~o0o~

Shego sat at her secluded table and sipped her drink, waiting for Kim to arrive. If Kim was planning something she could be sitting here for who knows how long. Willing to play along for now, she broke a breadstick in half and froze, looking down at her spasming hand. Alarm bells went off in her mind. She knew what was coming, perspiration beading on her brow,.

Fucking champagne! she silently growled, gripping the table tightly.

Her throat constricted as her blood began to boil, her Glow surging through her veins. Then, like a silent wave, the sights, sounds and smells of the restaurant flooded her senses. Overwhelmed, she trembled like a leaf in the wind, the roaring in her ears drowning out her wildly beating heart. She sucked in a desperate, needed breath, the air on her skin burning like ice. She could barely think through the torturous pleasure and glorious pain, unaware of the tears rolling down her cheeks or charred tablecloth beneath her white-clenched knuckles.

As quickly as the effects of the champagne had come, they were gone, leaving her sweaty and thoroughly spent. She took in a few deep, shuddering breaths, and with a groan sat forwards, her arms crossed against her chest and her eyes closed.

That… was bad.

She gently shook her head, clearing away some of the malaise.

Why'd I drink the champagne? Every time it's the same damn–

She felt a new, tingly tenseness run up her spine, yet there was no need to worry. It was always there whenever they came to blows. She turned, and there across the room was Kim, those intense, olive-green eyes searching the restaurant.

It was definitely Kim, she would know that face anywhere, even if the short, jet-black bob Kim now sported made her blink in surprise.

Kim spotted her in the dim light, said something to the maître d', then headed in.

~o~

Shego totally agreed that Kim had not lied about wearing something special, though maybe she had downplayed the truth just a little. The jade-green dress was a far cry from anything Shego had seen her in before. Long and slinky, it flowed along her athletic frame like silken water, a plunging neckline emphasizing the curve of her breasts. Kim briefly touched the dark green choker around her neck then flicked her hair back, a set of gorgeous emerald earrings sparkling in the candlelight; her elegant feet encased in a pair of high heels.

Shego felt like an artistic virgin admiring a Picasso or a Rembrandt for the first time, and she had to close her open mouth. She had no interest in Kim, or any girl in fact. But, good God, Kim was stunning right now.

She shook her head. Damn champagne, SHUT UP!

Kim's dress only reaffirmed Shego's suspicions about their meetup and she found herself scrutinizing the girl; No, young woman, as Kim made a beeline towards her.

Kim was tanned and fit as always, and looking in far better shape than she had ever been before. She moved with a familiar grace and poise that Shego remembered well, Kim's gait smooth and predator like, a force of nature waiting to be unleashed. Those delicate arms and legs easily able to break bone when so focused. Yet this was not the same girl that had left for college, the one with her head in the clouds. She looked determined, and there was a subtle maturity in her face along with an air of … confidence? She had always been self-assured, but there was something else behind those eyes, and she could not put her finger on it.

Shego tuned out the hubbub of the restaurant as she rose to greet Kim, a hand on her hip and a smirk on her lips.

"You're late," Shego stated.

Her eyes went wide when she realized Kim wasn't stopping.

No! To close! S-Sensitive–

She was pulled into a massive hug, Kim's slim arms wrapping around her as she was held tight. The unexpected physical connection sent a shiver shooting through her body and she had to suppress a small gasp. Kim somehow moved closer, molding herself against Shego, her warm breath rolling along a sensitized green neck. Shego sighed the sigh of the put upon through clenched teeth and adjusted her stance, gingerly returning the enthusiastic embrace. Memories abound as the scent of Kim's hair hit her, along with the familiar play of muscles beneath her fingertips. Relaxing, she remembered simpler times, when they were villain and hero and the fate of the world was in the balance.

Kim held her for the longest time before stepping back, a contented look in her eyes. Somehow her fingers stayed behind, gently holding onto Shego's elbow.

"It's really great to see you again, Sheridan."

"Uhh… likewise, Kim."

They looked at each other, their faces stoic, and neither was sure who cracked first, the two of them grinning then quietly chuckling.

"Okay, is it just me or did that sound plain wrong?" Shego said.

"Totally," Kim replied. "So, Shego it is?"

"Damn right, Pumpkin!"

A myriad of happy emotions played across Kim's face at the name and she playfully bit her lip, brushing a stray wisp of hair back behind her ear. She looked down then up, a big grin dominating her face. Stepping back, she did a quick twirl, showing off her dress to full effect.

"So, you like?" Kim asked.

"It's not bad, Princess, you still clean up rather well." She deliberately and slowly looked Kim up and down. "Though, I do believe green is my color?"

Kim responded with a raspberry, followed by an impish smile as she stepped closer. Shego raised an eyebrow as Kim linked their arms together, then she was turned about and guided back to her chair. She found Kim's attempt at trying to assert her dominance quite adorable and decided that it was never too early to start the teasing; for her to demonstrate who was truly in charge. Hell, with an outfit like that it was the perfect opportunity.

"Sooo, what does Ronald have to say about you gallivanting about in such a dress?" She brought her lips in close to Kim's ear and whispered, "Isn't he afraid I'll try and steal you away?"

There was the slightest hesitation in Kim's step, a shadowy brittleness behind that eternal optimism.

Oh-ho! What's this? Trouble in paradise? She eyed the seat that Kim was holding out for her and refused to sit. Has the Buffoon finally stuffed his face with enough cheese that she needs a night out on the town with her nemesis? Former nemesis! Whatever!

"You're going to pick at this til I spill, aren't you?" Kim said, quietly.

Shego gave her a look that said 'doy', watching a myriad of subtle emotions play across Kim's face in the candlelight.

Kim took a deep breath and slowly let it out, bringing her eyes up to meet Shego's. "I really thought I was okay with this, guess I'm not?"

Crap, what's the idiot done now?

"I… should start at the beginning then, with Wade arranging and orchestrating our disappearance, along with our new identities and disguises."

"That's the whole?" Shego waved a hand at Kim's short, black hair.

"Yeah. It was shorter at the time, but I'm growing it back out now. You like?"

"I do, and we'll talk about that later." Maybe over jello shots. "For now, continue…"

~o0o~ ~o0o~ ~o0o~

Nooo, don't blame me! I hadn't planned to finish it there. It was suggested to me and the idea just set in. Can I really be blamed?

Shego is definitely suspicious of Kim, but is she just looking for something that's not there? She may have retired from villainy, but she does have an overly suspicious mind. The lingering effects of the champagne and Kim's 'Ron troubles' are all there for the next - hopefully - exciting chapter.

For those interested in an image of Kim's dress that was suggested to me, do a web search for: Rotita Plunging Neckline Backless Navy Blue Maxi Dress. Yes, the color is wrong, but that's easily changeable with the power of your mind.

~o0o~