~o0o~
Oookay, anything else? Kim thought as she looked around her room then back at her overflowing suitcase.
She had no idea what to expect in Italy for Shego's birthday, so she had packed for every occasion; casual clothes, formal, relaxed and more, they were all in there. She smirked at what Monique had suggested she bring, which were just some shorts, a t-shirt, a bikini, and a very sexy negligee. She wasn't that brave, as yet. She frowned at her poor, overflowing suitcase, but there was no way she was going to let it dictate to her what she could and could not bring.
Yep, that's everything. So…
She attacked the zipper with zeal just like she did with everything else in life, huffing and panting as she inched it around the case.
Done! she thought, stepping back and stretching her back. She nodded at a job well done and collapsed onto the bed, and patted her suitcase.
One small step for me. One giant leap for me and Shego.
She lay there smiling, something she had been doing a lot lately. She was finally going to see Shego, that it would be in Italy and for Shego's birthday was just icing on the cake. Because of this she had decided to turn the whole trip into one long, neglected holiday. This meant that she would be flying in on a jumbo jet and using a taxi like a normal person. It would feel strange, but she wanted it.
There was one last thing she needed to do before she left.
She rolled off the bed and trotted into the bathroom and picked up a black choker with a green jewel in the center. The gem caught the light in strange ways and at a certain angle a monkey's paw could be seen within its crystalline structure. She hung the amulet around her neck and her reflection in the mirror shimmered into a stranger's face, the changes subtle yet enough to fool anyone looking for her. Blue eyes stared back at her, with dark brown hair cascading over her loose green t-shirt emblazoned with the words 'Bite Me' on the front, while tight black jeans covered her legs over some well-worn sneakers. It was a look no one expected from her and thus it perfectly complemented her disguise for venturing out in the world.
So, disguise. She touched her choker. Check. Clothes. She snapped a black wristband over her silver bracelet. Check. Shego's present safely stashed, check. Bag packed, check.
She exited the bathroom, smiling in anticipation.
"Time to go," she whispered.
~o~
Kim exited her holosuite pulling her suitcase behind her. She pushed the button for the lift and looked down the hallway at her family's abode. No one would be home at this hour, so all her goodbyes had been said last night. She smiled at the memory of the dinner her mom had cooked and at the wonderful family atmosphere that had encompassed the whole evening.
I still can't believe how excited my dad is about Shego coming over for dinner, one day. Having her save my life has really spared her the whole rocket ship, black hole, protective father speech.
The lift chimed in arrival, the doors opening to reveal a smiling Kimberly inside.
"Hey, you," Kimberly said.
"Hey, yourself," Kim replied as she stepped in with her suitcase. "No Sheridan?"
"No Sheridan."
Still?
Kim chewed on her lip in worry as the lift zoomed its way up. Sheridan had been missing in action for the last few weeks, ever since that play fight on the beach. Kim could not work out what she had done to drive Sheridan away, if anything. Even Kimberly had been unable to shed any light on why Sheridan refused to manifest her avatar.
As soon as I'm back we're gonna talk, somehow.
She exited the lift and into the hangar bay, Kimberly in tow.
"I know you said you won't need it, but I'm still gonna park the spare hovercraft in orbit, just in case," Kimberly said.
"It's really not necessary," Kim replied as she heaved her bag into the Liberace hovercraft. "I'm just going for a holiday, and to celebrate Shego's birthday. Like, what could possibly go wrong?"
Kimberly gave her a look that said volumes.
"Hey, I told Wade to hold everything, and he's informed Global Justice that I'm unavailable," Kim said. "It's just gonna be me, Shego and some relaxing fun time."
"Uh-huh," Kimberly replied, rolling her eyes.
"Geez, you make me sound like a disaster magnet."
"Or just someone who enjoys running to them," Sadie said as she materialized.
"So not!" Kim replied, letting out a small huff.
Kimberly and Sadie looked at each other and playfully shook their heads.
"Of course you enjoy running to them, but don't ever change," Sadie said.
"And that's another reason for the hovercraft to be there," Kimberly said as she hugged Kim goodbye. "'Plus, you don't get a say in the matter."
"I know," Kim replied, returning the hug.
She settled herself in the hovercraft and a few minutes later she was standing outside the Denver International Airport, no one noticing how she had just appeared out of thin air. She promptly checked herself in and was pleasantly surprised to find that Wade had booked her a first class ticket, her holiday off to a fantastic start. One uneventful flight to Italy and a connecting flight later, and she was disembarking and looking around for the ride that Wade had organized for her.
Is that…?
Over to one side was a familiar but unexpected face holding up a sign with her alias on it. It was Mr. Sacks, Shego's adoptive father, and he stood out in his expensive suit and tie amongst the waiting crowd. She eagerly walked over to him, once again noting his tall, slender frame, and neatly coiffed hair, grey streaks along the sides. She picked up on his surprise as she stopped in front of him, but he quickly recovered.
"Hey, Mr. Sacks, I wasn't expecting you," Kim said.
"Ms. Possible…?" he inquired in a conspiratorial whisper, a slight German accent to his words.
"Yep, it's me. And please, call me Kim."
"Then I insist you call me Alan."
"Of course," she replied, throwing him her best dimpled smile.
He looked her up and down and shook his head in wonder.
