Making A Scene


The regret of not having the roof for the hovercar returned to Drakken as the rain came down on them just before he landed in the parking garage of the resort the conference was located. Not that it was cold, but the air-conditioning from the building did little to make it feel that way. He was certain Shego was only staying at his side because she didn't know where his room was judging by the hissing sound she made from the sudden coolness.

"You'd think they'd give keynote speakers a closer room," she snorted.

"Well its a suite Shego, so its farther away from the sounds of- you know this already," Drakken nodded at his own words as he looked at her raised brow and smirk, "Didn't you pack anything warmer than a t-shirt?"

Drakken glanced at the one she'd thrown on over her swimsuit halfway through the flight when the air got a little cooler.

"I was on a beach," he could hear the small shake in her voice, "There is beach wear, boat wear, and conference wear. I didn't expect to need a winter ensemble."

"Well its not that bad," grumbled Drakken as he reached his door," he quickly unlocked it only to have Shego dart passed him.

He barely got the door closed when he found it colder in the room, clearly he'd neglected to turn down the air in his haste to get to Croatia, the now cooler evening having its effect on the room. Shego either didn't notice or chose not to make the comment as she grabbed Drakken's coat still slung over the chair where he'd left it, and pulled it on. Drakken turned off the air as Shego found a spot farthest from it in the large arm chair he'd yet to sit in himself.

"When's the last time you washed this coat?" asked Shego. Drakken looked to see her sniff it.

"It doesn't stink," glared Drakken.

"Did I say it stinks?" Shego rolled her eyes.

"Oh," Drakken shrugged, "I'm not sure-"

"Because it stinks," she cut in. Drakken glared at her smug expression.

Drakken grumbled under his breath as he locked the latch on the door and turned on the main light, while kicking off his shoes. When he turned around a sudden sweep of nerves fell over him as he saw Shego, draped in his coat, her eyes fixed on the single bed. While them sharing a bed wasn't as uncommon now with late night movies having moved mostly to his room over the last few weeks... the phone conversation came trickling into memory. Concern that she might now be uncomfortable or presume his thoughts were on something more than the sleep he was already craving, was a focal point.

If she shared any concern, she didn't show it as she stretched and kicked her own shoes off.

"If you have to get up by four, you should get to bed soon," Shego was looking at her phone, "Did you eat anything besides the fruit at the bonfire?"

"I'm going to take a quick shower if you wanted to order something," said Drakken casually as he grabbed some clothes from his drawer.

"That's not an answer," glared Shego. She glanced over his shoulder, "Flower says you have not—"

"Flower!" Drakken swatted over his shoulder and found nothing. He saw Shego's smug smirk, "I don't find you tricking me amusing."

"Got my answer didn't I?" she shook her head and grabbed the phone to call room service, "I swear if I'm not around you'd waste away and your plants would turn you into compost."

Drakken grumbled under his breath as he entered the bathroom.

She's not wrong about the compost.


Shego riffled through her bag and grimaced at what she'd actually packed. She had in fact packed, subconsciously or intentionally, attire for the conference. Unfortunately, the subconscious part had packed her green dress but with it more akin to her teaching days. She rolled her eyes and shrugged at the green dress, it could be both casual and formal if it needed to be. The real problem she faced was a lack of clothing to sleep. She'd been on a private beach in her own private room, and the clothing packed reflected that.

Her eyes glanced towards the drawer Drakken had gotten his pajamas out of and smirked. She hesitated for only a second before darting towards it, the conversation this morning coming back to her about his pajama top. She knew he'd taken his in the bathroom, but she knew he would have packed more than one for a week. A devious grin spread across her face, if not slightly playful. The image of his flustered face would be more than worth his whining about her teasing him again, or messing up his drawer. There was a slight disappointment that all he had were his blue ones, but it was better than nothing, and at least he'd packed more than two. She looked at her own bag.

"Yeah, something tells me this is a better option then what I packed... or didn't," she snorted and tossed Drakken's coat over the nearby table chair about to change.

There was a knock at the door.

I forgot about room service.

She tossed down the shirt and tucked her hair out of the way and cringed as she felt sand in it.

"Uhg, shower first."

She continued brushing sand out of her hair after placing the food on the table and returning to a nearby trashcan. Mentally cursing Adrena for the one time she'd managed to throw her off with a spiked ball, resulting in said sand in hair. Her t eyes glanced to the pajamas still on the top of the dresser before shaking the thought away. While she would be amused by his flustered response, there was a very real concern she'd set back the very conversation they'd just had in doing so.

That might be pushing things too far.

She sighed and looked at her own bag, opting instead to opt for a simple shirt and the pair of shorts she'd worn on the way to the resort prior. She heard the bathroom door open as she untangled a knot she'd given herself while dusting out sand.

"I got you a club sandwich, it was that or salmon rolls. Apparently the selection is slim because of some sort of kitchen fiasco," Shego rolled her eyes as she stood up, "Well I guess there was one other option which was vending machine."

"What's the little tub of sauce?" Drakken asked.

Shego shook out the rest of her hair and sighed.

"Probably mustard..." Shego trailed off as she turned around to look at Drakken.

Drakken had taken a seat at the small table, leaning on the palm of his hand as he looked at her. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes as he watched her. She crossed her arms and raised a brow at him.

"Why do I have the inclination that you intentionally wore your black pajamas because I asked around them?" asked Shego as she moved to join him at the table.

