~o0o~ ~o0o~ ~o0o~
The road along the picturesque lakeshore was relatively busy, a red convertible swiftly coming into view. Kim had the car's top down even though it was unseasonably warm, dark clouds on the horizon promising an afternoon storm. She had a smile on her face, the lush scenery of the Bavarian Alps a far cry from the harsh cement and steel of New York City. She adjusted her sunglasses as she checked her car's navigation, only a mile or so to go.
It's not a holiday, Kim thought, over–taking a slower moving car. I'm just here to prove that Shego hasn't gone back to super–villaining. To show Global Justice that they're overreacting as usual.
She pushed some strands of hair back under her headscarf, ignoring the fizzing tightness behind her eyes.
Yeah, jet lag is gonna ruin me and I'm gonna pay for it later, but I'm just too excited to try and sleep right now.
She turned down a road, then another, and eventually onto what appeared to be a private laneway through a small forest, the uneven surface becoming more and more pitted by the time two large iron gates flanked by dark slate walls came into view.
Definite villain vibes, Kim thought as she eyed two gargoyles atop the walls leering down at her. She rolled her eyes at the flight of fancy, then pulled up at an intercom. Remember, friendly. Smile for the camera. She'll lose it if she thinks I'm here because of Global Justice.
She leaned over and pushed the talk button, taking off her sunglasses and scarf. And waited … Then pressed the button again, still no response.
Broken, perhaps? Or maybe she's not home?
She tried a third time, her fingers drumming on the wheel.
So what now? Wait to see if she shows up, or Plan–B? She glanced at her backpack. Or find out if she's home and then decide.
She backed the car up and parked it by the side of the road, then reached into her backpack and pulled out a small aerial drone. It was state of the art Global Justice technology, slimline and thoroughly without character, but she had fixed that by drawing a smiley face on top as well as writing the word WADE across the front of it.
"Well Wade, time to do your thing," she murmured. And using her Global Justice laptop to pilot the drone, she sent it straight up so its camera was pointing at a building in the distance.
An old English mansion in Germany? And a real fixer upper at that. Maybe I shoulda read her file? She glanced down at Shego's classified dossier, still sealed. No, I promised myself I wouldn't. I'm not an agent and that's too much of an invasion of privacy, 'cause I know she hasn't gone bad. She adjusted the camera angle and zoomed it in a bit more. Bingo! That's her car and her bike… which can only mean she's at home. She chewed on her lip in thought. So for whatever reason, she's ignoring the intercom. Then again, not surprising. I'm showing up unannounced, and she's always liked her privacy.
She brought the drone down, and packed it away. And stepping out of the car, she immediately felt it, that old, familiar excitement that always filled her when a mission was a go. She practically skipped over to the intercom's camera, and pointed at herself, then at the top of the gate.
So here we go. Infiltrating the evil villain's lair by walking right up to it. Not that she's a villain, so it doesn't matter.
She was up and over the wall in a heartbeat, heading along the cobbled driveway and into the unknown.
~o0o~
Kim blinked her tired eyes as she took another gulp from her water bottle, the oncoming storm leaving no breeze to speak of. She was glad for her loose shirt, shorts and flip–flops, the heat and humidity mercilessly pressing down on her.
White for the hero, she thought. Though I'm sure I'd score brownie points if I wore black for this.
After a few minutes of walking she exited the overgrown laneway, the cooler air from the nearby lake a godsend. She slowed her pace and took in the stone mansion before her, it had certainly seen better days or maybe even better centuries going by its cracked and worn exterior. The grounds around the house were in even worse shape, thoroughly wild and unkempt. She shaded her eyes against the sun, but the few windows that were not boarded up only showed a dark interior … a mystery waiting to be unveiled.
She took a few steps forwards then heard something in the bushes behind and, spinning, she almost tripped as her flip–flop got caught on a raised paver.
Yeah, sleep, Kim thought as she adjusted her footwear.
"Wondered who they'd send next," a voice said from behind.
Kim smiled and turned, Shego standing in the doorway.
It was definitely her Shego, those emerald–green eyes, faint green skin and long raven–black hair an instant giveaway. Though there was something different about her that Kim could not instantly pin down. It wasn't the missing black lipstick or that her hair was up in a ponytail, and neither was it the form–fitting black and green exercise clothes, her abs on full–display, or the stylish running shoes adorning her bare legs.
"Surprise," Kim said, giving Shego a friendly wave.
"Tell the cyclops that there's no evil schemes being hatched here," Shego said.
"I know. That's why I'm–"
Kim glanced down as something brushed against her leg, a black cat, and when she looked back up Shego was gone.
Yeesh. Rusty much? Kim thought. Heroing one–o–one: never take your eyes off your target. She then brightened. Yeah, it wasn't the best reunion, but she didn't ask me to leave, either.
She eyed the partially open door, watching the black cat trot inside and out of view.
Good enough for you, good enough for me, Kim thought as she strode up to the door and entered the mansion. It was so much cooler inside that she shivered as her eyes adjusted to the sudden dimness, then held in a gasp as she looked around. While the outside of the building had given it the appearance of being neglected and abandoned, the inside was meticulously cared for; all polished marble floors, rich oak walls and crystal light fittings.
Nice misdirection, Kim thought as she looked around.
Suits of armor, weapons, large vases and tables topped with interesting knickknacks lined the corridor, while along the walls were various paintings and ancient family portraits that grabbed Kim's attention
Yeah, this is much better than reading a dull file, she thought.
Curiosity demanded she head upstairs, proprietary advised downstairs.
In a normal world I'd call out and she'd answer, but she's in full Shego Mode. So if I were not–a–supervillain where would I have gone?
