CHAPTER 201 House Guests
Drakken wasn't exactly sure what time it was or perhaps even what day since the long travels the night before, but somewhere when the light was just on the horizon... he quietly snuck out of his bedroom. He had woken up less than twenty minutes ago with his mind racing, not with all the questions from the prior day, but to remind him he had the schematics for the Mood Ring. He clutched the slightly dampened and wrinkled folder and at a quick glance, was relieved that nothing was damaged or waterlogged on its pages.
With these, the ring should be finished in no time.
He grinned to himself gleefully as he thought about all the other items he could finally work on. Like his Ozone device. His grin faltered, he had yet to hear back from his cousin Ed about the components to make it smaller and more portable. It had been well over the two weeks he'd promised it would take. Drakken momentarily wondered if Ed had forgotten or if he assumed Drakken and Shego would be at the family Christmas Dinner that would be in a few short days.
We are not going to that...
Drakken stepped into the elevator and looked up from his folder in thought. Shego had not mentioned the dinner at all, and Drakken had completely forgotten, what with the drama that had unfolded with the plants after the cabin and then the hyper focus on the Mood Ring and the multiple emails that kept inquiring about any update... he noticed a wreath on the wall of the elevators was askew and fixed it.
Looks like the henchmen didn't forget about decorating.
His musings on the, he mentally corrected himself, staff staying late the other day was purely to decorate was rather nice of them. Especially since they we're on holiday and the sooner they would have clocked out, the sooner it would have began. Wondering if it was an act of kindness or if they were looking for an extra bonus flew from his brain as the elevators doors opened. Drakken ran onto the platform and looked around frantically. The lab was a mess, not at all like he'd known it to be when he left. Items were skewed across his work stations, a few of his devices in progress that had been neatly covered had their covers haphazardly tossed over them, chemicals on the far end of the lab were all out of order... which had been previously alphabetized was now very hastily color-coded. His water-bottles that had been moved to a small fridge that had recently been installed near the beakers now were all empty and around the fridge, which the door looked slightly ajar and the door looked to not lineup with it as well. If that wasn't enough, the hallway entrance that led to the mansion above and the water basin below were wide open.
“What happened to my lab!” yelled Drakken as he raced down the stairs for a better look.
He tossed the file onto the noticeably moved desk that now held a small dent in the side as if it had been dropped and put back into place, he moved to look at his devices. All seemed in order, just badly covered, a small relief in his distress, but it was something. Moving to look at the now color-coded beakers, Drakken slipped on something slightly wet and sticky. Flower caught him before he fully fell and he staggered to his feet to look at the ground, which from the fridge there was a watery greenish liquid pooled that let a clear footprint trail down the tunnel hall.
Drakken glared and remembered the unusual an unwelcome guest Shego had brought back to the lair with Adrena and Camille. Typically the idea there was a very dangerous mutant monster down a tunnel hall would have made him less bold then to stalk down it towards where he could hear the sound of splashing... but the anger about his lab made him disregard who he was stomping towards. He watched his footing near the edge of the basin entrance as not to slip in and Flower darted to weave around one of the handles the henchmen had installed after several fall ins, to glare over the edge. Laying on a large pink flotation ring, lazily looking out the small porthole windows at the growing light of dawn, and clutching the bottle of sludge tightly, was a green mutant monster akin to the Villain's Inn... Drakken had been too tired to take in just how eerie and unsettling they were in single close proximity.
“Hey!” snapped Drakken, taking a step back from the side, “What were you doing in my lab!?”
Gil looked up at Drakken as he kicked off the side of the wall to spin in the flotation device lazily and hold up the bottle.
“I was looking for my sludge,” he said casually, “I put it back.”
“Not well!” snapped Drakken, “I don't know how often you are a guest at a person's home, but asking rather than destroying is an option!”
“I'm sorry I messed up your lab,” groaned Gil in agitation, “I fixed it! I didn't exactly trust it to be given back.”
“It was in the fridge!” yelled Drakken.
“Where I looked last,” retorted Gil. He looked out the window and held the bottle tighter as if thinking, “I'm sorry I messed up your lab.”
Drakken was going to continue yelling, but he stopped himself. He wasn't exactly sure what he was aiming to achieve by accosting a possibly violent mutant. Glancing at Flower, he could still see a few scars along it from the last encounter they'd had... and he chose to let it go if only until the person below was gone. Looking down at the figure now spinning in lazy circles, Drakken grumbled under his breath before speaking.
“Where did you get that?” asked Drakken.
Gil looked at the bottle.
“A lab--”
“The flotation device,” Drakken pointed.
“There's a bunch of them down here,” said Gil and for a second was out of view before pulling a few others in sight, “And a fully stocked tiki bar, but weirdly... no water... and I'm not a fan of salt water... makes my gills itch when I drink it.”
“There's a tiki bar down there?” asked Drakken.
Curse those henchmen!
Drakken glared down at the water below as Gil came back into view, still nursing the bottle... Drakken felt uneasy at how he clung to it, there had been a reason Shego had taken it from him... he swear he saw it glow as the bottle touched the water slightly.
“That should stay in the fridge,” said Drakken sharply as Flower darted towards Gil but froze as Gil went on defense, “I assume its important to your current... situation.”
He gestured towards Gil, whose red eyes narrowed at him.
“You went through an awful lot of trouble to get it, be a shame if it went bad because you took it for a swim,” Drakken tried.
Gil looked at him and to the bottle and kicked out of view with it.
“I'm good, the waters cool down here,” was the only reply along with some slight splashing.
Drakken grumbled to himself and backed away from the opening.
“Fine,” huffed Drakken.
Going to need to keep an eye on--
“Drakken?!” came the yell of Duff from back in his lab. Drakken gave another look down to where Gil had resumed his spinning in the water, “Drakken?”
