Rock with me tonight

Kim and Shego made their way towards the nightclub Kim had selected. They'd stopped on the way in a Vietnamese restaurant for what had turned out to be a fairly indifferent dinner. The night was cool, but not yet cold enough to bother Shego. Kim, who wore a coat over her skimpy dress, also seemed to be fine.

Early as it was, there was already a line in front of the club, and the thumping bass got louder as they got nearer. Kim disregarded the line and walked confidently for the door. The bouncer nodded at them and waved them in. Shego wondered if they were let in because they were a pair of attractive women, or because the owner owed a favor to Kim. She decided it didn't really matter.

They entered accompanied by some scattered protests from the waiting people. The moment they got through the door the music jumped in volume, resolving into electronic dance music with a heavy beat. Shego waited as Kim checked in her coat, then followed her into the club.

The interior was smaller than Shego had expected, but fairly typical in its layout. There was a bar, a dance floor, and a section with tables and chairs. The design was contemporary, with sharp angles and contrasts. The space was not even half full; clearly the line at the door was maintained for image purposes. The DJ switched to a song that was definitely not from this millennium, maybe indulging herself before the place filled up.

While Shego paused to take the scene in, Kim had continued towards the bar. Shego moved after her, surveying the crowd. Pretty much all the men seemed to give her the once-over on the way, which was not surprising. Quite a few women did, too. Shego also noticed that she and Kim were dressed downright conservatively compared to many of the women. There was nothing too outrageous, though. A couple of men went shirtless, but luckily for everyone they had the bodies for it.

Kim accepted two drinks from the bartender and nodded towards an empty table. Shego accompanied Kim to the table and received one of the drinks. She leaned close to Kim to talk to her. She had to raise her voice to be heard over the music.

"Kimmie, half the girls in here checked me out."

"Well, I can't blame them. You look damn hot."

"Did you bring me to a gay club?"

"No. Not as such."

"Kimmie..." Shego growled.

"It's just an ordinary club. Which might have a reputation that attracts girls curious about exploring their boundaries a little. Which might attract lesbians looking to hook up with straight girls."

Shego glowered at Kim.

"Hey, you wanted to experiment. I just wanted to make sure you have options."

"I didn't say that. I never said that."

"Well, not in so many words, but you let it be clearly understood. But there's plenty of straight guys here as well, if you want to be boring."

"I told you, I'm not looking for a hook-up."

"You don't have to leave with anyone if you don't want to. We can just have some fun, and when you've had enough, we can head back to my room."

"Yeah, no."

"Fine, your room."

"Kimmie, would you honestly be fine with me leaving with somebody else?"

"Well, there's nothing I could do about it. As much as I'd like, I don't actually have a claim on you." Kim swirled the drink in her hand. "But I do have the inside track. I feel pretty confident you'll be leaving with me."

"Well, we are staying at the same hotel."

"You know what I meant." Kim gave her a very meaningful look.

Shego wanted to tell her she was wrong, but she wasn't completely confident she wouldn't be lying. She downed her drink instead, then got up. "I'll get the next round."

"Bring me a hard cider!"

Shego walked back to to the bar desk. She ordered Kim's cider and a beer for herself. The selection was disappointing, but she didn't feel like a fancy drink. She considered shots, but the last time she got buzzed, she let Kim talk her into coming here. She wondered what Kim could talk her into if she let herself get drunk. Her bed, maybe.

"Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk past again?"

Shego turned to look at the man who had addressed her. He was broadly good looking, in a bland, plastic way, his outfit just a little too shiny.

"Knock yourself out. I doubt it's going to make a lot of difference."

"Ah, you're not part of that crowd, are you?"

"Thinking about it, apparently." Now, why did she say that? Oh, right; to get rid of this guy.

"You're about to make a big mistake, but lucky for you I'm here to save you. A full-blooded woman like you needs a real man, not some wannabe with a strap-on."

"Yeaaah, that's enough from you." Shego turned away to pay and collect her drinks. When she turned back, she found the man still there. She frowned. "Scram."

Shego walked back to the table. She sat down with a grunt and handed Kim her drink.

"You're not very good at this flirting thing."

