A/N: MY apologies at how long this one took.
Unfortunately, tis summer and that is my busiest time of year for various reasons.
Hopefully this does not disappoint the wait.
Cabin Part 6
The smell of grilled fish accosted Shego's nose as she finally left the bedroom. Her hair far more brushed than it needed to be in order to delay exiting the room. The mixture of her earlier conversations with Cleopatra, whatever Drakken's plan mutation was doing in the cold climate, and yet another intrusion by Ed... the extra hair brushing had done little to help the headache that had began from the swirl of thoughts. When she made her way into the living room the sound of arguing could be heard in the kitchen.
"This fish isn't cooked, seriously Cuz, are you blind!" came Ed's voice.
"Mind your own fish!" Drakken yelled back.
Shego let out a deep sigh before heading into the kitchen. The two men were hovering over the tray of what looked like well seasoned fish and arguing over a particular fish.
"If you seriously think that's cooked... Take a bite," said Ed as he held the fish up to Drakken's face, "Seriously, just a nibble and I'll back off."
Drakken shoved Ed's hand away.
"Fine! Then finish cooking it if your so worried about it,"huffed Drakken.
Ed placed the fish back on a platter and exited out the small door that led to a back deck. She'd expected the grilling to be on the wood stove, but it appeared that there had been an actual grill set up on a back deck she'd yet to explore. Her focus fell to Drakken as he grumbled and pulled out biscuits, overpowering the scent of fish with warm bread.
"Dinner almost done?" asked Shego.
It was apparent he hadn't realized she had entered the room as her voice seemed to startle him. The biscuits slid from his grasp and Shego swiftly managed to grab the metal tray, the heat radiating from her hands preventing her from getting burned by the hot tray. Shego placed the tray on the open counter and raised a brow at Drakken.
"I wasn't even trying to sneak up on you this time," smirked Shego. Drakken grumbled and began stirring a pot, "What?"
"I can't remember if I made a backup fish," muttered Drakken as he used a fork to poke a few on the tray.
"A backup fish?" asked Shego as she took the spoon from Drakken. It no longer even in the pot as he stirred.
"For Cleopatra," said Drakken. Shego must have looked confused, "Did she not upset you earlier?"
"No more than most people's presence does," joked Shego. She paused, "We're you trying to give her food poisoning because you thought she said something to me."
Drakken shrugged and stopped looking through the fish to look at Shego.
"It wasn't a master plan but it would due for now," said Drakken, "But by your tone... I'm thinking I jumped the gun?"
"Yeah," snorted Shego, "But it's sweet of you to try and poison my potential enemies."
Shego leaned her chin on Drakken's shoulder. A confident smirk on his face.
"Your enemies are my enemies, Shego," said Drakken, "And typically I'd be more creative but resources aren't at plentiful here."
"Thank you," chuckled Shego as she gave him a kiss on the cheek, "But she hasn't done anything poison worthy yet."
Drakken's smirk fell into a smile and he fixated back on the pans in front of him.
"Well you say the word-" He was interrupted by the back door opening again.
"Now the fish is done," said Ed as he placed the steaming fish onto the pile, "And with that, let's feed the babes."
"Did you set the table?" asked Drakken.
Shego knew by the smug look it had been an earlier argument she hadn't been here fore. Watching Ed's confident expression fade into a childish frown was almost amusing. Especially as he turned on his heel and began grabbing plates aggressively and marching to the table. Shego gave Drakken a questioning look as he looked back at her.
"We had a disagreement about whose turn it was to set the table, "shrugged Drakken, "He made a big deal about it only to remember it's his turn. I set it last in 1991."
Shego rolled her eyes.
"These are the moments your claim at being genius' makes me want you to take that test-"
"Shego, a long time ago we agreed to no cloning or mind control... and in return... no tests," snapped Drakken. He muttered under his breath, "I don't do well on tests."
"He really doesn't," stated Ed, "One time he passed out taking a prep test."
Shego snorted as Drakken glared daggers at Ed.