He headed back down the darkened hall and towards where Duff was still standing on the platform about to head back to the elevator.
“There you be,” said Duff, “Thought I heard the lift but all the other floors seemed empty-- So this is the state of the art lab you boasted about.”
“Yes, it is,” stated Drakken proudly, but his eyes drifted over the various half cleaned messes.
“Impressive size... but a little messy,” said Duff as he came down the stairs.
“Yes, well... a certain mutated guest did some rummaging around,” replied Drakken as his eyes darted down the hallway.
Duff stopped in his tracks and followed his gaze down the hall.
“It's still here?” whispered Duff with deep concern, “What if it attacks, your vines got a pretty good workout the last time.”
“Yes, well Gil, was actually the cause of that... not a victim, ” hummed Drakken, “I've yet to get all the details from Shego... only that the sludge they are partial too is rather dangerous.”
“Well that's a dreich situation,” stated Duff, “Should they be... sedated to get it away from it?”
“I'm choosing to leave him, but if they offer it to you... don't drink it,” sighed Drakken as he tried to straighten up his desk and close a few askew drawers, “Also keep away from the residue on the floor till that's cleaned.”
“So, what we're you doing out last night if your not back in the game,” Duff glanced down the hallway and clearly chose to move topic, “You said you were getting something of yours but didn't say much else on the flight over.”
“Ah, yes... last night,” said Drakken as he picked up the folder off the desk, “I was contracted to work on something that the full documents were not disclosed so I took it into my own hands.”
“Is it the mood ring thing?” asked Duff casually. Drakken's eyes shot open, “A lot of your projects are in the mercenary circuit and since we were both dealing with Bortel, I narrowed it down.”
“On the circuit-- what?” asked Drakken, suddenly uneasy.
“You know the network,” Duff waved his hand, “You'd have to have figured now that you're on the up and up that you are on the list.”
Drakken's uneasy feeling didn't lift as Duff walked around talking about the various jobs that were up for grabs in mercenary work. He hadn't considered the fact that he had taken on projects and repairs for devices and partially finished possible weapons... that he would now in fact be a target. He thought back to the group of scientists at the convention he'd had to work with Possible at... how he'd felt out of place at first as he'd stolen from for years... and now he was indeed one of them. His eyes darted to Duff as he looked under one of the sheets.
“Hope you don't plan on snatching something for some petty cash, Duff,” stated Drakken, he tried to sound firm but now with all the house guests, the concern was real.
“Don't be an idjit Drakken,” snorted Duff, “If I'd taken any of those jobs, I'd give you a call and ask for a cobbled up copy.”
Drakken felt slight relief.
“Besides, no ones actually willing to take one of those jobs that I know... maybe a low level who wouldn't even know how to locate you, let alone get passed any of your security measures,” continued Duff, “I'd think you'd keep in the know though, or at least Shego would.”
“Yes, well... we will remedy that,” said Drakken nervously.
And perhaps update the security measures...
Drakken momentarily wondered when they'd last used security other than the flowers. He zoned back into Duff asking about one of the smaller items under a sheet but Drakken chose to move topic and avoid fueling any potential leads he might give.
“So, this mercenary raid from last night...” Drakken trailed off.
“Oh, yeah,” said Duff as if he remembered, “So there was a long list of labs and items that was dropped for over the holiday, guess they assumed there would be less activity or security... Given all the alarms doubt our lot was the only ones running around those tunnels.”
“So is it like a lair share?” asked Drakken curiously.
“I don't think so,” hummed Duff, “I guess it was a really old island lair at one point but looks like its more of a rental space.”
“Hmm, interesting,” said Drakken, “Hope they can get their deposits back after that fiery escape.”
“Aye... oh your flowers and my island,” said Duff, “Have you come up with a weed killer for 'em?”
“Are they still spreading?” asked Drakken, Duff nodded, “I will see what I can do about that.”
Drakken felt a coil up his spine as if Flower was protesting internally.
“Or, perhaps I will take a look when I take you back to your lair,” Drakken's spine stopped coiling.
“So long as they clear off the coarse, I don't much care what they do... the pink ones are kind of bonnie, but not blocking my shots, “agreed Duff.
Their conversation was ended as a voice came from the darkened hallway.
“Is there a way out of here closer to the water?” asked Gil. Drakken tried not to jump at the interruption.
“Leaving so soon?” asked Drakken, “I can show you the quickest exit--”
“I just planned on catching some breakfast,” stated Gil, he looked at the sludge jar, “Actually, your wife mentioned something about a way to duplicate this? Can you?”
“My wife?” Drakken asked.
“So those articles we're right?” Duff bellowed, a clear look of annoyance on his face, “I'd have expected and invite at least Drakken, thought we we're chums.”
“Ah... what articles, we are not married yet,” Drakken sputtered, he looked from Gil to Duff.
“My bad, I assumed from what I've read,” shrugged Gil as if he honestly didn't care, “But can you duplicate this?”
“I don't know what--Of coarse you'd have been invite--why would you believe articles-- why is that even a topic in--” Drakken looked between the two and to the devices on his back wall, and tried took a deep breath, “We will talk about that... stuff... later, put it in the fridge.”
“Fine,” sighed Gil who went to place the jar back where he found it.
“I really need to talk to Shego about what happened last night on her end,” Drakken said mostly to himself then looked at Duff, “I'll resumed the lab tour after breakfast... and more about whatever gossip you've been consuming and not telling me.”
“Maybe someone should return my messages more than, aye?” retorted Duff but there as a glint in his eyes, “But you said yet... so is that a sure thing or still pending?”
Drakken paused for a moment as he was distracted by Gil attempting to keep the refrigerator door closed.
“Eh, just,” Drakken felt his face grow warm, “This doesn't leave the lab.”
