An Evening Out


Shego tossed the large box in her closet and looked at her ruined suit. Glancing at the grazed cut on her thigh with irritation. Turned out some villains didn't take too kindly to being tricked and robbed of their precious devices. Shego sighed. Sometimes she forgot how dangerous other villains could actually be. She'd been lucky enough to miss most of the flying blades in her escape.

All she wanted now was a nice hot bath and a relaxing end of the week, as Christmas was that upcoming Sunday and she and Drakken were on a villainous hiatus... The week since Motor Ed's party had been relatively quiet because of this. She'd planned on another small theft for Sunday, but the ache in her shoulder from Thursday's double-cross told her otherwise. She looked at the boxes in her closet and scoffed.

"He'd better appreciate this," she muttered. A knock came at her door.

Shego slammed the closet door shut and hit the open button on her door. Drakken was standing there with a nervous grin. She made a gesture of confusion at his expression. She looked at him closer. She raised a brow at his semi-casual yet dressed up attire, mentally tracing the days. Friday.

"I'm not going to karaoke," she sighed.

"I'm not either," said Drakken with a raised brow, "I was just hoping you weren't still irritated with me."

"Why would I—" Shego cut herself off.

She'd been using that as a claim to keep him from bothering her on her secret missions. His kissing Carmella at the party had been a perfect cover up, claiming that she had bit her and he hadn't even had the decency to retaliate for her. It had been an awkward flight home last Friday, but she couldn't keep using it for a solid week. Shego rolled her eyes.

"Oh yeah, that," she shrugged. "I've been over that."

Drakken glared.

"Then why didn't you answer my call?" asked Drakken.

"It's Friday and we're on hiatus. I was shopping," shrugged Shego. Drakken looked at her.

"What happened to your leg?" asked Drakken with an eye-roll.

"I wanted the last jacket," lied Shego as she kicked off her boots.

"Oh," said Drakken. He looked around. "Did you get it?"

"No, it had blood on it," said Shego as she sat on her bed to remove her socks. "Did you need anything else?"

"No," replied Drakken. He hesitated in the doorway.

"All right, if there's nothing else...I would like to change," said Shego. She smirked as he stood in place for a second. "Unless you plan on watching?"

"Hmm?" asked Drakken with a head shake. "Watch what?"

Shego rolled her eyes.

"Never mind," sighed Shego as she grabbed her clothes and headed to the bathroom. "Need anything else?"

She closed the door to her small bathroom and heard him move closer to it as she changed. He was clearly on the fence about saying something. As she pulled her hair back, it suddenly dawned on her...if he wasn't going to karaoke why was he dressed and out of his normal lair attire? He'd also come to ask if she was still upset about the race and him kissing Carmella. Her eyes shot open and she yanked the door open.

"Did you ask if I was over you not biting Sweets on my behalf...because you're dating her again?" asked Shego. She felt a bitter taste in her mouth at saying it aloud.

"We're going on a date, yes," said Drakken.

"You can't be serious? After all the drama last time... What if she's plotting some sort of deranged revenge for dumping her," glared Shego. "Last time you ignored her at a party she spent months calculating plans... Something tells me years for a breakup is right up her alley."

"Because I asked her to dinner," said Drakken. Shego felt a tightening in her chest.

"What happened to her being controlling?" scoffed Shego. She crossed her arms. "Isn't that why you two broke up before?"

She saw Drakken's eyes dart before he put on his best casual expression. Shego raised her brow at this but said nothing.

"That was in the past... Besides. I've been spending too much time lounging around the lair," said Drakken as he walked towards the door. "If I'm taking the holiday off, I might as well do something instead of watching movies all night in my pajamas."

He glanced at her. Shego looked at her pajamas and crossed her arms.

"Pft, it's not like I'm doing that either," she said casually and looked at her nails. "You're not the only one who has plans."

"Oh... It's just getting late and you're in...pajamas," said Drakken. His confusion was warranted but Shego scoffed.

"Yeah, I assumed you were doing your usual movie binge and was going to humor you before actually going out." She rolled her eyes and shifted in her stance.

She saw a flash of something across Drakken's face before he scowled.

"Well thank you for your pity-company plans," said Drakken as he walked towards the door, "but I have better company waiting."

"Yeah, well...so do I," snapped Shego as she followed him to the door. "And it's not the cavity queen."

"How many names do you have for Carmella?" asked Drakken with wide eyes.

"Several," responded Shego smugly. "Quite a few can't be said around children...or your mother."

Drakken stood in place for a second. She knew he was wondering what they were but he tossed his hands in the air rather than ask. He began walking off with a head shake and rounded the corner. Shego watched him vanish as she looked at her door frame. She was about to close the door when Drakken came back around the corner.

"Shego, just to be clear. I do in fact enjoy your company," he grumbled. Shego blinked and let out an annoyed sigh.

"Doy! I am wonderful company... You're...somewhat...enjoyable as well," shrugged Shego. She saw his eye roll and heard his snort of contempt. "Have a nice date... Try not to get poisoned or put under mind control this time."

