Author's notes: My sincerest apologies for keeping you all waiting so long. Life has a way of keeping you busy occasionally. I would like to thank you all for the reviews, I appreciate your input. I would like to send out a special thank you to Ghostwhiter for being my beta reader. Some strange mistakes would have slipped into the story if not for him. Zaratan has been most kind in allowing me to use Shego's background from his stories as my own. Read his fabulous stories "Ascent and Descent" and "Redemption" for some insight into Shego's psyche, not to mention some top notch reading. Enough of my yammering, on with the show!
Early morning sunlight filtered through the blinds in Ron Stoppable's room. Ron smiled as he began to wake as he felt the warm body next to him snuggling up to his side. Her head was on his shoulder and her arm was draped over him. He could hear her soft steady breathing. He slowly opened his eyes, the light coming in through the window disorientating him for a moment. He looked down to see Shego's green eyes staring back up at him a small smile etched into her face.
"Sleep well Tiger?" Shego asked.
Ron glanced over at the brand new alarm clock; it was two minutes from going off. He looked back down at Shego, who was making no effort to extract herself from his chest. "Ah, yeah Susan. How about you?"
"Really good this whole week, for a change. I might have to steal your bed when I leave," Shego stated with an impish grin.
"Maybe it's because you aren't sleeping in a lair," Ron stated with a yawn, "it can't be restful to have to be on your guard constantly."
"Probably," Shego replied. "Or maybe it's the company. He's been great this whole week. He grows on you and I don't feel like I am being constantly judged by him," she thought.
The alarm clock went off and Ron quickly shut it off, before Shego could bash it. She stretched across him and his face grew warm as her warm body moved against him. "Is she 'making a play'?" he thought. "No, couldn't be, she's just grown comfortable around me, like Kim." Ron's mother chose this moment to call up and ask if they were awake yet. "We're up Mom, we'll be down in a couple of minutes," Ron yelled toward the door.
"I suppose," Shego said with a yawn as she moved off him so they could get up. "At least it's Friday." She smiled as she remembered the day they spent at the spa in Cancun yesterday. Ron had been surprised; she had almost as many connections as Kim, only hers were richer and you didn't get to ask them any questions. She had to remind him of that several times.
"And we have a pep rally today," Ron stated, perking up noticeably as the sleep left his eyes. "And then the dance." He paused, "You still want to go with me?"
"I said I would didn't I?" Shego asked as they got off the bed. "Let's just get through the school day and I'll be happy. I don't know why I ever wanted to be a teacher."
"You wanted to be a teacher?" Ron asked.
"It was a long time ago," she said with another yawn. They got ready and left for school, ready to endure another day.
Shego huffed, as they pushed past another bunch of students milling about on the gym floor. It was after 7th period and the gym was filling up for the pep rally. It wasn't easy moving through the crowds when you're twice as wide as you used to be and your left side occasionally tries to go left when you're trying to go right.
"Hey KP!" Ron waved to Kim who was sitting down in the front row with the rest of the cheerleaders.
"Hey Ron!" Kim replied, scooting over and making room for the two of them between Tara and herself.
"That's OK Kim, the Mad Dog has been sidelined due to a sticky situation," Ron said with a grin.
"I know you aren't coming out for this routine, but you're still part of the team and should sit with us," Kim answered.
"Hi Ron," Tara said with a smile as he sat next to her.
"Heya Tara, you ready for the routine?" Ron asked.
"Of course, we've been practicing all week. We're going to stick this thing!" she stated enthusiastically.
Shego just rolled her eyes at the peppy cheerleader and looked away, only to roll her eyes again when she saw Kim on the other side of them. "What have I done to deserve this torment?" she muttered.
Mr. Barkin stepped up behind the podium and stared sternly at the few students still trying to find a good seat. "Find a seat!" he barked into the microphone. The remaining people quickly found someplace nearby to sit down lest they face the wrath of Middleton High's second most feared teacher. (Even Steve Barkin's detention was nothing compared to library lockup!) "We have reached the end of the outpouring frenzy of school pride known as Spirit week. In a salute to our school the cheer squad would like to perform their award winning routine." He stepped away from the podium to stand off to the side of the bleachers. Kim and the rest of the cheer squad, sans Ron, made their way out to the floor. Music came over the loudspeakers in the gym and the cheerleaders started their routine to the delight of the rest of the students.