“Pending then,” nodded Duff, “Should probably get a move on with that, she might be questioning things given your habit of popping the question rather quickly.”
“Excuse me?” asked Drakken with wide eyes as he watched Gil use a chair to keep the refrigerator closed.
“I mean Amy mentioned... “ Duff was cut off.
“We are moving off this topic,” hissed Drakken as he began moving up the stairs.
Drakken glared at Duff who looked bemused and waited in the elevator as Gil appeared leaving a wet trail in his wake. He and Duff shared a regretting look at each other as the close quarters with their new mutant acquaintance.
--
Shego wasn't sure when she'd actually woken up, but she'd been laying in bed and not wanting to open her eyes for what felt like hours... which was probably a few minutes, but she felt slightly chilly and not because her hair was still slightly damp from rinsing it off the night before... but because there was a sever lack of body-heat around her. Shego stretched out her hand and didn't feel Drakken next to her. She opened her eyes to see light creeping in under the curtains and an empty bed. With a groan she tried to sit up on her elbows and a sharp paint in her arm caused her to hiss and shoot up into a sitting position. She rubbed her shoulder in annoyance at the sudden pain, and then it came flooding back to her. A day out and a trip to the spa turning into a sketchy rescue mission, the gushing water, the mutated man who was currently loose in her home.
“Drakken?” she called towards the bathroom but the light was off.
Shego yanked the haphazard blankets from her and jumped off the bed and out the door. Before she could reach the staircase she ran right into Adrena coming out of Shego's bedroom.
“Gah!” yelled Adrena as she hit the railing, “Whoa, calm down.”
“Sorry,” said Shego as she caught herself, “I just-- uh, remembered some of the others in the house and-- is that my clothes?”
Shego looked to see Adrena wearing a familiar blouse and shorts that was last seen in her dresser.
“Yeah, well, that's what I was coming to ask,” said Adrena, “We kind of didn't have anything to wear.”
Shego looked into her open bedroom door where Camille waved from where she sat with her leg propped up on the bed. She too was wearing one of Shego's shirts and pajama shorts.
“Oh, that's cute... Drakken's?” asked Adrena as she gestured to Shego's attire, giving her a wink.
Shego glanced to the shirt she wore and clearly Drakken's pants. She was about to respond with some very annoyed choice words from having her closet raided but there was a loud crashing sound from the kitchen below.
“We'll talk about boundaries later,” snapped Shego before choosing to leap over the banister rather than taking the stairs.
Her leg did not appreciate the jump, nor did her sore shoulder as she used that arm to catch herself. Another bang from the kitchen made her ignore the twinge of pain as she pushed herself to move towards the sound, ignoring Adrena calling after her over the banister. As she rounded the corner, she wasn't exactly sure what she'd expected other then Drakken possibly fighting Gil... but the scene she came across was nothing of the sort. The smell of eggs and bacon hit her senses before her eyes scanned over the room. Duff was standing looking out the kitchen window as Flower tossed more pans on the counter, all while Drakken too was more transfixed out the window. Shego relaxed her stance and walked over to Drakken and put her hand on his arm to gain his attention. Before she could ask what was going on, she followed their gaze.
Out the window on the patio she watched as Gil raced and then lunged at the flowers only to be tossed over the side of the balcony... and then appear over the side again and repeat.
“W-What's happening?” asked Shego.
“I think... their... playing?” suggested Duff.
“I told him the quickest way down was to go over... the flowers seemed to try and assist him... and then,” Drakken gestured with the spatula, “Started and it appears... the flowers seem rather... amused?”
“That's... weird,” said Shego. Duff nodded.
“Aye, I thought they were trying to kill him... but then that happened,” Duff nodded as he sipped his coffee, and Shego watched as Gil dove off the edge and then the flowers put Gil back on the balcony.
“Here I was worried,” Shego scoffed. Still confused, but her focus back on Drakken, “Weird the flowers seem to like him.”
“Perhaps... a mutant thing?” cringed Drakken before returning to the eggs cooking on the stove then suddenly a serious expression as he looked at her again, “Did you know the henchmen built the water reservoir under the lab into a tiki bar?”
“They did what?” asked Shego, “When?”
“No idea, but that's where Gil spent the night apparently... it's fully stocked and has floaties,” scoffed Drakken, “The nerve!”
“Taking a stab in the dark, but they probably did it when you were holding them hostage by hiring them to keep me away from you,” suggested Shego, her eyes still glancing out the door.
“You did what?” asked Duff, looking away from the scene outside and shook his head, “Really, Drakken?”
“That's none of your business, Killigan,” hissed Drakken. Shego snorted as he narrowed his eyes at her.
“Well since no ones fighting Gil but the flowers, I'm going to go set boundaries with the two upstairs,” sighed Shego, she looked at the food and Flower stacking other pans, “I'm assuming the breakfast is for everyone?”
“I'm debating on keeping a few of our lovely staff on over the holidays,” grumbled Drakken, “In case we run into guests in the future.”
“I offered to help,” interrupted Duff, “I am an excellent cook me self.”
“You asked me if we had ingredients for black pudding and I don't know what Lorne sausage is,” huffed Drakken.
“It's delicious is what it is,” glared Duff, “I also said I could make some tatties.”
“Alright, I'm out of here,” sighed Shego as the two argued, “Let me know when the foods done.”
Shego left the kitchen with an eyeroll. While she was glad there was nothing actually dangerous happening, it now shifted to annoyance as she felt the dull throb in her shoulder as she grabbed the railing. As annoying as the paint was she knew it was probably just a muscle bruise and would eventually subside in a few days at most, she needed to be more vigilant in using her arm as much for the time being. The door to her room was still open and she could hear Camille and Adrena talking about the view from Shego's room. When she reached the doorway, Shego took in her room more clearly. Camille still remained in the bed with her knee propped up on a pillow while Adrena leaned out the window.