"Why would I do that?" asked Drakken. His eyes looked behind her, "Oh I'm sorry, were you hoping to pilfer them with your earlier threat?"

"I considered it," snorted Shego as she glanced at where his drawer was still open and the other pajamas on top, "You could share?"

"Feel free to borrow," he gestured behind her, "Yours not warm enough? I can turn down the air further."

"More like mine are back home," smirked Shego. She watched the color spread across his face as he slowed chewing the bite he'd taken, "I swore I implied that with our little phone-call the other day."

"I... ohm, might have missed that," he grumbled. She watched his face shift as if testing what he wanted to say.

"Yes?" she asked as he opened his mouth and then closed it, "If you have words, you should use them."

Drakken closed his mouth and gave her any eye roll before shrugging.

"I was just going to say... this sandwich is good," the smile he shot her before continuing to eat it made it clear he'd had something else to say.

"You sure?" asked Shego as she finished her last salmon roll. She watched the tint on his face deepen, "Would you prefer I wear my own?"

The hue to his face and lack of eye contact made Shego smirk.

"No, I was just thinking... the lighter blue ones are the one's I've yet to wear," Drakken cleared his throat.

Shego rolled her eyes and got up.

"Noted. I'm going to take a shower," she glanced at the pajamas on the wardrobe and grabbed the darker ones, "Since someone doesn't want to share."

Shego shot him an annoyed look, though only halfheartedly. She was far too amused that she'd clearly gotten under his skin with her comment. She hesitated to turn on the water and smirked as she heard him outside the door stating that his coat didn't stink to himself. She snickered to herself as she slipped into the shower. Her mind wandering as she washed the sand from her hair, going over Drakken's need to get up early, asking him what the exact plan was going to be with his apparent need to make his former classmates feel inferior. She rolled her eyes at the antic, but it wasn't as if she was getting no benefit from it.

She froze in through for a moment.

"He doesn't expect me to act like some doubting trophy, does her?" she narrowed her eyes before shaking the thought away, "He knows better than that."

Her thoughts slowly shifted to earlier this evening as she ran over scenarios in her head. Shego replayed them sneaking away from the bonfire, the seemingly goodbye kissing. Drakken not overthinking as she'd been backed into the trees. She wasn't sure how long her mind lingered on those thoughts, but the slight cooling of the water gave her inclination she'd been dwelling it far too long.

She made her way quickly out of the shower, not aware of just how long she'd been mostly been lost in thought. By the time she'd made her way into the room, having attempted to somewhat dry her hair... Drakken had already fallen asleep.

Guess we'll have to talk about it in the morning.

She was halfway settled into her sleeping position when she sat up and looked at Drakken. She Shrugged as slid next to him to use him as a makeshift pillow.

If his arm falls asleep he'll just have to deal with it.


The alarm blaring before the sun was even beginning the show was not a welcome start to the day. Drakken blindly reached where he thought he'd tossed his phone only for the sound to end as he glared into the blurry darkness. He let the confusion fade away as he registered the arm returning around him and the muffled tone of Shego's voice as she complained into his side. Her normal floral musk finally registering with him as he felt the small heat in his face. While he had gotten used to Shego's presence in his room and taking over his pillows back at the lair, it was the morning snuggles that still caught him off guard.

I can't feel my arm.

"I hit snooze," grumbled Shego. He finally made out her words, "Got five more minutes."

"Mmhmm," he hummed as he willed the heat from his face as she moved her head closer to his, "I must haven fallen asleep last night."

"Yah think," she turned her head to find his shoulder, "So, what's the plan for today?"

"Ohm, well I have to go check on the armor, unfortunately talk to Possible more than I'd like," sighed Drakken, "The actual conference doesn't start for two hours."

"Right," yawned Shego, "And if your little college posse appears... should I run over to you or skip?"

He could hear the amusement in her voice. He smirked slightly.

"Frolic would be nice—Pft!" A pillow smacked him gently in the face, "Good morning to you, too."

"Alright, you have to go get dressed," she shoved him slightly out of the bed.

"I didn't hear the alarm go off," said Drakken as she barely moved.

"Beep! Beep!" Shego waved the phone as she made the noise, "Now move it. I'm not going to listen to you whine that I kept you from doing something or you forgetting something."

"Fine, I'm going," grumbled Drakken. Her feet now pushing him, "Excuse you!"

"The sooner you're done, I can get ready," replied Shego, "I take longer than you, you know."

"Yes, I am very aware," smirked Drakken. Shego glared.

"Okay, I was just saying that, but may I remind you of the dozens of times you kept us?" asked Shego, "I remember at least three world take over days delayed because you had to redo your eye makeup."

"Yes... well..." Drakken trailed off as he simply closed the bathroom door.

Drakken thought of a retort as he brushed his teeth, but none came. He sighed and began going over things he needed to do before the conference started this morning. Torn between actually doing any of it and crawling back into a warm bed. The image of Shego in his acquired pajamas, her hair a wild mess, the sleepy devious expression she'd had a moment ago... he shook his head.

Shego is making that choice rather hard.

He smirked to himself only for any daydreaming to be interrupted but a knock at the bathroom door.

"Hey, not sure where this fits into your needed ego boost... but green dress? Yes? No? I mean I packed for this thing but its very limited," came Shego's voice through the door.

"I think the green dress is more evening..." He trailed off and opened the door to look at her, "You pre-packed for the conference?"

Shego looked up from where she was rooting through her bag. He fought the smirk that wanted to spread across his lips at the growing tint to her face.