Ron bobbed to the beat while Shego sat with her arms folded across her chest as the girls spun and flipped with Barbie-doll smiles on their faces. The routine ended to a thunderous applause and Mr. Barkin made his way to the podium again as the girls sat back down.
"Thank you ladies," Mr. Barkin stated. "Now I would like to recognize those teams that represented our school so well throughout the year…" He went on to name most of the teams either making it to regionals or state level competition. Ron stood up with the cheerleading squad when they were recognized. After naming the last of the teams and individuals for track, swimming, gymnastics, etc. Mr. Barkin waited for the applause to go down. "We have a tradition of crowning the male and female athlete that exemplifies Middleton High's spirit as Spirit Prince and Princess. The ballots collected and tallied will give us our finalists." The crowd was tense in anticipation. He was handed a sheet by one of the other teachers, who was adding the ballots up during the assembly. "Your finalists for Spirit Princess are: Kim Possible, Bonnie Rockwaller, and Tara Mathews. The crowd clapped, a few whistles sounded out but quickly died down as Mr. Barkin started scanning the crowd. As it quieted he looked down and frowned before reading the next names. "Your finalists for Spirit Prince are Josh Mankey, Erik Wallenbeck, and Ron Stoppable." More clapping, as well as hushed whispering and quiet grumbling, came from the students in the bleachers. "Quiet down people," Mr. Barkin stated sharply into the microphone. "The Spirit Prince and Princess will be announced at the Spirit Dance tonight." He looked at his watch, "4, 3, 2, 1," he counted to himself as the bell prepared to ring, heralding the end of the school day. The bell rang on his zero count and he yelled into the microphone as the student population surged to their feet. "Hold it! Sit down! You will all exit this gymnasium in an orderly manner. Row one, stand up and make your way out of the gym, single file.."
Ron, Shego, and the rest of the cheerleaders were spared having to hear more of Mr. Barkin barking since they were in the front row. The squad was abuzz with the news that four of their members were nominees.
"Congratulations!" Tara said excitedly, pulling Kim and Bonnie in for quick hugs before turning to do the same to Ron. Shego glared at her as she approached. "Don't worry, I wasn't going to forget about you!" Tara smiled and pulled Shego into the hug she was giving Ron. "Maybe we will be crowned together!" Tara practically squealed; she was so excited.
"That'd be nice, but I doubt I'll win, I don't know how I even got nominated in the first place," Ron said, a little puzzled.
"You're too hard on yourself Ron," Kim stated, "The only people that don't like you in this school are some of the football players, bullies, and Brick's old friends."
"Well I have to get ready, see you all there!" Tara said happily as everyone split up at the front entrance.
"See you all there!" Ron said with a wave. "Bye KP!"
"Bye Ron!" Kim said, biting her lip. "Why hasn't Wade come up with a cure yet!?" she thought as Erik and her left.
Ron and Shego headed to his truck, climbing in awkwierdly together.
"So, you want to go in or hit drive through?" Ron asked as he steered the truck out of the parking lot and headed towards Bueno Nacho.
"I don't know, how much time do we have before the dance starts?" Shego asked, distracted.
"It starts at six and goes to midnight," Ron said as he pulled into the parking lot.
"Six! We don't have time to stop! I have to do my hair, get my outfit ready, do my makeup, file and paint my nails. Not to mention taking a shower," she rattled off quickly.
"No time for Nacos?" Ron said, stricken.
Rufus popped out of his pocket, and slumped down. "Hnk, need cheese," he groaned as he gave Shego a pathetic look, his tongue hanging from his mouth.
"Fine. Drive through, and you better not take too long," Shego conceded with a hint of a smile. "I don't want anything, I've had enough Bueno Nacho this week to last me a year."
Rufus just looked at her, aghast, while Ron chuckled and ordered for Rufus and himself. They got their food and went to his house and got ready for the dance. Shego took the time to have a sandwich that Ron made for her so she wouldn't get too hungry at the dance.
"Kim, are you sure he's coming?" Tara asked nervously.
"Yes Tara, Wade said he left the house ten minutes ago," Kim stated calmly. "He should be here any minute."
Kim smiled as she saw Ron and Shego walk into gym for the dance. They were a little late, but things take a little longer when you're stuck to someone, Kim knew that from experience. See looked over to Erik and whispered, "Shego must have picked out his clothes." Ron was wearing a forest green shirt with khakis and a black leather belt that Kim had gotten him for his birthday since his pants kept falling down. Kim had to admit to herself that Shego looked nice as well, she had a light green button-up blouse with a black skirt and was wearing emerald earrings and an emerald pendant that set off her eyes perfectly.