She chose a hallway at random and headed in that direction, soon finding out that the mansion was bigger than she had envisioned. Ornate rooms connected to more ornate rooms, a whole indoor swimming pool hidden away in one section. A noise off to her left sent her in that direction, and after passing through even more rooms she arrived at a kitchen. It was bigger than her whole apartment. It probably cost more than her whole apartment. The kitchen island, appliances and whitegoods all new and expensive amongst the antique decor.
But no Shego, Kim thought, sighing. So much for my days of chasing after her being over. She paused at that. Annnd I'm an idiot! She's practically a ninja. She wouldn't make any noise. She quickly and quietly placed her backpack on the ground, eyeing the multiple doorways. So then who or what made the sound.
A few steps in and she spied Shego's accomplice.
"Hey there," she said, smiling.
The black cat from earlier looked up from its food bowl.
It's nice that she was finally able to get a cat, Kim thought. And two of them going by the number of bowls,
She watched it watching her, its tail beginning to twitch.
"Okay, okay, I get the hint," she said, holding up her hands. "Don't get close. Don't interrupt your meal." At the thought of food her own stomach rumbled, reminding her that she had barely eaten today. She moved her backpack onto the kitchen counter and rummaged inside, pulling out an energy bar. It was quickly devoured as she stared out the window, then she topped up her water bottle at the tap, turning to find the cat now investigating her backpack.
"Don't suppose you know where your mom is?" Kim asked. "No? Didn't think so." She held out a hand … It was sniffed and then gently head–butted, a deep pur emanating from the cat as she stroked it. Black hair, green eyes, and with a prickly persona; yet a big softy underneath. "Maybe I should call you Shego?"
She bent down and checked the name on its dark–green collar.
"Or Scheherazade."
~o~
Kim said her goodbyes to Scheherazade, then checked the surrounding rooms. No Shego. With an eye rolling 'of course' she headed back down the main hallway as it started to rain outside.
Footsteps? Running? she thought, hearing a repetitive sound.
She remembered Shego's sporty attire.
Or a treadmill.
She picked up her pace, the sound of exercise getting louder as she neared an open door and, pausing, she knocked and entered. The room was enormous, an old converted library, Shego jogging away on a treadmill near some bay windows. Bookcases lined the walls, filled with old leather–bound tomes, a single bookcase by the door holding a small selection of modern novels, their colorful spines standing out against the rest of the library's drab books. Whatever furniture had once been in here had been removed, the area now sporting a raised sparring mat and various pieces of exercise equipment. And over by the windows were two large, comfy looking armchairs and a small table, an orange tabby cat asleep on one of the chairs.
Kim took it all in at a glance, her focus never leaving Shego.
Even with the rain and those earbuds in, she knows I'm here, Kim thought, her announced arrival eliciting no response. And she knows that I know she knows. She crossed her arms, considering her options. Well, two can play at that game.
She deliberately walked past Shego and over to the sleeping cat, sitting on the floor beside it. The cat opened its eyes, stretched, and reached out a paw for her.
Well at least someone's happy to see me, Kim thought, the cat wrapping itself around her arm. She scratched it under the chin, finding out her furry companion's name. And nice to meet you too, Priney.
Happily trapped by paws, she slid her backpack off, noting that the exercise equipment were from the HenchCo line; best of the best and made for those with enhanced abilities. She turned and checked out the reading material on the table beside her, a few fashion and gossip magazines, as well as three romance novels.
Yep, she's a big romantic at heart, Kim thought, her smile disappearing as she focused back on the HenchCo logo. Yeah, as soon as you deal with HenchCo you're on Global Justice's radar. But sporting equipment doesn't equate to supervillain, so they really need to calm the heck down.
She stared out the window, subtly observing Shego off to the side.
She looks good, fit as I remember. Hair's definitely shorter. And she's got such super–defined abs now. While I've… She touched her own stomach. I've been lazy. She continued her silent observation. Of course the black and green clothes, doubt that'll ever change. And the natural look really suits her, but the dark lipstick, nails and such really did define her. She settled on Shego's face, trying to work out what had twigged her curiosity when they first met. Oh my gawd! It's not the look, it's her whole aura. She's happy! Yeah, she's grumpy with me, but she's actually happy. Why, Ms. Go, saving the world has done wonders for you.
She smiled at that and rested her head against the chair, her tired eyes closing without a thought.
No! Stay awake.
Then a rumble of thunder caused Priney to tense up against her arm, while out of nowhere a nervous Scheherazade arrived on her lap. She made soothing noises as she calmed both cats as best she could, and between the two of them and the rain her eyes closed again, asleep before she knew it.
~o0o~ ~o0o~ ~o0o~
"You expect me to talk?"
"No, Princess, I expect you to–"
Kim woke from her dream, the images disappearing as fast as she tried to hold onto them. Still, she was smiling, not remembering why.
Where… um, am I? she thought, looking around.
She was in a four–poster bed, Scheherazade curled up against her atop the black sheets. How she got here was obvious, the why another question entirely. She stretched and noticed her phone on the bedside table, and checked the time.
I slept for over twelve hours?!
She blinked, but the evidence was right there in front of her.
Yeah, she somehow got me up here without waking me, but still… twelve hours?
She sat up and looked around, getting an even larger surprise. The huge bed she was in had a network of dark–green ivy and fairy lights wrapped around its frame, the rest of the room in various shades of black, posters of rock bands plastered across its walls. Over in one corner were two guitars partially covered by a leather jacket, multiple pairs of boots nearby. Dark purple and black clothes hung from the bed, others thrown into piles upon the carpeted floor. All in all it was a disorganised, edgy mess, and giving off that whole rebellious teenager vibe.
I'm in her old bedroom!
She so wanted to explore this time capsule of Shego's past, but it would have to wait. A meow of complaint followed her as she left the bed, heading into the ensuite bathroom. She found a fresh towel and toiletries awaiting her, and ablutions done, she cleaned her teeth and washed herself as best she could with a damp face washer before walking back out.
