AN:As always thank you all for your reviews and continued following of RTD. A reminder that on my and the RTD tumblr there are illustrations and arts for this story.
I would also like to give a shout out to the Guest login, Anon's, and all who find a way to contact me or share support of RTD. And also a welcome back to Lana, you have been missed!

Cabin Part 4

Light attempted tot push through Shego's eyelids, finally forcing her to open her eyes. The curtain was slightly ajar, causing a stream of morning light to reflect sharply off the snow and directly in her face. She scoffed at the disturbance and was about to roll over when she realized she wasn't able too. She blinked her eyes to clear the speckles of light images in her eyes and sleep to look around her at what restrained her. Her frown faded into an amused eye roll.

Drakken's arms were tightly wrapped around her, the same teddy bear like hold he'd had her in the day before. His head tucked under her chin, a light snore muffled slightly by her tangle of hair around them. She sighed and smacked his abandoned pillow to block out the light best she could. Choosing to let him sleep and not tempt a turn and wake him.

There was a few seconds where she attempted to go back to sleep, but found it futile. She shifted slightly, stopping when his snoring dwindled and he began to move... he resumed his sleeping as he shifted his posture down to wrap his arms around her middle. She could feel the smile tiredly spread across her lips as she resigned to wait it out and not bother with sleep. Without thinking about it, her fingers found their way running through his hair as she could now see his sleeping features better since his shift.

Her other free hand smoothed along his cheek and she raised a brow as she noticed he hadn't even changed into his night clothes. Instead still wearing the dark undershirt and slacks he'd been wearing moving boxes the night prior. She wasn't even sure what time he'd found his way to bed, only the fact he'd woken her up with questions about his inventions. Pursing her lips in annoyance at what might have caused his concerns, she factored in Ed. There had been none of this until now, everything had been running smoothly, and something said was making him loose focus. It was one of the things in villainy that had caused so many failed attempts at world conquering... forgetting one small thing or changing something to make it 'better' when it was fine, thus causing more problems.

Which means he's gonna second guess the whole thing at one point.

She glared at the door.

Images of Drakken spending long hours in the lab just to undo all his work in an aim to 'improve,' was mentally exhausting. She made a mental note to defuse this before they got back to Greece, if only to save herself the mental strain of reminding him to sleep... and that she was also there. Her fingers moved his bangs out of his face and she felt her lips form a half smile, attempting to push her agitation aside.

I'll have to work on being more distracting then.

She fought her own snort and blush at her thoughts. Not well enough as Drakken shifted again and his eyes sleepily opened to look at her.

"What time is it?" he yawned, not moving from her location.

"No idea," said Shego, momentarily about to remove her fingers from his hair. She did not.

Her fingers continued their motions.

"Eddie and I have plans," he grumbled against her.

Shego frowned. Her hand paused.

"Really?" she asked dryly, "I assume more sorting?"

"No," he yawned again, his arms sliding from around her, "Stability for the OR-Ion."

"So you have finally decided on Ozone Repair Ionizer?" hummed Shego, "So to be clear you are choosing to spend free time with... Motor Ed?"

"Just a few hours on it really," Drakken stretched, "There's a lot to get done and spending too long on it would be a waste of time."

Shego listened as Drakken sleepily rambled about the work ideas he had on improvements. She felt her jaw tighten as exactly what she'd been concerned about began to take form. More so was the tugging in her gut that she was finding attached to this rambling. The tug began to circulate to anger, the easiest choice for the aching feeling. The idea of this week already being inconvenienced by their current company began to become an even more sour feeling. Drakken's choice to use any free time working on projects with his cousin was pulling more emotional strings then she was comfortable acknowledging. She instead chose anger and jealousy, the most familiar and easiest.

She opened her mouth to cut him off with an argument, but she didn't get a chance.

There was a pounding at the door before it was shoved open to reveal Ed grinning.

"Hope you two are decent- Whoa!" Ed ducked as Shego shot a blast towards him, "Geesh, I thought Chloe wasn't a morning person, seriously."

"Eddie!" snapped Drakken, "Do not barge into my room! I'm warning you! Now, Get out!"

Ed stared at him a second before he snorted.

"Really, Cuz? Your threats didn't work as kids, seriously, not going to start now," Ed smirked as he closed the door, "Meet you in the living room."

The scoff Shego imitated was muffled as Drakken gave her a quick kiss as he slid out of bed.