"Try not to get arrested with Junior," responded Drakken. He waved over his shoulder as he turned.

"Yeah, sure..." Shego went to close the door but yelled after Drakken. "And change your shirt. The yellow looks like you're going to a baby-shower!"

"Fine!" was the yelled response. She watched him stomp back around the corner and to his room.

She closed her door and sighed. She looked at the book calling her name on her nightstand and felt the soreness of her body. She wanted nothing more than to crawl into her bed or snuggle up on her sunbed... But that stubborn part of her wouldn't allow that. She grabbed her phone and looked down the list of numbers. It would be a cold day in hell when Drakken had weekend plans and she didn't. Her name fell onto a familiar number and she smirked.

There's no way he's going on a date when I'm not.


Drakken felt on edge as he stood in front of the hostess's podium. He rubbed his neck and tugged at his collared shirt, a little annoyed he'd chosen to change it to a button up versus the comfortable polo he'd had on. He supposed Shego had been right about the shirt... It was a rather pastel tone and considering his date tended to wear that or bright colors...he didn't want to match the candy villain. He tugged on his jacket and waited. The hostess stared at him and he gave an awkward grin.

"Sir, are you sure you don't want to move the time—" The hostess was cut off as the door opened suddenly.

It took Drakken a fraction of a second to realize it was Carmella waving at him from the door. The pastels and bright-colored candy dresses she normally donned were absent. Instead she wore a toned-down dark blue lace dress with a headband absent of trinkets and lollipops. He gave her a casual wave as she moved to stand beside him.

"I'm really sorry I'm late," smiled Carmella. "Cleopatra borrowed my car and decided not to charge it... You look handsome."

Drakken smirked.

"Clearly we both forwent our normal attire," responded Drakken. "You look lovely."

"Thank you," she grinned. "Originally I had a taffy inspired look, but last minute my shoes...melted. Laser incident."

"I've lost plenty of clothing involving laser incidents," nodded Drakken. They shared a grimace.

"D-Did you two want to be seated?"

Drakken looked towards the voice of the hostess and nodded.

"This is a really nice place. Have you come here before?" asked Carmella as they were seated at a nice table.

Drakken quickly grabbed her chair for her and nodded. He looked to the far right of the restaurant where the line of booths ended. He and Shego had gone there to stalk Possible and her date. He had a small flashback of that entire awkward night. He'd nearly forgotten that whole evening when he'd attempted to trick Shego on to an evil date. He rolled his eyes at himself.

Yeah, how desperate were you there?

"Ohm, once or twice," said Drakken as he sat down across from her. "Villainous purposes only."

"I hope this isn't another one?" she raised a brow.

"The night's still young, who knows what could happen?" he smirked. He didn't miss the broad grin that flicked across his date's face at his words.

"One can only wait and see," she responded. "Hmm, there's so many choices."


Shego had only suggested the place because it had been the first one to come to mind. She smiled at Dean as they walked towards the hostess. Her arm still ached and her leg was throbbing but she was determined to have a nice night out. She rubbed her leg by pretending to smooth the black fabric of her dress as Dean got them a table. She quickly stood up straight and grabbed his arm.

"I still think we should have gone after the holiday was over. I could have gotten us a better restaurant," said Dean. They followed the hostess to a nice booth not far from the middle of the place.

"Well, you never know when I'll be kept busy," smirked Shego. "Who knows when I'll be free next."

"This is true," nodded Dean. "I figured you just weren't interested in a second date."

"Hah," laughed Shego nervously. "I just never have time to call anyone back. Drakken's always got a ridiculous list of things to be done."

"That's a relief," sighed Dean. "I thought I'd blown it with the ice cream vintage date."

"Oh I thought that was cute," said Shego. She really had.

He gave her a sappy smile and she looked away as they saw down. She felt a little bad for using him as a distraction to get out of the lair... A distraction for the third time if she was being honest. She shook off whatever slight pity she felt for the guy and decided to enjoy her evening. She was in a nice restaurant with a cute guy on a Friday night. She smirked as he ordered an expensive wine for them.

So far, so good.

"So, how's...your line of work?" asked Dean. "Anything exciting?"

"Set fire to a fellow villain's lair with Christmas trees," shrugged Shego. "You?"

"My boss got arrested for tax evasion," responded Dean. "And I got to watch him be dragged off."

"Clearly we're both socially thriving," chuckled Shego. "Did he cry?"

"Sobbed," said Dean.

"Beautiful," stated Shego.

"It was," he snorted. He looked at the menu. "Anything you recommend?"

"Honestly the last time I was here was to do villain things and we never actually ate," said Shego. "But the chicken Caesar salad looked good."

Shego looked at the menu and debated on what to order. She kept thinking about the ice cream in the freezer at the lair and the warm bath she'd never gotten to take. She found her thoughts wandering off when she heard a familiar voice over the sound of chatter and glasses. She looked at the speakers because being anywhere with Dean had a track record for Drakken's voice being somewhere nearby. She thought about his phone, but her eyes saw through a few tables.

"So have you—" Dean had begun.

"Drakken?" asked Shego. Dean looked and followed her gaze.