"Mr. Load did say that you would be in disguise, but I severely underestimated what to expect." He slid the sign under his arm and held out a hand, his demeanor warm and friendly. "It's wonderful to see you again," he dropped his voice, "Kim."
"You too. And, um, is Shego here?" she asked as she searched the crowd expectantly.
"Alas, no. She's always been a bit erratic when it comes to family gatherings." He smiled a fatherly smile. "But I have it on good authority that she'll be arriving home soon."
Soon! I'll see her soon!
They collected Kim's suitcase and made small talk as they headed out of the terminal, then it hit Kim as they drove out of the parking bay.
I know most people are fine with the whole same sex thing these days, but still, I like HIS daughter. And I'm going to be sitting next to him the whole way home. She chewed on her lip as she stared out the window. I like HIS daughter! What do I say? I-I can't talk about how we used to enjoy beating each other up, and how everything grew from there.
This was like picking up a prom date, and having to run the gauntlet of 'the father' first. She had been the quintessential teenager when it came to High School and socializing, then Shego had come along and turned everything upside down. She would not give up her new life for anything, even if she was having to adjust her thinking along the way.
Did he just say… She focused back on Mr. Sacks and the conversation. "A pool?"
"I was just saying, it's quite a hot day and you've had a long flight. Perhaps you'd like a refreshing swim once we arrive?"
A swim? Yes, a swim sounds perfect.
~o0o~
The bedside alarm went off, followed immediately by a pale green hand reaching out and smacking the off button. Shego rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling, her bedroom still dark at this hour of the day. It was far too early to be up and about, but if she wanted to arrive in Italy at a reasonable time then she had no choice. She grumbled as she sat up, even more so as she dressed, but before too long she was ready to leave. She grabbed her already packed overnight bag and walked down the hallway and opened her suite's door. It was dark and quiet in the living room, and in fact the whole house. Tugging on the frayed edges of her t-shirt, she looked back at the green dress on her bed.
Skip breakfast and make a run for it?
She grinned mischievously then stealthily made her way over to the front door and outside, her hovercraft waiting for her.
"Ahem!" a voice announced from behind. "And just where do you think you're going without any breakfast?"
Shego froze with one foot in the air, then sighed and turned around. Mrs. Go stood in a now lit doorway with her arms folded and a frown on her face. It was an expression that Shego knew well, and even after all this time it still brought a lump to her throat.
"Hey, mama. I was just, you know, going to pack everything before grabbing something to eat."
It was such an obvious lie, but it was the best she could come up with on short notice. Mrs. Go snorted and headed back inside, and with a sigh so did Shego.
"And we can do better than what you're wearing," Mrs. Go stated.
"Yeah, okay…" Shego replied, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
~o~
Shego bent down, back straight, and lifted her sports bike up and gently placed it in the back of the hovercraft. The sleek motorbike was her pride and joy, her baby; even more so after all the modifications on it by Dr. Drakken and Motor Ed.
If I'm going to be stuck in San Siro, then I'm damn well going to do some sightseeing.
She straightened her green dress and turned back to her mom.
"Here, I baked you some brownies for your trip," Mrs. Go said as she placed a Tupperware container on the side of the hovercraft. "Now, don't forget to take care of yourself, and remember to have fun." She hugged Shego goodbye. "It's your birthday, so enjoy it."
"I will," Shego replied, returning the hug. "And you'll hold down the fort while I'm gone?"
"As always," Mrs. Go replied.
Shego leaped into the hovercraft and settled herself into the pilot's seat. Bringing up the navigational HUD, she set her destination and engaged the autopilot, the island disappearing into the distance.
She had nothing to do for for a short while so she pulled out her phone and looked at the message Kim had eventually replied with. She would normally call bullshit on anyone saying they had been incommunicado for a week, but this was Kim, so it had lightened her heart. Still, she felt no need to respond, the reply had told her that Acapulco had not built a wall between them.
Incommunicado for a week? There's a story there. Maybe I'll find out, one day…
She toyed with various replies before a beep from the console told her she was nearing her destination. She throttled down to subsonic and grabbed the control stick, and with the flick of a switch she resumed manual control. Grinning in exhilaration, she brought the craft down so low that it was skimming only a few feet above the placid waters of Lake Go before coming to a complete stop before an island.
Go Tower.
She stared at the large, letter shaped building for a while, then flew up and into the hangar bay and landed next to the Go Jet. She was out of the cockpit and striding for the lift when Wesley and Wendell came running down the jet's ramp.
"Shez!" both Wesley and Wendell exclaimed in excitement.
She turned with a smile and was engulfed in a big family hug, which became multiple hugs as her brothers duplicated themselves. She ruffled Wesley's hair and squeezed Wendell tight before her brothers stepped back and looked at her with wide eyes.
"Wow!" Wesley said.
"Yeah. Wow!" Wendell said, mimicking his twin.
Um… Shego thought, looking at their expressions. "What? What is it?" She glanced around then down, realization dawning. It's the fuckin dress. "It's not that big of a deal! You've seen me in a dress before."
"Um, hardly ever. And not since the medal ceremony," Wendell said.
"And, you know, before the meteor," Wesley said.
"Kim would love it."
"Yeah, she would! It's not too late to invite her!"
"I told you before, we're just friends," she said. Liar.