Talk first, she thought, looking at a child's painting signed with a green stylized S. Explore later.
And with that she exited the room.
~o~
Kim orientated herself in the upstairs hallway, found the landing and headed downstairs. Outside the summer sun was well into the sky, the air–conditioned hallway speckled in sunlight. She tilted her head then turned right, following the sounds of a television.
She carried me up to bed and tucked me in, so that's a good thing. And she's had the whole night to think things over and calm down, so that's a plus in my favor.
She stopped at the doorway, steeled herself, then walked in, Shego's icy glare greeting her.
Or not, Kim thought.
She took the room in at a glance, to its ornate chandelier and the large and well–stocked liquor cabinet, to the obscured view through the windows and the overly–large television attached to the wall – at odds with the rest of the antique furniture. A gaming console stood to one side, Shego sitting on the couch while working away on a laptop, Priney curled up against her.
"Still upset with me?" Kim asked.
"What gave it away?" Shego replied, looking back down at her screen.
"So what'd I do?"
Shego offered no answer, her attention wholly on her computer.
"If you'd just talk to me–" Kim started to ask.
"Kim, just have some breakfast and go home," Shego said, stabbing at one of the keys on her keyboard.
Kim shivered at that name, her actual name, not one of the nicknames Shego always used for her. It sounded totally wrong and out of place. She stood there in silence then turned and walked away, heading into the kitchen.
Okay, this is bad, Kim thought. I don't know what she thinks I've done, but it's really, really bad. She stared at the open doorway, picturing Shego on the couch. In the old days we kinda worked things out as we fought each other. This whole talk it out, no punches thing is a work… in… progress…
And there it was. The solution. And it was so simple.
She smiled as she found some fresh fruit in the fridge, sitting down to eat while she mentally prepared herself for what was to come.
Meal done, she took a deep breath and walked back into the TV room.
"You want me to leave?" Kim asked as she walked past Shego, pausing at the opposite door. "Fine! You, me, sparring mat! Come and throw me out, if you think you can?!" With that she took off at a run, her bare feet flying across the marble floor. And it was a good thing too, the sounds of an angry Shego following close behind.
Not the healthiest way to handle relationship issues, Kim thought, spotting her destination. But it's our way.
She hurtled into the library, noticing that the contents of her bag had been emptied onto the floor, all the Global Justice tech now melted into slag. She had no time to mourn their loss though as she reached the center of the sparring mat, turning and dodging a fist. A backflip gave her some distance, Shego instantly closing the gap.
Yeah… this'll be fun, Kim thought. Fighting her in a constrained place. The unspoken agreement that whoever left the mat would be the loser.
She flipped, dived, rolled, and flipped again, staying on the defensive. Her natural quickness and agility up against Shego's super–human strength and training.
I'll be lucky to get out of this with just a bruised–
Caught in midair by her ankle, she was slammed onto the mat. She instinctively moved her legs apart to avoid the follow–up blow, the mat splitting and floorboards cracking beneath Shego's fist. They stared at each other, their eyes inches apart. Shego scowled, tensed. Kim reacted first. She grabbed Shego's shoulders and smashed her face into the floor, then rolled over the top of her and away.
"Not holding back, I see?" Kim said.
"For you? Never!" Shego replied, standing up.
Okay, we're talking, Kim thought as Shego moved closer. Pick a topic, something, anything. Her clothes, her hair, her perfume. Just keep it going… "Nice to see you've kept yourself in shape."
"Makes one of us."
"Hey!"
"Truth hurts, doesn't it? 'Cause you're slow. Sloppy."
"Just rusty."
"Semantics."
Kim stayed on the defensive, Shego's blows unrelenting.
"Careful, you don't wanna break a nail," Kim said.
"I'll happily break one on that pretty little face of yours!" Shego replied, clenching her fists.
"Aww, you think I'm pretty?" Kim gushed in reply, clasping her hands against her cheek. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me," she said, grinning.
The responding growl and overextension from Shego was exactly what Kim had hoped for. She counterattacked, seeing stars as a wild, angry punch glanced off her jaw. But she was now where she needed to be, close to Shego and inside her guard. A leg sweep sent Shego tumbling, Kim leaping on top and straddling Shego's waist, holding her down by her wrists.
She stared down at Shego, the two of them panting hard.
"Ready to–" Kim asked.
One heartbeat.
"–Give up?"
Two heartbeats.
Shego snarled and moved her arms apart, pulling Kim off–balance. Kim had a soft landing as she fell atop Shego, their hair and bodies tangling together. A sharp jab with her elbow elicited a grunt from Shego, but it was to no avail as she was rolled over, Shego now on top.
"Familiar position," Shego said, arrogantly.
Oh no you don't! Kim thought as she wrapped her legs around Shego's neck. A solid punch to Shego's gut gave her the opening to reverse their positions, Kim once again on top.
"Familiar outcome," Kim said, the warmth from Shego more intense this time. She was ready for the attempted headbutt, flinging herself back and rolling away, the hem of her shirt ripping in Shego's grasp. "Predictable," she stated, flipping her hair back.
"Yet still a classic," Shego replied, leaping to her feet. "Now hold still and let me–" She paused. "What is that?!" she exclaimed, pointing at Kim's exposed midriff.
"What's what?" Kim replied, self–consciously pulling the hem of her shirt together.
Shego marched up to Kim, lifting Kim's hands and shirt up.
"That!" Shego said, poking the butterfly tattoo around Kim's bellybutton
"Hey! That's private," Kim exclaimed, wrestling her shirt back down and stepping away.
"Is there anything you won't lie about? Anything the high and mighty Agent Possible said she'd never do!" Shego growled, throwing her arms up in anger.
Kim's eyes widened as she finally found the missing puzzle piece, the reason why Shego was so angry with her.