"Eddie, go away," hissed Drakken.
"I'm grabbing my babe, seriously, you need to breath, Drew," snorted Ed as he left the kitchen.
There was a moment of silence as Drakken began straining the vegetables.
"So you passed out?" smirked Shego. She watched Drakken's eyes thin as he looked at her, "Was it fall on the floor or..."
"I was thirteen and it was a prep test for ACT's because I was taking them early," huffed Drakken.
"So what did you get?" asked Shego.
"A trip to the emergency room because my mother overreacted," grumbled Drakken.
"That's not what I meant," sighed Shego as she grabbed the platter of fish, "Now all of these are cooked, right?"
"I believe so," said Drakken. She watched him eye the tray and she nudged him, "I might have made two but I honestly don't remember... so eat cautiously."
"Thanks," scoffed Shego as she put the platter on the set table.
She watched Drakken pause and look at one of the settings with annoyance.
"Are you going to complain about the way he set them?" groaned Shego, "Because honestly I've seen you eat steak like pizza over a sink."
She watched Drakken's eyes shoot open.
"Stop lurking around late at night," Drakken sputtered.
Shego snickered and sat down next to where Drakken took a seat. Just in time to be joined by the other two cabin dwellers. Despite Drakken's statement about the fish, the dinner seemed to be off to a calm and stable evening.
That's refreshing.
Drakken wasn't exactly sure what had happened in the span of fifteen minutes but he desperately wished he'd hidden that uncooked fish better so he could use it on his cousin and Cleopatra. Somewhere along a friendly conversation about science museums and the arts, it had spun into a suddenly tense atmosphere. In an innocent attempt at figuring out why Shego had become withdrawn, he'd somehow agitated her.
"I didn't say we had to go, I just asked if you'd be interested," argued Drakken, "Neither of us have very good track records with museums anyway."
"So why would you even ask?" snapped Shego.
"Because you were talking about a painting," Drakken huffed.
"I think she was talking about the painting... in a seriously heavy sarcastic tone," said Ed. Drakken glared, "Hey, I don't get it either."
"Excuse me for bringing in a classy conversation," sighed Cleopatra.
"Babe, you're fine... clearly these two are having some serious issues, seriously," stated Ed. He gave them a concerned look, "Seriously Cuz. You need to read your woman better.
"I don't need your help!" snapped Drakken, "I understand my woman perfectly- Nighn! I mean Shego!"
Shego rolled her eyes at him.
Drakken turned back to Ed.
"You are simply attempting to further an argument betwixt us," glared Drakken, "For your own entertainment."
There was a pause.
"Seriously?" asked Ed, "Betwixt?"
Drakken glared.
"It's a word!" he snapped. He gave Shego a nervous glance as he second guessed it by the silent table.
"Yes," nodded Shego.
"So yes... betwixt us!" smirked Drakken.
"I know it's a word," Ed rolled his eyes and snickered, "Didn't know you knew how to use it, seriously."
"I'm calling it a night," sighed Shego, "I've had enough of social hour."
Drakken watched Shego exit the room and was about to say something when Ed continued the brewing argument, forcing him to stay.
Shutting the bathroom door a little harder than she'd intended, Shego flopped on the bed in annoyance. She had expected Drakken to be in the room when she'd finished changing into the mismatched pajamas she'd made of Drakken's clothes. Instead the room was empty and filled with silence to further the thoughts that had been plaguing her all day. Thinking about the connection bothered her more than it should have, at least that's what she was telling herself.
It's not like I didn't know Sweets' connection to Botox.
Letting out an annoyed sigh, she began her navigating of the why it was interrupted as the door to the hall opened. Drakken came in with a sour look on his face and she could smell the scent of lemon dish soap from him. His expression softened slightly as he saw her, but it was clear whatever happened after she left, he wasn't very happy.
"Did you stay and do the dishes?" asked Shego. Drakken grumbled as he went to the dresser, "You could have just told them to do it."
"Gee, I didn't think about that," Drakken rolled his eyes.
Shego stared at him and he sighed.