“The flowers are super cute,” stated Adrena as she indicated to them as Camille nodded.
“Yes, quaint,” hissed Camille as she tried to move her leg, “Yeah, no, I'm not going downstairs.”
“Alright, what else did you two get into?” asked Shego as she walked into the room causing them to jump.
“Just your dresser,” shrugged Adrena, he eyes looked at the closet, “Though that closet looked super tempting.”
“Technically I didn't get into anything,” stated Camille, indicating where she sat, “This outfit really isn't my style but I wasn't exactly fashion forward before I got here.”
Shego looked towards the small trashcan near the bathroom to see the bloody white scrubs Camille had been wearing.
“Supposed not,” sighed Shego, “Maybe next time... ask before routing through others personal belongings?”
“She was going to ask last night but she saw Gil walking downstairs and got scared,” said Camille, “She got like two feet out the door.”
“Do you know how freaky it is to look over a railing at night and see him,” Adrena shuttered, “I mean he didn't exactly try and eat us like those ones at the Inn, but I'm still having nightmares from it. Was everything okay downstairs?”
“Yeah, apparently there's a debate on breakfast and Gil's made friends with the flowers,” yawned Shego, she looked at Camille, “So, not up to stairs.”
Camille looked past Shego as if contemplating food or comfort. Shego looked her over again, she was thinner, which was saying something and she wanted to pry further into what had happened over the months she'd seemingly been confined... but if Adrena hadn't already asked questions, it was something that could wait another time. She had no plans of carrying her down the stairs and she doubted a side by side walk down would work on the spiral staircase.
“I'd rather not,” stated Camille, she gave Shego an attempt at a sweet smile, “Is there a room service option?”
Shego debated this and then remembered how Camille had gotten upstairs to begin with.
“No, but there's an 'elevator' option in the same way you got up here,” stated Shego smugly remembering it had been Gil to haul her up here.
“Camille, just hop down the stairs,” sighed Adrena, “I know you cant smell anything but I can and I used all of Shego's freshener on the scent already.”
“Fine,” huffed Camille, her cheeks red slightly presumably from not getting her way, “When should I start hobbling downstairs.”
“Drakken and Duff are still arguing about the food, I'm sure one will let us know,” stated Shego as she opened her dresser drawer to look for clothes herself.
“Good, I'm starving,” stated Adrena as she flopped on Shego's bed, “I woke up ages ago, I already called the network last night so they are taking care of the rental car I'd left at the spa.”
“I don't expect our evening adventures are finding an article or a segment, are they?” asked Shego, a slight sternness to her tone.
“No,” Camille interrupted and Shego saw a flicker of fear on her face before it became annoyed, “I'm not exactly eager for anyone to find me.”
“You could stay with me,” suggested Adrena and then she seemed to have a thought, “Or at Lucre's. His mother is really nice and he has a massive basement. No one would look for you there.”
“I'd rather imprisoned again,” stated Camille with a disgusted expression. Then she seemed to realize her words, “I didn't mean that.”
Shego contemplated as the two went back and forth about where they could go over the holidays and skated over Camille's attempt not to express who she was hiding from and the facility she'd been kept. While Shego didn't know exactly what Camille had gotten herself into, she knew of at least a few people she was hiding from and Lucre's basement was not a good choice. Not really wanting to invite guests longer than a night, Shego knew if the tables were turned she would at least appreciate an invite, but hoped Camille would decline.
“You can stay here over the holiday, lay low,” sighed Shego as she headed towards the bathroom to get dressed, “Figure things out after that.”
“I mean Lucre wont mind--”
“Thank you, Shego. I will take you up on that offer,” Camille cut Adrena off, clearly disturbed by the idea of staying in Lucre's basement.
“You need a ride?” asked Shego as she looked at Adrena.
“Ohm,” she saw Adrena glance at Camille who was staring at Adrena intently.
There was another flash of panic over Camille's eyes but her face stayed the same. She had no idea what trauma Camille had gone through... but Camille and her were never as close as Adrena and Camille and she wasn't about to try and form a bond now. Knowing that Adrena might insist on staying because of Camille and the other women would most likely shrug it off, Shego cut the conversation and debate off before it could start.
“I hope not, because there isn't a taxi service until the henchmen get back,” snorted Shego, “Unless you want to call a helicopter from VillaTV, I think your both staying.”
Adrena's eyes held a sparkling tone to them as she gave a smirk as if reading through Shego.
“Nah, I can wait,” said Adrena, “Besides, it's been ages since we spent time together.”
“Didn't you spend all night talking about being attacked by monster at the Villain's Inn a few months ago?” asked Camille.
“I was thinking about Junior's party,” said Adrena, “Where we were also attacked by a monster.”
“Well that monster is playing with flowers at the moment, but there's still a chance of a repeat... keep the tradition going,” stated Shego as she closed the door of the bathroom.
Shego rolled her eyes at the statement as she looked in the bathroom mirror and tossed her clothes on the counter. She let herself take a deep breath as she let the adrenaline from her morning rush finally settle. Tossing Drakken's borrowed clothes into the nearby hamper, Shego finally got a look at the heavy bruise that had formed on her shoulder and chose to get ready with her other arm, which would make brushing her hair a little harder. With a half attempt, she chose to just put it up and deal with later. She heard the laugh of Adrena on the other side of the door as the two women talked and Shego felt slight agitation come over her. She wasn't keen on having Adrena and Camille take up residency in her room and routing through her things, she supposed that after Duff and Gil left, they could move to the downstairs guestrooms... which was probably a better option for Camille anyway.
She heard Drakken's voice muffled through the door and assumed breakfast was ready. As if to confirm she heard a knock at her door and then Adrena's voice.
“Breakfast is ready, meet you downstairs,” was the only words and then she could hear the two begin to leave the room.