How could I forget, she thought, mentally chastising herself. The awards ceremony for saving the world. We talked on that balcony for hours. All the things I said I'd do, now in tatters. And the things I said I'd never do. She touched her midriff as she glanced at the remains of her Global Justice laptop. So of course she's upset with me, she thinks I'm a liar and that I can't be trusted anymore. She took a deep breath, it was time to diffuse this ticking bomb. "Shego, I haven't joined Global Justice."
"Yeah, right!" Shego replied, crossing her arms.
"Do I look like an agent?" Kim asked, her white top and cream shorts a far cry from the somber blue–grey of their uniform.
"Ever heard of being undercover?"
"We'll, I'm not! I'm not an agent. And you know I wouldn't lie to you."
"A goody two–shoes agent would use that knowledge against me!"
"A friend wouldn't!"
"We're not friends!"
"Of course we are! What we've shared, gone through and experienced together, how could we not be friends? You've helped me, even saved my life. And I've helped you, both versions." She raised her hands as Shego scowled at her. "I know, I know, never mention that time again. But it's true!" She searched for the right words. "In some ways you know me better than I know myself. And I like to think I know you too. And, in a strange way, you're stability to me. I know it doesn't make any sense, but you are."
"Then… you're their lapdog, and that's even worse," Shego muttered, turning away.
"Listen, I'm so not on their side. I'm on yours. I'm here because I wholeheartedly believe that you're not up to anything," she said, stepping closer. "Global Justice is biased in their assumptions, their methodologies are skewed, and they don't know you like I do. So I'm here to show them that they're idiots, so you can get on with your life."
"Idiots?" Shego murmured.
"Totally!"
"And, not an agent?" Shego asked, turning around.
"So not an agent," Kim replied with absolute sincerity.
"And that?" Shego asked, pointing at Kim's tattoo. She appeared to be searching for the right words, then sighed. "As cute as it might be."
"A moment of weakness, but I've grown to love it. Glad you do too."
"I admit nothing."
"So we're good now?" Kim asked.
"We're… good," Shego replied.
"And you still think I'm pretty?" Kim asked, grinning impishly.
She barely blocked the punch from Shego, the continuation of their fight not wholly unexpected. Now though they were fighting for the thrill of it, and not out of anger, mistrust or to save the world.
~o~
Kim dropped to a knee, sucking in lungfuls of air, a shaky hand wiping the sweat from her face. She pushed her hair back as she tried to stand on wobbly legs, taking two attempts to do so. Shego stood a few feet away, head down, hands on her knees as she fought for breath. They were both tired and drained beyond reason, refusing to give in, their sweat–stained clothes plastered against their bodies.
Kim rolled her shoulders and took a step, sheer force of will keeping her from collapsing once again.
"Ready… to give… up?" Kim asked, panting hard.
"When… yer ass… is mine," Shego shot back.
Kim counted to three, and with her remaining strength she launched herself at Shego, Shego having the exact same idea. They collided in midair and collapsed onto the sparring mat, Kim laying across Shego, face on the floor, neither moving, both spent.
So that's… what happens… when no one interrupts our fights, Kim thought. She lay there as she drifted in and out of consciousness, too tired to move, too exhausted to think, barely aware of where she was.
"You… okay?" Shego murmured.
Kim started at the question, then raised a thumb in reply, too worn out to even speak.
"Good." Shego replied, and she dropped an arm onto Kim's back. "'Cause I win."
Kim snorted and turned her head, seeing more hair than anything else. She huffed a few times to clear her vision, looking up at Shego. Who, annoyingly, looked perfectly fine even while exhausted.
"Well, you're a lot comfier than the floor, so I win," Kim mumbled.
"And you're damn hot," Shego stated.
Am I? Kim slowly took in the heat of the body beneath her own. Oh yeah, I really am out of it. She levered herself up on wobbly arms, then paused. "So I'm pretty, cute and hot? I'm winning the trifecta today."
Shego rolled her eyes and put her hand over Kim's face, gently pushing her away. Kim laughed as she collapsed onto the floor, straightening her tousled hair as she made herself comfortable next to Shego.
"I'll agree that you're pretty good at getting beat up," Shego said. "So one out of three ain't bad."
"I'll take those odds," Kim announced. She looked around the room, still too tired to do much more. "So what now?"
"We shower, we lunch," Shego replied, then she lightly tapped Kim's tattoo. "And then you can tell me all about that."
"And you can tell me about–" Kim replied, poking Shego's side.
There was a stifled snort from Shego, Kim's fingers quickly batted away.
"You're ticklish?" Kim asked, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
"No!"
"Oh. My. God. You're ticklish! How did I not know this? Why did I not know this?"
"Drop it, Kimmie, or I'll–"
"Are you ticklish here?" Kim asked, her fingers darting into Shego's armpit.
Shego burst out laughing, weakly pushing Kim away.
"Or here? Kim asked, her fingertips dancing across Shego's ribs.
Shego curled up into a ball, vainly trying to swat Kim's hands away.
Kim suddenly felt invigorated. She sat up in a flash and straddled Shego's waist, Shego's wide eyes and shaking head cementing her fate. Kim's fingers dove down, finding those most sensitive of places, Shego's howls of laughter filling the room. Kim eventually showed mercy and dropped to the ground, a massive smile on her face as she rested her head against Shego's side.
"You're so dead," Shego rasped.
"I know," Kim replied, arching her head back to look up at Shego. "But it was totally worth it. I've never heard you laugh so much. It's… ya know, really nice."
"Still dead."
Kim lay there in comfortable silence, not worried about the threat. She knew Shego. Knew the words were just bluster.
"You've changed," Shego stated.
"We haven't seen each other for over a year, so yeah," Kim replied. "College, moving, working, they do change you. And– and… there's those big things, that, ya know, in the span of a few days change your whole life," her voice rising in agitation. "And, well, anyways… I'm rambling, people change, so I'll shut up now."