Ron saw her and waved as Felix came up and invited him to the table he was sharing with Justine Flanner and a few of her friends. "Hi Kim, Erik," Ron hollered to them as he passed on the way to Felix's table.
"Hey Kim, hey Erik, you two want to join us?" Felix asked as they passed. Shego whipped her head around and glared at Kim.
"Not right now Felix," Kim said kindly. "Maybe a little later."
"Yeah, I told the guys on the team that we'd hang with them tonight, but maybe we can sneak away later," Erik added.
"Alrighty, catch ya later!" Felix said, whipping around to catch up to Ron and Shego.
Ron and Shego sat at the table with Felix, Justine, Kevin Guberman, and his date Janine Walker. They chatted for a while, Shego got along especially well with Kevin, who was an airplane aficionado.
A few minutes into the conversation, Ron felt a tap on his shoulder. Shego and he turned around to see Kim smiling at Ron. "Hey Ron, Wade called," she said happily holding out the Kimmunicator.
"No! Don't tell me a villain is trying to ruin the first dance we've had since the Diablos!" Ron pleaded holding out his hands. Kim gave him the Kimmunicator.
"Nope. All is well Ron," Wade stated from the Kimmunicator screen. "I just thought you'd like to know that I figured out how to separate you two. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. It isn't a solvent per say, but a high frequency sound wave that disrupts the bonding agent."
"So if we just would have waited for the music to start we might have just popped apart?" Shego asked.
"Well I suppose so," Wade replied, "but I can emit the frequency through the Kimmunicator if you'd like. Just hold it close to the bond."
"Go for it Wade," Kim said.
A high-pitched whining came from the Kimmunicator as Ron and Shego tried to pull away from each other. People nearby covered their ears as Ron and Shego pulled apart with a little 'pop'.
"You rock Wade!" Ron said pumping his fist while Wade ended the noise.
"Thanks Wade," Shego stated.
Kim took the Kimmunicator back, "Thanks a bunch Wade, we'll talk to you later." She pushed the off button and put it away.
By then the gym had filled up and Mr. Barkin stepped away from monitoring the punch bowl long enough to address the students. "Listen up people," Mr. Barkin said into the microphone the DJ handed him. "I am proud of the way you have all represented this school this year. And we have left it to all of you to choose the two people that you believe best represent the Mad Dog spirit. He pulled out a pair of envelopes as Mr. Davis, the shop teacher and Mrs. Hammond, the drama club director, brought out the crowns they made for the dance. "Your Spirit Princess is.." he opened the envelope and read the name, "Tara Mathews."
The students applauded and cheered, even Bonnie smiled and gave her a hug. "You deserve it T."
Tara walked up to the stage looking the part of the princess, dressed in the sundress she bought when shopping with Shego and Bonnie, her platinum hair glowing in the dimmed light. She stepped up to the stage that had been set up and turned to the crowd as Mrs. Hammond placed the tiara on her head. "Thank you everyone, I can't believe this is happening!" she said happily, her eyes watering just enough to sparkle in the light. She rocked on her feet nervously with her hand clasped in front of her as she waited for Mr. Barkin to announce the name of her prince.
Mr. Barkin cleared his throat. "Middleton High School's Sprit Prince is…" he tore open the envelope and unfolded the paper, appearing a little shocked, "Ron Stoppable?"
Ron was dumbstruck as his name was called. "Wha? How?" he stammered. The jocks looked on, as stunned as he was, while the rest of the student cheered.
"Up to the stage Stoppable!" Mr. Barkin called. Shego gave him a gentle push towards the front; he was still a little dazed.
Ron glanced at the paper as he stepped up next to Tara. "Are you sure you got the right name Mr. B.?" Ron asked.
"I always count twice Ronald," Mrs. Hammond said from behind him as Mr. Davis placed the crown on his head.
The students looked up expectantly. "Umm.. Wow," Ron said to the laughter of his classmates. "Thanks everyone, I'm honored to be picked for this, I never dreamed this would happen. I don't know what to say."
"I think you said it well enough," Tara giggled. "Congratulations!" she said, wrapping him in a hug. Shego looked on, a little more green-eyed than normal. They made their way off of the stage, Ron holding Tara's hand while she stepped down. She gave his hand a little squeeze as they parted to go to their dates.