"So, you were always going to come?" asked Drakken. He felt a wave of excitement spreading through him.

"I told you I packed for it last night even," he watched her hair suddenly obscure her face, "Not a big deal... I was just planning for the inevitable phone call of neediness."

He knew she wasn't being honest, and he could have let it go. Shego was deflecting her embarrassment like he knew she did... defensiveness... but the hypocrisy in her statement and her speech yesterday made him press further.

"Oh, and here I thought you simply wanted to spend time with me, my apologies," he closed the door and waited.

There was a knock again and he opened it slowly. Making his face almost into a pout.

"Yes?" he said in an attempt at sounding hurt.

She opened her mouth and then glared at him.

"Gah! Why are you so dramatic," she scoffed, but she rolled her eyes, "Yes, I planned on coming... unless you never invited me... in which case I would have stayed in Croatia."

"Ah, I see," Drakken walked out of the bathroom passed her, "So you are admitting that come Monday you would have been hostile and moody and not informed me why?"

Shego shrugged.

"Probably," she shrugged, "Are you done?"

"It's all yours," said Drakken as he pulled out some clothes, "Shego, did you have to mess everything up. I had this organized."

"To bring me joy," he heard her snicker from in the bathroom.

Drakken busied himself getting dressed, his eyes looking at the clock every so often. He could hear chatter in the hallway, indicating many of the early morning speakers and a few guests were probably making their way down to breakfast. He knocked on the bathroom door and go Shego's eyes through a small opening.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Breakfast," he stated. Shego raised a brow, "I meant if everything is in order, I could meet you down for breakfast... or bring you some."

"Are you heading out now?" asked Shego as she opened the door, "You have fifteen minutes before the time you told me."

"Might as well, I can hear people already in the hall," said Drakken. He walked away from her and opened the door, "Breakfast?"

"Yeah, sure," Shego vanished out of sight again, the sound of her brushing her teeth resuming, "Call me so I can meet you down there."

"Agreed," said Drakken as he began to step outside the door.

He froze as he looked down the hallway as a door closed. Chen stood at the end, staring down at his phone in a fixed focus before opening his door again. Drakken swore he heard him call to a mother or something and he grinned. The smug feeling racing through him was overwhelming, as Chen, a very thorn in his metaphorical side... had spent the night sharing his room with his mother, and Drakken had spent it with Shego.

I can't wait to rub that in his face-

Drakken looked into the room.

"Shego," he whispered sharply.

She came out of the bathroom holding a toothbrush and wiping her face in confusion.

"What?" she whispered back in the same tone in a clear playful mocking gesture.

Drakken peeked out the door, completely dismissing it.

"Chen is in the hall," he glared as he heard the man now chatting with someone.

"I'm supposed to know who that is?" asked Shego with a raised brow.

Drakken attempted to mouth who Chen was but it came out more a series of unintelligible mutters and gestures to the door. Despite this Shego sighed.

"One of the Loser Crew?"

"Yes," he glanced outside to see Chen, now accompanied by Ramesh, "They're both out here... do something flirty."

A small part of him told him it was childish and he didn't need to prove anything to them, but that part was easily silenced by his need for vindication. He grinned at Shego, who was apparently clarifying what he wanted her to do.

"I'm not even dressed," she snorted, "I mean if you really want to get under their skin, at least let me look somewhat put together first. I assume the point of this little PDA expose is to make them eat their words from your little college traumatic experience. This. Is not the face or outfit for that."

Shego gestured to herself. Drakken could go into detail about his thoughts this morning, but he needed to focus. His brow raised at her statement, and gave her a dismissive wave.

"Shego, what on earth are you talking about? You always look beautiful," he glanced back out the door, "This is a perfect."

Drakken opened the door as Chen and Ramesh walked closer. Drakken grinned.

"Okay, now," Drakken looked at Shego.

She was looking off to the side and playing with her hair. He wasn't sure if she was thinking about what to do or if she was lost in thought. He didn't have the time nor focus to try and decipher it and as Chen and Ramesh walked closer, he acted. He moved quickly towards Shego, his hands finding her waist to pull her back towards the doorway before pulling her into a heated kiss. He listened to Chen and Ramesh's footsteps stopping suddenly outside the door-frame as he kissed Shego. The front of his coat making a cracking noise as her nails dug into it and pulled him closer was the only sound around them. There had been a split second he'd worried this would anger her, but that quickly fell away by her response.

She's really selling this-

Drakken's thoughts shifted as he pulled away from them kiss to address the silence of the onlookers.

"I'll see you later- Oh Chen, Ramesh. Morning," Drakken said smugly to the two unapologetically staring at he and Shego.

Drakken glanced at Shego, a clear tint to her face as she made her way quickly into the room.

I did anger her...

Drakken shook off his concern as he closed the door, focused instead on the plan at hand.

"Morning," said Ramesh, still staring at the closed door.

"Yes it is," smirked Drakken as he walked ahead ahead of them.

It took him a half second to realize that they had not said 'Good, Morning.' Which would be his next fixation point until he got to the armor to check it over. The scuffing, and loose components would be the main plague in his mind then.


Several loose wires, some touch ups, and a series of words his mother would lecture him about later... the armor looked presentable. James had not been to the storage area yet so the questions of what had transpired in his absence were building to a sizable list. Images of his armor failing and easily letting him take the fall for it, was one of the main thoughts coming to mind. The anxiety he was feeling was akin to a few join projects in college that he'd thought he'd completely erased. He felt a hand on his shoulder pulling him from his thoughts as he crouched over his tools. He tensed until the silhouette on the wall in front of him reassured him it was Shego. The water bottle dangling in front of his face solidified it.