"But, Shez–"
"No buts!" she said sternly, holding up a finger.
"Aww," they both whined.
Behind Shego, her brothers copies winked out of existence, but not before each and every one grinned knowingly at each other.
"So, packed and ready to go?" Shego asked, clapping her hands together.
"We sure are," Wesley replied.
"Well, my bike and bag are in the hovercraft, so hop to it, you scallywags."
"Sir, yes sir!" Wendell, replied, giving her a playful salute even as he glowed red and duplicated himself.
She eyed the distant lift as they headed towards the jet. There were places down there she had not visited in years, like her own set of rooms. And that bleak conference room in the basement … where it had all gone wrong. Where Hego had believed the government's version of the tragedy over his own sister's.
She shivered at the memory.
Still not ready… she thought, pushing it all aside.
She walked up the ramp and into the jet, the cargo hold full of boxes, crates and suitcases. It explained why they needed to take the jet and not her hovercraft. She pursed her lips and said nothing, and made her way into the cockpit.
Last time I was in here, I was with Kimmie, She smiled in recollection. When I saved her, and she told me she could pole dance. She bit her lip. Too late, the sexy image came to mind.
"You were right that Dr. Lipsky could help improve the jet," Wendell said.
"Hmm?" she replied, distractedly.
"The retro-reflectors."
"Yeah. Reflectors," she murmured, slipping into the pilot's seat. She started the pre-flight checks, the Go Jet state of the art. In no time at all it was ready for takeoff, and she raised the jet up to the flight deck and launched them into the sky and on their way to Italy.
~o0o~
Shego ignored the scenery as she drove the rented van along the lakeside highway, Wesley and Wendell sitting beside her. The trip from the airport had been picturesque and sedate and as far as she was concerned boring. Luckily, she had her brothers to talk to, and that they were almost there.
"I can see it!" Wesley announced excitedly, pointing.
Shego glanced further along the lake, past the town they were approaching, and spotted the family estate. It jutted out on a small headland, the stone built mansion European in design. She knew it was much more up-to-date on the inside, but from the outside it certainly shone with old world charm. It went hand in hand with the nearby town, some of its street and buildings antique in design while other parts fashionably modern.
Half an hour later and she was pulling into her adoptive parents estate.
Margaret and Alan are home, she thought, spying their cars. And that'll be Henry's. A much more modest rental car nearby. Trust him to grab something so boring.
She parked in front of the main doors and hopped out, glad to be done with driving as she stretched her back.
"Here," she said, tossing the keys to Wesley. "Start unloading, and I'll let everyone know we're here."
"On it," Wesley replied, he and his brother glowing red.
She once had a key to the house, they all did, but hers had been misplaced years ago. Not that she needed one. She could break in in her sleep if she had to. Still, there was no need, they were expected. She rang the doorbell, the sonorous chimes resounding within.
"I'll get it!" a voice called out from inside.
Um? Shego thought. That sounded like–
The door flew open, Kim standing on the other side.
Shego's instincts towards Kim had always been - fight, but for the first time ever she felt the urge to flee. Emotions swirled as she drank in the sight of the girl who haunted her dreams. Kim stood there smiling, her eyes sparkling as she returned Shego's gaze. Kim looked relaxed, her hair up in a loose ponytail, and she was wearing a red, one-piece bathing suit, a diaphanous sarong wrapped about her slim waist.
"Interesting new look," Kim said, a warm timbre to her voice.
"Customs," Shego mumbled. "It's for getting through customs." She reached up and pulled off her blonde wig and held it protectively against her chest. The blue contacts could wait, she barely had enough brain power for anything else. She had envisaged many scenarios in which they could accidently meet, this was not one of them. It didn't help that Kim was in a bathing suit.
"Hey, guys," Kim called out, looking over Shego's shoulder and waving.
"Hey, Kim," both Wesley and Wendell replied.
Um… Shego thought, trying to think of something to say.
"I was just about to go for a swim," Kim said. "Interested?"
"I, uh…"
Kim seemed to take pity on her and stepped forwards.
Kryptonite! Shego thought, freezing up. She was glad for the wig against her chest and clutched it tighter. Arms slid sound around her as Kim pulled her into a hug, their bodies pressing together. A tingle started deep in her belly and spread out, then the embrace was over. Just a friendly hug, nothing more.
"Later then," Kim said, and then she was walking away without another word.
Shego simply stood there and watched. Kim's bathing suit was extremely modest as swimwear went, yet it was sexy as hell as far as she was concerned. The gauzy sarong actually enhanced more than hid Kim's flexing backside, Shego's gaze riveted to the display. She quickly looked away as Kim turned and waved, then Kim disappeared around a corner.
She… She just walked away. After all this time, she just walked away. What gives?
"Wow, imagine that. Kim showing just up here," Wesley said as he walked by.
"Yeah, amazing," Wendell said, stepping around her.
The bad acting from her brothers was more effective than a bucket of cold water. She blinked, took in a shuddering breath, then turned and faced all the duplicates of her brothers. Maybe the originals were in there somewhere, but there was no way to know.
"You knew?" she stated softly, her tone abnormally friendly. Their way-too-innocent faces told her she was right.
"Yup."
"We knew."
"We were sworn to secrecy."
"By Henry. He organized it all."
