Disclaimer: I don't own Kim Possible, neither the show, nor the characters. Mine is the plot and the third main character besides Kim and Ron (both of whom belong to the Mouse): Bast.

One thing more: I'm not a native English speaker, so don't sue me for spelling and grammar mistakes.

For better understanding: "indicates speech", 'indicates thoughts'

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Chapter 2: Summer Time

Middelton City, Bueno Nacho

It was a beautiful summer day in Middleton, in fact the best summer day the city has seen so far this year. The bright sunshine seemed like a promise for a wonderful summer. The city bristled with activity, since yesterday school was off for vacation and all pupils and students were having the time of their life going shopping or for a swim. Everything seemed perfect.

Except for one teenager with messy short blond hair, a friendly freckled face, warm brown eyes and a kind, sometimes goofy smile. He wore light brown cargo pants on a red and black shirt. The blond was well known for his optimistic attitude, but today he was a picture of desperation and utter horror was displayed on his face. He sat in a booth in his favourite restaurant, Bueno Nacho, seventh heaven for all worshippers of Mexican fast food. His brow was resting on the table, from time to time softly lifting his head an inch or two, only to let it bump back on the table.

"This…summer…officially…sucks…" he mumbled, each word reinforced by head butting the table.

"You know, even though you are Ron Stoppable, known for the famous proverb "Never be Normal", there is no chance the table will yield to your continuous attacks", the beautiful teenage girl across the table said. She had gorgeous red hair, a perfect face with wonderful green eyes and a trained body, resembling to one of an athlete, clad in red pants and a white top. She observed his antics with an amused smile.

"Very funny, Kim, very funny", the boy called Ron said raising his head. "But this is serious. I'm going to be held hostage for three entire months. I'll sit in a small cell, guarded by an intimidating warden and forced to do slave labour for an uncounted number of hours." The redhead just smiled. "And there will be no salvation, no best friend to cheer me up after a hard days of work. How am I supposed to survive that? Help!" he pleaded with his best little boy voice.

"Ron, turn down the drama!" smiled Kim. The world most famous teenager, renowned crime fighter and captain of the Middleton High cheer squad leaned across the table and gave her best friend a friendly pad on the shoulder. "I told you to watch out, but you didn't listen. I told you around Easter that Mr. Barkin was on warpath, but you had to practise for your Everlot campaign and the Ultra Race 6 competition. No wonder you scored six F's in six tests. And Ms. Wisp said if there was a lower grade, you'd definitely have scored it."

"I won the state championship of Ultra Race for the third time in a row!"

"See, that is something to cheer you up during your time in…"

"Please don't say it!"

"…summer school", Kim merciless continued. With a deep sigh the head of the blond plumed back on the table. "And for best friends, Rufus will there with you." The mentioned pink naked mole rat climbed from his home in Ron's cargo pants onto the table, chirping reassuring sounds. "See?"

"I'd rather be with you, KP." Rufus blew him a raspberry. "You know how I meant it, buddy. No offence." The rodent nodded in agreement. "Non taken", it chirped.

"Ron, this is serious, ok? We want to go to college together, so you have to improve you grades. You flunked in English and maths, so you should be grateful that Mr. Barkin gives you this chance so you haven't got to repeat this year."

"But we still have two more years in high school. Why this summer?" Ron whined.

"Ron, you're absolutely hopeless", Kim laughed. She became serious again: "You do want to go to college, don't you?"

"Yes", Ron said reluctantly.

"Good, because I want you to go there with me. I couldn't stand any sort of school without you."

"That's very sweet, you know", Ron said. "You always know how to cheer me up."

"Keep that in mind, because if you want to stay with me, like you did since pre-k, then you have to START WORKING!" Ron winced under Kim's accusing intonation. She continued softer: "I know you aren't dim-witted. You're just a sloth who doesn't work hard enough. I think summer school will do you good. So promise me that you will do your best."

"Yeah, I'll give my best", Ron said admitting defeat. "But what's with the missions? Then I can be with you, can't I?" Ron asked hopefully.