"I swung through the breakfast area and grabbed the things that looked appetizing. I also noticed a lack of water and I am not going to listen to you whine when Flower attacks you," Drakken took the water as she ranted and stood up, "I mean, might be funny-what's wrong?"

"Hmm?" asked Drakken, still lost in through as he looked at the armor, "Nothing, simply lost in thought... Oo, a muffin."

Drakken grabbed it off the plate Shego had clearly brought for him with actual breakfast food on it. He finally looked over at Shego mid bite, the inhale he had at seeing her caused him to choke on the muffin crumbs flying down his esophagus.

"Uh huh, you're in here giving a broody look to some armor and choking on a muffin," Shego rolled her eyes, "Did we not just have a conversation about "Communication" less than a few hours ago?"

Shego put down her air quotes and crossed her arms. Drakken drank the water Shego had handed him and cleared his throat.

"The armor had a lot of damage to it this morning," Drakken shrugged, "Not exactly thrilled to deal with that... as for the muffin... I erm... that's a nice outfit."

Shego uncrossed her arms and glanced down at herself, as if assessing if his words were truthful.

"What's wrong with it?" asked Shego, "It's classic pencil skirt, blouse, and blazer... very professional. You said smart casual this morning and green dress later."

"There's nothing wrong with it," grumbled out Drakken as he noted the blue and beige color palette, "I... I like it."

Shego's brow raised as he fixated on his water bottle, he did not miss the devious smirk spreading across her lips out of the corner of his eye.

"Do, you now?" the amusement in her voice made his water bottle less fascinating. He stopped fixating on it when he realized she'd moved closer, "What is it you like about it?"

Drakken choked on the water slightly as Shego's chin rested on his shoulder. Heat flew to his face by the familiar tone of their last phone conversation registering. He swallowed his water and glanced at Shego, waiting for her teasing and mocking at his reaction to her words. Nothing came, save for a slightly mellowed devious smirk still on her face as she looked at him.

"I'm waiting," she hummed.

"I ohm," his mouth felt suddenly dry, "Well its... different than what you normally... wear."

"Is that all?" Shego's brow raised but the smirk remained, "You were far more chatty about what I wore the other night."

The swirl of nerves that finished flooding him made his stomach twist in a knot. He swallowed hard trying to find the words to express any detail about her wardrobe at the moment. His mind was racing in response to it. He knew what he wanted to say or similar to it, but as her green eyes fixed on his... nothing came out.

This was much easier over the phone.

"I... Well you're..." he watched her smirk slowly begin to fade.

Words. Use actual words!

"It's a flattering color on you... the top... and the skirt it's... You don't usually wear skirts," he watched the smirk return, "It has a... librarian look."

Her smirk fell away, again.

"Beautiful! Very becoming-" he hastened.

The snort she gave as she shoved him playfully away made it clear she was letting the conversation go. Much to he relief at being put on the spot.

"Wow," she snickered, "Maybe I should have worn the turtleneck to complete the look."

Drakken found his gaze cast over where there was clearly only a tank top before backtracking.

"I saw that," she teased, "So you really like it, huh?"

"You look good with blue on you," he shrugged. He watched her face grow a darker color.

"Ohm, hmm, yeah I bet I do," she was giving him an expression he couldn't quite connect, but flirty was definitely somewhere in it.

He was about to question if he'd missed something when he heard footsteps approaching and the clear sound of Possible and Ramesh's voices. He didn't wait for them to round the corner, he acted quickly and pulled Shego into a kiss similar to this morning. Just like this morning, she didn't seem to need any prompting as her arms wrapped around him quickly. When he heard the chatter stop, that was his cue to pull away from the kiss. Shego had a half smile on her face as she looked at him, which quickly flew away to a calmer expression as she saw the two people in the doorway. Drakken moved away from Shego as casual as he could.

"Oh," he pretended to be caught off guard, "Didn't see you there."

Chen looked as wide eyed as this morning, but James looked perfectly unphased.

"Yes, I'm sure you didn't notice," said James, "Long time no see Shego."

"Yeah, it has been," shrugged Shego. Drakken saw her smirk, "Nice pants."

He watched James narrowed his eyes as he walked over towards the armor.

"Ah, good, you got it cleaned up," sighed James in relief.

"Yes, about that. What happened?" asked Drakken. Suddenly remembering all the work he'd done this morning.

"I made a mistake in letting some novices to the technology give it a try," said James. Drakken glared, "I didn't do it intentionally."

"Hmph," scoffed Drakken. Ignoring the rage that had momentarily faded attempting to return, "I'm sure."

"Hey, I didn't," James was the one glaring now. Drakken ignored him.

"Shego," said Drakken as he looked at a small loose wire.

"Yes, Dear," hummed Shego next to him.

Drakken didn't know what startled him more Shego hovering right next to him or the word 'Dear' coming from her. He felt his face grow slightly warm as he cleared his throat.

"Would you, ohm, mind taking care of that loose wire, Dumpling?" grinned Drakken.

He expected amusement to be behind her eyes but the smirk she had flickered before she sighed.

"You're lucky you're cute. I had not intentions of even lifting a finger today," she said firmly, as if making sure to say it loud enough. Drakken felt the heat in his face stay at the comment none-the-less, "Go eat your muffin."