"Oh hey, what are the odds?" grinned Dean. "Hey!"

Shego was about to kick Dean for waving so animatedly and yelling so loudly...but Drakken looked right at them and then to her. She saw Carmella turn towards them as well. There was a very awkward pause between the two tables before Drakken gave a slight wave back with a forced smile at Dean. His eyes found Shego's and she shrugged and gestured to the restaurant. He did the same.

Shego tried to focus back on her table and the date she was on but she felt her eyes finding Drakken's table with far too much ease. Her brow furrowed at seeing Carmella in toned down clothing. Her eyes met Drakken's and she turned back to Dean again.

"I think I'm going with the Caesar salad, with extra chicken and dressing on the side," said Shego confidently.

"You sure?" asked Dean. Shego raised a brow. "I mean...just salads aren't... It's a good choice."

"Mmhmm," nodded Shego. Her eyes darted towards Drakken again as he ordered.

Shego took another look at the menu in thought; there were a lot of choices. She knew she would be hungry later and she didn't know how long the date was going for. There were snacks at the movies, which Dean had insisted on seeing... She saw the waiter appear next to them and glanced at his pad of paper. It seemed both tables had the same waiter. Shego made out the word finan— and began looking at the menu. Her eyes narrowed at a few choices that held the word 'mushroom' along with it. She smirked and almost fought a chuckle. The idea of Carmella having to deal with Drakken whining about mushrooms was a wonderful image. Shortly followed by the realization she too would have to hear about it.

"Have we decided?" asked the waiter.

"Uh, yes. I will have the lobster linguine," said Dean. He looked at Shego, "and the Caesar salad with extra chicken and dressing on the side."

"Will that be all?" asked the waiter as he wrote it down.

"Yes—" Dean began.

"What did that gentleman order?" asked Shego. She indicated to Drakken.

"Ohm, a steak," said the waiter in confusion.

"That's it?" asked Shego. "What kind?"

The waiter looked confused.

"She knows him," laughed Dean. "Steak sounds good—"

"Trust me, he whines about everything. Just a steak?" asked Shego. "No sauce?"

"Well...he ordered the steak financiere," the waiter shifted.

"That's a mushroom sauce isn't it?" asked Shego as she looked at the menu. "Are there actual mushrooms or is it a cream sauce?"

"Well...there's some mushrooms in it—" the waiter held his pad closer to him.

"Tell your chef to only put sauce on, no bits... He won't eat it," sighed Shego. "And if you're smart you'll give him more sauce on the side or you will be making trips...or he'll come up with an excuse to avoid eating it and will be unbearable.

"I... I don't—" The waiter stammered. Shego handed the waiter the menu.

"Trust me, this is for both of us," nodded Shego.

"Okay..." The waiter looked confused at where to go and headed back towards Drakken's table. He kept glancing at Shego.

Shego smiled at Dean who had a raised brow. She made a casual gesture and he nodded. There was a long awkward pause before Dean opened and closed his mouth before actually talking.

"So...mushrooms?" asked Dean.

"It's a texture thing," Shego rolled her eyes. "You were saying?"

Drakken nodded as Carmella talked about her new serum in the works, or rather an antidote. Apparently she herself was marketing them without Hench Co. From the sound of it, her sweet deal with Hench Co...had turned pretty sour. Drakken fought a smirk at his own mental word play. While he knew she would appreciate the pun, now was not the time to throw it out there. He glanced over his shoulder and towards where Shego sat with Dean talking. Carmella's voice pulled him from any thoughts he was about to have.

"So, any new projects?" asked Carmella as she finally took a breath.

"Nothing tickling my fancy as of late," lied Drakken. "I had worked on an amplification system but alas...it got knocked into a dam."

"Possible?" cringed Carmella. Drakken nodded. "Kind of odd that Global Justice just lets a teenager do their dirty work for them."

"After three every day she has nothing better to do than bother every villain she can think of," sighed Drakken. "We did a few early morning things just to mess with her when she had exams last year."

Carmella snickered.

"How'd that go?" she asked. Drakken paused.

"Fastest we've ever had a lair blown up... I don't even think Shego got a chance to fight her that time," said Drakken. He spaced out at the memory but shook his head. "We don't do that anymore."

Drakken was about to continue when the waiter seemed to slowly walk towards their table. Drakken was confused by the man's expression as he stood at their table.

"Is something wrong?" asked Carmella sweetly.

"Well...ohm," the waiter glanced over his shoulder. "I don't know. It's about the steak."

"Oh, did I not tell you... well done?" asked Drakken. He thought he had.

"No...you see that lady over at that table," the waiter gestured to Shego. "Said that you don't want mushrooms on your steak and would like extra...non-mushroomed sauce on the side?"

"It's a mushroom steak," chuckled Carmella with an eye roll. "Joke?"

"No...actually...there are actual mushrooms on it?" asked Drakken. "Yes...I don't like actual mushrooms... So that sounds correct."

"Okay, so just to be clear," said the waiter. "You want the sauce, but void of mushrooms?"

"Yes," smiled Drakken.