"Ron, you know as good as I do that villains don't work during summer, it's just not their favourite time of the year, so they won't compose any evil schemes or villainous plots. Shego goes on vacation and Drakken can't even find the exit of his lair without her. The Seniors are in the Caribbean, Duff Killigan and DNAmy are in jail and Frugal Lucre was grounded by his mother. And according to Wade and Global Justice nobody has seen Monkey Fist for the past five months. A fat chance that any kind of emergency will come up."

"We could fake one!"

"RON!" Kim glared at him. "I can't even believe you said that!"

"Said what?" asked a beautiful girl with chocolate coloured skin, brown eyes and black wavy hair, which extended all the way down to her waist. She wore a red summer dress that accented her beauty. She had just arrived at the table, holding a tray with a naco and a drink.

"Saved by the bell", Ron cheered. Seeing Kim giving him an evil look he quickly jumped up. "Be right back, gonna grab some more snackage!" he said and bolted towards the counter.

"You have him on the run, girl", the newcomer said smiling and taking place in the booth. "So, what's the sitch?"

"Hello Monique." Kim greeted her best female friend, grinning about Monique using her famous trademark slogan. "Just making sure he knows why he's in summer school. But what's with you? I thought you're working today?"

"I've taken the day off, since I have to pack and make preparations. I'm leaving tomorrow", Monique said between bites.

"So, you're going on vacation. Where to?"

Moniques face lid up like a spotlight: "I'm going with you. Mr. Barkin called the store this morning, telling me that, because Ron has to stay behind now, there was a free place on the team bus and he still needs some help looking after the squad. So I called HQ and got clearance for three month of paid absence. In front of you sits the official Club Banana representative to the winning team of the First Annual Sponsorship Competition for High School Cheerleaders, courtesy of Club Banana."

"Monique, that's great. This is the best summer ever. I knew it was a great idea to take part in this contest." Kim excitedly exclaimed. The two friends soon got carried away, chatting about their plans on the three month training program and national tour the squad had won two month ago.

Ron came back from the counter with a tray full of goodies and sat down next to Monique. He wolfed down his food in his usual predatory manner, barely paying attention to the conversation of the girls. Beside him Rufus dove face first into his share, a bowl full of cheese nachos with extra Diablo sauce.

"Ron!" Kims voice yanked him back from his personal paradise of cheese, meat and beans to the harsh reality of a ruined summer. "I'm going over to Monique, helping her getting her stuff ready. See you tomorrow, ok?"

"You bet. I wouldn't want to miss your great departure", Ron said giving her one of his goofy smiles.

"See you around, Ron", Monique said to him. "Have a nice summer."

"Couldn't hold back, could you?" the blonde asked with wounded dignity. Monique just shrugged her shoulders.

"Don't forget your promise, Ron", Kim said while leaving. Then she paused a second and returned to the table. Bending down she gave him a quick peck on the check. "Just to make sure you keep trying." They left, waving to him a last time before they disappeared through the door.

Immediately Ron's smile faded. He looked down on his stuffed rodent friend and picked him up. "Time to go home and face the music, buddy. You think mom's still upset?" Rufus barely managed a nod. Both of them remembered the day the letter from school had arrived, telling his parents about his recent failures and his extra time in school. His mother had blown up at him immediately, while his father had sadly scolded him about it. They were still miffed about him. "You know, Rufus, sometimes I wish I had a sibling, so Mom and Dad would have to split up their attention concerning education and not always concentrate on mine." He put his friend back into his pocket.

Downcast he left the restaurant, only to bump into somebody. Ron quickly mumbled an apology and looked up, only to see two dangerously narrowed eyes focusing on him. They belonged to a gorgeous teenage girl with shoulder long brown hair, a perfect tan and shining grey-blue eyes and a curvaceous body. She was clad in a dark red miniskirt and a slightly darker tank top. The beauty was accompanied by a couple of the most popular girls from school and half of the offensive line of the Middelton Mad Dogs.

"Ah, sorry there, Bon-Bon", Ron started again apologetic, only to be awarded with a cold look, able to freeze the whole African desert within seconds.