A breath later there was another knock at the door.
“I'm coming,” sighed Shego.
“Shego, it's me,” it was Drakken, “are you decent?”
Shego smirked as she really wasn't.
“If it's just you, than yes,” she responded, “If your not alone... no.”
Drakken opened the door and slipped inside to close the door behind her. She couldn't help but snicker as the flush came over his face as he gave her a smirk. Then his eyes ghosted over the nasty bruise on her shoulder and she gave a slightly painful shrug at his expression.
“It's just bruised,” she dismissed, “Being thrown into a wall by a small title wave will do that.”
“What exactly happened yesterday?” asked Drakken as he moved towards her, his hand gently touching her shoulder.
“We we're at the spa when Gil tried to attack us,” Shego saw Drakken's eyes narrow, “It wasn't that exciting, apparently he wanted that toxic sludge and figured we could help him out.”
“Bold after being attacked,” snorted Drakken, his hand still gently rubbing her shoulder, “About that toxic sludge... am I supposed to make more of it?”
“Ah, yeah... well it was more a suggestion of us being able to control its distribution... but I suppose I did say that,” Shego cringed at her own recollection, “Probably should since he did us more of a favor in helping fight off guards-- which we need to discuss in length later.”
“So Camille?” Drakken asked, nodding at her note on the lengthy topic later.
“That's when he let us know Camille was apparently being held captive at one of the facility places... we broke in... got her... he found his sludge and then we ran into you and Duff?” she gave him a questioning look over her shoulder.
“I realized Bortel was behind the moodring and was possibly withholding information,” shrugged Drakken, “I decided to go on a little mission and found out I was correct. Almost ran into Possible and company, well kind of did-ish... ran into Duff in the vents.”
“Why was Possible there? Duff?” asked Shego, not complaining as Drakken's hand seemed to be gently kneading around the bruise.
“Apparently there was a holiday mercenary call and that facility is a not-so-secret lab rental space,” sighed Drakken, “It could have been Duff but he's pretty sure they had many other break-ins last night.”
“Convenient,” grumbled Shego.
As Drakken's gloved hand left her shoulder she missed the coldness of it, and opted to lean back into him. He clearly had no quarrels in wrapping his arms around her waist and placing his chin on her uninjured shoulder. The coldness of the his heavy labcoat felt nice against her sore muscles.
“I see you've opted for your suit?” Drakken's voice vibrated on on her neck as he pulled her a little closer.
“Yeah, well, given the company it's probably best,” stated Shego, she gripped at his sleeve, “Labcoat?”
“Guests,” was all he responded but no effort to move and Shego made eye contact with him in the mirror.
“Are we just standing here?” chuckled Shego.
“I'm enjoying the view,” hummed Drakken. Shego snorted and pulled away giving him a playful shove, “Did you need any help.”
Shego thought for a moment.
“Yes, actually,” replied Shego. She barely finished before Drakken's lips found hers, she laughed as he pulled away, “I meant I actually could use some help.”
“Oh,” pouted Drakken, “What did you need help with?”
Shego rolled her eyes and after a second of debating asking for help with her clothes, she decided breakfast could wait a few more minutes and pulled him back into a kiss.
--
A quick affectionate moment and attempt at helping Shego get dressed later, the two finally headed to breakfast.
“It's about time you two join us,” snickered Duff a few minutes later as Drakken and Shego walked downstairs.
Drakken tried to school his face into annoyance at Duff instead of the smug expression he sure he'd had on his face.
“Didn't know breakfast had a time limit,” snorted Shego. She gestured to her pulled up hair, “Would have taken longer but I forgot Drakken can't braid hair.”
Drakken rolled his eyes and ignored Duff's expression as they went to see a full dining table. The food already heftily devoured in the short time they had taken some alone time. Drakken noted that Duff had in fact added a few more things which made him wonder just how long he and Shego had taken to get down here. That thought bounced out of his head and was replaced by annoyance as he had to sit in between Gil and Duff and Shego sat adjacent to him between Duff and Adrena. He had half a mind so tell Duff to move over but instead chose to simply sit down and eat the food before there wasn't any.
“I found where you hid the potatoes,” stated Duff as he held up something that looked like a rounded fried biscuit.
“What are these, again?” asked Adrena holding one up, “They are so good. It's like a potato pancake or something?”
“That's a tattie,” smirked Duff, “I would have more food but someone has control issues.”
“You say that as if its a surprise,” said Drakken as he took a bite of one he'd moved to his plate, “I don't think anyone's upset about not having haggis.”
“I like haggis,” grumbled Gil through bites of a massive pile of eggs, “Its was one of the top picnic foods people brought to Loch Coruisk.”
“Aye, it's easy to carry and-- you've been? Not a populous area,” said Duff in shock.
“Got a lot of kelpie stories so plenty camp out trying to see one,” grinned Gil, “Spent a lot of traveling time after breaking out of the lab, it was fun until it got government attention, then I needed to move on. It was a nice couple of weeks.”
“Was this before or after Croatia?” mused Shego as Drakken watched her steal the rest of the eggs before Gil could fully reach for them.
“Way before,” stated Gil, “I was only there for two days before... you know.”
“Know what?” asked Duff.
“Before he tried to capsize our boat,” said Adrena.
“I would like to defend myself,” stated Gil, “I was being shot at before I pursued any of you.”
Drakken heard Adrena whisper to Shego.
“Did we?”
Shego shrugged and rolled her eyes.
“You admitted to stalking us after,” stated Shego. It was Gil's turn to shrug and he gestured to Camille.
“You're welcome,” he gave a smug sharp toothed grin.
“I feel like there's a lot more going on than just the Inn,” hummed Duff. Drakken simply nodded.