Drakken felt his stomach turn at the idea of eating mushrooms or at least seeing them. He would have spent most of dinner shooing them off his food...which also meant he would have been internally fixated on that instead of his evening. He glanced at Shego and felt a small flutter of contentment in his stomach. He'd been so worried she'd be mad about him going to dinner with Carmella... It was strangely nice to have her assist him on his date.

She probably knows you'd just pester her about it...

Drakken's thought paused for a second as he realized that was a far better reason. Evidenced by her agitation earlier, he knew there was some sort of resentment between the two. He knew Carmella's reasoning was her own concern for his and Shego's partnership. Shego's had to have been from the annoyance she'd found at Carmella's lair-frequenting in the past.

He nodded internally at the reasoning. Shego just didn't want to hear anything about mushrooms... He may have trailed on about that omelet incident at the resort a little longer than he really needed to. All of these thoughts ran through his head in a matter of seconds.

He looked at their table again as the waiter began to walk off.

"Wait? What did she order?" asked Drakken. He rolled his eyes at Carmella's raised brow. "She inquired about mine."

"True," nodded Carmella.

"Ohm," the waiter looked uncomfortable. "A Caesar salad with extra chicken and dressing on the side..."

"That sounds delicious, actually," said Carmella. "What—"

"A salad?" scoffed Drakken.

He shook his head. Even though Shego never said anything, he knew she ate a lot of food. He'd assumed it was because of her powers in some way. He never questioned it...and now that they didn't have henchmen he had deferentially noticed that their food needs had barely declined without them. There wasn't a doubt in his mind he would find her munching around the kitchen in the early morning...and would probably be in a foul mood when she got home.

"Shego will be snacking all night... And she'll be unbearably moody when I get back to the lair tonight with just a salad," Drakken shook his head.

"You can always stay at my lair?" smirked Carmella. She seemed focused on her silverware as she said it.

"That wouldn't make sense...our lairs are equal distance from here," replied Drakken. He turned to the waiter who had a disturbed look on his face. "Change her order to the filet mignon."

"Sir... I..." the waiter sighed and nodded before heading towards the kitchen.

Drakken turned back to Carmella with a proud smile. He had repaid Shego for her intervening with the same mutual assistance...and blatant selfishness.

"I think we were talking about lair destruction and Kim Possible?" asked Drakken.

Carmella's contorted expression couldn't be placed as she looked at him. Her hands fiddled with the napkin in her lap as she let out a short sigh and her shoulders relaxed. When had they tensed? Her expression faded into a polite smile.

"Filet mignon?" asked Carmella.

"One of Shego's favorites and she won't raid the kitchen at two in the morning... Well she might, but she'll be in a better mood about it," shrugged Drakken.


Shego sat in her movie seat in the back of the theater in comfort. She didn't often go out to the movies, instead choosing to pirate some on the lair's computer if she really wanted to watch something. The soft seat and armrest wasn't nearly as comfortable as her seat in the lair, but it was a comfort nonetheless. Dean sat next to her and she gave him a warm smile as he handed her a drink.

"You don't want any snacks?" asked Dean. "You sure?"

"Dinner was filling," smiled Shego as she took a drink. The lights dimmed. "Got here just in time."

Shego glanced at Dean as the opening of the trailers began. He held a confused expression, apparently still mulling over the dinner switch. She'd been annoyed at first, and then confused...until she realized Drakken, like her, was probably just preventing his own irritations. She did tend to become more hostile and a little more sassy if she hadn't eaten enough. She would snack either way because unlike her brothers she wasn't going to gorge herself in one sitting and laze around all day. She'd used her powers all morning, so she knew she was due for a crash in a few hours, especially if she'd only gotten that salad.

"Have you seen this movie?" asked Dean. Shego's thoughts fell back to where she was.

"I saw previews for it, looked good," said Shego. "Though you should have probably asked that before getting tickets."

She gave him a playful smirk and he laughed nervously.

"Well... I suppose that would have made much more sense than asking you now," he scratched his head nervously.

Shego watched the theater fill up as she and Dean discussed what they had heard about the movie when someone sat in the row in front of them. Shego raised a brow and smirked. Drakken and Carmella were sitting there, Drakken a seat over from her. She raised a brow and wondered how Carmella had gotten Drakken to agree to a thriller over a romantic comedy or science fiction film.

"So—" Dean began.

"Hold on," said Shego.

She smirked as she leaned over the seat and whispered in Drakken's ear.

"Thought you didn't like horror movies," said Shego.

Drakken dropped his popcorn and turned around with a glare.

"Do you... Shego? What are you doing here?" asked Drakken, his glare softening slightly.

"Right now, apparently making you nearly wet yourself," smirked Shego as she leaned over the empty seat next to him. "Clearly I'm watching the same movie. What are the odds?"

"What are they indeed," said Carmella. Shego looked at her attempted friendly smile. "We don't want to interrupt you... We should move."

"Why?" asked Drakken and Shego at the same time.

"Well, you're on a date and..." Carmella looked towards Dean. Shego followed her glance.

"I don't...see a problem with it," shrugged Dean. He waved at Drakken. "Hi, Dr. Drakken."

