with each other for the last hour. While he was able to get them to talk to him briefly, they pointedly made an effort to avoid saying more than a single word to each other. Shego, with her comet-induced powers of recuperation, seemed to be taking the most joy in draining Drew's bank account, knocking the drinks back at an alarming rate. He knew it was normal for her though, the effects lasted only moments in her system, and she had to keep consuming for the effects of the alcohol to have any kind of lasting effect. And while Steve wasn't as able as Shego, he was also making a dent, with his taste in the more expensive Canadian beers he briefly explained came from the couple of times he'd gotten together with a friend of his from up north. As the tab kept rising, he hoped his latest scheme would work.
He had sung a couple of times now, staples he always sang on karaoke night, and made an effort while on stage to see if the two would talk when he wasn't around. That, however, seemed to be worse than when he was around, as they made every effort to even look at each other during those times. After his third song, he knew it was time to deploy the big gun.
As Drew rolled down the ramp that the club had installed at his request earlier that day, he stopped by the DJ, and signaled to him. Wheeling back to the table, he paused to sip his drink, smiling almost evilly.
Steve glanced at his watch, looking quite bored. "Look, the game is going to start shortly. I should probably head over there if I want to get a good seat."
Drew waved his hand at him. "I wouldn't worry about that! It's a night for singing, and that's what everyone is here for. You'll have plenty of time to get a good seat. Besides, the next singers coming up should make things interesting!"
Shego glanced at him curiously, but was interrupted by the applause for the brunette who had just finished her number.
What the DJ said next however filled her with rage. "Our next performers are a duet, and we have graciously allowed them the next three songs in a row. This is their first time ever singing in public, so let's give a big hand to… Steve and Susan!"
"DRAKKEN!"
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Author's Notes – Drakken is soooo going to get it for this one! By the way folks, set your alerts to author name GWA. It stands for the Global Writer's Association, and is the home "address" of some collaborative works coming out soon. First up, a project called "The Darkness Within", written by G-Go, MrDrP, mattb3671, CaptainKodak1, wesUAH, and myself, all writing alternating chapters in what we hope will be the epic story of the year… or at least a damn good one anyways!
I'd like to thank the following for their reviews;
Seamus Dubh and Pwn Master Paladin – Well, I guess it would be considered evil… yes, definitely evil!
Momike – Glad you enjoyed!
Matri – Oh, that definitely seems like a possibility at this point!
MrDrP – Yeah, he wants to make Shego happy… even if she kills him!
mattb3671 – Yup, the super-geek society kicks ass. As for Shego…
Worker72 – Yeah… I didn't think a teddy bear would work well in a scene involving graphic sex! And as for Motor Ed…
Revenant666 – OK, Recovery is coming soon, don't you worry!