“I understand the Croatia situation and have some questions that Adrena didn't answer about the stalking aspect... but why did you mutate people at the Villain's Inn... people who frequent there already have it hard enough.”
“Oi... I go there from time to time,” scoffed Duff.
“I think we've all stayed there,” stated Shego. Camille cringed, “Most villains have stayed there.”
“I wasn't going to test it on myself,” shrugged Gil as he downed some sausages.
“Yet, didn't we see you down a whole bottle of chemicals last night?” asked Camille. Gil smirked.
“But that stuff I know was right... the other stuff was from...” he trailed of and Drakken's didn't miss a shifty movement in his eyes, “Somewhere not my lake.”
“But to mix it with some of Dr. Sweet's questionable tonics...” Drakken trailed off as it dawned on him, “Might be why it made everyone violent and almost feral... given her mind altering concoctions and if anyone had had some of those discount leftovers before hand...”
“Oh,” hummed Gil, “My bad.”
“Yes, very much you're bad,” stated Drakken.
Gil continued.
“Do you think that's what they all looked so similar too... because my lake stuff makes people... different,” questioned Gil.
“Different?” asked Drakken, “Different how?”
“Its... different,” Gil seemed to shrug it off as if not wanting to say too much about the chemical currently in Drakken's lab.
A chemical he wants more of...
–
Breakfast ended without too much carnage... save for a shortage of eggs and toast and Camille's knee bleeding after hitting the table. Drakken had decided to take the time waiting for when they would have to kick out their guests or rather... drive them and dump them off somewhere... but working in his lab. Which meant showing off some of his own work and projects to Duff... Despite the previous warning about some items possibly being on a mercenary list. This continued until Drakken had started ranting about his state of the art equipment and he remembered the sludge he was supposed to replicate...
Drakken remembered Shego's words and picked up the bottle that Gil had reluctantly returned to the small now broken fridge in the lab and the formula duplicator he'd yet to use. While he wasn't keen on possibly destroying it with unknown toxic waste, if it meant controlling another mutant outbreak... he grumbled to himself and turned the machine on and wondered just how long it would take to make. Before he could even turn to head to the now color-coded table where the refrigerator was, he heard the chair being moved and looked to see Flower was already retrieving the chemical. The sound started Duff who was rambling on about some of the latest drama with DNAmy and her breaking into his lair... again, apparently.
“Eh, does that thing hurt?” asked Duff as he watched Flower hand Drakken the container and then vanish back down his spine.
“Ohm,” Drakken hummed, “No, at first it was like a scratching feeling and if I don't have enough water... a bit itchy, but no it doesn't hurt... the only time was after the Villain's Inn incident... but typically no.”
“Uh huh,” he saw Duff was subconscious scratching behind his own neck as he looked at Drakken, “So you're really going to make, Gil... more of that stuff? What if he uses it on others?”
“He clearly needs it for whatever mutation he has to remain stable... or at least he might,” Drakken sighed and looked at the bottle with unease, “Besides, if we have a copy stored here, if it doesn't happen again we would have it as a breakdown to reverse it... hopefully.”
“Suppose you're right,” said Duff, he smirked, “We'd have to find a scientist able to do so.”
Drakken knew Duff was teasing him but he glared over his shoulder at the other man who let out a low chuckle.
“Very funny, Killigan,” scoffed Drakken as he picked up the manual.
“Oh, you're actually taking this serious and reading the instructions,” gasped Duff in mockery, “Oh, looks like you've actually become professional.”
“I was always a professional,” glared Drakken.
“A professional mad man, yes,” stated Duff. Drakken rolled his eyes, “I'd expected you to just... toss it in and figure it from there.”
“If this thing is correct about time length... I still might toss it in and make some of my own adjustments,” scoffed Drakken, “It says chemical reading can take days to complete!”
“Well, best get a move on it then,” cringed Duff.
Drakken sighed and began putting on safety equipment as he looked at the sludge move in the bottle give off a slight glow at the movement.
“He drank that,” Duff made a gagging sound, “Looks like bile from--”
“A toxic lake,” said Drakken as he put on a mask, “That's exactly what I believe it is. Perhaps... move farther away until I finish uncorking this.”
“Don't have to ask me twice,” Duff had already moved farther from him, “I can smell it from here. If it attacks you, should I flee or take photos... you know could make a pretty penny with some mutant photos for Villain's Weekly.”
“... Only if you split it,” joked Drakken as he used a syringe to move small amounts of the thick material into the beakers needed for the device, “Well... it doesn't seem... sentient.”
Drakken was relieved as the liquid just... remained liquid. He wasn't sure what he expected, but he was able to to reseal the container and have Flower return it to the fridge with ease. A few button presses later and the machine began humming contently. Drakken made sure to secure the syringe and with extra precaution... actually put it in his unused bio-hazard bin.
“Well, that was... simple,” shrugged Drakken as he removed his safety equipment and after a thought... tossed his gloves away as well, “Good thing I have spares.”
“Do you buy those wee gloves in bulk?” asked Duff as Drakken and he both returned to his dented work desk.
Drakken rolled his eyes.
“I do have them in bulk,” he grumbled, “And they are a standard size--”
“Small?” asked Duff. Drakken narrowed his eyes and Duff whispered, “Extra small?”
“It is a size medium,” snapped Drakken.
“... Small... Medium?” teased Duff further.
Drakken looked around his lab and tossed some wire at Duff.
“Make yourself useful and unravel this,” Drakken grumbled and sat in his chair, “Might as well get some work done before I have to fly people elsewhere.”
“Might as well,” hummed Duff as he looked at the wire, “So, apart from late night venture break ins and the projects littered around... anything else new?”
Drakken thought about it for a moment.
“Well I had a conference--” Drakken began.