"No one else seemed to be doing them and I don't want to smell leftover fish residue in the morning, do you?" asked Drakken.
Shego cringed and nodded in agreement.
"Also found the second uncooked fish," said Drakken as he headed to the bathroom.
"Really?" asked Shego, not really listening.
She knew Drakken had responded but her thoughts fell back to why she felt the unease so heavily. She debated that perhaps it was the company on the other side of the cabin. Knowing that if this current trail she was trying to connect had occurred back home, she would have felt less on edge. The location may have been a greater deal to it. It wasn't as if it was she and Drakken in a mutually familiar place. As if accepting this, she began going over the timeline again, attempting to narrow down the exact moment she may have become a target.
"What's wrong?"
The question caught Shego by surprise as she looked up from where she'd been braiding the end of her hair lost in thought. She hadn't even been aware that Drakken had returned and gotten into bed.
"Nothing," shrugged Shego as she tossed her hair over her shoulder, "I was just-"
"You were doing that thing with your hair," Drakken frowned, "You said that it had nothing to do with Cleopatra, but you've been off since I got back from fishing..."
He trailed off and looked suddenly concerned as his eyes darted away from hers.
"I don't know what you mean about my hair and- Drakken are you listening?" glared Shego.
"Did I do something?" asked Drakken. His brow wrinkled in clear overthinking.
Shego gave an annoyed growl.
"Contrary to the voices in your head... not everything involves you," scoffed Shego.
Drakken glared.
"Then tell me what's got you in a mood?" whined Drakken.
"I wasn't in a mood... maybe I'm tired," snorted Shego as she slid under the covers.
"Shego," Drakken whined louder.
She could feel him watching her.
Just tell him.
It was late.
That's not a reason.
She was probably just overthinking.
Am I?
"Shego..." his plea was softer and she let out an annoyed groan.
"Sweets," snapped Shego as she turned to look at him. He looked confused, "Dr. Sweets."
His expression looked alarmed and he glanced around them.
"Did Cleopatra say something about her?" asked Drakken. Panic looked to set in, "Should we leave... is she coming here. We ended on modest terms but she's very conniving and petty-"
"You have no idea," scoffed Shego. She looked at Drakken a breath before continuing, "I think she set me up with Botox..."
"I know that was a thought before..." Drakken began but Shego shook her head.
"The first time," said Shego, "Misty told me about that job... apparently she'd been working for Sweets prior... Which we know about her supplies for her candies... which she'd had connections to for a while."
Shego felt the unease sinking deeper as she tried to trace possible lines as far back as she could, but something telling her not to go down that mental road.
"You think everyone was in cahoots before we even met them?" asked Drakken. He was giving her a questioning look.
"I don't know," she groaned. Her temper rising.
"What exactly did Cleopatra say?" asked Drakken.
"She apologized for the whole situation and I don't even know if she knew the full extent of her statement... or if she did... she's a better actress then I thought- So that's what's bothering me," continued Shego, "Am I being paranoid and these a very intricate coincidences? I don't think so... but if that's the case... then whose involved and for how long?"
Shego's anger and annoyance had shifted as she ranted. Saying it out-loud had made the background thoughts become real. The connections she'd been making in her head almost seemed almost pathetic she hadn't seen them before. Dollmaker's connection to Botox had been a shocking surprise, but now she wasn't so sure since Botox has known of her and her siblings abilities and powers, thus Botox orchestrating an elaborate and simple ruse to employ her... which Misty had informed her of... after working for Carmella who she knew got her mind control tonics from Botox... who was both petty and vengeful. Connection she'd been toying with but there was a sense of paranoia slithering through her whole body as she began to question every conversation and person she'd ever met.
Even concerning thoughts of the company at the end of the cabin. While Cleopatra had seemed sincere earlier and it had been a topic the women had brought up herself... the fact that Ed had also associated with Misty, who whether the women had known or not what she was doing... was a new level of unease she wasn't prepared for.
"I have been curious about our missile silo," stated Drakken.