Of course he did, the big lummox. He's always been a sappy romantic. She headed back and picked up her backpack then flipped up her motorbike's kickstand, fully aware that her brothers were watching her. I told him no one could know about us, and he went and found a fucking loophole! I'd be proud of him if I wasn't planning to smack him into next year. She walked her bike towards the garage, ignoring the silent but collective exhalation of relief from her brothers.
She parked her motorbike, and out of sight of everyone she leaned her head against the wall, hands on either side. She was literally shaking. Seeing Kim from a distance, or in a news report, or texting was one thing. To be there in front of her, to be hugged and touched was a completely different beast.
I could still run? I've got my bike and my backpack, and could disappear in an instant. She heard the van start as oneof the boys moved it, and sighed as she pictured a devastated Wesley and Wendell as she skipped out on her birthday. No! I can do this, for them. Nothing's gonna happen between me and Kimmie! I won't let it! It's for her own good!
She walked out of the garage to find herself alone, and with a deep breath for courage she headed inside the mansion. Marble floors and chandeliers greeted her, along with the sounds of merriment from out the back of the house. Needing to regroup, she headed up to her old bedroom – only to find it taken.
Red suitcase with a pink ribbon on its handle. Women's clothing on the bed… A sense of dread swept over her. Oh - hell - no! Anger was better than everything else she was feeling, and now there was a perfect focus for her outlet.
"HENRY!" she screamed out at the top of her lungs.
"It's good to see some things haven't changed," Mrs. Sacks said as she walked into the room. The elderly matriarch of the Sacks family looked Shego up and down, and while she had the sort of face that some would call stern, Shego knew that behind it lay a heart of gold. Short brown hair filled with gray framed her aged features, her piercing blue eyes unwavering against Shego's angry glare. Shego had been on the receiving end of that stare more times than she cared to remember, and rightfully so. She had been a willful and rebellious child.
Mrs. Sacks smiled with warmth and affection as she stepped forwards and clasped Shego's hands.
"Margaret, what the–" Shego bit back the multiple swear words she needed to utter, then remembered she didn't need to. "What the fucks going on?"
"It's lovely to see you too, and so full of life."
"Yes, yes, hugs and kisses!" She squeezed her adoptive mother's hands and stepped back. "Now why the hell is Kimmie in my room?"
"Didn't the boys tell you?" There it was, that imperious attitude that Shego knew so well.
Oh, they didn't tell me so many things! "Tell me what?"
"The spare room is currently being refurbished."
"What about the other?"
"Well, after your last visit, we converted it into a study."
I forgot about that, she thought, remembering the massive hole she had blasted through a wall. She had the good grace to look slightly ashamed.
"Alan assured me that the two of you were now the best of friends, and that it wouldn't be an issue." A look of motherly concern crossed her features.
"Yeah, that's all in the past–"
"Then I'm sure you'll be happy to share."
"Wait! No! He must've told you that we've got more going on than that?"
"He did, as did Henry, but I won't have her sleeping in one of the boys rooms."
"But–"
"No, it's settled," she said, patting Shego's arm. And while she had said it calmly, her words were laced with steel. It was a tone that had cowed ambassadors and statesmen alike.
"Fine!" Shego managed to get out, scowling in defeat.
"Come now, what have I always taught you?"
"Some of us aren't international diplomats!" Shego fired back, ignoring the question.
"And some of us have a little too much sass, and should be using their brains instead of arguing!"
~o~
Shego closed and locked her bedroom door, just to be safe. She turned and glared at the open suitcase on the end of her bed, fingers drumming on her arm.
Sharing a room with Kimmie. What could possible go wrong?
She tossed her backpack onto the bed and yanked out her only change of clothes, then loosened her dress and let it fall to the floor. She slipped into some denim shorts and pulled on a loose t-shirt, then poked through Kim's suitcase. It was curiosity tinged with self-preservation, her heart skipping a beat at each piece of underwear she revealed. The silky negligee made her sit down hard, before she stuffed everything back into place.
I'm so screwed!
~o0o~
"HENRY!"
Kim looked up as Shego's yell filtered down to the pool. She wasn't the only one to raise their head, but she was the only one to smile. The angry exclamation brought back fond memories of their fights together, time filtering out the many painful injuries. She bit her lip as she replayed meeting Shego at the door, her would be girlfriend looking so lost and confused and oh-so-cute in that little green dress. It had taken all Kim's willpower to just walk away, but the priceless expression on Shego's face had been worth it. Shego's reaction was the main thing, and it was everything Kim had needed to see. Now she just needed Shego to acknowledge and accept what was there between them, and embrace it.
"It'll be okay," Kim said, directing her words to a pale faced Hego in the pool beside her.
"I assure you, Kim, it won't," Hego replied.
She patted him on the shoulder, but he still moved deeper into the pool until only his head was showing. She was amazed that a grown man who could so effortlessly bend steel, leap tall buildings in a single bound, and become invulnerable was scared of his little sister. Yes, Shego had a volatile temper and flaming hands of doom, but she was still family.
"Honestly, it's no big," Kim said with utter confidence.
"It's not just you or the sharing of the room. There's a lot more between… us," Hego replied.
"A lot," Wesley said, jumping in the pool.
"Yep, so much more," Wendell said, falling into the pool beside his brother.