She shifted slightly as Shego rolled onto her side, Shego propping her head up on her hand and staring at Kim. Kim glanced at Shego then away, that penetrating gaze boring into her.
"Kimmie, where's Ron?" Shego asked, her tone serious.
Kim's smile disappeared in an instant. She opened and closed her mouth a few times before squeezing her eyes shut, and whispered, "We broke up."
She lay there, dreading the inevitable questions.
"Up ya get," Shego announced.
Kim opened her eyes to find Shego standing and holding out a hand for her, understanding on her face. Kim smiled in gratitude that the issue wasn't being pushed, took the proffered hand, and let Shego pull her to her feet, her hand gently squeezed before being let go.
"Shit happens," Shego's said. "So let's go shower, and eat."
~o0o~
Kim stared at herself in the bathroom mirror, expecting to see something new. For almost a year now her and Ron's breakup had been eating at her like a cancer, and it shouldn't have. It had been mutual, they had agreed on that. So it shouldn't still hurt, yet it did. And then saying it out loud to Shego, seeing understanding without questioning, it had been profoundly and surprisingly cathartic.
I feel different, she thought
She poked her cheeks and made a face, the same old her staring back at herself from the mirror.
Can dwell on it later. Right now, I need a shower.
She undressed and threw her clothes on the floor, Shego promising her some fresh attire. Bra off, panties off, she was about to step into the shower when she heard some plaintive meowing coming from somewhere outside. Never one to leave a friend or foe in distress, she wrapped herself in a towel and walked out into the bedroom, opening the door onto the hallway.
Scheherazade looked up at Kim mid meow, looking slightly offended that she had been interrupted, then she trotted into the room and made herself at home on the bed.
"Shezzy's never gotten on with anyone but me," Shego said from behind, "but she's certainly taken a liking to you."
Kim turned, Shego in the hallway with a change of clothes in hand.
"Thanks," Kim said, taking the offered garments, briefly examining them. "All black?"
"Of course," Shego replied. "Revenge starts early in this house."
Kim rolled her eyes and went to shut the door, stopping as Shego put a hand on it.
"I'd leave it ajar," Shego said, "bathroom door as well. Otherwise, Little Miss Caterwaul there will be complaining once again."
~o0o~
Kim turned off the shower and let out a big sigh of happiness, feeling like a new woman. She grabbed a towel from over the railing and gingerly patted herself down, her body moving as she replayed their fight. It was as much a critique of her own form as it was of enjoyment. She swayed to one side as she dodged an imaginary fist, smiling as she sat astride Shego in victory.
Yeah, a good fight.
Dry enough, she wrapped the towel around her hair and stepped out of the shower, Scheherazade rising to greet her from atop the bathroom counter.
"So, Shezzy, you like hanging out with me, huh?" Kim said, holding out a hand, which was sniffed then enthusiastically rubbed against. Just like your mom, though she'll never admit it. She stepped closer as the nuzzling continued. "And you like to mark me," she murmured, looking at herself in the mirror. Just like your mom.
She was flushed from the warm shower, yet beneath her rosy hue were the vibrant bruises from their fight.
Not the best, Kim thought, wincing as she pressed down on one of the bigger bruises. But also totally worth it. She brushed a few stray strands of hair back behind her ear. And she'll be just as bruised as me, even though she'd never show me.
She retrieved her hand from Scheherazade and donned a black silk robe, and made her way out into the bedroom. First up she closed the bedroom door, then she went through the various clothing options Shego had given her.
Black undies, black singlet, black shorts, black belt, and a black t–shirt. She held up the top. With… a naked dancing dark elf lady on it…
But it was this or her sweat–soaked clothes hanging in the bathroom.
~o0o~
Kim left her room in her new attire, minus the singlet, her hair still damp; it would dry and time with Shego was far more important. She took a moment to admire Shego's massive four–poster bed through an open door, then made her way downstairs. She chose right at the bottom, her bare feet silent as a mouse on the marble floor, yet as she stepped into the TV room she found Shego looking up from her laptop, expecting her.
"Welcome back, Princess," Shego said, her eyes giving Kim the once over.
Kim returned Shego's greeting with a smile.
"What?" Shego asked, warily.
Kim's smile got even bigger
"What? Stop smiling at me like that!"
"I… ya know, like it when you call me by my nicknames," Kim said.
Shego snorted and closed her laptop, sitting back. "Well, Kimberly, you look good in black."
Kim poked her tongue out in reply, refusing to rise to the bait. She openly admired Shego's cute dark green button up top and black shorts as she walked over and sat on the couch, crossing her legs underneath her. In response, Shego put her laptop aside, Kim's curious gaze following it.
"So, uh… is this what you do all day?" Kim asked, gesturing at the laptop.
"Nice segue, Kimmie," Shego replied, stretching out her legs onto the coffee table.
Kim's eyes followed those legs, like her own they were heavily bruised. She glanced down at her own arms and legs, then at Shego's face, neck, arms, and then back down along Shego's legs. And in the comfortable silence that followed, she took in the scent of Shego's shampoo, bringing up a long–forgotten memory of a promise.
"–And yes, this is pretty much what I do all day," Shego said. "Since I can't leave the house or Global Justice will swoop in and search the place." She raised a flaming middle finger into the air in their name. "Bastards have tried three times to sneak in, and the last time I sent them all back in an ambulance."
"And so I'm here," Kim said.
"And so you're here."
"You, uh… could just, ya know, let them in?" Kim suggested, receiving an icy, silent stare in reply. "Okay, okay, not an option. But don't you get bored being stuck here all the time?"
"You'd think so, but no. I spent years sequestered in lairs and out of the way places. This…" She waved a hand at their surroundings. "This is the god damn Taj Mahal compared to those dumps. I've got the Internet, TV, books, and the facilities to exercise whenever I want, and anything I need delivered in a day."