"Didn't feel like talking to that asshole."

"I'm not sure you're really getting into the spirit of things."

"Hey, this was your idea, and you just dragged me along."

"Oh, please, you put some effort into looking good. Or was it all for my benefit?"

"Look, I can find sad men with sad pickup lines at any bar. That's not what we're here for, is it?"

"Oh, so now you come clean with your bi-curiosity."

"I'm not bi-curious. I'm just... I don't know."

"It's okay, Shego. I'm sorry about teasing you so much about it."

"Really." Shego's voice was flat.

"Yes, really. I remember struggling with my sexual identity back in high school, largely on your account. It's not something you wrap your mind around in a day or two."

Shego eyed Kim warily. She sounded sincere, but it could be a ruse to open her up for more teasing.

"I mean, seeing that from the outside is always both a little funny and a little heart-warming. I'm sorry I went so overboard with teasing you about it."

"So it was all just you having a go at me? You weren't really interested?" Shego wondered at the sinking sensation in her stomach.

"Shego, look in my eyes." Shego did, and shivered. Kim's eyes burned with sensual hunger. She had seen lust in men's eyes, but not this kind of smoldering intensity. She looked down, shaken.

"I think you are the most desirable woman I have ever met. I want you, Shego."

Kim paused and Shego took a long draft of her beer.

"But, you know, I don't want to pressure you," Kim said in a lighter tone. "I think it'd do you good to sample some sapphic delights, but it doesn't have to be tonight, and it doesn't have to be with me. Unless you want it to be."

"Um."

"Relax. Check out some guys. Check out some girls. Nobody here is going to judge you."

Shego drank more of her beer. Her head was spinning, and she hadn't drank that much yet. Had she just tacitly admitted to maybe being interested in women? Was she actually interested in women? If so, how could she not have known before?

Shego checked out the dance floor, avoiding Kim's amused look. Her gaze lingered more on the women than the men, but how could it not? The women had more interesting and colorful clothes, they had more appealing dance moves. She had always found women more aesthetically pleasing than men, on the whole. She knew she didn't find most men interesting; there was just a certain type of pretty young athletic man that turned her motor. Possibly there was a type of woman that appealed to her, too.

"In our culture it's okay to appreciate women, you know, even for other women." Shego spared a glance at Kim, but she was looking at the dancers, too. "We're socialized to believe women are objects to look at."

"Kimmie, we are women."

"So you know we're always on display. Do you think a man would have shown up to rob a place in a skintight catsuit, impeccable make-up, and perfectly arranged hair?"

"Men just have no sense of presentation."

"Oh, I totally agree. Women are so much more appealing in so many ways."

"Kimmie, are you actually bi, or are you a closet lesbian? Most of the time you've just talked about women."

"Well, I've been trying to convert you, so I've focused on women. Besides, you clearly didn't want to hear about me and men."

"I didn't want to hear about you and women, either, but that didn't stop you."

"Oh, yes you did. Your body language was very closed when I talked about guys, but when I talked about women, you leaned forwards. Usually when a girl is that curious, it's because she's, you know, curious."

"I wasn't." She was just a little... confused.

"Do you want to dance?"

"I'm not nearly drunk enough yet."

"Oh, come on. Dancing is fun."

"I'm not a very good dancer, Kimmie."

"Look at them." Kim indicated the dance floor. "Do you see many great dancers here? It's not about dance moves, it's about enjoying yourself. And ideally your partner."

Shego looked at the dancers, the young men and women moving to the rhythm. Had she been like that when she was younger? She recalled enjoying this sort of life.

"Besides, you're a woman. Just swing your hips a little and the men will be sold."

That was probably true, too, but Shego wasn't here to impress any men. Kim likely had higher standards. She was pretty sure the ex-cheerleader knew how to dance, and she didn't want to embarrass herself next to her. She drained her beer.

"I'm going to get another round. Do you want something?"

Kim indicated her almost-full bottle. "I'm good."

Shego got herself another beer. This time she wasn't accosted by anyone, though the woman next to her at the counter gave her a pretty smile. She wasn't sure if she was being polite, or if it was some sort of opening move. She returned to the table.