History! Kim thought. She's hinted at this before. That something big happened between her and Hego. Did it… send her into villainy? Wow! That actually makes a kinda sense, and it would explain why she's never mentioned it. Still, it wasn't the time to ask. "Well, I've got your back." I've been handling her grumpy moods for years.
She swam to the edge of the pool as Mrs. Sacks walked into view.
"Margaret, I'm happy to sleep on the sofa if that'll help smooth things over," Kim said.
"Kim, you're our guest, so I won't hear another word on the matter!" Mrs. Sacks replied, in no uncertain terms.
Oh! "Yes, ma'am," she automatically replied, the authority in that voice taking her back to high school.
Kim went back to enjoying herself in the pool while a part of her mulled over the problem. A part of her didn't want to switch rooms, but she also didn't want to be the cause of friction between Shego and her adoptive family … especially since it was her birthday. She was still thinking about it when a sixth sense made her turn about.
There you are… are… are… Kim's mouth dropped open, her thoughts trailing away. Oh my god! Those shorts! Those legs!
She dragged her eyes up from those delectable thighs to find Shego clenching and unclenching her hands, a green glow flickering about her fingers. Kim followed Shego's gaze to Hego, then watched as she took a step towards him.
Uh-oh!
She thought quickly and grabbed a beach ball, then hurled it with unerring accuracy. You could hear a pin drop as Shego turned to glare at Kim, water dripping down her face. Kim dived under the water and resurfaced in the middle of the pool, safe.
Well, I've got her attention. Now I just need to–
Shego's eye twitched, then something seemed to snap inside her. She screamed in rage as she ran and dived into the pool, aiming right for Kim.
Geez! A bit more effective than I planned! Kim thought.
She silently cheered that Shego was still full of barely contained rage, it was one of her most interesting features. Right now, however, she needed to think about her own safety. Fighting in waist deep water would benefit Shego's enhanced strength, while hindering her own incredible skills. Luckily, there was always a way out. She grabbed an inflatable pool toy and used it to catapult herself up and out and onto the deck. Landing smoothly, she rolled to her feet, Shego already high in the air and hurtling down at her.
"Sheridan!" Mr. Sacks exclaimed in alarm.
"Sheridan Go, stop this at once!" Mrs. Sacks called out.
"Shez!" the Wegos yelled.
"Shego, no!" Hego cried in alarm.
They all had no effect. No one ever did when she was like this.
Kim somersaulted away as Shego landed, smashing apart a deckchair.
I've really poked the bear this time, Kim thought. She dodged inside a stylish gazebo, only to have Shego come crashing through the latticed wall. But this is what I've wanted. What I've missed. She deflected a punch, then another. Besides, she's not going all out, no glowing hands. She just needs to vent.
"Don't worry, guys! I've got this!" Kim yelled.
It was their first big showdown in more than a year. Sparing with Kimberly or Sheridan only went so far, and she needed Shego to scratch this particular itch. She smiled as she leaped backwards, drawing Shego away from the pool and the surrounding family members.
And she's in short shorts and a wet t-shirt. She almost lost her head as she admired a sweeping leg attack. Distracted much? I'mma so going to be one big bruise after this!
She tuned out the shouts of Shego's parents and brothers as she moved the fight further and further away, until she slid to a stop on a winding path amongst the estates immaculately landscaped gardens. At any other time she would love to admire all the trees, flowers and shrubs, but right now…
Shego stopped a few feet away, the two of them breathing hard.
We're missing something… Kim thought. Gone was the usual banter she was used to, just a rage-filled silence radiating from Shego. What should I say? Chocolates and flowers are nice, but this is good too? No. Maybe we should we get a room? Definitely not! I've missed you? Too forward. Argh! Remember, play it aloof but friendly. Don't scare her away.
They started to circle each other, Kim fighting the distraction of Shego's wet, clinging t-shirt.
"The silent treatment, Shego?" She threw her an impish grin. "Really not your style." Oh yeah! Nailed it!
It was the barest twitch of a thigh muscle that alerted Kim to the impending attack. Shego snarled and leapt, spinning in midair as she unleashed a devastating roundhouse kick at Kim's head.
Geez, that's fast! I love it! Kim thought, her lightning-reflexes deflecting the kick down and away. Then Shego's glowing fist came at her, a feral glint in those eyes. Kim twisted, the skin on her shoulder blistering instantly. In the blink of an eye, she grabbed Shego's arm and launched herself up and over Shego's head, landing behind her.
They turned to face each other, fists raised.
"About time you turned up to play," Kim said.
Shego snarled as they charged each other, Kim eager to kick things up a notch. She slid along her side then sprang to her feet, dodging and weaving as she held her ground against a series of powerful blows. Cartwheeling out of range, she leaped back in, a smile on her lips as she threw her own blindingly fast punches and kicks. An uppercut to Shego's chin drew blood, while a solid kick to Kim's stomach sent her somersaulting backwards.
As the battle raged on, the angry look on Shego's face … softened. Kim's happiness and enjoyment only increased.
~o~
Shego collapsed to the ground and rolled onto her back, spent. She was physically satiated for the first time in her life, and she basked in its glorious aftermath. Being pushed to her limits and beyond … was more incredible than she had ever dreamed. That it had been with Kim, her one time nemesis, only made it right. She knew that Kim had collapsed as well, but couldn't even open her eyes right now. As for how long they had fought, minutes or hours, it didn't matter. It had been perfect.