“Are you daft?” huffed Duff. He gave an annoyed sigh, “While I am interested in some of the value I could get for some of your tinker toys in the lab... I mean with you and Shego. Articles say a secret waddin' and you saying you aren't, yet?”
Drakken's face flushed and he began focusing on the ring parts he'd pulled from the drawer.
“I don't know where they got their information,” huffed Drakken, “Nor anyone's particular interest in it--”
“Have neither of you read or seen anything... Villain-ish since you went... what's the term you been using?” mused Duff.
“Neutral,” stated Drakken, “And no. I've been working, Shego's been... Shego-ing... and with the plants and every-time we leave this lair... something ridiculous happening. No.”
Duff sighed.
“Well if you two spent anytime not being self-absorbed,” Duff grumbled, “Since the whole alien thing finally getting on... there's been more of a shift if you must know.”
“Shifted how?” glared Drakken, “And it's not like we haven't been around any of you. I have been dragged into more ludicrous situations since leaving villainy than it feels I was in with villainy.”
“Yeah, but word got out about that little conference I'm sure you were about to ramble about,” said Duff, “And even more with some of those pictures from Junior's birthday party that hit the tabloids... Aliens and leaving villainy are out... you two being spotted in villain situations and still not being hauled in by Global Justice or our typical teenage foes... It's gotten Villain's Weekly, VillaTV, and many others... a lot of interest.”
“I'm sorry,” Drakken was annoyed and confused, “What photos? What articles?”
“Oh come off it Drakken,” smirked Duff, “You two all over each other at a beach, both you getting caught on films and camera still around us villains and still no authorities... Other villains expect you two decided to get hitched and play a long game. Especially since none of us are exactly getting nabbed when we've been with you. It's come off as if you two are suddenly... untouchable and that's a subject worth money. ”
Drakken opened and closed his mouth as he processed this. It was true that if Drakken recounted the months since it was accepted they left villainy... he and Shego had wracked up both their own precarious situations and together... some with the other villains and some not... and yet not once had either of them had inquiries from Possible or Global Justice... nor as it turned out... had any of their former villainous affiliates been questioned if they had been present. That was very fascinating and odd... and something he had never even realized. It would make sense how intriguing that would be to other villains... and then last night... the fact that the naked mole rat Rufus had simply... waved him off.
“I hadn't really noticed that,” muttered Drakken. He made note that he and Shego should discuss this later, but his mind fixed on something else, “So, who's been selling these images and rumors to them?”
Duff rubbed his chin and shrugged.
“Hard to say,” Duff dismissed, “But, if it ain't happened yet... I better get that invite soon.”
Drakken gave Duff a suspicious look but huffed at his words.
“I will keep you posted,” said Drakken.
A voice interrupted them from across the lab.
“What's this doing?” asked Gil from where he watched the sludge being shaken around in the machine, “Are you wasting my stuff?”
“How long have you been in here?” demanded Duff at being startled.
“Around the time you two started talking about secret weddings,” shrugged Gil as he glared at the machine, “There was finally a lull in the chatter.”
Drakken glared.
“Well, excuse me for chattering in my lab,” huffed Drakken.
“You're excused,” Gil responded and Drakken felt his spine tingle, “So what's happening with this?”
He let out an annoyed sigh and mentally kept Flower at bay.
“It's breaking down the chemicals,” grumbled Drakken as he attempted to take out a tiny screw from the mood ring.
“Then what?” came Gil's voice and Drakken could see him shift to watch the device.
“I think he plans on making more of your glowing swamp stench,” cringed Duff as he remembered the smell, “Aye I should get you some air fresheners for the holiday.”
Drakken smirked at the sentiment.
“How long does it take?” asked Gil, ignoring Duff stench comment.
“According to the manual--”
“You actually read it?” asked Duff in shock. Drakken ignored him.
“Depending on the chemicals it can take a few days,” said Drakken, “Duplicating it should only take twenty four hours unless its complicated.”
“It mutates people,” scoffed Gil, “Probably complicated.”
“You'll get it back when its done breaking it down,” hummed Drakken as she looked at the chip in the ring and then at the file, “We can contact you when its done--”
“Contact me?” snorted Gil, “I'm not leaving until its done.”
Drakken nearly broke the chip as he looked towards Gil and yanked his goggles up. Gil had his arms crossed with his head resting in them, his body hanging over the counter as he watched the machine swirl and shake. He looked at Duff who shrugged as if in agreement he too wouldn't leave if it was his and continued unraveling the wire Drakken had asked him too. While he understood himself that he wouldn't exactly leave anything he was partial too... or perhaps dependent on... he didn't exactly want house guests... especially one who he barely knew.
Duff interrupted his thoughts before he could ignore logic and just tell him he wasn't welcome.
“I could use a place to lay low for a few days, myself.” sighed Duff, he nodded his head in Gil's direction, “If you maybe could use some... help.”
Drakken was about to decline but his eyes ghosted over his lab. The sheets still partially covering his work, the wet spots from where Gil had walked, the person in question still lingering over his very expensive equipment.
“Well... I could actually use some,” agreed Duff. He looked at the wire mess, “Preferably help that actually does what I asked.”
Duff looked at the mess and rolled his eyes as he began actually straightening the wire he'd previously just been playing with.
–
It was early evening when Drakken climbed the stairs to his bedroom, having spent several hours in the lab with Gil watching the machine and Duff talking more about his current golf plays and the reminder that Drakken needed to deal with his flowers still on Duff's island... Drakken decided to excuse himself to grab some food and escape both of his current house-guests. Especially when the exploding golf balls became a heavier topic as Gil began telling tales of tourists and exploding fish. Drakken's peace had been short lived as he'd gotten halfway through his sandwich before the two followed him into raiding his kitchen. Walking passed Shego's open door, Drakken saw Shego explaining the flower to Camille and Adrena... He glanced before continuing, just as Perri spun around Shego as if trying to twirl her.