"Maybe you should slow down a little, Shego. The night is still young. The dance floor isn't that scary. Or is it me that's scary?"

It was her, of course, but Shego wasn't going to say that aloud. She wasn't drunk enough to dare to think about it too much.

"I'm barely buzzed, Kimmie. A few beers aren't going to do anything."

"If you say so."

Kim turned to look at the dancers and Shego took the opportunity to look at Kim. She really had grown into a beautiful young woman. Shego examined the thought. It didn't really mean anything that she thought Kim was beautiful, did it? Women commented on each others' appearance all the time. Then again, other women didn't make her feel like Kim did. Was she curious? Well, yes, she was. She had thought she'd done it all, more or less, during her criminal career, but she'd never been with another woman. The thought was intriguing and scary and exiting.

But was it something she really wanted, or was it on her mind because Kim had planted the idea there? She looked at Kim's profile, letting her gaze drop from that gorgeous face to her bosom. Kim still wasn't very large, but the push up bra and the tight dress gave her a very respectable cleavage. Shego felt a familiar sensation flash through her body, from her chest to down between her legs. Familiar, but not something she'd ever felt while looking at a woman before.

Shego looked away and took a long draft of her beer. Was she getting herself drunk enough to say "yes" to Kim? Why the hell did this have to be so difficult? She was Shego. If she wanted something, she took it. Did she really want Kim? She looked at the redhead. She was still looking at the dancers, evidently enjoying the view. Shego followed her gaze towards a pair of barely-dressed girls dancing together and felt a distinct stab of jealousy.

Shego got up and Kim turned to look at her at the movement.

"Fine, we can go dancing if you want to so bad."

Kim rose gracefully from her chair and smiled at Shego.

"Excellent. Let's go."

Kim turned to walk towards the dance floor and Shego nervously followed, her bravado expended. Now what had she gotten herself into?

Kim stepped onto the dance floor and gently pulled Shego after her by the wrist. Kim began to sway to the music, her body undulating sensuously. Shego faced Kim and nervously started to move herself, moving her shoulders and shuffling her feet back and forth. She was very out of practice, but knew that standing stock still was the worst option available.

Kim did a little dip, swinging her hips. She looked at Shego with a gentle smile, clearly inviting her to copy her. Shego did. Kim said something, but in the midst of the crowd and next to the DJ she couldn't hear her, which she indicated by shaking her head.

Kim stepped closer to her, wrapping her arms around her. Shego froze as Kim put her mouth close to her ear. "You're moving kinda slow."

Kim released her and her dancing picked up the tempo. Shego did her best to keep up, heart racing and still feeling ghostly arms embracing her. Goosebumps were breaking all over her skin. She tried to ignore the sensations in her body and the self conscious knowledge that she was on a dance floor populated by people probably younger than her. She focused on Kim in front of her, on her smile, her flashing arms. Her body moved on autopilot, driven by the bass from the speakers.

The rhythm and the alcohol conspired to create a sense of unreality for Shego. She felt like in a dream or a trance. The crowd pressing near seemed to be far away, and her world was focused on Kim. Kim, smiling at her with her eyes shining with excitement. Kim who seemed to be sinuous movements and soft curves and bare limbs. Kim who pressed subtly closer while Shego just observed, feeling like her viewpoint was outside her body.

Shego's heart was hammering in her chest. Kim was so close, and whenever she touched her it sent sparks along her limbs. She could not deny how she felt, how Kim made her feel. If Kim were to drag her off to somewhere private right now, she would follow without hesitation. Her attention was captured again by those soft and oh-so-inviting lips. She'd never even kissed another woman before, not in a way that counted.

Shego threw her arms around Kim and pulled her close. Her lips sought out Kim's, and she eagerly returned the kiss. Kim's lips were soft and eager, and tasted of lipstick. It wasn't like in her romance novels: lips like molten fire, a blazing heat that seared through her. The kiss wasn't a revelation, but it was very, very pleasant; she wouldn't mind more of the same. Kim's arms were around Shego and the contact sent alternating waves of heat and cold through her body. She felt like she had fever.