"Sounds pretty lonely, though?"
"Oh, I have people over."
"You do? Who?"
"Doesn't matter," Shego replied, waving her hand dismissively. "Let's go have some lunch."
"Which can wait," Kim said as she put her elbows on her knees, chin in hand. "Who? Spill?"
"Look, it's…" Shego began.
"Uh–huh," Kim replied, shuffling closer.
"I mean, it's…"
"Yeah?"
"Gah!" Shego exclaimed, throwing up her arms in annoyance. "This is why I live alone!" She pulled her legs up and crossed them underneath her, her glare bouncing off of Kim's smile. Chewing on her lip, she looked away, then back at Kim, then sighed as she looked down at her lap. "They're models, okay? I've taken up painting as a hobby. Now, can we drop this?"
Like the paintings in her old room? Kim thought, her imagination exploding. "You have to show me. I mean, like, right now!"
"Another day," Shego replied, crossing her arms.
Kim shook her head
"Another time."
Kim shook her head, again.
"Listen, Kimmie, you can't just show up and demand–"
Kim glanced down then back up and let it happen, her face becoming so cute it was monstrous. She stuck out her bottom lip, letting it quiver slightly, her eyes becoming big and watery as her whole being pleaded with Shego … Who took the full brunt of Kim's cuteness.
It was admirable how long Shego held out for, but the outcome was never in doubt.
"Okay, okay, I'll show you!" Shego exclaimed, shuddering as she dragged a hand down her face. "That really wasn't fair. I told you to never use that on me again."
"You left me no choice," Kim replied, giving Shego a cheeky grin. "Desperate times and all. So…" she asked, barely able to contain her excitement.
"First, that," Shego demanded, pointing at Kim's midriff and its covered tattoo.
It was a compromise, one that Kim readily accepted.
"Okay. Cliff notes," Kim said, standing up. "Ron and I, ya know…" She pointed her thumbs in opposite directions. "So I've taken some time off from uni, not sure when I'll go back. Needed some distance, so I moved to New York. Then I was feeling down for a bit," she touched her belly, "and that's when I got my tattoo. And I'm currently working as a bartender/bouncer at an all–girl bar."
Kim waited for a follow up question from Shego, receiving a knowing look instead. It continued even as Shego stood up, smirking.
"What?" Kim asked. "What's that look for?"
"You just answered a long standing question I've always had," Shego replied. "And no, I'm not," she did some air quotes, "spilling." So if you try that pout thing again, I'll put your face through a wall."
~o0o~
Kim barely paid attention to her surroundings as she followed Shego through the mansion, her thoughts bouncing between what Shego could possibly have deduced and the fact she was about to see Shego's personal, private artwork. Caught up in her musings, she almost bumped into Shego as they stopped at one of the many doors off of the main hallway.
"Don't suppose I could convince you to wait out here while I… tidy things up?" Shego asked, hand on the door.
"And give you a chance to hide the good stuff? No way," Kim replied.
"It's just… well, you'll see," Shego said, opening the door.
It was dark inside the room, the smell of paint and other artistic supplies wafting out of the doorway. Whatever windows the room had offered no light, the only illumination coming from the open doorway. Kim had a brief view of the outline of many paintings before her hand was grabbed and she was pulled inside, Shego quickly closing the door, leaving them in pitch darkness.
"It's a pain to get the cats out once they're in," Shego said as a way of explanation.
Kim stood there, feeling like the magician was just about to reveal their trick. She closed her eyes as the lights came on, opening them to a room full of wonders. Paintings of all different shapes and sizes were stacked about the room, as if the creating was more important than the displaying. Most were actual paintings, done in different artistic styles, while others were simple sketches in ink or pencil, some in colored crayon, even a few in basic yet striking charcoal. Yet what instantly captured her attention was the fact that the majority were nudes, of both men and women.
Oh!
And of the nudes, most of the models were bound in intricate knots; either standing, sitting, lying down, or even suspended in the air.
Kim took a step forwards, then another, trying to take everything in at once.
Shibari… Rope use… Bondage…
She could feel the blood thumping away in her veins, not from embarrassment or excitement, it was something deeper, more primal. She turned, noting Shego still by the door, her eyes snapping back to the artwork around her.
If only…
A particular redhead caught her eye, seemingly a favourite of Shego's as Kim spotted her in quite a few of the paintings. In each, the model's lithe form was bound, her hair always covering her face so she could be anyone.
Should've been… me…
She blinked and found herself across the room, the coils of rope on a chaise lounge calling to her. Tentatively, almost reverently, she brushed her fingers along the rope, feeling its texture.
"Do me…" Kim murmured, looking back at Shego.
"Pardon?" Shego replied.
"Tie me up. Do me."
"I will not!"
Kim frowned, the spell broken. She turned and marched up to Shego, who actually backed away.
She's embarrassed? Why? Doesn't matter. "She's good enough for you," she said, pointing at the mystery redhead. "So why not me?" she asked, sticking out her chin in defiance.
"Because I've known you since High School," Shego exclaimed. "I'm not having you strip naked in front of me!"
Oh? OH! Kim had the decency to turn bright red, her spirited demand now catching up with her. "I mean… I wasn't suggesting…" she stammered. Oh geez! "I could still be dressed, couldn't I?" she asked, playing with the hem of her shirt.
"We're done here!" Shego stated, opening the door.
Priney looked up at them, gave a happy meow, then trotted into the room, disappearing behind a stack of paintings.
"That's on you," Shego said. "So you can fish her out. I'm off to– to… Gah! I don't know."
~o0o~
Kim slowly walked back from the kitchen in thought, her plan to defeat the dastardly Professor Priney in hand. She set Priney's food bowl on the floor outside the studio door, then tapped on the tin of cat food she was holding
"Priney," Kim called out. She heard a meow, tapped on the tin again, then smiled as Priney came trotting into view. "Bribery," she said, scooping some cat food into the bowl. "That's how I got my brothers to do anything."