"Right," said Drakken as he turned around to see Chen had joined them.

"That is rather useful," was all he heard James say as Shego used her power to connect a wire.

"If you don't take a step back you're going to loose those pants, too," said Shego cheerfully. Drakken smirked as James moved swiftly away from Shego.

"So, that's Shego," said Chen. Drakken saw him look at James and then to him.

"Yes, that is Shego... my girlfriend," smirked Drakken, "So, how's your mother?"

Drakken relished in the eye roll from Chen and Ramesh busing himself with a pen in his pocket. He looked back at Shego about to continue boasting about his life and finding more ways to make them feel inferior, when he heard them whisper.

"Seems kind of robot like to be able to weld with your fingers-"

"She is not a robot!" snapped Drakken.

"You seem pretty defensive there, Drew," smirked Chen, "I mean looks way better than one of your Bebe's-"

"I don't think she's a robot," muttered Ramesh. Chen's smile faded, clearly taken aback by his lack of support.

"Good! Because she isn't," hissed Drakken. He looked at James, "Possible."

"I'm staying out of this," said James firmly from where he was going over one of the small attachments.

"There, all finished," sighed Shego as she walked over to him, her arm slipping through his, "Are we still debating if I'm a robot or not?"

Drakken glared at Chen, who had crossed his arms and looked uneasy by Shego's presence. Ramesh more so, as he seemed still fixated with his pen.

"It's a valid assumption with Drew," said Chen defensively. Drakken growled under his breath.

"The Bebe's-" Drakken was cut off by Shego.

"Were dancing robots," stated Shego, "Reconstructed and perfected to send a message. Trust me, Drew, doesn't need anything synthetically pathetic for company."

Drakken thought of a long list of robotic creations and even remnants of an assistant in the storage room, but he knew Shego was avidly aware of them. He almost said so before he realized she was not defending him, but aiding in building him up in front of them. He saw Shego raise a brow at Ramesh who had dropped his pen and was simply staring at it.

"Something tells me that's a recent change," Chen didn't sound confident in his attempt to belittle.

Drakken balled his fists, or rather attempted but Shego had laced her fingers with his.

"Trust me it's not," grinned Shego, a dark look in her eyes, "Lucky he finally opened his dense eyes to notice me. One more villainous bombshell around our lair and I would have taken over the world myself and enslaved the world out of sheer spite of being ignored."

The cheerful grin she gave came off as more of a warning. Something about it both intrigued Drakken and thought perhaps she might have embellished more than needed. It seemed to have done the trick because they moved away from them and then to where James stood near the door.

"That was a bit of a dramatic acting," snickered Drakken.

"Who said I was acting," winked Shego, "What are they talking about?"

"Using constellations as a guiding point for rocket testing," said Drakken. He glared over at them, "Pfft, like any of them have ever even left a lab."

"On that note. I'm going to go grab a seat," Shego whispered in his ear, then lower so only he could hear, "There's a nerd level and I'm reaching it."

"Right," nodded Drakken.

His eyes scanned over to where Chen and Ramesh were clearly about to do the same. Chen gave he and Shego a raised brow glance and Drakken felt a rush of anger run through him. Shego's hand slid off his shoulder and he quickly caught her hand and pulled her closer to him. His mind racing as he pulled her into a kiss. It was less dramatic than the passionate one earlier, but he felt the tug on the front of his coat again from her nails pulling him closer.

"Drink your water," was all Shego said as she pulled away.

He fought the urge to narrow his brow as she pinched his cheek before turning to leave. Instead he smiled and rubbed his cheek, mildly confused by her reaction. He watched as Ramesh ducked out before Shego got to the door and how Chen glanced at Shego with suspition as he followed after. Drakken glared, wanting to yell about Shego being a robot again, as he knew that had to be Chen's thoughts.

What does it matter?

Drakken shook the reasoning from his mind and turned towards the armor. He raised a brow as James shook his head slowly looking out the door.

"So are you attempting to prove something?" smirked James.

"No," snapped Drakken, "I was simply showing my affections... I'm sorry, where is Anne?"

James shrugged.

"She's in surgery," James sighed, "You know as someone whose been married a very long time... treed carefully."

"What's that supposed to mean?" glared Drakken.

"From my experience... people aren't keen on being a show when it comes to emotions," said James, "You're hardly the first to play this game. When I and Anne started going out-"

Drakken dismissed the attempt at some sort of friendly advice.

"We have to go over what you did last night before the conference, so I would kindly ask you to... and I say this nicely and without vines or lasers... mind your own businesses, Possible," Drakken gave a forced smile.

James opened his mouth before giving an annoyed eye roll and going over the evening events. Drakken shoving the words he'd said prior aside, even through something about Shego's pulling away and reaction... seemed to bring out a curiosity at James' words.

It's fine.

He rubbed his cheek in thought for a moment longer before finally tuning into James' rant.


Shego listened to Drakken's speech on the armor featured abilities and structure. Her mind, against her will, saying them in tandem as he did so. Her eyes scanned around them, yet again if she was being honest. She hadn't neglected to reality that a majority of those in attendance, they had 'Outsourced' from in the past. She'd assumed there might have been a few here and there by Drakken's short explanation on the way to the conference... but not this many. She felt slightly on edge as Bortel looked her way and she turned to look at the other side of the room.

If you feel uncomfortable, imagine how Drakken feels.