Shego broke away to look at Kim, dreading a look of smug triumph. She was relived and excited to see Kim's expression was one of joy and eager anticipation. The desire in her eyes set her heart into overdrive. She could hardly believe what she was feeling. She could hardly deny she wanted Kim. Had she always been capable of feeling like this about her own sex, or was it just the girl—woman now—who could do anything?

Suddenly the world shifted back into focus and Shego realized that she was standing motionless on the dance floor. Kim was still moving to the music in easy rhythm, watching her with bright eyes. Her head was spinning and she didn't know what she wanted to do. Kim reached out for her, and she took a step back.

"I need to use the bathroom." Shego fled accompanied by Kim's concerned expression.

Shego joined the queue in the ladies' room, cursing herself for a coward. Not that she didn't need the visit with the beers she'd drank, but she knew she had run away because she didn't know how to deal with the consequences of her actions. She'd kissed Kim. She wanted to kiss her again.

She should maybe be concerned that she'd hurt Kim by running away, but she was pretty sure she'd understand. After all the effort Kim had put into seducing her she was unlikely to let that get in the way. Surely she'd realize that Shego might require a moment to adjust to a world where women were potential partners. Shego thought she was taking it pretty well, actually. Of course, since it had been on her mind for some days now, she'd had some time to adjust.

"You're the one who's here with Kim Possible, right?"

Startled, Shego turned around to face the woman who'd joined the queue after her. She was shorter than her and rather pretty, although she hadn't made a huge effort to do herself up. She wore very little make-up and was dressed in blue jeans and a plaid flannel shirt.

"I'm so jealous." She didn't look too upset about it, though. There was an impish spark in her eye.

"Uh. Thanks?"

"You probably shouldn't leave her alone for very long. I don't think there are many people here who wouldn't jump at the chance to be with her."

"You included?"

"Hell, yes." She looked Shego up and down. "But I wouldn't mind sharing with you. Or with her."

"Um."

"No pressure." She winked at her. "But think about it, okay?"

A stall became available, and Shego made another escape. She'd always been rather good at those.

When Shego walked back towards the dance floor, Kim was dancing with two people Shego had thought were a couple when she'd noticed them dancing together earlier. Now she wasn't so sure, as the man was blatantly ogling Kim. The woman didn't really notice, being busy doing the same. Shego felt another stab of jealousy. Kim turned to look at her with a friendly smile. Shego pointed at the bar and Kim nodded at her.

Shego ordered a shot and threw it back in one go. She ordered another. She would have preferred to think it was to help wrap her mind around the paradigm shift, but she harbored a nasty suspicion that she might be trying to work her courage up for something. That was disconcerting, too, but she was not yet drunk enough to dwell on what that something was.

Shego took her drink back to their table. She also got Kim another cider, figuring she might feel thirsty after dancing. Kim joined her at the table, smiling. She had done that a lot today.

"You had fun?" Shego wondered if she sounded jealous.

"Yeah, but I missed you. Can we pick up from where we left it?"

"Have a drink, Kim." Shego didn't know why she felt so reluctant. She was the one who had kissed Kim. She had liked it. It just seemed easier to do in the heat of the moment.

"Thanks." Kim took the bottle, but before she could take a sip, her attention was drawn by something to the side. Shego followed her gaze to two men approaching the table. They were young, good-looking, well-dressed, and sported friendly smiles.

"Hello ladies. Would you care for some company?"

"Maybe." Kim gave them a smile Shego thought was flirtatious, then turned to look at Shego.

This was a perfect out from uncomfortable thoughts. Shego could picture how the night could progress from here on out. Some polite chit chat, some free drinks, maybe find some common interests, perhaps a turn on the dance floor. Who knows, it might even go further than that; it had been a long time since she'd had company in bed.

But that wasn't what she was here for. She looked Kim in the eye and shook her head subtly.

"No, I'm sorry, boys, but I think we'd rather be alone tonight." Kim reached across the table to lay her hand on Shego's. It sent a spark through her nervous system, but she did her best to not react, figuring it was for the benefit of the audience.

"Oh, well. I can't really blame either of you. Have a good night." The man left towards the dance floor.

"Sorry to have bothered you," the second man said. "Enjoy yourselves."