Shego was pulled out of her spinning thoughts as she saw Drakken had gotten out of bed and was digging through the dresser.
"Excuse me?" asked Shego. She slid out of bed to approach Drakken, "What are you talking about?"
"Our missiles," he said matter-of-factually, "Wondered about them... I think we could fire a few test rounds at a select lair or two-"
"Whoa, calm down there," hastened Shego, "As adorable as this taking out my possible enemies is... It's not worth it."
Drakken gave her a look she couldn't quite place but he paused holding the keys the hovercar.
"If there is a chance there could be some sort of plot-" Drakken began and Shego took the keys from him.
"Or there might not be? As much as I like your evil side... let's not poke a sleeping bear," sighed Shego, "I shouldn't have let it get to me."
"Why did it?" asked Drakken. She watched his eyes glance at the keys again.
She sighed and grabbed his arm and pulled him back to bed.
"It was all the small things I guess... just adding up one after the other," said Shego, "I'm pretty sure being at the Villain's Inn just reminded me of how I felt..."
Shego trailed off, trying to choose her words as they sat in the bed. She knew how she'd felt in that moment when she'd been trapped by Botox's Hench-people... the whole scenario a nightmare that still lingered in the back of her mind. It wasn't a new concern of someone plotting against her... it was second nature in her youth. Something about having been a villain had made her feel like she'd put it behind and that moment had distorted any remaining sense of distance when she'd seen Dollmaker... then she'd pushed it aside again... but knowing just how connected everything seemed to be... The images of those creatures on Halloween, the information that Adrena had slipped about Camille seemed to click even more.
She felt her shoulder's slump as she found the word of how she felt then and now.
"Terrified," she whispered.
As the word slipped from her lips, she felt exposed. Hurriedly she tried to locate something to distract from the moment, an insult, a quip, even a complete need to start an argument even. She didn't get a chance as Drakken's arms wrapped tightly around her and pulled her close to him. Her hands instinctively grabbed the fabric of his shirt about to push him away but she didn't. Drakken must have sensed her stiffness because he let go of her with a sigh and she watched his concerned expression shift to casual.
"You know where I keep the missiles," he stated and kicked off his slippers again, "We should check them in all honestly... they might be outdated... do they expire?"
A sense of relief came over her as she realized he'd shifted the conversation for her. She learned her head against his shoulder and sighed into it before she spoke.
"Yes," she answered, "Which I told you to have checked when they did the appraisal."
She pulled away and gave him a half glare. His expression actually looked concerned.
"Oh... that's what you meant..." said Drakken. Shego gave an actual glare.
"You didn't?" she asked in annoyance, "What else did you think I meant?"
"I assumed you meant the warranties," stated Drakken. Shego hit him with a pillow, "Hey!"
"I specifically said the missiles and all security features," she huffed, "Did you even-"
A pillow hit her and she glared as Drakken held the pillow like a shield.
"You started it," he whispered behind the fabric.
Shego grabbed her pillow again and went to hit him back when the pillow hit her again.
"Drakken!" growled Shego and she swung as he blocked her assault.
At some point it took a shift as it became more playful. Pillows were tossed and at one point the blanket had become a shield as they tried to one-up the other. It was the shift she needed from the uneasy feelings she'd been having all day to the lighthearted moment as they both tried to muffle their own laughter. Almost rolling off the bed, Shego finally managed to take the lead in their late night fight. Managing to pin him under the blanket as she let out a snicker in triumph, pulling the fabric taught so she couldn't struggle out.
"Shego," came a muffled whine under the blanket.
"Give up?" she asked, continuing to pin him.
Silence.
"Drakken?" asked Shego. She narrowed her eyes, "Drakken?"
There was a slight worry and she loosened her hold on the blankets.
He better not be-
Her thought was interrupted as her loosening was exactly what he'd wanted. In the blink of an eye the blankets encompassed her with more assistance than she'd had. Flower's vine spun around her, cocooning her in the blanket. Drakken's evil laugh matched his devious grin as he pinned her on the bed this time.