Fuck, I needed that, she thought, her skin flushed a deep, euphoric green.
She listened to Kim's ragged breathing as she raised a limp hand, letting it drop. Everything was too much of an effort right now. She was drenched with sweat and ached all over, as much for the blows taken as for being out of practice. It was a badge of honor as far as she was concerned. With great effort she cracked open an eye and stared unseeing at the tree above, the cool breeze blowing in from the lake a boon for her heated skin.
I have super powers, she thought, closing her eye. I don't know how Kimmie managed to last so long.
"That was… incredible," Kim murmured.
Shego listened to Kim drag herself closer, the cute, little grunts making her smirk. She automatically tensed up as fingers touched her shoulder, then they were gone.
"We done?" Kim puffed, weariness in her voice.
"…Yeah…" Shego eventually replied.
"Draw?"
Shego groaned as she levered herself up and looked down at Kim. Kim was lying away from her, Kim's head next to her own. She briefly lost herself in those glittering eyes before Kim looked away, Kim's face holding the same wondrous expression that hers had. They were so close, and Shego found herself admiring … everything, from the sheen of sweat that covered Kim, to the rise and fall of her chest as she recovered. It was here that Shego fixated, no way for Kim's thin swimwear to hide her excitement.
No! Bad Shego! She looked away. That's a very bad idea! But her competitive side always won when Kim was involved. She half-slid, half-rolled herself closer to Kim and then threw an arm across her, pinning her to the ground. Kim's startled squeak was music to her ears, though the searing warmth that flowed up her arm almost derailed her thoughts. Luckily she wasn't serious about holding Kim down, but it would be enough.
"One-two-three, I win!" Shego quickly announced, then she collapsed back onto the grass.
"Why– Why you…" Kim grumbled.
"Yeees…?"
"Fine!" Kim huffed. "It's your birthday."
"Damn straight it is!"
She went back to staring at the tree above, a dreamy smile on her face.
She had made a pitch to Kim, well, it seemed like years ago now, that they become sparring partners. All because she had been bored and since they were no longer on opposite sides of the law. She had fantasized what it would be like, but that had paled in comparison to the real thing. How they had thrown themselves at each other again and again as they rekindled the magic of their impossible dance. Using the entire area, trees, garden structures, and each other to literally launch themselves higher and higher into the air, seemingly breaking the laws of physics. Then they had plummeted back to earth, only to start their elaborate aerial duel once again.
It should have been impossible. Just like Shego's glowing hands and comet powers. But it wasn't.
No words to describe it.
Shego glanced sideways at Kim, still hardly believing how much – well, pleasure, she had gotten from the encounter. Kim's reaction during the fight, plus her euphoric afterglow, told Shego everything she needed to know. She smiled as she pushed up her sodden shirt to scratch her stomach, then realized she would be giving Kim a show. She also realized that her attire wasn't the best choice for fighting in either. Hell as soaked with sweat as she was, she was damned close to giving Kim a wet t-shirt display.
Know what? Fuck it! It's a small price to pay for perfection. "Told you it'd be great without the Troublesome Trio to mess things up."
"Troublesome Trio?" Kim queried.
"Ronald, the rat, and Dr. D."
"Hey! They're not. And It's Rufus. I know you know his name, and that he's a naked mole-rat!"
"Potato, potahto."
Shego chuckled at Kim's follow up raspberry, but she was too tired to respond.
"Geez, how long were we at it, anyways?" Kim asked after a while.
Shego glanced at the sun. "A little over two hours, I'd say."
"Wow! That's totally spankin!"
It was such a Kim thing to say that Shego rolled her eyes, her brain starting to work again. The first thing it pointed out was that she was lying in a flower bed … with Kim. Her second and third thoughts pointed this out as well. She had done her best to avoid Kim, yet here they were. Such was life, the universe, and everything.
She's here, so 'deal with it', as Margaret would say.
She groaned as she sat up, even more so as she stood up, a hand on the tree for support. She could feel her legs threatening to collapse, but she quickly told them who was boss. Besides, it was a much nicer view from up here. Kim's hair was splayed about her as she lay there, her tired eyes unfocused. Shego's heart rate increased for a different reason this time.
She's cute, she likes me, and we're alone…
"There you are!" Wesley called out as he came into view.
Shego whipped her eyes up and away from Kim and focused on her approaching brother. She knew where her thoughts had been going. One little fight with Kim and her resolve had almost crumbled. She wanted to kick herself, or rant and rave, but that would have to wait as Wesley stopped beside them.
"Wow! You two are a mess," Wesley announced.
"Part of the fun," Shego said as she held out a hand to Kim, then flexed it as Kim stared at it in surprise.
"We're not that bad," Kim replied as she took Shego's hand.
Shego gently pulled Kim to her feet, noticing her wince in pain. It stood out after Wesley's comment, and she quickly took stock of Kim's condition. Kim sported a wide variety of injuries from their afternoon of 'fun'. Bruises marred her perfect skin, some already quite dark, along with blisters, scrapes, cuts, and scratches.
And I'll look the same, Shego thought.