"We intend to. Good luck." The man nodded at her, then turned to follow his friend.

Shego turned to look at Kim and saw the knowing look on her face. Kim's warm hand remained on hers.

"They probably would have been good company."

"Probably." Why was this so awkward? She took a drink with her left hand, her right one being occupied. Her skin tingled where Kim was touching it. She swallowed hard. Her heart-rate was up and her breath came too fast. She should say something.

"Is this what you do? Affairs and hook-ups with attractive strangers? You're not looking for anything more permanent?" Well, she probably shouldn't have said that.

"There's nothing wrong with it, Shego." Kim sounded exasperated, but didn't remove her hand. "I'm not opposed to relationships, but I haven't really had much luck with them."

"Oh?"

"I can't make them stay. My lifestyle is a little intense for most people, and I'm not going to quit what I do for anybody. Some people like to think they can handle it, but they change their tune the first time I come back from a mission a week late and injured."

"Ah. Yeah, I can see how somebody might find that hard to handle. But you have tried it, then? Settling down."

"Well, not settling down so much." Kim grinned at her. "I like my life. But I'd love to find somebody to not settle down with."

"How do you mean? Someone you could fall back on when the pickings are slim?"

"No, not like that. I don't think I could handle polyamory. It needs to be a two-way street, and I, uh... I get jealous." Kim fidgeted a little, then brightened. "What I mean is I'd like to find someone who can keep up with me, and handle what I do. Ron was the closest I've ever found to that, and even he wanted something else in the end."

Realization hit Shego like a physical shock. Is that what Kim was after? Someone who had matched her blow for blow, someone who had once been her dark mirror and, before that, lived the same life as her. Shego's heart was hammering in her chest and she felt light-headed. This was suddenly heavier than she'd bargained for, and she felt the need to deflect.

"I'd say you need adult supervision, Kimmie."

"Do you want the job?"

That wasn't the response Shego expected. She'd thought questioning Kim's maturity would make her defensive. The question made her uneasy because she wasn't sure she didn't. She was also very aware of the fact she hadn't pulled her hand away from Kim at any point.

"I want another drink. And then I want to dance some more." That should keep Kim happy enough she wouldn't get too serious. Shego knew she shouldn't drink this much. She also knew there was a certain hypocrisy in claiming she was looking for more than an affair and then hoping Kim would go back to just hitting on her when she made overtures in that direction.

"Well, if that's what you want from tonight..."

"We're here to have fun, right? So let's have fun."

Shego leaned against Kim as they walked out of the club. She didn't think she'd drunk enough to be unstable on her feet, but why take chances when wearing heels? Besides, the air was cold and Kim was warm.

"Do you want to walk, or should we get a cab?"

"Definitely get a ride." Shego made an effort to enunciate clearly. She was pretty sure she sounded fine.

"In a hurry to get back?"

"Not looking forward to walking."

"You're not used to high heels, are you?"

"They're a sadistic torture device, Kimmie. You don't usually wear them either, do you?"

"No. But sometimes a girl likes to look nice."

"Well, you do look very nice."

"I taste nice, too."

Shego leaned in to see if that was still true. It was.

"Mmm. You seem to have gotten comfortable kissing a girl. Or are you just a little drunk?"

"Definitely a little drunk. I'd never act like this sober."

"Now you make me feel guilty for taking advantage of you."

"Don't. I got myself drunk so I'd have the guts to do this."

"What is 'this'?"

"You know. This." Shego spun Kim into her arms and kissed her long and hard. The kiss was hungrier than she'd expected. She was panting when they stopped.

"Cab. We need a cab."

Seconds after they got into the back seat Kim was half in Shego's lap, they had their legs intertwined, arms around each other, and were quite thoroughly occupied in kissing each other. Kim didn't hesitate at all, so presumably she didn't feel too guilty. As they broke off for air Shego briefly realized their position and glanced at the driver. She was looking at them through the rear view mirror, but didn't seem to have any objections. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying the show. Surely everyone she ran into couldn't be gay?