"I believe, I win," he stated smugly.
"You think so, huh," scoffed Shego, "I can get out."
Drakken's smirk grew and he raised his brow.
"Fine, I'll wait," said Drakken.
Shego tried to shift in her cocoon, but there was no give. She could easily use her powers or nails to escape, but she wasn't eager to create a flaming blanket or injure Drakken's helper. The smirk grew deeper on his face as he waited for her coincidence of loss. Watching as Flower hung over his shoulder as if waiting for her words as well, she let out an annoyed sigh.
"Fine," she huffed, "But know I could get out of this if I wanted to cause an inferno."
"Oh, that I am aware of," nodded Drakken. His smug expression didn't change as he looked down at her.
"Any day now, Dr. D." said Shego, "Are you waiting for something?"
"Thinking about what I get for winning," he said in mock innocence before leaning closer to her, "I have an idea."
"Who said you get anything?" scoffed Shego.
His lips finding hers, silenced her mid scoff. It didn't take much more incentive to kiss back, and she felt her arms become free as the vine retreated and took the blanket cocoon with it. Her arms wrapped around his shoulder's, her nails digging in his shoulder and through his hair as he lips made their way to her neck. Any further argument about winning or loosing faded away as their playful evening took an even more impish turn.
There was a creaking sound.
Drakken growled into her ear, which had several effects on her in the moment, but agitation at the interruption won over.
"If I so much as hear either of them breath, I'm shoving them in the pond," stated Shego.
"No one knows they even made it here... it would be an easy disappearance," muttered Drakken.
There was a gust of wind outside.
Another creaking noise.
Shego yanked him back into a kiss, taking the noise as a signal there was no one infringing on them. The fact it seemed there was finally going to be nothing stopping them, especially at the late hour, spurred her playful side on. Wrapping her legs around his waist, gave her enough momentum to flip them and pin him down again.
"Really?" asked Drakken. Though she saw the amusement in his eyes despite his pouting expression.
"Complaining?" asked Shego as she leaned over him.
She watched his pout melt away as his eyes ghosted over her before meeting her eyes.
"No," said Drakken.
"Right answer," hummed Shego as she loomed closer over him.
A large boom shook the entire cabin.
Drakken jumped, smacking his head right into Shego's.
"Ow!" whined Drakken, "Shego, that hurt!"
"Really?" snapped Shego as she clutched her head, "You don't say!"
Another shake of the cabin and Shego lept off Drakken's lap and headed towards the door. Drakken presumably right behind her as she yanked open the door. Her momentary thought of what Ed and Cleopatra could have done to cause the commotion was brushed away as she looked down the hallway. The door on the opposite end had busted open as well, the two in question looking just as concerned by the noise. Another crashing noise and what little light that lingered in the cabin vanished. Shego's hand ignited on instinct casting them all in a green light as they reached the halls exit and looked through the living room where the sound had seemed to radiate.
She felt Drakken right behind her, and almost nervously glancing over her shoulder. The snarky comment on her lips about him hiding around the corner was cut short as a whirling noise and shake rattled the cabin one last time before a heavy silence filled their surroundings.
"What the bloody hell was all that racket?" hissed Cleopatra from where she stood behind Ed.
"Could be a number of things-" Drakken began.
"Generator," yawned Ed.
"Could be a snow drift-" Drakken glared at Ed.
"Seriously... it was the generator," stated Ed, "Did you check the filter and fuel lines before you started it?"
Shego watched Drakken's face twitch as he tried to avoid answering.
"No, he didn't," stated Shego.
"Are you for real, Cuz?" scoffed Ed, "You know how long that's been sitting."
Sensing the argument about to break out, Shego was ready to snap at them, but Cleopatra took note faster.
"Is there going to be arguing or fixing?" huffed Cleopatra, "Because correct me if I'm wrong, but the fire is merely aesthetic and its not going to get any warmer, is it?"
"Chill out babe, I go it," grumbled Ed. He shot a smug look at Drakken, "I know what I'm doing, seriously."