She stroked Priney as Priney went straight for her impromptu meal, the mission a success.
I can't help it if I like this rope stuff, Kim thought, taking another long look at all the artwork on display.
She turned out the lights and closed the door, then sat on the floor deep in her own thoughts as she waited for Priney to finish her meal.
An' yeah, maybe… just maybe, I enjoyed being captured in the past because I knew I'd be tied up. And now I'm wanting her to do it again. Yes, it'd be intimate. Special. But we're already so close. Plus, this time it'd be different. It's for art, after all. She nodded to herself, happy with her logic. Though I wish I was in better shape. She glanced down at herself. Definitely not as perfect as her. She sighed, smiling sadly. Which just leaves the issue of convincing her to do me. Just the once, with something on. See how it goes, and then see where it takes us.
She held in a sneeze, her wet hair and the air–conditioning combining with the cold marble floor to send a chill through her,
Now, time to cash in on that long–forgotten promise.
~o0o~
Kim exited the kitchen and walked back into the TV room full of confidence. She had a plan and wasn't going to take no for an answer. She found Shego once again on the couch, eating a salad, Priney grooming herself on the sofa beside Shego; a second salad and drink on the coffee table for Kim. It had been so long since someone had prepared a home–made meal for Kim that she felt a warmth of happiness suffuse her from head to toe. She practically glided across the room, eyeing Priney's spot, right where she had been planning to sit. Then the plate on Shego's lap gave her a bolder idea. It would be unorthodox, but when had anything between them been normal.
"Hey," Kim said, "remember when you stayed at my place, and you said you'd dry my hair with your Glow the next time we had a sleepover?"
Shego looked around at Kim, her chewing slowing.
"Well, I'm counting all this as a sleepover," Kim stated, stopping in front of Shego.
She ignored Shego's frown and shaking head, deftly removing the bowl from Shego's lap and putting it aside. She then turned around and sat on Shego's knees, wiggling herself down so she was sitting on the couch in–between Shego's legs.
"So, hair?" Kim said, pointing at her head.
"Kimmie!"
"You promised," Kim replied.
There was silence from behind, then she put her hands on Shego's knees as Shego started to rise, lightly holding her in place.
"Look…" Shego said, her voice sounding strange.
"Yes?" Kim replied.
"I…"
"Uh–huh."
"It's too, um… dangerous."
Kim glanced over her shoulder, seeing that Shego wasn't lying. "How so?"
"I dry… short hair. Men's hair. Men with short hair. It's quick and easy. And– And this," she held up a flaming hand, "does not mix well with," and she pointedly tugged at Kim's shirt, "this."
Oh? Kim thought, biting her lip at the obvious answer. Can I? Anything's possible for a Possible, but is it too much? She stared at the floor, her heart pounding away in her chest. But I want this, she thought, grabbing the hem of her shirt. So we're doing this. She took a deep breath, and in one smooth motion she pulled her t–shirt up and over her head, holding it tight against her bare chest.
There was complete and utter silence from behind.
Don't think about it, Kim thought, holding her embarrassment at bay. She'll do it.
She didn't dare look around, knowing it would break the spell, then she shivered as a warm hand touched her shoulder, gently brushing her hair aside.
"So many scars," Shego murmured, her fingers tracing their way down Kim's back.
"Yeah. The world always needed saving."
"You were so young."
"But I'm all grown up now."
"This one from me? Shego asked, her thumb touching a scar on Kim's side.
"Yup. Acapulco. When you kicked me–"
"–Into that collapsing building."
Kim sat there, her shyness fading as her past injuries were explored, scars slowly identified, others enquired about.
"So, hair?" Kim asked, the moment feeling right.
"Hair," Shego replied, her hands coming to rest on Kim's shoulders.
Kim winced as a few hairs were plucked from her head, watching as Shego briefly lit up her hand, the hairs remaining unharmed.
"I always check," Shego said.
Kim nodded, then her head was turned forwards and angled downwards, a sudden warmth blossoming across her back. She found the whole situation exhilarating and scary at the same time, tensing and closing her eyes, then relaxing as flaming fingers ran their way through her hair and across her scalp.
That's… Ohh… So much better than I imagined… Kim thought, melting under Shego's touch. She sat there in quiet, blissful happiness, and in no time at all her hair was dry, those magic fingers moving onto the tension in her shoulders. "You're so good with your hands. Can I keep you?" she mumbled.
Shego paused, then quietly chuckled. "So have you come out to your parents yet?" she asked.
Umm… Kim thought, confused.
"Told them that your gay?"
Kim's eyes snapped open.
"Wha… Wha… What?" Kim stuttered.
"Ah. Not yet," Shego replied, her face coming into view beside Kim's. "It's okay. No judgement here. You like who you like."
Kim looked down at where she was sitting, how they were sitting, and shot to her feet, stepping away from Shego.
"You think I'm gay?" Kim asked, holding her shirt against her chest
"Well, doy!" Shego replied.
"But I'm not."
"Mmhm."
"Shego. Really, I'm not–" She paused, clutching her shirt a bit tighter. "Um… can you, ah, close your eyes for a sec?" she asked, feeling way too exposed at the moment. She turned away as Shego followed her request, pulling her shirt back on. Okay, okay, okay. My fault. Things got a bit intimate, and took my top off. It's easy to see how she'd confuse my intentions with that. I just need to set the record straight. She took a deep breath and turned back to Shego. "All good," she announced, straightening her shirt.
Shego's eyes snapped open, looking at her.
"Shego, I know things got a bit…" She searched for the right words. "Close between us, but I'm–"
"We all thought you were gay," Shego said, relaxing back against the couch.