She looked up at him as he gave instructions towards James' demonstration, attempting to find any note of concern in his features. She did. The way his eyes kept darting around the crowed, while most would see it as great social presentation... they moved to fast. Attempting to make eye contact and avoid it all at once. She watched his jaw tighten as he continued his speech and she followed his gaze a few seats back to see Chen and Ramesh whispering like children. Shego narrowed her eyes at this.

How old are they?

She shook her head and looked back at Drakken. She gave a small smirk as his eyes locked with hers a few seconds before he picked his tone back up. There was no wavering in it, and his words were clear as he talked about things that despite her best attempt, didn't always appeal to her. She found his words fading off into her thoughts as she watched him. She felt the heat rush through her face as she replayed the two very heated kisses this morning. There had been a hunger behind them both that had sent a wave of swirling emotions racing through her to the core, a deep charged electrical current. Her thoughts faulted as she realized they were a direct result of the company that had been around them, and she felt the smirk fall away. She sighed and crossed her arms as she took another glance at his two former college friends again. Suddenly bothered by the lack of hesitation Drakken had at kissing her and flirting. Something he often second guessed when it was just them, unless she initiated the action. She heard laughter around her that pulled her from those thoughts. She looked swiftly at Drakken to see his reaction to the laughter around them.

He was beaming.

She'd clearly missed a joke he'd delivered well, most likely an ad lib away from his speech. His darted towards her, as if hoping she'd gotten it too, something shed' noticed more and more when he gave talks to the henchmen even. She smiled as his eyes reached hers, not because she'd heard it, but because of his genuine glee at his audience. It wasn't hard to see the delight grow in his eyes at her expression before looking away and continuing his speech. She felt her cheeks grow warm at a small dose of nervous delight.

Okay, I'll let it go for now.


There was a sense of accomplishment as Drakken walked through the crowd, officially the conference for him was over. He'd given a well worded speech, there had been no hiccups in any of the demonstrations. Even James' speech and notes at the end had only seemed to piece together perfectly with his own. The intermission before the next keynote speaker made him able to decipher expressions... and hear a few words of interest as he wove through the people.

"I think people are asking you questions, Dr. D," came Shego's voice from near the stage.

Drakken sighed and moved towards her.

"I think I've answered them all," smirked Drakken as he leaned next to her. He waited a second, "So?"

"So what?" smirked Shego, "Are we doing vocal scales, because that was horrible."

"How was the speech?" Drakken rolled his eyes.

"You've given it multiple times, it was perfectly well rehearsed," Shego stared. Drakken's brows knitted.

"Well that's true..." he trailed off as he saw Chen and Ramesh walking towards them, "Shego, kiss me."

"What?" snorted Shego.

"Or be flirty, something," Drakken grumbled.

He saw Shego's brows knit before she gave an eye roll and leaned into him.

"You know that my favorite thing about the speech was?" chuckled Shego. Drakken grinned at her.

"What was that?" her arm wrapped around his, eyes going wide as she pinched his lips into a fish pucker.

"Seeing your smiling face," she crooned loudly.

"That's... nice," laughed Drakken as he pulled her hand gently from his face, "And?"

"Just how smart you sound using all the correct words," grinned Shego.

He watched Chen and Ramesh detour into the crowd before looking back at Shego.

"What was that?" asked Drakken. Shego shrugged.

"Hey, you wanted to be fawned over, there you go," she let her head fall on his shoulder.

"I just wanted to turn up the affection for the next few days... not for you to sound like... some," Drakken groaned, "You sounded like some sort of programmed robot."

"Well that might not help you out," snickered Shego. Drakken glared at her, "Alright, I'm sorry... you want to go be spontaneously caught making out by the doors?"

Drakken's brow furrowed but he shrugged.

"Well I do have to haul this stuff back to the storage room and I'm sure they'll- Shego?" Drakken paused as she let go of him and started walking away.

"I'm going to grab a drink. I'll head back there in about five... should be enough time to be 'spontaneous' or something," Shego gestured over her shoulder as she wove through the crowd.

Drakken stared after her in confusion but shook it off as he turned to retrieve the armor. He did not expect to turn around and see James standing there.

"Nghn! Do you know how irritating that is," hissed Drakken, "How long have you been lingering there."

"You know when Anne finally agreed to date me, I reveled in bothering Chen and Ramesh with it... she did not," stated James casually, "You know what, fun story-"

"I doubt that," said Drakken. Choosing instead to collect them items.

How did I not know Kim Possible was his spawn? They both appear when they're unwanted.


Drakken looked under the small table for his pliers. He didn't need to really pack anything up as there were still a day left, but Shego had yet to return. He ignored the chatter behind him best he could but it was slowly growing under his skin. James being praised for his demonstration and speech, while Drakken was ignored... as much as he could simply brag, there was that feeling again. It was a stark reality the last few days, that there was nothing new about these conversations, he was just tuned in farther than college. The way they ignored him was almost laughable, the under-appreciating of his contributions was every group project he and James had done... or even separately in some cases.

So much for a posse they clearly weren't.

Drakken glared as he finally found his pliers and tossed them in the box.

"Oh, I thought you left?" snickered Ramesh as Drakken stood up.

"I didn't know you could be that quite," stated Chen.

"Well when the conversationalings of the company is lacking, why bother," Drakken gave a forced smile.

"The correct word was conversationalists," interrupted Ramesh.

"We appreciate it," said Chen as he turned to James who was looking at his watch, "So tonight I'm thinking we go to that karaoke bar they were talking about last night."