"Drakken don't-" Shego was cut off.
"I know how to fix it too, Eddie," snapped Drakken, "You'r simply going to 'trick' it out and waste time."
"I am not!" snapped Ed, "I don't need your help, either!"
"Too bad," snapped Drakken, "As soon as I get dressed, I'll fx it myself!"
Drakken's hands fell away from Shego as he aggressively headed back to their room.
"Pfft, Clothes," snapped Ed, "I'll have it done before you even get shoes on, seriously!"
He called after Drakken and began taking a step into the living room.
"Ed, go put pants on," sighed Cleopatra, "No point being proven if you get hypothermia... I don't want to hear about the frost bite story again."
"It wasn't my fault!" snapped Ed, but he turned back towards his room with a grumble.
Shego watched as both doors slammed as she stood with the soul source of light and looked at the women in front of her. Clearly Cleopatra was assessing her disheveled sweater and pants that were obviously Drakken's. In turn Shego looked at the other women's messy hair and almost translucent pale gold nightgown.
"Clearly neither of our evenings are going as planned," stated Shego. Cleopatra rolled her eyes, "You tw have the fire going?"
"No," yawned Cleopatra, "You?"
"No," Shego looked towards her door, "Who do you think is going to get hurt first, getting dressed in the dark."
A loud thump came from Shego and Drakken's room and a whine of pain.
"Shego," came a whine from Drakken.
In tandem a series of curse words came from Cleopatra and Ed's room followed by something heavy hitting the ground.
"I believe Drakken was first," stated Cleopatra.
"How about we call it a tie and I lend you some light," stated Shego.
"A tie it is," smiled Cleopatra. She looked towards where Shego could hear Drakken whining, "Helping him first?"
"Considering this could have been avoided if he'd checked the thing... he can wait a few seconds," sighed Shego as she followed Cleopatra down the hall.
It took Shego less than ten seconds to realize that she had made the wrong choice and that perhaps announcing her entry would have been a good idea rather then blindly following Cleopatra. Her only solace was the dim light of her hand had prevented her from further nightmares she may have earned from the skewed sight she'd seen.
I hope there's flashlights around here because I am not going through that again.
The sound of birds and crackling fire caused Shego to wake up, seeing the sliver of early morning light hitting her face from the part in the curtains. With a few slow blinks, she took in the change in her surroundings from the night before. The fire was still going from when she'd started it after Drakken had left to repair the generator... which meant someone had stoked it in the evening. There was also several heavier blankets tossed over the bed, an attempt to nip the slight chill lingering in the room despite the fire. A clear indicator that the generator wasn't working as well as it should have been. Her ears picked up on another sound that was slightly muffled. Attempting to get up and locate what she expected was Drakken snoring into his pillow, she was aware that she was in a rather tight vice grip again.
Does he get stronger in his sleep- Geesh.
She wiggled out of his grasp and rolled her eyes before rolling him over so his face wasn't buried in the pillow. Given the fact he seemed unphased and didn't even wiggle an eyelid in his sleep, it was clear he'd not returned until very late. Shivering slightly as she slid out of bed and fixed the blankets around him, she hurried to get dressed into something warmer than the sleeping clothes she'd chosen. None of the sound of the drawers, the bathroom door, or even her dropping the last of the firewood loudly hitting the ground... even remotely stirred Drakken. Tossing the wood into the fire, Shego left the room.
The chill was thicker through the cabin as she hit the hallway and navigated quickly through the house. Stopping to stoke the dying fire in the living room and grabbing a few remaining remnants of wood, she headed to the kitchen. It was eerily silent through the cabin, meaning that she had been the first one up at all. She tossed some wood in the stove and began opening the curtains to let the sunlight through to aid in warming the cabin further before starting to make breakfast.
Her mind felt less foggy than the evening prior, which she chalked up to getting sleep and openly discussing the issue with Drakken. His threats of violence in her name had helped greatly in diminishing her concerns... but they were still there mildly. For now, she knew it was something to push aside and focus on making the best of their current situation.
