Chapter 2: Time for research

Ron and Kim walked out of the gymnasium arm in arm to Ron's awaiting scooter. "So what did you think? It's coming on quite well huh? The pyramids are a bit old school but the crowd always love them..." Ron glanced at her and then back forward... "they look great as long as you're on top KP... on top is where you belong" 'and you don't want anyone dragging you down' he thought, despite his smooth compliment delivery, Ron didn't follow it with his usual smile or kiss, he just kept staring ahead... "aaaaw you're so sweet... how did football go anyway Mr all star running back? Did you do me proud?" she gazed at him lovingly, which made Ron brake from his trance... "It went well... the usual dodging, jumping and running..." said Ron "you're too modest ya know, I never knew you were so athletic hun... the fact that you're on the football team really gets to Bonnie you know... girls just can't resist the athletic type... me included" and Kim leaned forward and gave Ron a long lingering kiss on his cheek. Ron's chest tightened... 'athletes... strength, protection, it's what all girls want... including you' he thought to himself. "you're err... not with me for my brains then huh?" he tried to hide his angst with humour, "anyone who invents the naco is wise enough for me Mr Stoppable" and she smiled as she gripped his hand tighter. 'so you don't care about brains... guess that's one advantage for me...'.

After a quiet ride home, Ron dropped Kim back at her door. He had decided against a Bueno Nacho visit as he wasn't in the necessary state of mind. Kim climbed off the back of the scooter and slipped off her helmet, she was expecting Ron to be doing the same in preparation for coming into her house, instead he just sat and turned the engine off. "err... Ron... are you coming in? It's meatloaf night and I think Mom is expecting you to stay... and I was expecting it too" she extended her arm out and touched his shoulder. "I'm sorry KP... I have a lot of homework to do and I think I'll ice down my knees after today's session... is that ok?" Ron said all of this slowly, purposefully without looking up at Kim... after finishing he chanced a look up to see Kim standing there looking confused but she seemed happy. "Sure that's ok... I was just sorta hoping you would stay a bit longer, we didn't talk much after school today and... I missed you." 'look at her... she does love you, you don't need to change for her... we should have gone to Bueno Nacho, oh shut up stomach!' then a voice entered Ron's head 'this is high school... it's how you look to everyone else that counts' Ron looked down again, "I'm sorry KP, I have to go... I love you, see you tomorrow" He leaned forward and touched his lips to Kim's but there was little feeling in it, Kim didn't even have chance to offer anything back. "I love..." but before she could finish her most cherished statement, Ron was roaring out of the driveway.

As soon as Ron entered his house, he threw his school bag onto the floor and headed for his living room... toward his trusted couch where he had learnt so much and discovered himself on many occasions... he sat down, kicked off his sneakers and before the smell of his socks could deter him, he closed his eyes and began to evaluate his day. 'You didn't even stay and give her a proper kiss goodbye. But it was outdoors in public, and you have to remember that when people watch, they judge, judging all the time... it's about what others think, she has a reputation, she's a cheerleader, a genius... heck she's a heroine... and you... you're hungry, need snackage!' and with his thoughts reverting back to his empty stomach Ron dashed for the kitchen to grab some food. Ten minutes later, and two peanut butter sandwiches later, Ron was back at the couch, 'she likes athletes, it's what girls want so Taylor says... man he's such a jerk, you shouldn't listen to him... but then, what he said was right, athletes, hotties, protection, it's what girls need, and Kim is no different. Our relationship is stronger than ever, but would it be if I never made the Football team? Course it would... she loves me for me... but wait, its not about what she thinks... is it? Oh god, why am I so dense! Bottom line, you need to get stronger and more protective, and through sports would be perfect... cover 2 nacos with one pack of Diablo sauce... get strong, be an athlete, be an example of the perfect bf for my perfect gf. Ok... good plan... now how do I do it?... don't ask me.. maybe TV knows!' and with that Ron clicked on the TV.

The sports channels were Ron's first target, 'I need a sport that is about strength, endurance and strength... Oh wait I said that... something that is gonna build me up, and something I can show other people and make them proud, Kim proud, and keep Kim's status intact. Easy... right?' Ron scoured the various sport channels but there was little to choose from, he needed something glamorous that wouldn't take long to master and would make him tough, protective... like a girl needs, even if she is a world saving beauty. 3 hours later, and nothing. All the sports on show were either too team based, too time consuming to learn or generally pointless 'hmm fishing isn't really what I'm after here'. It was time to give up the search until tomorrow. He grabbed the TV guide and looked for something to watch while he ate his dinner. "Rocky I, an underdog story in which Sylvester Stallone plays a no hope loser from the rough streets of Philadelphia and gets a million to 1 shot at being world heavyweight boxing champion which he accepts in order to discover himself and prove his true potential (1976)" 'jeeeeze, boring! So a guy goes from a zero to hero through sport, where is the deal, I mea...' and then his brain went silent and realisation hit him. 'boxing... strength, endurance... hitting people... protection! Yeah, that would be perfect!... I'd be buff, strong, people would respect me or I'd knock them out... well, I'd look as if I could do anyway... and Kim would be so impressed, finally I could be the one who round houses foes instead of standing by watching as she does, BADICAL. Who would need MMP, I'd be naturally unstoppable Stoppable! Internet... I need to get on and find somewhere to start training! Oh actually, dinner 1st'

Ron pushed up off the sofa and headed for the main staircase when suddenly he heard "beeeep beeeep, beeeep beeeeep" it was his cell phone. He picked it up to see the display lit with "new message received, Kim" he moved his thumb to the read logo and the message came up, "Hope u r ok Ron, u seemed 'off' b4, hope everything is cool. Plz tell me if not. Miss and Love u, c u 2morro. Kim xx" Ron suddenly remembered his swift exit he made from his lover's side earlier, and his heart fell to his heels. He hit reply, "I'm sorry about b4 KP, but everything is fine, can't w8 2 c u 2morro, luv you too, gdnight. Ron xxx" he hit send and walked slowly over to the window and looked out into the night sky, 'It's time to make the change KP, for you, for us. I can do this, and I will' he reached out and touched the cold glass before bringing his hand back toward his face and clenching it into a tight fist.