"I'll leave you to your vacation," said Drakken as he darted out the door.

Shego's eyes narrowed, wanting to storm after and argue over the topic... but instead she let out an irritated growl and fell back into bed. If only to give herself time to calm down before finally getting up.

When Shego finally ventured out of her room, Drakken and Ed were fully engulfed in a mess of papers in the living space. The smell of coffee and food wafted from the kitchen, where she could see Cleopatra aggressively stabbing something on the stove through the open door. After a breif second of not even being noticed by either of the men arguing about scale numbers, she entered the kitchen.

"Didn't know you could cook," stated Shego as she opened the fridge looking for the orange juice.

"I have many talents," smirked Cleopatra dryly, "But really cooking, stops at eggs and if I am tempted... I make a decent pudding."

She gave a nod at Cleopatra as she poured herself a glass of juice. It fell into a silent pause as Shego took a sip and watched Drakken and Ed talking animatedly in the distance.

"I am assuming this is not the trip you imagined, either?" sighed Cleopatra as she grabbed a few more eggs.

"Not at all," huffed Shego. She raised a brow as Cleopatra returned to the stove, "At least I wasn't tricked into coming here."

Cleopatra shrugged.

"Honestly, it only bothers me that I wasn't tricked to going to somewhere warmer," said Cleopatra, "At least if there was shopping or a beach, I could ignore being ignored."

Shego looked out the window and scoffed.

"That would have been too convenient," replied Shego. She grabbed bread and began making toast, "I have some outdated magazines and two books."

"You packed better than I did," chuckled Cleopatra, "I have a catalog and a half finished puzzler. What are the odds they join us fro breakfast?"

Shego glanced out the door to where the two were fighting over scratches on a paper.

"Anything short of setting the couch on fire isn't getting Drakken in here," snorted Shego as she ate a piece of toast.

"Looks like we'll have to find our own entertainment for the day," sighed Cleopatra as she joined Shego in watching them.

–

"This is not my idea of entertainment," whined Cleopatra.

Shego rolled her eyes as they trekked through the forest, attempting to find a low in the snow. The weather was mild despite the prior storm, and snow drifts varied. They hadn't been walking long and it appeared the snow finally lessened enough for easier navigation a few more yards ahead. Suggesting to get firewood while going for a walk had been a last ditch effort to shake the awkward silent breakfast.

"I didn't hear you suggest otherwise?" replied Shego, "Besides, we are low on wood."

"Uhg, I was going to convince Ed to get us some later," Cleopatra sighed as they reached the lower snow, "It's about time, we should have brought a shovel."

Shego raised a brow at where Cleopatra shook off her boots and whined.

"Weren't you an archaeologist?" asked Shego. Cleopatra glared.

"Does it appear that I had any interest in arctic expeditions?" said Cleopatra. She indicated to herself, specifically the Egyptian inspired jacket.

"Suppose not," snickered Shego, "Well too bad, we're in here now."

"When I agreed to go on this trip with Ed... there was no description of trekking through snow for fire wood," stated Cleopatra.

"Same," snorted Shego, "I was blatantly told no work... and yet."

There was some silence as they began looking for decent dryer wood.

"I was talking to Adrena," began Cleopatra as dusted off a piece of wood, "She's really excited about her hosting gig, so I think it's best to stay on her good side. She really laid into some Camille footage last episode."

Shego looked at Cleopatra as if she had spoken a different language. There was nothing in her words that made even the faintest amount of sense to her.

"What?" asked Shego after a moment of pondering acting like she did.

"The hosting job?" Cleopatra raised her brow, "She's the host of Villain Fails and if it goes well she might branch out into other VillaTv shows."

"Since when?" asked Shego with wide eyes.

"She mentioned it on Halloween... fair enough though there was a lot going on," hummed Cleopatra as she grabbed another piece of wood, "Probably best for her too. She really does not have much luck at gatherings, does she? Have you not talked to her."

Shego snorted.

"Does it appear I am the social type?" asked Shego.

Cleopatra tilted her head and then shrugged.

"To be clear we met at a party you and Drakken were hosting... but now that I know you a bit better... probably not," smirked Cleopatra, "I figured since those creatures weren't new for you lot, you'd have compared notes and shock with the others. Adrena cued me in on your island disaster."