Shego was nervous, and growing more so, but she enjoyed Kim's lips and arms too much to stop. With the nervousness another tension was building in her, a throbbing need that was growing more and more urgent. Kim's leg against hers was exciting and so very close to touching her where she needed it. She wished she'd gone with the miniskirt after all; she wanted to feel Kim's skin against hers. One of Kim's hands was on her bare side, her slim fingers tracing lines of fire on her skin. Shego dropped one hand on Kim's thigh, slowly moving it towards the hem of her dress. The heat within her rose in response, reaching new incandescent heights. She needed release so badly.

The cab stopped in front of the hotel, and for a moment Shego was disappointed. She didn't want to move, but when Kim got out she followed. She made a token effort to straighten out her clothes and hair while Kim paid for the trip. She probably didn't need to bend to the window the way she did, but Shego appreciated the view nonetheless. A thought penetrated through the haze she was in that she actually, genuinely lusted after a woman. She was pretty sure straight women didn't do that. Had she really been in denial all this time?

The second they made it to the elevator Shego took charge, pinning Kim against a wall and kissing her hard. The elevator was empty apart from them, but Shego wasn't sure she would care if it wasn't. She pushed her tongue into Kim's mouth when she had an opening and Kim eagerly welcomed it with her own. Kim's leg came up between hers, and she cursed the leather pants again. They needed to go. She was tempted to start tearing off their clothes right then and there, but decided she could hold off for a minute or two. She couldn't recall the last time she'd been this desperately horny.

They staggered out of the elevator towards Kim's room, Kim trying to extract the room key from her purse. Shego didn't have enough attention to spare to check whether the corridor was empty. She was scared about what she was about to do, and more scared still that she might get cold feet if she stopped to think about it. They lurched against the wall and Kim tried to get the key in. Shego pulled back to let her work it.

They entered the room and Shego initiated another sloppy kiss as Kim tried to close the door and turn on the light. It wasn't easy with the assault she was inflicting on her, but once again Kim proved that she can do anything. Kim pulled away from the kiss to turn towards the room.

"Shego." Kim's voice was not teasing, or seductive. It was a serious voice, one she recalled from their past encounters. It had a sobering effect. Shego let Kim go and looked at her, then turned to follow her eyes.

Kim's hotel room looked like a hurricane had struck it. Articles of clothing were strewn all over, the closet and drawer doors were open, there was an open suitcase on the bed. The bed was pulled away from the wall and the bedsheets were in a heap on the floor. Somebody had searched the room and hadn't been too neat about it. The heat in Shego died like she'd been dowsed with a bucket of cold water.

Shego and Kim stood a while, looking at the mess. Shego couldn't help but notice an improbable amount of sexy lingerie and nightwear among the wreckage.

"Your people?"

"We'd never do something this stupid."

Shego hoped that was true. Her people knew better, but it wasn't impossible some stupid executive had gone over her head while she was away. She pulled out her phone to check for messages.

"No, I don't think you would."

"It could be just thieves hitting your hotel room by chance."

"Seems too much of a coincidence." Kim, too pulled out her phone.

"What are you going to do?"

"What anyone does when their hotel room is broken into. I'm going to call the police."

Shego gaped at Kim. Kim Possible didn't call the police; the police called Kim Possible.

"Seriously? Why?"

"Well, I'd like someone to look into this. Hold on." Kim took a step away to talk on the phone.

"Hi, this is Kim Possible. Yes, really. Oh, thank you, you're very kind. Could you please get me the captain... uh, whoever is on call at this hour." Because obviously that's who you get to look into a burglary. Shego wondered what the life of Kim Possible was like. Even back in her superhero days she hadn't enjoyed the kind of universal esteem Kim did.

Kim gave a quick account of the situation and stressed she wanted somebody over straight away. Shego was confused. She didn't think Kim was spoiled; surely she realized the police had more pressing concerns. She didn't doubt that she'd get her wish, however. Everybody owed her a favor, or wanted to get in her good graces.

"Shego, could you step outside? I'm just going to get a couple of things real quick."

"Sure." Shego walked out of the room, continuing to talk to Kim through the doorway. "You know, I don't think the hotel management is going to be happy you went straight to the police and not them."

"I don't care about their embarrassment. This is a serious issue, and I want it handled accordingly."