"Hello again, Dean," said Drakken. He glared at the popcorn on the ground.

"Are you gonna pout? I'll go buy you more," scoffed Shego. "You do know this is a scary movie right?"

"I am aware...and that doesn't bother me... It's only gore scenes I don't like," snarked Drakken. "I'll be right back Carmella. I have to get us more popcorn."

"I said I'd get it..." Shego trailed off as he got up. He rolled his eyes and walked off.

There was a moment of silence and Shego gave a half smile at Carmella.

"How's the date?" asked Shego politely.

"Good," she smiled and then cleared her throat. "I don't want to keep you from yours."

"Mine," nodded Shego. She sat up. "Ohm, Dean. This is Dr. Sweets."

"Hello," smiled Dean. "So you're dating Dr. Drakken, that must be pretty cool. Are you...in their field as well?"

"Villain, Dean... Villain," stated Shego as she patted his hand. "You can say the word."

"Yes, I am," said Carmella. "And you?"

"Uh...nothing exciting. Just an accountant," shrugged Dean.

"Don't be modest," snorted Shego. "Dean helped us pull one over on some high powered feds... You're low-key one of us."

Dean blushed and he stammered as he responded.

"I-I'm not too sure about that." He gave a nervous chuckle. "I just pointed out some morally distorted people to get some cosmic karma on."

"Hmm," smirked Carmella, as she and Shego exchanged looks. "Sounds like one of us to me."

"Small steps of corruption," Shego nudged Dean with her arm as his blush deepened. "Not world domination yet."

Drakken made his way back to his seat.

"Have I missed anything?" asked Drakken as he sat.

"Shego's slow corruption of Dean," said Carmella.


Drakken's leg shook as he watched the movie, his chest pounding from the last jump-scare. It wasn't that he minded scary movies—in fact he enjoyed them on occasion... He just preferred to know the entire plot, the twists, the scary moments, and the end...before he watched it. Things were a lot less unsettling when you knew the end. He listened to the droll dialogue and sighed as he looked at the candy he'd purchased.

"Candy?" asked Drakken in a low whisper.

"Always," giggled Carmella as she took a box. "Got a variety?"

"Just the usual," whispered Drakken.

He looked at the small overpriced boxes of the snacks normally kept around the lair for Saturday nights. It dawned on him, they hadn't really re-stocked that in some time... Popcorn they had. He looked at the candy and held up Shego's usual Snowcaps and Boston Beans.

"Yes," he heard her whisper as they vanished from his hands. "Did you remember—"

"I got the extra-large Charleston Chews," said Drakken as he held up the box. He moved them as her hand swiped for them. "We share Shego."

"You and I both know you're going to cave and give me the box," she teased, "so make it easy on yourself."

"You can't kick me off the couch and use your ninja-rolling to get them here," replied Drakken as she turned around. She gave a devilish smirk.

"I can and I will," she whispered. "Know that here...it's not the slightly questionable lair floor you would fall on... Who knows what's on this floor."

"If you're going to threaten me," Drakken smirked, "then none for you."

"Fine," sighed Shego. "Guess I won't tell you when the gore part comes in."

Dean, who Drakken saw looked uncomfortable, finally spoke.

"I thought you said you hadn't seen it?" he cleared his throat.

"I didn't, but last bathroom run I asked about it," said Shego. "Don't need some big blue baby crying because he got scared."

Drakken glared at her and then at the candy in his hand before passing it to her.

"You've made the right choice," grinned Shego as she fell back against her seat with the candy.

"...I could have got those for you," he heard Dean whisper. Shego shrugged.

Drakken turned back to the movie and looked towards Carmella. He'd expected her to be watching the movie, but found her eyes fixed on him, her eyes blinking rapidly and an indistinguishable expression on her face. Drakken froze and looked back at Shego.

"Did you want Charleston Chews...? I can get more," said Drakken nervously.

"I...no," said Carmella with a sigh. Her hands slid into his as she smirked. "If you do get scared...we can leave."

"Are you kidding?" asked Drakken. He shot her a shocked look. "And never know how it ends? I don't want to be up for weeks because of an unresolved plot line."


Shego leaned her head against Dean's shoulder and let out a deep sigh. The movie was getting good, the plot line had started to fall into place, the jump-scares had slowed... She was enjoying her snacks and drink while having a comfortable headrest. She glanced at Drakken, waiting for another comment. For a majority of the movie the two had made minor commentary and remarks...but they'd both halted that, realizing that their dates didn't seem to appreciate the chatter. It was clear they were both far too used to being able to chat when watching movies at the lair.

Dean's arm slid over Shego's shoulder and she snuggled a little closer and smiled. As she saw the women onscreen walking down the dark hallway she looked over at Dean. He turned to look at her and she noticed he was leaning closer to her. She gave a small smile as her lips touched his. That's when a thought came flying back. She recalled what the guy at the counter had told her about the movie now. She quickly pulled away and tapped Drakken on the shoulder before leaning over him.

"Gore scene up ahead," said Shego quickly.