"Not such the buffoon anymore, are you?" Shego asked with a smile.
"I dunno, time will tell," Ron said seriously. The DJ began to play some music and Ron held out his hand to Shego. "Do you want to dance?" Shego took his hand as he led her to the dance floor.
Shego's cheeks were flushed from all of the dancing they had been doing. The two of them decided to take a break for a moment after a particularly fast song and headed to their seats. They both downed their punch in silence, well as much silence as you can have at a dance.
"Do you want another glass?" Ron asked her.
"That'd be great," she said with a happy smile. Ron stood up and gathered their glasses to get them refilled.
Kim saw Ron slip away from Shego's side to refill their punch glasses. She squeezed Erik's hand. "I'm going to find out why she's still here," Kim stated, standing up. "You'd think that they would have had enough closeness over the past week and would be sick of each other by now," she thought to herself as she hurried across the room to their table.
Shego's face darkened as she saw her rival cross the dance floor towards her. "What is it princess?" Shego asked, leaning back into the chair to look up at her.
"That's what I want to know," Kim stated crossly, folding her arms in front of her. "Why are you still here?"
"What's it to you? You have your little boyfriend over there, do you need Ron hanging on you too?" Shego snapped.
"We had a deal. I said I wouldn't turn you into Global Justice if you'd leave with no difficulties as soon as you were separated from Ron," Kim stated.
"Actually I said that I would leave quietly. And I'm Ron's date tonight," Shego said with a grin. "Do you really want me to leave him dateless when his night has been going so well?"
"Hmm, let me think," Kim said, tapping her finger against her chin. "Yes," she said with finality.
"Have it your way Princess," Shego said standing up and straightening the front of her blouse. She turned her head towards Ron, who was just returning with their drinks. "But you tell him."
"Tell me what?" Ron asked, as he approach with a hopeful half-smile.
"Um.. Ah..," Kim stammered, blushing a little. "I yah.."
"Go ahead Kimmie," Shego said sweetly.
Kim got a hard look of determination on her face. "I was telling Shego she is free to go, as was our deal when we agreed not to turn her in to Global Justice," Kim stated.
"Yeah, I suppose," Ron stated, setting the drinks on the table. "You can of course leave if you want Shelia. I don't want you to be uncomfortable, but I'd hoped you'd stay through the dance." Ron rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"If it's no trouble Ronnie," Shego purred while Kim fumed. "Besides, I have to collect my things from your house before I leave."
"Good," Ron said with a genuine smile this time, "glad that's settled."
"I have to use the little girls room," Shego said, running her fingers across Ron's arm. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
Shego headed to the bathroom, happy to be able to go by her self again. She looked under the stall doors, making sure there was no one else to see her. She gave a giddy laugh as she spun around in front of the mirror. The look of happiness on her face, combined with the youth from the juvinator made her gasp. She hadn't seen herself like that since before Jason died, before Dr. Chaos. She went about her business, her memories dragging her down just a little bit.
Kim watched Shego enter the restroom. "Now is my chance," she thought. She looked over to Erik and tilted her head towards the DJ booth. He nodded and headed towards the microphone.
"What was that about?" Ron asked.
"Oh you'll see, your highness," Kim said slyly, straightening his crown.
Erik stepped up behind the podium as the song ended. "Now ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the spirit dance, can we get our Spirit Prince and Princess out here?" he said into the microphone. "Tara? Ron?"
"Oh, I'm gonna get you for this Kim," Ron said sheepishly as he turned to the dance floor. Kim just smiled in return, happy that her plan was working.
The dance floor cleared as Ron and Tara stepped onto it to the applause of the other students. Well, most were applauding. Several of the upset jocks were glaring at Ron with extreme distaste. Ron looked over to Jason Morgan, Tara's date, who just gave him a friendly wave and a smile.
"Hi Ron," Tara said, the picture of beauty with her cheeks flushed and a dazzling smile on her face.
"Hey Tara," Ron stammered, "Can I have this dance?"
"Of course silly!" Tara giggled as the music started to play. Ron groaned inwardly as he heard the music; while Tara's smile got even larger as the hit from their Prom, Could it Be, began to play. She placed both her arms on his shoulders and looked into his eyes as the music started. They danced for a moment as the only couple on the floor then more began to join them.
Ron was becoming a little nervous; Tara was working her way closer to him. "Um, Tara. Aren't we dancing a little close?" he asked softly.