"Get out of my way, loser", the girl snarled. "And don't call me by that name; it's for friends only, not for freaks and nerds like you. Brigg, remove this offence!"

"As you wish, Bonnie", the boy she was with said and advanced towards Ron. Seeing the hulking brute Brigg Flagg, one of the most feared bullies from school, coming his way Ron hastily retreated, only to bump into the door, thereby blocking his escape. It took only a second until Brigg had fetched him by his shirt and roughly shoved him out of the way. "Next time I won't be so gentle, so beat it, geek!" He pushed Ron hard in the chest, causing him to fall down on his butt. The group laughed.

"Learn your place, loser", Bonnie said, looking at him coldly. "And I believe summer school is a good place to start." More laughter. "Lets go, our wimp here has to go his loser ways." The group pushed past him and went into the building.

"Man, this day really sucks", Ron said rubbing his buttocks after getting up. Rufus poked his head out of his pocket and agreed. He went home only to be grounded for going out without asking during his probation time.

(X)

"Ronald Dean Stoppable", said an angry voice somewhere near his bed. The in this harsh way approached teenager cracked one of his eyes open, just to see the volcano, that once was his mom, standing in the doorway. Martha Stoppable usually was a gentle and caring mother, but right now her son was testing her patience. "There is no way that you can be on time even once in your life, isn't it. For your information, it's 8:30 in the morning. Kimberly will depart in about thirty minutes and summer school will start right after that. Now get moving." With these words she left his room. It took about 15 second until her words finally found their way into his sleepy mind. But then he got up with a start.

He jumped out of bed and right into yesterday's cloth, having no time to look for something better. Although he kept his room neat and tidy, thanks to mom's constant pressure, he could not afford to loose even one minute. A quick trip to the bathroom later he gently picked up Rufus, grabbed his schoolbag and ran downstairs. Quitting the last five steps he jumped to the first floor only to hear the familiar "Ronald, don't do that" from the kitchen. He dashed into said room to grab a bite. "Bye, Mom, gotta run!" he yelled on his way to the door.

"Ronald, wait", his father called after him. Reluctantly Ron turned around to see his middle aged father walking towards him out of his home office. On the contrary to his serious wife David Newton Stoppable had a humorous nature, but at the moment he was looking at his son with a deep frown.

"Yes?"

"You come home right after school, no trips to Bueno Nacho or the Possibles, do you understand?"

"Of course, Dad. I'll come home right after school" he said sadly. He had hoped for at least some fun, but even that little hope was crushed.

His father came over, blinked at him like he was a secret agent and pressed the key to his scooter into his hand: "You'll never make it on time, go and use the scooter. I'm going to distract Mom, so get away quickly. And give our best wishes to Kimberly." Louder he continued: "Now remember to work hard or we'll disconnect your phone AND your computer. Good bye."

Flashing his father a grateful smile Ron dashed out of the house and into the garage. He sneaked the scooter down the drive; once he reached the street he ignited the engine and quickly drove towards school.

(X)

Mr. Stoppable went to the kitchen to pull of his distraction. Upon entering he could see that his wife was angry. "You couldn't just leave him alone. You had to give him access to the scooter."

"Who, me?" he asked innocently.

"Yes, you, and don't try do deny it. I can see the drive from here, you know?"

"He needs to see Kimberly before she leaves. They are best friends and have never been separated this long. And to be honest, it hurts me to see him so downcast."

"Ron needs to learn discipline and how to work hard. His grades are even worse than yours before we met", Ms. Stoppable stated. "I wonder where he got his carelessness from?" she asked him pointedly.

Mr. Stoppable chuckled. "Good point. But I had a reason to improve and so will he. Just trust him, and after a while we'll see that everything is going to be all right." He embraced and kissed her. After a second she returned his kiss, admitting defeat.

"You always persuade me that way. I need to watch out for you, mister, I'm getting soft."

He kissed her again and they just stood there holding each other. "You know, it would have been nice to have another child. But after the miscarriage I was just too scared", Ms. Stoppable said quietly. "I would have loved to have a daughter."