"Bathroom break up ahead," said Drakken quickly.

Drakken shot up and Carmella sat up quickly, unaware that the shoulder she'd been leaning on had decided to move. Drakken muttered a quick apology before making his way towards the exit. Shego rolled her eyes and looked at Dean where he was fixated on eating his popcorn and staring at the screen.


Drakken munched the last of the popcorn carelessly as the end of the movie was nearing closer. He'd already used the restroom twice and repurchased more snacks than he deemed necessary or affordable. He also hadn't needed Shego jumping out from behind a door and scaring him when she'd elected to retrieve him after the last one. He'd spilled most of his drink and her hysterical laughter still rang in his ears.

He put the empty bucket down and was greeted with a few empty candy boxes being tossed in. He glared back at Shego. Drakken did his best to convey his continued agitation from her jump-scare. Her giddy smirk vanished into an eye-roll. He turned back around and grabbed his drink and sucked at the straw. He glared at it as he hit ice, and a loud slurp emitted. The salt from the popcorn was still dominant on his tongue over the few droplets he was getting. He pushed the straw around and tried again. The loud noise it was making from the lack of liquid getting looks. There was a kick behind his chair and he smirked. He reached behind him without looking and grabbed the cup Shego held in her hand.

"You always choose the quietest moment," snickered Shego as she took his empty cup and tossed it into the popcorn container garbage.

"Got your attention," replied Drakken as he handed her drink back to her.

"Got the entire theater's attention," he heard her snort.

Drakken paused and held his hand out again. He heard Shego sigh as the cup returned to his hand.

He heard throat clearing next to him and looked at Carmella gesturing to her own cup between them. Drakken felt confused by the gesture. He held up Shego's cup and wondered if Carmella had missed him borrowing Shego's.


Shego walked along the pavement and watched as the snowflakes fell. Dean's arm was locked with hers as they strolled the park. The entire place was lit with hundreds of decorated Christmas trees...the only light it had. Shego had no idea why she'd chosen this place, and to walk no less. Her leg still ached, but it had seemed like a nice end to a good evening.

"There's a chocolate shop at the end of the block," said Dean as he glanced between trees. "Would you like to go?"

All right, that's a better end to the evening.

"That sounds like a good idea," said Shego as they continued walking.

"This is a really pretty place, where did you hear about it?" asked Dean. "I wouldn't have known it was even here."

"I can't really remember," said Shego, "but I figured it's not Christmas yet so it should be here."

"Some of the trees are really interesting," said Dean with a raised brow.

He indicated to a large tree made to look like a giant nutcracker...and decorated in small nutcrackers. Shego smiled and pulled away from him to look at it. It appeared they'd turned down a 'fantasy' themed path. There was a snow queen one that was layered in fake snow and tinsel. Crystals and snowflakes made the lights look even more brilliant. She imagined it belonged more in the lobby of a fancy resort than in a fake forest of Christmas trees.

"I don't think it even needs lights," came a voice from the path on the other side.

"Drakken?" asked Shego. There was a pause and then his head came into view on the other side.

"Shego?" he grinned as he walked between the trees. "Three times in a row?"

"Yes, funny how we keep...going to the same places," came a forced laugh. Carmella followed him through. "Dean...I thought you said ice skating was where you two were going?"

"Funny enough... You seemed taken by that idea so when Shego suggested the Christmas tree walk...seemed like a better idea," smiled Dean. Shego felt his hand in hers.

"I didn't think you were listening when I told you about this," said Drakken. Shego nodded.

She now recalled him ranting about it at some point early in the season and again after the party last weekend. In truth she hadn't been listening with much focus either time.

"When I asked if you wanted to go you just shrugged," finished Drakken.

"And yet...we're all here," laughed Carmella, falling into a sigh. "We were headed towards the gazebo."

"We're headed towards the pier," replied Dean, "so I guess, we'll see you two later—"

"If we take the left path we can circle both," said Drakken casually. "It's another theme path. This one is characters and that one is anything really."

"I like that. Then we can go to the chocolate shop after the pier and not have to walk back around," stated Shego.

"That's...actually very logical," said Dean. He nodded to himself.

"Oh... Yay!" chuckled Carmella as she rubbed her hands together. "Looks like we're all going the same way now."

They had walked for what felt like hours and Shego's leg was starting to feel it as they rounded the pier. The path had started to narrow as they'd walked so Dean had been pushed behind her instead of on her right, with Drakken animatedly talking about all his visits to a similar Christmas tree park in his youth, on her left. Shego had been enjoying a particularly fun one where Drakken had convinced Ed to climb a giant tree for the candy cane star...and told him it was filled with chocolate.

"Oh, how cute," said Carmella. "How little were you two?"

Drakken's grin faded and he laughed nervously.

"Uh, children really...I don't recall," said Drakken.

"You said your mother and aunt made you two dress up in themes?" asked Shego. Drakken nodded. "Funny...I recall a photo of a princess and an angel...one holding a large peppermint-looking star... I thought it was Halloween—"

"Yes, but who knows right? It was probably Halloween." Drakken looked even more nervous.