"Oh. Um. I, ah. I'll… head home and let everyone know you're okay. That you're done," Wesley said as he glanced between the two of them. "Yes. Home." He grinned at them. "Gotta run!" He ran off, punching the air as he went.
Shego frowned in confusion as she watched him disappear, then realized why. For some reason she had slipped a supporting arm around Kim's waist and that Kim was leaning against her with a dreamy smile on her face.
"Wes, it's–" she yelled after him, her voice trailing off. It's not what you think.
Before she could disentangle herself from Kim, or even say anything more, Kim actually stepped away. It was the look on her face that troubled Shego, it was a smug look of a victory well-earned.
"He's right, you know?" Kim said.
"What?" Shego snapped.
"We should be getting back."
Kim didn't wait for a reply as she slowly, gingerly walked away. That she was once again leaving Shego's side without being asked was a curious and worrying sign. The sight of Kim's bare back, slim waist, and that ass in lycra didn't help either. Shego shook her head and caught up, throwing Kim some furtive glances as they ambled towards home, side by side. Something was up and she needed to work out what.
You've been chasing me for months. Why aren't you, I don't know, asking me out! Or trying to jump me. She saw Kim wince again, which brought her back to the here and now. They had always fought and then gone their separate ways, never truly socializing afterwards. I don't care if DNAmy's machine did heal all your scars, you were being reckless!
"Don't think I didn't notice what you did back there," Shego said.
"Whatever do you mean?" Kim replied, her wide, innocent eyes a tad overdone.
"The way you took so many hits, on purpose!"
"You were stressed and upset, I could see that. And, well, I know we've used our fights in the past to chill."
Such a Pixie Scout! She frowned in concern at one of Kim's wounds, her fingers itching to check it over. She had done this to her. And it skirted awfully close to when Kim had died in her arms, and to the loss of Rachel. She resisted the call to help, and instead went back to staring at the ground as she analyzed Kim's behavior.
Is she no longer interested in me? Found someone else? And why am I worried about any of it? We're not going to date. We're not even going to have sex, again!
"So, birthday?" Kim piped up.
"Yeah," Shego replied, happy for the distraction.
"Really born in nineteen thirty?"
"Uh-huh."
"'Cause of the meteor?"
"Got it in one."
"Can we talk about it?"
"Nope!"
They walked in silence for a while.
"Shez is a cute nickname," Kim said. "I like."
"Use it and end up in traction!" Shego growled in reply.
"Perhaps Sheridan, then?" Kim asked, an eyebrow raised.
"Only if you want me to start calling you Kim."
They looked at each other."
"Okay, that just sounded plain wrong," Kim said.
"Agreed," Shego replied.
They reached a gate separating the estate's gardens from the main house, Kim holding it open. Shego grunted and walked through, already seeing how this weekend would go.
"Oh, and that fight totally doesn't count as your present," Kim said.
~o0o~
Kim stared at herself in the bathroom mirror, her hair freshly washed. She grimaced at the kaleidoscope of dark, angry bruises and lacerations that marred her skin. Luckily, none of them required stitches. Even with all her aches and pains and injuries, she was on cloud nine.
It was a messy, scrappy fight. She moved a little as she replayed some of Shego's attacks, hands rising to block the phantom blows. I took a few. Shego took a few.
And it was all totally worth it.
She traced a finger around a particularly colorful bruise.
She so likes me!
She hummed with happiness as she grabbed her panties.
And for a split-second I know she wanted more. She gingerly slipped on her bra. If only Wesley hadn't of shown up.
She tilted her head as she heard the bedroom door slam open, closely followed by a banging on the bathroom door.
"You done?" Shego called out. "How's the damage?"
She's such a worrywart. Who knew? "I'm fine. Never better."
"I'll be the judge of that!"
Kim smiled at the reply as she wrapped a towel around her hair, then she opened the bathroom cabinet and went looking for the medkit that she had been told was there. It was better safe than sorry with an open wound, or many, and she also didn't want to bleed on any of their wonderful furniture. She grabbed the large medical kit and dropped it on the benchtop, and opened it up.
This is as good as I've got at home. Guess Margaret and Alan had a handful in raising Shego.
"You coming out or not?" Shego said.
"Some of us need to get dressed, and to look after our wounds. Be patient."
Kim covered her mouth at Shego's snort of frustration. She could so easily picture her pacing back and forth in annoyance.
"Look, just open the door and I'll help," Shego snapped.
She's honestly worried. I guess we've never truly socialized after fighting each other. She held her breath as she remembered Shego's goodbye video. Me getting injured is one of the reasons she left. Is this bringing up bad memories for her?
She made a snap decision.
"Hang on a sec," she called out.
She quickly wrapped a towel around herself then unlocked the door, and stepped back as it was shoved open. Shego walked in, her worried frown relaxing a little. There was no sign of her interest from before, just her tightly clenched hands as she looked at Kim's injuries. Or as much as she could see with a fluffy white towel in the way.
"Dammit, Kimmie! You shouldn't have to be my punching bag!"
"I get to decide that," Kim replied.
Shego stepped forwards. Kim met her step for step, glare for glare. She would never back down when Shego was involved, no matter how complicated it made their relationship. Even if she did relent, Shego would immediately know something was wrong. She however ached to reach out and take Shego's hand. Months of being apart and they were so close. She knew it would be the wrong thing to do, but the heat radiating from Shego made her lightheaded.
