Kim walked into the quiet office of GJ Designs. Greeting Will, she silently gestured to ask whether Betty was in. The young man nodded and she proceeded to Betty's office. She knocked once and heard the voice inside asking her to enter.

Kim stepped in as Betty put down a magazine. Unable to hide the surprise in her voice, Betty asked, "Kim! To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Kim sat down and handed Betty the papers. "Agreements were made this afternoon about Shego's freelancing contract."

Betty cocked her head in confusion. "I'm not sure what this has to do with me, since it's solely Shego's responsibility."

"Just figured you wanted a copy. I've asked Shego permission already to give them to you, just in case you might have any disagreements or conflicts of interest with anything she does."

"How considerate, but the legal ramifications of giving me a copy of her contract-"

"-There will be none, as Shego willingly wants you to have a copy."

"I see." Betty took the papers, but did not look through them as she put them into a new folder. "So, how are things?"

Unsure as to what Betty meant by the question, Kim simply answered with, "Things are good, a bit busy with planning Christmas editions of the paper, but it's nothing we can't handle."

Betty nodded. She had deliberately phrased her question to be ambiguous to gauge Kim's reaction. "That's good to hear... From what I've heard, the major holidays are usually the busiest times for the paper... Same as here, actually."

"Is Shego overloaded right now? I can ask to alleviate some of her workload at the paper to give her more time to work on your clients' projects."

Betty shook her head. "Everything's been going well... She's surprisingly been able to manage her time much better since she met you."

A light blush appeared on Kim's cheeks. Bashfully, she said, "I didn't know I had that kind of effect on her."

Betty laughed. "Well, Will's been complaining to me about Shego's tardiness, but she's been getting things done a lot faster than one would think. It's nice to know that our work alliance has helped her productivity."

"She never mentioned that she was late for your meetings..." murmured Kim with concern.

"It's probably because they're early in the morning... And Shego seems to have always been rushing from your end of the city to make it in on time for these meetings."

The blush turned a shade darker. Of course, Kim thought, it was during those days where either one of them would sleep over and Kim would ask Shego to stay for just a few more minutes, causing the older woman to rush to work.

Betty laughed. "Don't worry about it, Kim. I haven't seen Shego this happy in a while, so I haven't asked her to be more punctual in the future."

"You're a pretty nice boss, in that case," commented Kim. It wasn't meant to offend Betty's ability as a supervisor, but to compliment her as a friend.

Betty smiled smugly. "I've known Shego for many years, so I know how to get under her skin without nagging. But, you're right, I don't say anything about it because she'll have a field day with complaints... And that everyone is entitled to their happiness once in a while."

Kim nodded. "You're a good friend... To be honest, I did wonder what would've happened if you spoke out against the relationship since it would've caused a kerfuffle with the contract and projects."

"Quite literally, I turn a blind eye to things that I choose not to see." Betty tapped her eye patch as Kim turned crimson again. "Besides, Kim, I actually think it wouldn't have done anything in terms of Shego's productivity. If anything, you probably motivated her to produce work of utmost quality. However, I am glad you went through the extra effort to remove yourself from your direct involvement in Shego's projects for the paper."

"I felt that was the best thing to do... And Bonnie's a much better coordinator than I am."

Betty smiled. "So I've heard. In any case, I'm glad everything's gone well so far. I don't hear Shego complaining about anything, so she must be doing something right."

Kim laughed. "She's doing more than right, she's just... talented at what she does and I'm really grateful we got GJ Designs involved."

Betty grinned. "Well, you know who to call if you have any other major redesign projects to do."

"Of course." Kim looked at her watch. "I have to get back to the office, but if there's anything you need, just let me know. I'm sure there are some sponsors who might be in need of graphic design rework."

Betty stood and offered her hand. "Sounds great."

Kim firmly shook her hand and nodded. "I guess we'll be in touch again once the contract is over to wrap up finances and such."

"Yes, I'll probably stop by the paper some time before the holiday begins, as I understand you'll be taking vacation this year."

"Yes, although I haven't made any plans, but I aim to wrap up everything by Christmas Eve."

"Ok, sounds good, we'll reconvene before then."

"Say, Shego, what are you getting Kim for Christmas?"

The two women were at Joe's Cafe again, seated near the barista as the cafe was full this afternoon. The older woman had wondered why Hana asked her out for coffee, but figured it was because Hana felt somewhat awkward asking Kim as they were still in the process of patching things up, and needed someone to talk to - not necessarily about what happened, but just to keep the young woman from asking things she might later regret.

Shego put down her cup and thought for a second before answering. "I've thought about it, but wasn't too sure she'd like it."

"Oh? Maybe I can help you out. What were you planning to get her?"

Shego laughed. "Cooking lessons and a bread maker."

Hana grinned. "You sure about the cooking lessons? She might terrify the instructor... Bread maker's thoughtful since it's just so easy to use."

"And I know for a fact that she loves bread... The lessons aren't just for her though."

"Couples' cooking lessons?"

Shego nodded before taking a sip of her drink - a creme brûlée latte this time.

"I guess that wouldn't be so bad, but Kim can be competitive, even in the kitchen... And why do you need lessons?"

"I only know how to make a handful of things, but none of them are really suited to be eaten every day... Really heavy meals like lasagna, clam chowder... Stuff like that."

"The fact that you can make that is already a good indicator you can cook... I'm not sure how Kim would react if she realises that you can cook..."

"She knows, but I think it's better that I be there with her, so she won't feel as, uh, competitive..."

Hana shrugged. "I guess that wouldn't be too bad then."