Pouring the batter in the heated pan, she heard the sound of what she assumed was she and Drakken's door close and he creek of wood. Seconds later, she heard Drakken yawn as he found his way to the kitchen. She didn't bother to look up as she felt his presence behind her.
"Are you cooking?"
Shego smirked and looked up at Drakken lingering over her shoulder.
"Don't be too excited it just pancakes," said Shego.
"Pancakes are always worth the excitement," replied Drakken.
She felt his lips on her cheek before he turned towards the refrigerator. The feeling of warmth rushing to her cheeks at the simple sign of affection, made her hand almost touch the spot. Instead, she watched as he got out the pitcher of water and began pouring himself a large glass, she took in the fact he hadn't shaved yet, nor pulled his hair back. Knowing it was due to staying up late working on the generator and he hadn't gotten the energy to finishing getting ready for the day... she was appreciating the look at the moment.
"Can't say I'm not liking this whole scruffy look you have going on," smirked Shego.
"Really?" Drakken grinned as he put his glass down. His hand rubbed his chin, "Perhaps I should grow it out-"
"I didn't say that," said Shego as she flipped the pancake, "I'm kind of fond of seeing your face."
No response came from Drakken, but she felt his arms slide around her waist and the slight scratch of his chin resting on her partially exposed shoulder.
"What was that again?" he asked. His tone was amused.
She thought for a moment and rolled her eyes.
"Just because I said that doesn't mean I want your world takeover items all over the place," said Shego. Drakken let a low chuckle.
"Not even the hand towels?" asked Drakken innocently.
"The fact there is a room of just your face and name in storage is still very concerning," snorted Shego as she flipped another pancake.
"You are on a few," he countered.
"Don't remind me of the Conditioner to your shampoo," stated Shego, "It was an afterthought that should have never been a thought."
"I was trying to include you-"
"Drakken."
"... I was trying to annoy you," he sighed, "But the hand towels?"
Shego turned around in his arms and glared at him as he smirked at her. With an eye roll she pinched his cheeks and gave him a halfhearted glare.
"I'm fond of this face... not the thousands of merchandise with your face on it lingering around the lair," she said firmly.
His smirk grew in her pinched fingers as his brows narrowed into a devious expression. His arms pulled her closer as he spoke in a muffled tone as she still held his mouth squished in her hand.
"On a scale of kissy face, how fond are you of it," he mused.
Shego snorted at the corny line, but let her hand fall away from his cheeks as he gave her a soft kiss on the lips. The smell of the pancakes behind her as if calling for her attention was muted as her arms slipped around his neck to embrace the morning kiss.
"Whose cooking?" came Ed's voice from outside the kitchen.
On instinct Shego's arms fell away in annoyance as she turned her attention back to the pancakes. Drakken's arms hadn't left her waist but the movement made his hands simply rest on her hips.
"She-" the door opening made him let out an annoyed groan, "Eddie, go away!"
Shego watched Ed freeze in the doorway for a second before pushing through the door.
"Seriously, I even wore a shirt this morning," huffed Ed as she made his way past them.
Tossing the final pancake on the plate was timed perfectly with Cleopatra entering the kitchen as well. Hands fell away away from her waist as Drakken realized that the moment of personal time had officially ended. The renewed annoyance at the constant interruptions had resumed over her concerns of yesterday. Which wouldn't shake as they all sat down for breakfast.
"I can probably get the generator finished," said Ed as he stabbed a pancake, "Seriously it won't take long but I don't know if its enough energy to maintain everything."
"We can use wood for heat if it conserves some energy," suggested Cleopatra.
"Or, we can take the hovercar and get the parts," Shego added.
"We'd have to disassemble all the work we put in last night," said Drakken. Shego raised a brow at him, "We may have used parts."
"So you dismantled our vehicle?" glared Shego.
"We also dismantled Eddie's," Drakken focused on his pancakes, "These are delicious-"
Shego ignored his attempt at skating the topic.