"Don't worry Ron, I won't bite," Tara said sweetly.
"But what about Jason?" he asked.
"He doesn't mind Ron, trust me," Tara replied as she pressed forward and lay her head on his shoulder.
Ron stepped back holding her at arms length. "But Shelia might," he stated softly, not wanting to hurt Tara's feelings.
"OK Ronnie," Tara said, her grin fading just a little as they danced further apart.
Ron glanced over Tara's shoulder as the song wound down. "I wonder what she's grinning about?" he thought, looking at Kim. He followed her eyes to the doorway and caught a glimpse of green and black leaving the building.
Shego washed her hands and left the restroom. "I could use some of that 'Ronshine', Ron is always bragging about," she thought, upset by the memories of her own teenage years. She looked over at the table he had been by, but he wasn't there anymore. She did a quick scan of the crowd and saw him on the dance floor with Tara. They were talking quietly as they danced to a slow song. She listened to the words for a moment as the frown on her face deepened. Tara stepped forward and laid her head on Ron's shoulder and Shego turned away. A head of auburn hair caught her eye as she noticed Kim standing next to Erik at the edge of the dance floor, looking at Ron happily. Kim caught Shego's look and grinned like the cat that ate the canary. Shego growled and ripped off her corsage, throwing it to the floor. She headed towards the door, brushing past people as she left the building. She walked quickly along the sidewalk angrily. "Damn floodlights," she thought as she squinted against the bright intrusion in the darkness, "They're making my eyes water." She sniffed as she walked through the parking lot. "He's better off with a normal date like her instead of a freak like me anyways." The noise from the gym was fading when she heard a set of footsteps approaching rapidly. She looked behind her, spotting Ron running towards her from the gym.
"Shelia!" he yelled, "wait up!"
Shego turned and kept walking. "Go back to your dance and your two Princesses Stoppable. They might miss their Spirit Prince and Kimmie will accuse me of kidnapping you," she said flatly, a scowl across her face.
"I want to go back to the dance, but I want to go back with you," Ron said trying to keep up without breaking into a run.
"I don't want to burden you with the freak with green skin," Shego growled. "Just go back to your Princess with her perfect blond hair, and shining blue eyes, and perfect skin!"
"That's enough!" Ron said forcefully stepping in front of her.
Shego wordlessly dropped back into a combat stance.
Ron continued, "I don't let anyone talk about my friends like that, not even when they're talking about themselves."
"Friends? That's why you ditched me for the bimbo?" Shego snarled.
"No! She's the Spirit Princess, we had to dance together at least once," Ron said, almost pleading, "It's tradition!"
Shego relaxed a little, standing upright again and crossing her arms, "And is it tradition to coo to each other and cuddle up close on the dance floor?"
"We were just talking, and when she laid her head on my shoulder I stepped back and told her that wasn't OK. I meant what I said to KP the other day, I really do want to go to this dance with you, not Tara, not Kim, not anyone else."
Shego looked away, rolling her eyes and sighing a little as she calmed down a little. "I may have over reacted a little. The way Princess was grinning at me while Tara was cuddling up to you, practically laughing at me," Shego muttered.
"Jealous much?" Ron said raising his eyebrows.
Shego jabbed her fingers into his ribs stiffly and walked a few steps away, looking up at the moon. "Insulted is more the word for it Stoppable," she stated with a hint of annoyance.
"Sorry, that's not what that was about, at least not for me," Ron stated, coming up beside her. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?"
"No," she said looking up at him.
"You look exceptionally beautiful tonight Susan," Ron said. He glanced up at the stars, inspiration striking. "It is good it is a cloudless night."
"Why is that Ron?"
His face cracked into a grin, "Because the heavenly bodies above can look down and see your grace and beauty, and learn to become more beautiful themselves."
Shego rolled her eyes but was unable to stop from breaking out in a smile. "That's cheesy, even for you Ron," she stated. "You spun that off of the flower thing that Felix told Justine didn't you?"
"Yep," Ron replied with a smile. He held out the corsage that Shego had thrown to the floor "You dropped this."
"Thanks," she said, taking it from him and pinning it back on her blouse.
"You're welcome," he said, taking her hand and turning back toward the gym. There was a jerk on his hand and he looked back at Shego.
"I don't really want to go back," Shego stated.
"Oh, OK," Ron said lightly, trying to hide his disappointment. "Did you want me to take you home?"