"Do you think she'd feel insulted if I got her cooking lessons?"

"Nah, I don't think so." Hana dunked her biscotti into her coffee. "So where are the lessons going to be held? The community centre?"

Shego shook her head. "My mom knows a few people, so she helped me snag tickets for a private cooking lesson with Chef Morimoto."

Hana almost spat out her coffee (and biscotti) at the older woman. She choked on the piece of biscotti while the older woman patted her back to try to help her swallow it down. After a few minutes, Hana stared at Shego. "The Chef Abe Morimoto? The one with acclaimed restaurants in New York, Paris, and London?"

Shego nodded.

Hana opened and closed her mouth several times before taking a deep breath. Shego thought the teen looked like a fish trying to breathe without water. When Hana calmed down, she asked, "How on earth did you manage to get Chef Morimoto? Oh my god..."

"My family knows the mayor of Go City and apparently he's really good friends with Chef Morimoto... So the mayor managed to get tickets to Chef Morimoto's personal cooking lessons. From what I've heard, they're-"

"-hard to get and super expensive. My god, Kim's going to freak."

Shego tilted her head in confusion.

"She watches Battle of the Chefs on occasion and she totally roots for him whenever he's competing. Wow. Wow! Oh my god! Can you get me his autograph?" Hana had stopped hyperventilating, but now her hand was shaking as she brought the coffee cup to her lips.

Laughing, Shego ruffled Hana's hair and nodded. "Sure. I think the private cooking lesson is going to be sometime in March though... Chef Morimoto's on some sort of tour right now... I haven't worked out the details, but I'll keep you posted... So you think it's a good gift?"

Hana nodded enthusiastically. "Hell, it's perfect! Wow, I can't believe this. You're fantastic, Shego. Definitely a keeper."

Shego blushed as she took a biscotti. "I wasn't sure whether it was a good idea, but I did have a back-up plan..."

"Do tell!"

"I haven't really figured out the plans for the break... I think we mutually agreed to spend half the holiday with your family and the other half with mine, but I can book a trip up north to go skiing and snowboarding... Wait, does Kim know how to do either?"

"She's much better at snowboarding than skiing, but she can do both. Damn, Shego, you sure are full of ideas... All of them are so... Extravagant..."

Shego bit the biscotti with a loud crunch. Chewing loudly, she asked, "So you think it's too much?"

Hana shook her head. "Every woman likes to be pampered, but I can see that you just want Kim to have fun and to relax, and not flaunt the expensive gifts... Though, I'm not sure she'd be relaxing with the cooking lesson, but she'll definitely have fun for sure!"

Shego dunked her biscotti into her latté. "I think you're right, they're such expensive gift ideas... Maybe I should do something much more personal and inexpensive..." She smushed her already soft biscotti into her drink and stopped only when Hana pulled her hand to stop.

"Do what you feel is best... I probably don't understand the level of affection you have for Kim and probably vice versa, but if you do what your heart tells you, then it should be the right thing to do."

Shego smiled. The kid sure is wise, she thought. "Thanks, Hana."

Hana blushed. "That sounded really cheesy, didn't it?"

Shego chuckled. "A bit. Say, what do you want for Christmas? I know we haven't known each other for long, so I have no idea about the things you like, so..."

Hana shook her head. "Just knowing you know Chef Morimoto through a degree of separation is a gift in itself. He's probably one of my idols when it comes to cooking."

"I'll make sure you get that autograph then... And maybe something else."

"Nah, it's ok... Say, what do you want?"

"Your best tiramisu," smiled Shego.

"Oh, come on, that's so easy to make!"

"But I've heard such good things about it... And have yet to taste it!"

Hana grinned. "Ok, fine. As long as you let me know on advance which days you'll spend over at the house because I'll have to prep the ingredients."

"Sure thing."

The two women sat in comfortable silence (which was no doubt drowned out by their fellow talkative coffee mates) when Hana startled Shego with a question.

"What's Will like?"

"An ass, most of the time, but a reliable accountant." Shego peered at Hana and noticed the young woman had a determined sort of expression on her face. "Why do you ask?"

"Just curious... He did seem like an ass to me when I spoke with him earlier."

"The guy lives in his world of black and white, but he's probably the best accountant around." The older woman nudged Hana with her elbow. "What's up? You interested in Will?"

Hana remained impassive as she shook her head. "Nah, not my type. I go for the bad boys." She winked. "Besides, he just looks really familiar to me, that's all."

Shego shrugged. "Don't know whether you've seen him around before... He's probably been in Middleton for a while... I actually don't know much about him since the guy always keeps to himself and is all business."

"Maybe I'm mistaking him for someone else. Oh well." Hana drained her coffee cup and motioned for Shego to eat the last biscotti.

"Thanks," said Shego as she took the cookie. "So, what are your plans for the holiday?"

"Usually I just hang with the family and call up some friends here. I think Jim and Tim are flying in a week before Christmas, so maybe we can go skiing or snowboarding then... You should come with us!"

Shego shook her head. "I have some deadlines to meet right before Christmas Eve, and I'm certain Kim does too... So I guess we could go later in the holiday."

"Ok, cool. I won't be leaving until after the New Year, so we should be fine."

"Cool."

Author's Notes: Kim and Betty, and Shego and Hana bonding time... Fun stuff.

Of course, I'm making a reference to Iron Chef. :P

Chapter title is from "Dear My Friend －まだ見ぬ未来へ－" [Dear My Friend -Mada Minu Mirai he-] by ELISA. Song is from the To Aru Kagaku no Railgun anime ("Dear My Friend - Towards an Unseen Future").