"It's alright, honey. We must believe in the Lord and that everything serves a greater purpose." They continued to hold each other, but then the telephone disturbed their moment of peace. Reluctantly Mr. Stoppable led go of his wife and walked over to the phone.

"Hello, Stoppable residence, David Stoppable speaking." He listened a few seconds before answering. "Just one moment, Principal Singer, I'll turn on the speaker."

(X)

Ron raced to school and parked his scooter in one of the parking lots. He ran around the corner to the front entrance and stopped in his tracks when he got a clear view at the bus. Instead of the old school bus that normally served as transport for the squad a huge double-decker coach stood in front of the school. It was painted in dark blue with golden accents and the name "Middelton High Cheer Squad" was written in capital letters on both sides.

'Wow', Ron thought. 'Club Banana really gets a job done.' After overcoming the first surprise the blond quickly made his way towards the crowd of people busy loading the coach. He easily recognised the members of the squad because of their blue and yellow cheerleading uniforms. He greeted them and their parents, but didn't pay much attention to them, searching for a special face…

"Ron, over here!" called a familiar female voice. Ron turned to see the Drs. Possible and Kim's brothers standing with vice-principal Barkin. He quickly went over to greet them.

"Good morning, all you Possibles, good morning, Sir."

"Stoppable, you know that summer school is about to start, don't you? You better not be late for class", Barkin said to him in his usual commanding manner.

"Of course I know, Sir, just saying goodbye to KP."

Barkin nodded. "Ok, Stoppable. Oh, before I forget it, Principal Singer wants to see you in her office ASAP."

Ron gulped. "I'll go as soon as possible."

"All right, people, listen up! We got to get started, so get into the bus. Departure in five minutes!" Barkin barked, his voice drowning out all conversation. Immediately the crowd moved towards the bus.

"Ron, how are you doing?" Kim's mother asked. "We feel sorry for and that you can't travel with the team."

"Thanks, Ms. P., but I'm doing fine. And there is no one sorrier than me about this." He gave her a brave smile. "Maybe it's good for something, I might actually understand maths."

"Keep this spirit, Ronald, and you will do fine", Dr. Possible laughed.

"We're sorry for you, too", Jim and Tim, Kim's twin brothers, interfered. "But we'll visit as often as we can."

Hearing this Ron started to look around in mock alarm. "Oh no, gotta run!" Seeing his expression the twins broke down in giggles. "Thank you guys, I'll be looking forward to this", Ron said tussling their hair.

"Ron, I'm so happy you came", said a melodic voice behind him.

"I promised, didn't I? And it's not like you are going away forever", Ron said turning around. Behind him stood Kim in her cheerleader uniform; smiling one of her maddening sweet smiles.

"You better keep your promise to study hard and get better grades, or else I 'm going to kick your sorry ass all around school", the redhead said with a scowl.

"I'll study hard, I promise. No need for idle threats", Ron said laughing. He always could tell if she was seriously angry or just kidding him like now.

"Possible, get on the bus, now!" the voice of Barkin interrupted them.

Running from one person to another, Kim hugged her family and told them good bye. When she came to her best friend she pulled a small package out of her backpack and pressed it into his hands. "A little something I got from Wade for you", Kim explained, giving Rufus a friendly stroke on the head. Then she hugged Ron fiercely. "See you in three month, but I'll call as often as I can."

Ron nodded; he was too choked to speak by her hug, but finally managed a cheerful statement; at least he hoped it would sound cheerful. "Have fun, Kim. Don't worry about me; you know the Ronster will keep his spirit up."

Kim nodded at his words, but then an unknown emotion sneaked into in her eyes. She kissed him briefly on the lips, then turned and ran to the bus, waving at her parents. Ron was totally shocked by her bold move; the sound of the starting engine snapped him out of his amazement. Seeing the bus leave he began to wave, showing the happiest smile since being condemned to summer school, the feeling of her lips brushing against his was still dominating his mind.

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Second chapter done. Again I must thank my friend for proofreading, what I gladly do. Thank you, buddy! I know there's not much action in here, but I need to set the stage. I hope you stay with me; the next chapter will follow soon. And please Review!