"How much firewood do we have?" interrupted Shego, "Our rooms out and the living room only has a few small ones left."
"Used the last in our room this morning," said Cleopatra.
"So we're out," stated Shego, nodding to the wood stove, "Those were from the living room ones. "
"Shego and I can get the firewood," said Drakken quickly.
Looking up from her plate, Shego raised a brow. He gave her a half smile and she felt her annoyance at the generator and morning interruption fade. She'd been worried Drakken hadn't been as bothered as she had been about not having alone time... but his suggestion made her think otherwise.
"Yeah, we can," smirked Shego. She looked at Cleopatra and Ed, "You two can handle the dishes, right?"
"Ed," said Cleopatra. Ed pouted in her direction and she let out a sigh, "Fine, I'll take care of the dishes."
"Let's get going then," said Shego as she stood up.
"You didn't finish," said Drakken as he indicated to her plate.
"Not really that hungry," said Shego, "Go get changed and I'll meet you outside."
Shego may have moved a little faster than she normally would have to go outside in the cold, but it was a welcome escape. Given the heightened anxiety yesterday and the continued reminding of their lack of alone time... she may have bee a little too eager for some actual one on one time with Drakken.
Drakken was aware of how closed Shego walked next to him as they walked into a thicker part of the woods to scavenge wood. Her hand has brushed his several times, and he finally took the hint as her hand smacked his. Grabbing her hand with his seemed to be exactly what she was waiting for. Shego's other hand let go of the wood sled and his back hit the tree at the same moment her lips found his. Drakken's arms slid around Shego as she pinned him to the tree. It was a welcome distraction for a few moments as he held her closer and her grip tightened on his shoulder's. Then the cold began to set in from the tree at his back and the wind blowing through the trees every so often. They still needed to gather copious amounts of wood and trek back.
He pulled away from the heated kiss.
"Shego, it's very cold-"
"Uhg!" growled Shego as she shoved away from him.
He knew he'd said the wrong thing as he watched her begin furiously grabbing branches and chucking them into a pile. Remembering her agitation at breakfast... it was clear something besides the conversation about Botox wasn't the only thing bothering her. Drakken picked up a few sticks before letting out a loud sigh.
"What's wrong, now?" asked Drakken.
He had expected her to brush it off and for an argument to take place... but it didn't.
"We would have had more time alone back in Greece," stated Shego as she angrily tossed a thin branch, "I'd rather deal with the henchmen. At least they fear me."
"What?" asked Drakken.
"So far this trip isn't exactly what I expected," huffed Shego.
"Well this was supposed to be a romantic trip," said Drakken.
Wrong answer.
"Supposed to be, being the key words there Doc," argued Shego, "Between sorting out random things, interruptions, and faulty equipment... I feel like it's just another day at the lair."
Drakken glared.
"Well it's not like I planned all this," he snapped back.
He saw Shego's eye narrow and waited for her to angrily retort but instead she gave a frustrated growl and picked up a few more sticks. Drakken relaxed as she grumbled under her breath.
"It's frustrating," continued Shego, "I expected maybe a few days of distractions, but from room sorting, disasters, your cousin, and who knows what else to come. Somehow spending a single week in a romantic setting with man I love is just a continuous migraine. Not to mention unlocking new paranoia."
She let out a deep breath and grabbed some of the sticks.
Drakken remained silent.
"Let's just get the fire wood," said Shego, "I think I'm going to try and get some sleep when we get back..."
Shego trailed off as she moved aggressively off the path in search of more wood. Drakken remained silent and unmoving, his eyes still fixed where Shego had been standing. The normal race of thoughts and ideas and concerns that formed the constant blender in his head... was off. The sound of the wind and the distant crunch of leaves were the only thing that pulled him away from his stupor. His eyes glanced around him, Shego's voice nearly faded and gone as he stood there. He didn't move to follow her but instead found himself sitting down on the fallen tree behind him as he slowed Shego's words on replay.
"- the man I love..."
"She loves me," Drakken barely whispered.
Ahhh emotions!