Shego thought back to Halloween and the monstrous creatures that looked horribly similar to what had perused them in Croatia. It hadn't dawned on her to call any of them and discuss it, which now seemed a bad move. She had been distracted by Mama Lipsky, her own personal issues, and Drakken's miscommunication... but in her constant annoyance at the henchmen as of late, she should have given a small courtesy call at least to one of them.

Might have prevented this group gathering.

"How are we getting these back?" asked Cleopatra as she added another branch to the pile, "Are you even looking for wood?"

Shego looked down at the same piece of wood she'd been dusting off since Cleopatra had begun speaking. Tossing it quickly in the pile, Shego looked back towards the cabin and began walking that direction.

"Where are you going?" asked Cleopatra quickly.

"I'm going to go grab a sled or something to bring this stuff back, just keep gathering," said Shego, looking down to see their tracks had been blown away and muddled already, "I'll be right back."

"Fine," sighed Cleopatra.

Shego could tell there was a relief at not having to trek through again in the other women's voice. Not even knowing if there was a sled, Shego began thinking over what might be on the hovercar just in case there wasn't something to be used to drag wood back. She kicked the snow off her boots as she made it out of the forest near the pond, wondering how to dramatically interrupt Ed and Drakken in case she couldn't find anything. Looking across the pond, she paused to see a large section of snow have been cleared off its surface.

"What-" she was cut off by a crunch of snow behind her.

A hand touched her waist. She reacted.

"I was- Eee! Shego!"

On instinct, she threw whoever had touched her over her shoulder and into a snowbank. Mid toss she realized too late who those arms and that voice belonged too. Drakken slid down the snowbank and spat out the snow that had gotten into his mouth. A look of annoyance on his face as he looked up at Shego.

"Really, Shego?" asked Drakken as he reached the base of the mound.

Shego gave a nervous chuckle as she went to help him up.

"It's not like I planned to throw you," she hastened, "I thought you were in working."

"I was," he whined as he dusted himself off, "Then I wanted to spend time with you... apparently it was a better option not too."

Shego felt her face grow warm and she gave him a smirk.

"Aww, not having fun with Motor Ed?" she teased as she dusted snow off his shoulder.

"I mean at first, but then he..." Drakken trailed off and looked at Shego before clearing his throat, "Obviously not. I'd much prefer your company."

Shego snorted.

"Nice save," she sighed, "You okay?"

"If I say no... what would you do?" he smirked. Shego pushed him back in the snowbank, "Eddie is looking much more welcoming now."

Shego rolled her eyes and offered her hand to him. She felt the tug but managed to keep her ground.

"Do you really want to start a snow fight?" asked Shego. Her other hand ignited, "I thought a hot fast ball."

Drakken's smirk returned and let Shego help him up.

"Perhaps another time, I had other plans," he didn't release her hand but instead began pulling her along the embankment.

"And what would that be?" asked Shego as she kept pace with him, "A snowy walk... a winter rendezvous?"

"Ice skating," smirked Drakken as they rounded into the cleared ice.

Shego raised a brow but looked on in monetary shock at seeing her black and green skates next to his sitting near a formerly snow covered bench. Several shovels were stabbed into the snow pile and before she could ask when and how the snow had gotten cleared so fast... Flower appeared over Drakken's shoulder as if to answer the unspoken question. The plant appendage gave a shiver and vanished swiftly.

"I don't think Flower is too happy about helping me," sighed Drakken, "Tropical plant and all."

"When did you pack my skates?" asked Shego as they headed toward the bench.

"I actually simply thought about asking you before leaving... and then your Hench flowers tossed them through my window."

Shego rolled her eyes at the plants digging through all her stuff. Her face felt suddenly hot as she sat down to grab her skates. They had been fetched because of Drakken thinking about the pond and skating... the images of what the plants had fixated on in her packing made her glance at Drakken. She paused putting on her skates and placed her chin on his shoulder.

"Did they bring you... anything else?" she asked curiously.

She watched his face become flushed, giving her the answer without words.

"Ohm... no," he said unconvincingly. Shego nudged him with her shoulder as she went back to putting on her skates, "I only took the skates."

She looked up at Drakken. His flush had grown deeper and she couldn't stop the giggle that escaped her lips. Drakken didn't notice, focusing on backpedaling the conversation.

"So, skating then," he ushered as he got to his feet and offered his hand.