Drakken raised a brow as he sorted the items in his case.

"Karaoke, really?" asked Ramesh, "You?"

Drakken smirked and thought of a rude song to suggest for Chen to sing.

"Well of coarse, it's become so mainstream... there are way more losers there to make yourself feel better about life," snorted Chen.

Drakken glared again.

"Come on it'll be like college when we would go and make fun of-"

Chen was cut off by James.

"Dinner! We should make plans for dinner," James laughed loudly.

He heard James say something to him, but he wasn't listening as he realigned his screwdrivers. Drakken felt what little piece of some sort of happy college life fall away as James ushered out Chen and Ramesh. He hadn't thought about karaoke nights from college, they weren't often, but he'd shoved them all side over the years. So bent on focusing on the bad, up until recently he hadn't been tempted to remember the good.

I only just recently remembered how horrible they were...

There was something about one of the very few good memories of them going out with him but not singing... a night of comradery and fun for him... suddenly had been turned by the Chen's words. They had never supported him, only come to mock and laugh at. He saw movement out of the corner of his eye and then Shego was next to him, changed into her green dress no less. Drakken glared at her.

"Whoa, what's that look for," she snorted, "I even got myself all dolled up."

"I would have rather you just been here," he grumbled as he slammed the tool box shut finally.

"Geesh, you act like I didn't do this for you," she rolled her eyes, "Don't take your anger out on me because you got your feathers ruffled by some losers."

"It would have been nice to have some sort of... upper hand on them," Drakken flailed his hands, "It's like I was in college again... but this time... I was seeing what it really was."

"Fine. Where are they, lets go find them," Shego gestured out the door, "I'll go play the girlfriend and rub it in their face."

Drakken rolled his eyes.

"You are the girlfriend," he grumbled.

"Would be nice if that only occurred to you when it's not for show," muttered Shego.

Drakken glared again.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he scratched his head rather aggressively, "You said you were fine with it-"

"I am!" yelled Shego. Drakken raised his brow, "I mean, yes, I'm fine with it... It would just be nice if you kept that up, not because of some childish need to make two idiots feel inferior. Could have done that with a few plasma blasts."

Drakken fought the urge to toss his hands up in frustration and stomp out at her mood.

Words.

"I'm not sure why you are mad at me right now," sighed Drakken. Keeping his arms crossed, "I distinctly remember a counterargument based on yesterday-"

"I started that," sighed Shego. Drakken opened his mouth to argue and then closed it, "I meant... now the over-the-top crap... nevermind... let's just go find them."

Drakken didn't move as Shego walked towards the door. Still processing her words.

"Shego, I don't understand. You aren't mad about the dramatics... you feel like I don't view you romantically at times... but you agree we are affectionate... Shego you said, a clear reminder of what I had said a while ago, but I digress... we need to clarify things," stated Drakken, "This has confused me more than before your tried to clarify."

Shego's jaw shifted and she opened and closed her mouth several times before taking a deep breath. Clearly out of her comfort zone of sass, snark, and evasion.

"Why is it... that suddenly you seem perfectly capable of what I have been trying to get through your head for months?" asked Shego, "And clearly it wasn't from last nights mini speech when I've been saying it at least once a week now."

Drakken raised a brow.

"You don't hesitate," said Shego, "You don't hesitate to be flirty or... more... when its not a date, I initiate it... or... this."

She gestured out the door.

Drakken felt the confusion fade away and suddenly felt very uncomfortable. He rubbed the back of his neck and thought about his words as carefully as he could. His mind was already racing with the anger he felt from the conversation about karaoke, Shego being late, the need to go make Chen and Ramesh feel inferior, and the clear point Shego was making. She wasn't wrong... he did hesitate... and today he hadn't. He now knew she was in fact annoyed when he'd kissed her earlier, and even more annoyed when he'd cut off their normal conversation to try and get her to ham up her flirting. She didn't mind the show, just that she didn't like feeling like it was a show.

I hate that James Possible noticed that before me...

"When you initiate it... then I know you're okay with it. A date is more... expected... and this," he gestured, "We'd clarified earlier... so. There's no need for me to second guess or worry about it... because it was agreed upon or expected."

"So, me being your girlfriend, isn't a clear agreement that I would be perfectly fine with a spontaneous kiss or affection?" asked Shego. Drakken paused.

"I... I never thought about it that way," muttered Drakken.

"What about the times I've literately stated that I was perfectly fine with it?" asked Shego.

Drakken replayed a lot of scenes in his head. There were a very long series of Shego initiating any of their flirtations, the reality that apart from their first official date and the kiss that had resulted in their being a couple... he had in fact waited for signs or words to act on it rather then simply making it a casual occurrence.

Not that I would mind-

He looked at Shego, who was now halfheartedly glaring down the hallway. Clearly still annoyed that this whole day had proven he was more than capable of being spontaneous, thus her mood. He wondered if she'd made excuses for it over the months and his pointless need to feel superior had only made her feel like the inferior one. Drakken was mortified at the thought.

"Nevermind... listen, let's just go be mildly obscene in front of them and then go get dinner." Shego crossed her arms.

"Shego... you know... you know I want to kiss you often... and I have to stop myself from saying or doing things like that... because... I don't want to presume," Drakken spoke as slowly as his mind could process his words.

"And I said..." she sighed, "Just forget I said-"

Drakken had only a split second of worry that he was overstepping based on their current conversation, but he shoved the thought away. His hands cupped either of her elbows and pulled her closer to him. Her words faded into his lips as he kissed her. Her arms remained crossed and he worried he'd messed up, but that thought ended quickly as her arms slipped around him before she pulled away.