"Not yet," Shego stated. A slow song started in the gym, it's music drifting faintly to their ears. "I want to dance here."
Ron moved up and took her in his arms. They danced, moving closer throughout the song before Shego laid her head on his shoulder. The song ended and they separated as a livelier tune picked up.
Shego looked up into his eyes, her mouth curling up into a small smile. "How does he make someone feel better just by looking at them?" she wondered. "We can go in now," she stated.
"You sure you want to? We can stay out here if you want."
Shego raised an eyebrow. "And give Kimmie the satisfaction of thinking she drove me off?" she asked. "I don't think so. Besides, I left my purse on the table." They walked arm and arm back to the gym.
It was shortly after midnight when Shego pulled Ron's truck into the driveway of the Stoppable residence. Shego let it idle for a minute before shutting it down. "It sure runs nice," she stated as she handed Ron the keys. "But then again, Motor Ed does know cars."
"You forgot to mention that he's a raving lunatic with his head stuck in the 80's," Ron said, raising his eyebrows. He took the keys and unlocked the front door. The house was quiet, his parents long since in bed. They made their way up to his room.
"I going to get cleaned up," Shego stated, grabbing her bag and heading for his bathroom.
Ron went downstairs and used the bathroom there to shower and brush his teeth. He changed into his blue fearless ferret, button-up PJ's and headed towards the stairs. Shego was already done and was coming down the stairs, dressed in her lime green pajamas.
"You coming?" she asked quietly, tilting her head towards his room.
"Yep," he said with a smile. He stopped at the hallway closet at the top of the stairs and grabbed the sleeping bag off of his mission pack as well as a extra blanket. He entered the room and rolled out the sleeping bag. "Can you toss me my pillow? You can have the bed tonight," Ron whispered to Shego.
She handed over one of the pillows. "You don't have to sleep on the floor Ron. It's your room, I'll take the floor," Shego whispered.
"It's no problem, I'm used to sleeping just about anywhere from all the traveling me and Kim do on missions. I'd like you to have the bed, you said you sleep great in it," Ron replied.
Shego shrugged her shoulders, "Have it your way." She crawled under the covers and waited until Ron was situated until she turned off the light.
A long moment passed as they each got comfortable.
"Stoppable?" Shego whispered.
"Yeah Susan?"
"Thanks."
"It was my pleasure and honor," he said, smiling in the darkness.
"Goodnight," Shego whispered, a smile splitting her face as well
"Goodnight," he replied. The music of the evening played in their ears as they drifted off to sleep.
Shego found herself in a familiar setting. She was seventeen again, strapped to the wall of Dr. Chaos's lair. She looked upon the back of her tormentor as he hunched over the figure on the table; too occupied by his work to look up at the woman screaming at him.
"Just a moment my dear, I have to finish up with your boyfriend here." Only the occasional grunt and slight rattle of the chains used to bind him gave any indication of life from the prisoner on the table. Shego knew she was dreaming, but it was of little consequence to her at the moment. Dr. Chaos turned around with the man's heart in his hand, still twitching slightly. "He said you'd always have his heart, he was wrong," snickered the villain madly. Shego averted her eyes as the bile rose in her throat; she caught a look at the boy on the table, her boyfriend. She blinked; something was different this time. Instead of the short, brown hair and light blue eyes of her boyfriend Jason, she saw blond hair, a smattering of freckles, and deep, chocolate brown eyes.
"Ron!" she groaned as she bolted upright in bed. She sat for a moment wide-eyed and breathing heavily. She realized her hands were lit as the blankets fell in tatters to the bed. Ron stirred as she regained control of herself, dimming her glow and slowing her breathing. She crawled out of bed and went to the bathroom, wiping the sweat from her face. The bit of moonlight that made its way through the blinds showed the tattered remains of the blankets on the bed. "Great," she thought moving towards it. She stepped over Ron to get to the bed and paused. She reached over and grabbed her pillow off of the bed and set it next to his on the floor and crawled under the blankets while Ron slept on.
Ron rolled over on the floor, grumbling.
His mother called up the stairs again. "Don't make me come up and get you!"
He opened his eyes to see Shego lying on the floor next to him. Her eyes slowly opened too. "Morning," she said, sleep still in her eyes. "I kinda shredded your blankets last night, so I slept down here. I'll send you a new set."