"So, it wasn't you two as teenagers pulling such juvenile antics then?" Shego raised her brow. "Because that would be silly."

"No, I don't recall that it was that time," glared Drakken.

"Hmm, okay," said Shego. She was going to take a closer look at that picture she'd swiped at Thanksgiving. "I suppose Mama Lipsky will verify this claim?"

"...Did I mention my mother's memory seems to be off lately?" Drakken cleared his throat and nodded towards Carmella. "It happens with age."

"She seemed pretty lucid to me when she called a few weeks ago," muttered Shego. She smirked at Drakken's agitation.

"It comes and goes," he hissed.

"You talk to his mother often?" asked Carmella.

"Once a week... Well it depends on what's going on in her book club, sometimes she has to fill me in on the latest gossip," shrugged Shego.

"That's really sweet," smiled Dean.

"Yeah...darling," muttered Carmella.

"Yes, well about that..." Drakken trailed off as they rounded the corner. "Look at that tree."

"Which one, there's dozens?" asked Dean.

Shego followed Drakken's gaze to two massive trees. It was clear the theme was seasons. One tree was bright red and yellow. Half was decorated in brilliant roses, sunflowers, tiny red wagons, and even an ornament of a sandcastle inside a clear orb. It faded into maple leaves, pumpkins, and small twigs onto the yellow lights. Summer to Fall...which continued to the bigger tree that Drakken was looking at.

The tree was spiraled with bright blue lights from the top that wove into bright green. The tree underneath was dusted with brilliant white snow for the blue lights and hung with silver and crystal stars, and metallic ornaments. Unique about the decor were blue planets and a few rocket ships tied with snowflakes and snowmen. This tree's fade was into blue and pink flowers on the green lights tied in with a few darker stars and bright colored flickering lights. Winter to Spring.

"I like this one better than the Halloween one," said Dean. "They needed two trees."

"I like the roses, very pretty," said Carmella. "Oh the little sandcastles."

Drakken and Shego both looked at the green and blue tree and then to each other. Shego could see the devious smirk starting on his face as they got closer to the tree. It was easiest the biggest and most elaborately decorated tree apart from the ice queen one that they had seen. She knew Drakken was keen on the silly rocket ship ornaments and as she looked closer the little flowers grew on her.

"This would look perfect in the lair," said Drakken casually.

"You just like the rocket ships you big nerd," snorted Shego.

"You don't like it?" asked Drakken. She saw his brow furrow.

"I didn't say that," Shego rolled her eyes. They both circled it. "How heavy do you think it is?"

"Hmm, not sure...but my worry is the ornaments... The green crystal ones seem fragile," said Drakken as he examined one.

"This is true," replied Shego. "Where would we put it?"

"Well, we have that one corner if we moved the chair..." Drakken trailed off. "You don't think its gaudy."

"I think it's over the top, silly, obnoxious, and downright weird," scoffed Shego. "And yet...I find it charming."

"I want it," Drakken let out a deep sigh and glared. "Shego...I want the tree."

"Are you implying we steal a Christmas tree for our own selfish needs, even though we are supposed to be on our holiday hiatus?" Shego's eyes gleamed as she smirked.

"Are you implying we're actually going to comply with that hiatus?" asked Drakken.

"I didn't know if you were but I wasn't," stated Shego.

"But how?" asked Drakken as he stared at the tree. He massaged his jaw. "Any ideas?"

"None that work in our favor," muttered Shego after a few minutes of silence.

Drakken looked annoyed which meant he too was at a loss.

"Are you two seriously debating on stealing a Christmas tree?" asked Carmella. "That's less villainous and more tacky, don't you think?"

"Why don't you just...get the decorations," said Dean. Both peered at them from around the tree. "Wouldn't that be easier than trying to take a whole tree?"

"I also did swear on Snowman Hank," muttered Drakken in defeat. "Fine."

Drakken sighed and slumped his shoulder

"Not to interrupt the decorating evil...but it's getting late," said Dean. He looked nervous. "Did you want to go to the chocolate factory?"


Drakken had gotten back to the lair far later than he expected. He and Carmella had taken to walking on the pier after Shego and Dean had left. He smirked at the tin foil in his hand. They'd found a cookie and cake all-night bakery that he knew he didn't need...but he really wanted. That had ended the date pretty soon as Carmella had gotten a little tired after the late-night snack. He'd returned to an empty lair and a sour feeling in his stomach.

I blame the cake.

He knew that wasn't the reason, but it felt like the right choice. He was just about to crawl in bed when a knock came at his door. He paused and the sour feeling in his stomach seemed to fade rather quickly as he realized Shego was back.

"Yes?" asked Drakken. The door slid open.

"I didn't know if you'd still be up," said Shego casually. She leaned against the door frame. "Actually I didn't know if you'd even be home."

"Of course I'd be here," Drakken raised a brow. "I live here."

"I meant I thought you'd be having a little late-night sweet," Shego rolled her eyes and looked disturbed. "I regret what I just said."

"I did," said Drakken. Shego's eyes widened. "Don't worry I got you one too. It's in the fridge."