Shego was about to question Kim further, when it occurred to her this might be one of Kim's plots to put pressure on Future Ways. Perhaps she wanted to get the police in to harass people, hoping somebody would crack. It sounded thin, but she honestly couldn't think of another reason for Kim to make such a production out of this.

Kim stepped out into the corridor carrying a small bag. It was only then that Shego realized they were still dressed for a night out. She felt vaguely embarrassed to be seen like this under the circumstances. She felt stone cold sober and she couldn't believe what she had been about to do mere minutes before. She wasn't sure she'd be able to muster the courage for that again. She resolved to hurt whoever was responsible for ransacking Kim's room.

"You might want to clean out the lipstick." Kim indicated the area around her mouth and jaw with an amused smile.

Shego's eyes widened in alarm. She drew a hand over her cheek and looked at the faint red smudges on her fingers. She didn't have anything to clean her face with.

"Here, let me." Kim produced a wipe and began gently dabbing at the smudges on Shego's face.

Shego felt very strange. She felt embarrassed at the situation and for letting Kim take care of her, but there was also some gratitude for Kim's sweet thoughtfulness. She attributed the uneasy feeling in her stomach and certain infirmness in her limbs to alcohol. She looked at Kim's face, looking for similar traces on it. Kim noticed her gaze.

"I cleaned up already when I noticed it in a mirror."

"Ah."

"Did you enjoy the sight of your lipstick on my face?"

"I, uh, was a little too occupied to really notice." Kim smiled at that.

Kim moved on from her jawline to her neck. She also quite unnecessarily pressed her body against Shego's. Being already against the wall, she had nowhere to retreat, and she felt too weak to do so anyway. She felt a little warm. Oh, yes, when she found out who had interrupted her night, they were going to pay.

"Now I feel like undoing all my work." Kim's voice was husky.

"Not... not the time, Princess."

"Come on, we've got a while before they get here."

The sound of the elevator arriving reminded them they were out in the open and Kim took a step back. Two men Shego instantly pegged as plainclothes detectives stepped out accompanied by the hotel manager, a short balding man in a neat suit.

"Well, that was quick." Shego wondered if the detectives had been pulled from a nearby crime scene to wait on Kim. They had also clearly had the courtesy to inform the manager of the incident. Kim stepped up to them to explain the situation.

"And nothing was taken?" One officer had questioned Kim while his partner investigated the room.

"Not that I could see, but I didn't take an inventory, preferring to leave the scene untouched." Kim turned to the manager, waiting nervously to the side. "Incidentally, could you please make sure the items I left in the safe are still there?"

"I'll do it the moment we're done here," the manager promised solemnly. Kim turned back to the officer.

"I don't think it was a burglary. I'm currently involved in a federal investigation, and I think someone is getting nervous."

Shego was shocked. She didn't think Kim would lie to the police. Did she really think this was related to the Future Ways investigation? What did Kim know that she didn't?

"Well, we'll get to the bottom of this. Who should we liaise with?"

"Me. I'm sorry I can't disclose all the details, but you know how it is."

"Then I think we have everything we need from you?" He ended with a rising intonation, and Kim subtly nodded. "We'll be in contact."

"In the morning, please. It's been a long night and I just want to get to bed."

"Understandable." Shego hoped she just imagined his eyes flicking between her and Kim. Curse Kim and her reputation.

"We will of course find you another room," the manager said.

"Actually, I'm not sure I'm comfortable sleeping alone after an event like this." The manager nodded sympathetically, while the officer gave Kim a disbelieving look. Shego knew how he felt. It would be an entirely reasonable thing for a young woman to say, if only they weren't Kim Possible. Kim turned towards Shego. "Can I stay in your room tonight?"

"Sure." Shego felt a sense of unreality again.

"That's okay, isn't it?"

"Of course, Miss Possible. I will have another room for you by tomorrow, and I will text you after I've checked your belongings."

"Well, then. Thank you, everyone, and good night."

Kim turned to walk towards the elevators and Shego numbly followed her. It wasn't until the doors closed and Kim gave her a grin that it dawned on her that Kim had just invited herself into her room for the night. Shego felt her heart speed up again.