Kim went silent in disbelief.
"Me, the other super villains, we all pretty much pegged you as gay from the moment you burst onto the heroing scene," Shego said.
Kim dropped onto the seat beside Shego, mouth open.
"Hell, go look up Drakken's notes on that Eric abomination, you'll find its psychological makeup was more woman than man."
Kim lost focus on the rest of Shego's reply as she began picturing their past encounters, her eyes going wide as she got to their tussle at the Bermuda Triangle Casino, vividly remembering Shego's raised knee in–between her thighs as she straddled her.
"Wait, wait, wait. Hold on!" Kim said, holding up a hand. "You're telling me that every time we fought, grappled, rolled around on top of each other, you thought I was gay?"
"Well, doy!"
"Shego. It's me, Kim. You know me," she said, grasping Shego's leg for emphasis. "I'm just your basic average girl. I like boys. Men. We went on a double date together. And I've never even kissed a– a girl."
"I certainly do know you," Shego said, glancing down.
Kim followed Shego's gaze, finding her hand still resting comfortably on Shego's knee. She whipped it back to her own lap, fingers tingling.
"Why didn't you say anything?!" Kim asked.
"Back in the day? Hey, we were supervillains, not bad guys. If you weren't ready to come out, it wasn't our place to say anything. And besides, we were fighting you, not your sexuality."
"Well, for the record, I'm not gay."
"Okay," Shego replied.
Kim gave her a disbelieving look. "You're just saying that!"
"Of course."
Gah! Kim pinched her nose in thought and frustration. How do you disprove a negative that's set in stone? Can't pout, it'll seem too flirty. She sat up and crossed her legs, barely registering Priney leaving the couch. "Right. Okay. We're not leaving here until I've convinced you otherwise, but It's not worth arguing with you about the past, wrong as you are. So what have I done recently to make you think it?"
Shego smirked as she reached for then slowly sipped her drink. It was such a classic power move that Kim rolled her eyes despite herself.
"Well, Kimmie," Shego said, leaning forwards. "You went to college and came away swinging single, and now work at an all–girl bar. Then you show up here…" She did some air quotes. "To save me, while checking me out every chance you can."
"I. Do. Not!"
"Then you goad me into a sparring match and literally throw yourself at me, all that extra–close grappling, grasping and holding that you've never been fond of."
"I didn't have any other options."
"Of course, of course, options… And then you conveniently wound up on top of me."
"That's totally unfair. It's just how it happened."
"Mmhmm… accident. And let's not forget straddling me and getting all handsy with the tickling."
"Aw, c'mon. No one coulda resisted doing that."
"And the, 'Tie me up and do me'. Has to be one of the sexiest pickup lines I've ever heard.
"A– a slip of the tongue."
"And lastly," Shego said, nodding at Kim's rumpled shirt while tapping on the sofa in–between her legs. "There's your impromptu lap dance and striptease."
"Hello, hair!" Kim replied, blushing despite herself.
"So that's quite a few little peccadillos against you," Shego said. "And while I'm flattered with all the attention, I've no interest in the fairer sex. Way, way too many complications to go there."
"Why?" Kim blurted out without thinking.
"Personal and private, Kimmie. Personal and private. "So try anything, and I'll burn yer ass, got it?" She flared her hand for emphasis, then turned away, shoulders beginning to shake. "'Cause I really don't need… any more problems… in my life… right… now."
"Are you laughing?" Kim asked, frowning.
"Oh gods! Your face!" Shego exclaimed, bursting into laughter. "So serious. I just couldn't…" And with that she rolled off the couch and onto the floor, laughing the whole way."
"You– Why– Shego!" Kim yelled, stamping a foot.
She sat there in impotent rage as Shego lay on the floor, tears streaming down her face. Kim didn't know what to do, in the past she would have attacked Shego for such an act, but they were friends now. She clenched and unclenched her fists as she slowly counted to ten, the sounds of Shego's mirth eventually tapering off.
"Was any of it real?" Kim asked, poking Shego with her foot.
"All of it. None of it," Shego replied, wiping away her tears; then she swung her legs up onto the couch, back resting comfortably on the floor. "When you said you weren't, you weren't. But I couldn't resist myself, you're just so easy to mess with."
Kim poked her tongue out in reply.
"Save that for the bedroom, Cupcake!"
"Shego! C'mon!" Kim exclaimed, gently smacking Shego's leg.
"So easy."
"Yeah? Well… I'll show you easy! I'm dragging your ass back to the sparring mat for all this."
"Only because it's so cute and you want a piece of it."
Kim glared at her, which only sent Shego into another fit of laughter.
Yeah, we're definitely hitting the sparring mat after this. It just works for us.
She rested her hand on Shego's leg, fingers drumming away in mock–annoyance. She had a nice view as she waited, Shego's shirt having ridden up to display her abs. Kim admired them even as she looked away, never having had to worry about this before, and certainly not wanting to give Shego any more ammunition in her current mood.
"I need a drink," Shego said, stretching.
"Can I have one as well?" Kim asked, glancing up at all the alcohol on display.
"Who are you and what have you done with my Princess?"
"She's changed quite a bit since High School. College, moving, working, ya know? And yeah, not twenty–one yet, but we're in Germany. So for you, and here, I'll make a one time exception for a small drink. Also, I'm still technically a college student, and we're meant to break the rules, aren't we?"
"I'm so proud of you," Shego said, wiping away a fake tear.
"Get over it," Kim replied, smiling as she affectionately squeezed Shego's knee.
~o0o~ ~o0o~~o0o~
Oops. Posted too early. But it's out there now, so I hope you all enjoy.
I'll take any chance to put cats in a story, and I had lots of fun with them in this one. I also like the idea that Kim and Shego work things out the best when they're fighting each other. And, lastly, when has alcohol ever gone wrong?
~o0o~