"What... Oh," Shego busted into laughter. "That was...exactly what I meant... Hope it's not chocolate."

"Oh...well," Drakken shrugged. "It's cake."

"I didn't see any... Where?" asked Shego.

Drakken watched her point towards the kitchen.

"You honestly want me to show you the cake container... It's in the fridge next to the milk," scoffed Drakken. "I'm tired."

"And my leg is killing me and I want cake," glared Shego.

"Didn't you go to some chocolate shop?" grumbled Drakken. "See you should have eaten more at dinner. I knew you'd be moody."


Drakken was still tired, but after a small argument about cake and wanting to watch some movie...he had forgone sleep. He now carried two cups of hot cocoa and Shego cheerfully walked with her cake. He looked at her content expression and felt any annoyance at being kept awake fade. His eyes looked at the cake again and it suddenly clicked. He'd been on a date with Carmella...and had bought Shego cake...and that was when the night had ended. A series of images flashed in his head about the whole night. Drakken pondered if he was overthinking his actions and looked towards Shego.

"Shego—" Drakken began to say as they walked through the doorway.

His previous thought stopped as he looked in the room. The furniture had been rearranged and in the far corner of their normal living space was a massive, familiar tree. Drakken put the cocoa down and gestured to the tree.

"You stole the tree?" asked Drakken. Shego beamed. "Without me?!"

Shego's smile turned to a glare. Drakken glared back.

"I stole it for you," glared Shego. "Besides you're the one who promised Stoppable no villainy on Snowman Hank... I didn't. Thus, keeping your promise to a fictional children's character."

"So you enlisted Dean to help pilfer a tree... A tree you knew I wanted to pilfer." Drakken wished he'd stayed in bed.

"Are you kidding? Dean?" scoffed Shego. "No. I wrapped it up in plastic after throwing the power for the park and used the hook on the hover car to secure it...flew it back here...used the pallet jack and then brought it in here...as an early Christmas present you ungrateful blue dingus."

"Oh," said Drakken. He looked from Shego to the tree and felt suddenly guilty.

"Yes... Oh," glared Shego, "and my leg and shoulder are killing me."

Drakken glared a moment longer before he realized what she was saying and nodded.

"Oh...well then... thank you," smiled Drakken. Shego blinked at him and then shook her head.

"Yeah, well, this counts as your Christmas present," muttered Shego. She sat on the couch and put her leg up.

"Now I feel bad I only got you cake tonight," muttered Drakken.

"You should," said Shego. She stabbed at the cake. "Better be good."

There was a pause and Drakken's focus on the tree faded and he looked from Shego to the cake. Then he thought back to when Dean and Shego had gone out and she'd brought him back a shake and burger... His concern faded slightly at the thought.

"I can't believe you got me cake on your date," snorted Shego as she looked at him. "What did Sweets say?"

"Hmm," Drakken zoned back into the conversation. "Oh, not much. It was late and she wanted to go home."

"I don't think she liked it then," smirked Shego., "Better be careful, Sweets might think you have feelings for me or something... You'll end up poisoned and drugged."

Drakken had a moment of panic at Shego's words for a series of reasons he couldn't pinpoint to exactness. Shego was looking at him intently. He rolled his eyes.

"Her and I have talked about that," stated Drakken.

There was silence.

"I heard," said Shego. "Just because you told her there's nothing going on between us...doesn't mean she believes it... I just don't want a repeat of her trying to bond with me or worse...trying to get rid of me or something."

Drakken stiffened and glanced at Shego. She was looking at the tree and Drakken thought of another concern and decided to voice it...but cautiously.

"Yes, well...she knows you are my partner and valued friend," said Drakken. He watched Shego shift and nod. "And that you're not going anywhere."

She nodded again.

"...You aren't...are you?" asked Drakken.

He waited and then Shego looked at him with confusion. She stopped chewing her cake.

"No," was her response. "I'm not going anywhere...except..."

Drakken waited for her to tell him the ads she'd circled...waited for the honesty he was afraid to hear.

"Except?" asked Drakken.

Just small missions, right? She's not taking off—

"To bed," yawned Shego. "It's late...and I have plans with Junior in the morning."

Drakken's stomach dropped and he nodded. He pushed his thoughts aside and rolled his eyes and faked annoyance.

"Sure, after you drag me out of bed," grumbled Drakken.

"Yup," she smirked and jumped up. He saw the grimace in her face as she rubbed her leg.

"Hope you're not dancing tomorrow," said Drakken.

"Yeah...maybe on second thought," sighed Shego. "I think I might reschedule... Well, make a different time to hang out...and just sleep in."

"See you tomorrow then?" asked Drakken as Shego headed to the door.

"Yup," she responded as she vanished through the doorway.

Drakken stared at the darkness for a while and then back at the tree. He wrung his hands together as he looked back at the hallway and the two cups of cocoa. While Shego's actions and words said one thing, the magazine ads she'd circled still concerned him. He wanted nothing more than to believe her. The fact she hadn't talked to him about it like she had in the past... He shook his head and looked at the tree.

"She'd tell me if she's leaving," he told himself.

I hope.