Drakken rolled his eyes and glared before he moved through his bedroom door.
I am not jealous of a flower.
As the door closed behind him, Drakken was greeted by Flower's appearance, acting annoyed as it darted through the bathroom to the sink. A dawning realization that he'd not exactly replaced his emptied water jugs nor had he had more than a single glass of water since breakfast hit him with an itch in his spine and a dryness in his throat. He joined Flower in drinking some water from his normal bathroom water glass. Drinking his second glass of water, Drakken watched through the window at the slight darkening as the sunset began its colorful tango of sky and sea... He tilted his head in thought about how many hours he'd been in the lab today and why Shego hadn't taken Camille and Adrena home in the daylight hours.
Before he could think further on it, he heard the bedroom door open and Shego's head leaned through the open bathroom door. Her casual expression slightly shifted to judgment as she looked at the glass and the splashed water from Flower.
“Do I have to go back to setting alarms,” she huffed as she crossed her arms and leaned against the door-frame.
Drakken wanted to argue but instead chose to shift blame.
“Gil drank all my water,” stated Drakken. Shego raised a brow.
“And you couldn't get more?” she countered.
Drakken sniffed in response and finished his glass of water at his failed attempt at using Gil as a scapegoat.
“Alarms it is,” hummed Shego as she turned out of the bathroom.
Drakken heard her flop on the bed and after waving Flower away and unplugging the sink, Drakken walked back into the bedroom. Shego had kicked off her boots, tossed her gloves on the nightstand, and her signature jacket lay across the sitting chair. She was simply kicked back in the bed. He wondered if she wanted him to fly Camille and Adrena out of here... which he really didn't want too... but instead of saying such, he chose another tactic. Moving her jacket he sat down in the chair adjacent to her.
“You look comfy,” hummed Drakken as he kicked off his own boots.
“I am,” she sighed without opening her eyes.
“I might call it an early night... a lot to deal with in the lab tomorrow,” he tossed his gloves across the dresser as he moved to take his coat off, “It's getting late.”
“Mmhmm,” she hummed and slightly opened her eyes, “Think we could convince a delivery person to bring food?”
“Could... pick something up,” suggested Drakken as he tossed his coat next to Shego's.
“I'm actually surprised you didn't,” said Shego as she patted the spot next to her.
Drakken realized she had assumed he'd already come and gone.
“About that,” sighed Drakken.
“About what?” asked Shego, her eyes fully opened.
“Looks like your new friend Gil,” Drakken smirked at Shego's scoff, “Will be spending the holiday with us. It's going to take more than a few days to match the chemical compound before it can be duplicated and he is not leaving without it.”
“What?” asked Shego. She looked disgusted, “So he's just going to run around our home until then?”
“To be fair I think he's just decided to linger in the lab and watch the machine or in the water reservoir--” Drakken was cut off.
“And you agreed?” snapped Shego.
Drakken furrowed his brows at her.
“You made this deal with him. Do you want me to fight a mutant who has literally turned people into monsters,” asked Drakken. Shego let out an annoyed groan as if in defeat, “At least Duff is willing to stay to help keep an eye on him... in exchange obviously for somewhere to hideout in case Bortel's CTV cameras caught him.”
“So Killigan, Gil, Adrena, and Camille are all staying here,” scoffed Shego, “Well this is going to be a cozy Christmas.”
“They're staying too?” asked Drakken. He grumbled, “At this point we might as well start sending Christmas cards with the address on them.”
“Speaking of our address,” Shego sat up as Drakken slid next to her, “You know I had to threaten Adrena about it-- Apparently we're a major topic.”
Drakken rolled his eyes.
“Killigan filled me in... but it is curious,” stated Drakken.
He looked at Shego's sour expression before it slightly softened as her eyes met his.
“Not that I'm complaining, but if there is enough content that people are speculating about our antics... why haven't Global Justice or Possible paid us a visit... given the company we've been with... who also haven't been questioned,” Drakken inquired. Shego looked confused and then he saw a tint to her cheeks.
“Oh, that...” she trailed off, before school her features, “I was more focused on all gossip, not... huh... that is weird.”
“Focusing on gossip rather than logic... Really Shego, that's not like you--” Drakken began to tease but was hit with a pillow, “Hey!”
“Clearly I've been spending too much time with someone illogical,” she scoffed.
Drakken looked at the pillow and smirked before hitting her with it. He stifled a snicker as she gave a playful glare at him and grabbed the other pillow.
The playful fighting had turned to more impassioned kissing as Drakken leaned over Shego and her pillow weapon was tossed over his shoulder. It was late and by all means, everyone had seemingly turned in for the evening. Shego's nails were already gently scrapping along his back as she pulled his black undershirt off and he obliged with his hand sliding under hers. A small thud somewhere the lair suddenly made him pause, mildly worried their playful fighting and laughter and yells might have been heard by the room next to them but
“Do you think we should be continuing with this, with others in the next room?” asked Drakken as he pulled back away from Shego's lips.
“I have zero intention of inviting them in here,” snorted Shego as she pulled his lips back against hers.
“I mean... what if... they... hear us,” Drakken muttered in-between their lips tango.
“Good for them,” hummed Shego as succeeded in removing Drakken's shirt.
Well... if she doesn't care...
A few more kisses and a few less layers in, Drakken didn't even remember they had anyone else in the lair. However, before it could go too far, a loud bang came from outside.
“What was that?” asked Drakken as he shot up nearly knocking Shego off him but caught her waist.
“I'm sure it's nothing--” Shego was cut off by a familiar voice outside.
“What is with these flowers, seriously!”
Drakken and Shego both let out a groan before the sound of Motor Ed fighting the flowers forced them to actually leave the bed.
Of coarse Eddie's here.
TO BE CONTINUED...