"Last time we were on skates... was the same day Kim and company left us in frozen water," snorted Shego as she took his hand, "Honestly, gained a little respect for her that day."

Drakken nodded.

"I mean there were dozens of times we left both of them in near death situations... so it was fair," he agreed as they got to the ice.

There were a few moments as they circled the ice that Shego noticed Drakken drift farther than he intended, but soon the two lapped in much closer proximity.

"So," said Shego as she let go of his hand to skate backwards and look at him, "I never asked... but did you take lessons or just wing it when you learned to ice skate?"

Drakken rolled his eyes but she saw the flicker of a smirk.

"If this is a dig at my skill level... I don't nearly skate enough to not be rusty," Drakken argued. Shego kept her fixed expression, "If its an honest question... yes I took lessons and I blame Eddie."

Shego slowed her skating and Drakken's arm found hers to keep her going.

"I'm sorry," snickered Shego, "Did you say you took ice skating lessons because of Motor Ed?"

Drakken nodded.

"He wanted to try out for hockey but those lessons were full," sighed Drakken, "So figure skating it was... and since I had just gotten my license and had to drive him... Our mothers decided it would be good practice for both of us."

Shego muted her laugh best she could.

"So, is there pictures of you two teens learning to figure skate... please say yes," Shego whispered the last part.

"No," said Drakken. Shego pouted, "Any and all were destroyed... after Eddie lost his first big competition."

"You mean game?" asked Shego. Drakken gave her an evil grin, "Wait..."

"Eddie didn't make the team but for an entire year... Eddie competed in junior single figure skating," said Drakken proudly, "Don't tell him I said this... but he was really good."

Shego forgot to breath for a second before letting out a loud laugh.

"There has to be something," said Shego, "How much kissing up do I have to do with your aunt to find anything?"

"Pfft, good luck," snorted Drakken, "She likes me and I never saw anything... and I was there."

They made another lap, but snickering before Shego continued.

"So... got any moves then?" asked Shego.

Drakken's face scrunched up for a second and he shrugged. Shego was about to tease him when she was suddenly spun around. It took her a moment to register his hands on her waste as he skated backwards. It wasn't an amazing feet, but spinning in circles as if dancing on the ice, was completely welcome. However, Drakken got more basin and attempted to spin her in their skating, and it seemed to be going well until he pulled her back to swiftly and she couldn't stop herself from barreling into him. Drakken lost his footing mid spin, resulting in a hard hit to the ice below. The grip he'd had on her waist, only aided in her being pulled on top of him in his fall. She waited for the whine to come, but instead, Drakken let out a loud laugh as snow settled around them.

"Apparently I need more practice," said Drakken.

"You think?" she snickered, "So this wasn't part of the routine?"

She gave him a teasing smirk and nodded at their current position. There was a tint to his cheeks that was not caused by the cold before he agave an amused look.

"Not really, but apart from the fall... I'm not complaining," stated Drakken.

Shego gave him a smug smirk, that was shoved away quickly. Drakken's fingers slid behind the base of her head and pulled her towards him. She felt her face grow warmer as she was pulled into yet another unprompted kiss. She had no complaints about his new forward attitude since they'd gotten to the cabin. Despite the cold around them and a few flakes of snow drifting around them, neither made effort to get off the ice. She knew they eventually should get up to avoid getting too cold, but neither got a chance to reason this.

The interruption instead came by an unwelcome voice above them.

"Seriously?" came Ed's voice.

They both jumped at the sudden noise. Shego glared up at Ed standing over them, but her yelling was cut off by Drakken's fist.

"Seriously, Eddie!?" snapped Drakken, glaring as he sat up, "What-"

"Have either of you seen Chloe?" Ed cut in, "Seriously, I've been looking for her since you two decided to have your weird Hallmark moments out here."

Shego's eyes shot open and she looked towards the woods.

"She might be... gathering wood," shrugged Shego. She looked at Ed, "You should bring her a sled."

Ed looked confused but headed to presumably go grab a sled and do so.

"You forgot Cleopatra in the woods, didn't you?" asked Drakken.

"Yeah," nodded Shego.

"I'll have Hector open the mail from now on... just in case she holds a grudge," replied Drakken.

"That's probably best," stated Shego.

The two got off the ground and began to navigate back into the cabin, if only to avoid any conflict.

Worse case scenario... At least there's leverage with Motor Ed and figure skating.

Short but you know... sweet.