"Oh, OK," Ron said sleepily as he sat up and looked over at the bed. "You don't have to like the Fearless Ferret if you don't want to, but that's a little harsh," he said with a grin.
"I had a nightmare OK?" Shego muttered, her face flushing in embarrassment.
"Yeah, I kinda figured," Ron said quietly. "You want to talk about it?"
"No," she snapped. He flinched back and she sighed. "I'm sorry Ron, I didn't mean to snap at you. I just don't want to talk about it."
"It's OK Shego, I better go see what my Mom wanted or she'll be up here in a minute," Ron said as he got up.
He left the room while Shego got up and started getting her things gathered up. "Not what I would have considered for a vacation, but I did have some fun," she thought. "Now I know why Kim keeps him around, other than for stumbling upon the self-destruct button occasionally."
Ron came back upstairs. "My Mom cooked some breakfast, you coming?"
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get something to eat before I head out," she stated as she put the last of her clothes away. Ron followed her down the steps to the kitchen. Mrs. Stoppable had plates out for them both. Mr. Stoppable had apparently eaten already since his plate was empty but for a few crumbs.
"Good morning dear, it's nice to see you and Ron have gotten past the bonding problem," Mrs. Stoppable said. "How do you like your eggs?"
"Over easy please," Shego replied.
"You can pour your own drink from the fridge. Ron, put some bread in the toaster," Mrs. Stoppable ordered as she worked at the stove.
Shego poured herself a glass of milk. "Did you want milk too Ron?" she asked.
"Yes, thank you," Ron replied. Shego poured him a glass.
Mrs. Stoppable finished the eggs after Ron and Shego had already sat down and started buttering their toast, Rufus was still in Ron's dresser drawer, asleep. "So how did the dance go last night?" Ron's mother asked as she slid eggs onto Ron and Shego's plates.
"Good," Ron replied.
"Better than good," Shego said as she dipped her toast in the egg yolks. "It was the most fun I've had in a long time." Ron beamed.
"It's nice to see Ron on a date with someone other than Kim Possible," Mrs. Stoppable said.
"Mom," Ron whined.
"Well I'm sorry but it's the truth Ronald. She goes to every dance with you that she doesn't have a boyfriend for but she's always keeping her eyes open instead of looking at what she has right in front of her," Mrs. Stoppable said sharply. She sighed as she began cleaning up.
"KP's a great friend Mom, besides, I've been out with other girls before. Remember Zita?"
"I never met her Ronald, so she doesn't count," Mrs. Stoppable huffed. "Shelia, did you want to go to Temple with us this morning," Mrs. Stoppable asked.
"I don't think so," Shego replied. "It's nothing against you, I just haven't gone to Temple in a long time."
"You're Jewish?" Mrs. Stoppable asked.
"Yes," Shego replied. "Though I haven't been practicing for years."
"Why not?" Mrs. Stoppable asked. She noticed Shego tense up a little at the question.
"I don't like to talk about it, maybe another time," Shego mumbled.
"That would be wonderful my dear. So we can look forward to having you over again sometime? It would be lovely to see Ronald spending a little more time with different friends."
"We'll see," Shego stated non-committedly.
The three of them chatted for a little while before Ron and his mother had to get ready to go.
"We'll see you when we get back won't we?" Mrs. Stoppable asked.
"Probably not. My ride should be here soon," Shego stated flatly.
"Oh, then bye dear," Mrs. Stoppable said, wrapping Shego up in a hug. "Like the daughter I never had."
Shego stood stiffly in shock for a moment before giving a small squeeze back; she knew if she didn't the hug would go on for minutes. "Thanks for everything Mrs. Stoppable," Shego said sheepishly.
"Anytime dear. If you're back in town for any reason feel free to stop by and visit."
"I will," Shego replied. Ron's father beeped the horn in the driveway.
"We'd better get going," Mrs. Stoppable said heading out the door to give them time to say goodbye.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye," Ron said flatly.
Shego broke in a grin, "Don't worry, you'll see me around, when Kimmie comes to stop Dr. D. Just don't think I'm going to go easy on you just because you were a good date.
Ron blushed. "Thanks," he said. He raised his arm to shake her hand. Shego rolled her eyes and stepped forward and gave him a hug.
"After being stuck together for a week I think I can stand a hug," she said.
"Goodbye Susan," Ron said.
"Bye Tiger," Shego replied with a grin.
Ron turned and walked to the car, watching as the front door closed and his father backed out of the driveway.