Be good, Kim. Be good.
"You. Bed," Shego said, grabbing the medkit.
Wha? Kim's brain went on an erotic journey before it finally caught up. "I'm fine. I can look after myself."
"No, you can't." Shego dropped to her knees and gently lifted one of Kim's ankles. "Look, for this you'll need–"
Years of training kept Kim's expression neutral at the heated touch, though she would've received a sharp rap over the knuckles from her sensei for her flaring nostrils. Shego's warm hand … held her, while dextrous fingers caressed bruised and tender flesh. Her eyes fluttered shut and her knees threatened to buckle, and she braced herself against the counter.
Ohhh... GEEZ!
She stifled a moan as the gentle examination continued, goosebumps racing up and down her spine.
H-Higher! T-Touch me… higher!
Playing the long game suddenly seemed like a distant fantasy. She was here with Shego, and they were alone. Why fight it. She dug her nails into her palms to maintain some modicum of control, the heavenly exam going on and on. She was too distracted to pay attention to anything else until an excited gasp from the doorway caused her to open her eyes.
"I– I came–" Hego muttered, a goofy grin on his face. He cleared his throat, and tried again "I came to let you know that dinner's ready."
Kim looked at him, then down at Shego kneeling before her, and realized that her towel had fallen away. How their positions would look to the outside world was easy to imagine. Shego could apparently imagine it as well, her cheeks flushing a dark green even as anger filled her eyes.
"Life, love and Lady Liberty have triumphed once again," Hego announced, hands held excitedly against his face. "Illseeyoutwolovebirdsdownstairs!" he quickly rattled off, then he turned and ran.
Kim blushed a deep red as she scrabbled for her lost towel. It was totally embarrassing being caught in just her underwear, but she thanked her lucky stars the set she was wearing was plain and unadorned. No worse than some bikinis. The major factor for her was Shego. She hadn't been prepared for Shego to see her like this, and especially from such a suggestive angle.
"Henry, it's not–" Shego called out. She growled as she sprung to her feet, chasing after her brother. "Get back here, you moron! It's not what you think!"
Kim took a deep breath and tightened her grip on her towel, then walked over and quietly shut the bathroom door, locking it.
"I said, get back here!" Shego yelled, her distant voice muffled by the door.
"Well, that all happened," Kim murmured. I guess… happy birthday Shego.
~o0o~
Shego punched her pillow and lay back down on the couch, settling herself in for the night. Her bedroom and most especially her bed were clearly not an option. Kim would be waiting for her, maybe even in that sexy negligee she had discovered earlier. This made sleeping on the lounge her best and only option. Tomorrow she could see about somewhere else, but for now she was too tired to think. She turned the television down, snuggled under her sheet and closed her eyes, her thoughts naturally drifting back to earlier in the day.
Yeah, I'm so gonna strand Henry on a desert island with a thousand DNAmy mutated, bloodthirsty fleas!
~o0o~
The summer storm rolled over Middleton, lightning flashing across the sky as rain lashed the sleeping town. In an outer suburb, an unassuming house stood with all the other houses in the street, each and every inhabitant blissfully unaware of the downpour as they slept through the night. Upstairs in this ordinary looking house was a large bedroom, and at first glance it looked like any normal kid's while growing up. Against one wall were the obligatory bookcases, filled with comics, graphic novels, books, and miniatures. Near the doorway was a small, neatly made, and currently inhabited bed, the surrounding walls festooned with posters, not of musicians, but of Einstein, Tyson, and other famous scientists.
A closer inspection showed that the simple wooden door leading into the room was covered in a wide variety of electronic sensors, while the far end of the room housed a high-tech workbench, surrounded by various gadgets and gizmos that any super-villain or clandestine government agency would be proud to have. Along one whole wall were monitors, terminals, and computers, all whirring away, turning the bedroom into the most advanced control facility on the planet.
Eureka!
Wade sat bolt upright in his bed and threw the sheets aside, his room briefly illuminated by a flash of lighting.
It was so obvious!
He stumbled out of bed and promptly fell over, a foot caught in the sheets. Kicking his way free, he stood, then trod on a four-sided dice. He whimpered in pain, but refused to be defeayed by a simple Magic Missile spell. Hobbling forwards, he stubbed his toe, rebounded off a server, before finally, and safely, landing in his central command chair.
Ow, he thought, rubbing the sleep from his watering eyes.
He leaned forwards and tapped his computer's mouse, turning his head as the bright light from all the surrounding monitors hit his face. There behind his eyelids was the algorithm he had been trying to crack for months - the hard-light touch sensitivity algorithm. He squinted as he turned back to his main screen, lightning flashing behind him as he began to type, fingers slow at first, but quickly becoming a blur of activity.
Ominous thunder filled the room as he finally sat back, all done after an hour of tireless work. He looked over the finished code and smiled. It was beautiful, like a symphony written by Beethoven. Months of frustrating work culminating in this masterpiece.
I've done it! I've actually done it.
A mad scientist would cackle about now. He drummed his hands on his desk in victory, then rubbed his aching foot.
This will change the world.
More lightning flashed, and he grinned manically.
This will change… everything!
~o0o~