"That's better," she snorted. He eyes narrowed, "Unless-"

"No ones here," Drakken hastened. He took a moment to slow his racing thoughts, "Let's grab dinner on the way home."

Shego raised a brow.

"What about your need for revenge?" asked Shego curiously.

Drakken thought about the conversation and took a deep breath and sighed.

"All I was trying to do was prove I wasn't the same dorky, loser, Drew they were friends with in college," Drakken jaw tightened, "Turns out, they barely knew him anyway."

Shego tilted her head but before Drakken could continue James walked through the door, Ramesh and Chen not far behind him. Ramesh stood by the door and stared at his feet in fascinated interest.

"Sorry to interrupt, forgot my name-badge," said James as he in fact grabbed his lanyard and went to leave.

"Ah, and the posse couldn't wait in the car?" asked Shego. Her arms still firmly around Drakken, "Or are they like anxious dogs? Eat the seats and pee on the floor?"

Drakken smirked. Chen looked uncomfortable before rolling his eyes.

"Cute, your girlfriend has the same personality as you programmed," smirked Chen.

Drakken narrowed his eyes, but Shego snorted her eyes fixed on Ramesh though.

"I think you should ask your friend their about programming girlfriends," snickered Shego. Drakken raised a brow in confusion.

"What?" asked Chen.

Drakken watched as Ramesh gave a half wave and simply walked quickly away.

"Ramesh?" asked Chen as he followed after him.

"Well I'll leave you two alone before my car seats get chewed," said James, giving a wave before departing.

Shego snorted and looked at Drakken, whose thoughts were still on Ramesh's abrupt leaving and Shego's comment.

"What was that?" asked Drakken.

"All day I've been assuming he was just weird and awkward... but he looked familiar," she smirked deviously, "And he just proved something to me."

"What?" asked Drakken as Shego finally pulled away from him.

"Remember when you put me under mind control?" asked Shego casually. Drakken crossed his arms.

"Yes," he cleared his throat.

"Remember I told you when I worked for Brotherson and that weirdo who wanted a robotic assistant?" asked Shego as she backed towards the door.

"Your exact words were, 'Found someone who might want the Bebe trash in the storage' followed by several remarks about them," stated Drakken.

"Interesting... remembers a comment from three years ago... but not that I specifically told him I want attention every week for the last few months-" Shego crossed her arms as Drakken cut her off.

"Yes-Yes," he waved his hand, "I remember the guy who wanted a sex robot that you mentioned..."

Drakken trailed off and Shego grinned.

"No... No," Drakken gave a devilish laugh, "Oh, that's perfect!"

"Thought you'd enjoy that," smirked Shego, "Now you know where to send those parts."

Drakken rolled his eyes as his laugh faded away.

"I cleaned out storage remember. I think all that's left is a right arm and hand," shrugged Drakken.

"That might be all he needs," snickered Shego. Drakken snorted, "So are we really leaving?"

"Yes," sighed Drakken, "If you want to head to the room and grab our things. I'll meet you at the hovercar."

Drakken gestured to the equipment around him.

"Sounds fair," smirked Shego, "Nice not having to haul your junk around."

"Well I figured I'll load it, you can unload it," Drakken smirked as Shego glared at him, "Joking... I'll leave it for the henchmen on Monday."

"I would have done the same if you'd asked me," said Shego as she turned around the corner.

Drakken smirked as he moved to pack up the armor, his phone buzzed and he looked to see a message from Shego.

'Kiss your black Jammies goodbye!'

Drakken's smirk grew.

"Hah. Jokes on her..." he opened the box for the armor where at the bottom was where he'd thrown his pajamas that morning.


Drakken pushed the car out the door with a deep sigh. Only to stop abruptly at the sight in front of him. He'd been lost in thought that sound had apparently escaped him. He watched as fire trucks attempted to put out a rather large fire where it looked like a tree had fallen on two cars parked next to each other. Drakken looked in the clear sky or any power lines, but there was nothing fire hazardous and yet... blazing fire.

Drakken heard a whistle and looked to see the hovercar parked a little ways off in the opposite direction of the fire. Shego waved towards him as she casually lounged on the hood of the hovercar, smiling at the blazing fire in the distance. Drakken looked back at the fire and how no other vehicles had been touched, save for the two. A planet trinket on the antenna of one burst into flame as he watched. The devious smirk spread across his face as he looked back towards Shego. She winked at him as if the solidify his thoughts.

"Hope there was nothing valuable in those cars," snickered Shego.

Drakken felt a euphoric delight and vindication spread through him, winning over the other emotions spinning in his head as he walked towards Shego. She was still making amusing comments, some an attempt at constellation humor... but his mind was elsewhere.

Don't second guess...

"Maybe a falling star hit the tree or a- Drakken?" asked Shego.

His hand gently tugged her calf so she would slide down the hood towards him. He tried to not think about her facial expression if he'd crossed a line in doing so. He pushed away his concern that her being pinned between he and the hovercar might come off as suggestive or inappropriate, but if it did... She didn't seem to mind. He had seen Shego slightly blush before but it was nothing to the color of her cheeks before he kissed her.

"Better?" asked Drakken as he pulled away slightly.

"I'll let you know when it ends," was a mutter against his lips as she pulled him back into a kiss.

Should have done this much sooner.


*Evilly Cackles*