Part III

The alarm went off though Ron was already awake. Clicking it off, he was dressed and on the road jogging with in minutes. Five miles later Ron was in the kitchen drinking breakfast. Half an hour later he was showered and on his way to work. Eight hours later Ron was back in his car headed to get coffee with his girlfriend. One black coffee later they were headed to the theater. After one hundred and twenty six minutes of boredom a car ride back home ensued. Two hours later Ron was showering as the cab took his guest home. And then came the terrifying part. The couple hours it took to fall asleep. Quickly after his road trip had gone sour Ron decided it was easiest to bury himself into routine. He had done just that and more, with two calendars on his wall. One for what he would do every day and one with stuff he could do in case he had free time. Every other Sunday ' update calendar' was written down. Sadly try as he might, the gap between the days events and his slumber left plenty of free time. And it was then ,with no other distractions, that he felt 'her'. The bond which he had inflicted over six months ago remained, just as strong. Only now it was harder to deal with. Not having any clue what 'she' was doing or where 'she' was. It was just random feelings hitting him at anytime. Sometimes comfort, and sometimes sorrow. To 'her' credit Ron noticed far less intensity in the emotions. But how they did nag at him. From that night they separated onward Ron had truly felt like he had lost a part of himself.

The alarm went off though Ron was already awake. Clicking it off, he was dressed and on the road jogging within minutes. Five miles later Ron was in the kitchen drinking breakfast. Half hour later he was showered and on his way to work. That is until a ghostly figure appeared in the road. Swerving to avoid hitting the phantom, Ron drove his car off the road narrowly avoiding a tree. It took a little extra effort to force the snow free from the car door but eventually Ron did so and got out. He looked around but his phantom was no where in sight.

" Stoppable son!" Ron jumped and spun around. It was the ghost image of Sensei. ' Of course.' He thought.

" That was pretty bad timing o' wise one. " Ron could feel from countless miles away concern coming from the Green Lady. Of course she had to have felt his shock. " So, what's the occasion? " The phantom stayed expressionless as usual.

" It's time for you to return to the Yamanouchi Ninja School . " And with a smile Sensei vanished.

" Yeah KP my plane leaves in like thirty minutes so I gotta go. " Ron was at the airport rifling through his pockets as he talked to his girlfriend.

" This is all so sudden, what about work? " Kim had been throwing curve balls at Ron all morning in an attempt to stop him or at least make him slow down. However Stoppable son had relented with his quest and just like before dismissed her.

" Listen Kim, you take care of yourself. And if you go on a mission don't be afraid to call me. I'll let you know when I land. " Ron did one last check for Rufus, which always left him disappointed.

" Ron." Kim waited for him to look up at her. " I love you. " A glaze flashed across Ron's eyes.

" I love you too KP. " Ron looked up as his gate was announced. " I gotta go. Remember, be careful. " And with that he was gone. Kim limply dropped her communicator onto the bed. ' When did it get like this? ' She thought to herself. There was a time when any talk with Ron would put her in better spirits. But now it seemed to be the opposite. It was like talking to a wall. The only response Kim could expect from Ron anymore was a disinterested understanding of what she was saying. Granted if she needed something he tended to it. Ron spent time with her, and still went out of his way for her. But the feeling like he wasn't there nagged at her. Kim thought back to when it started, it was right after his road trip.

Kim had to sneak into the hospital to avoid the press. Of course someone had to tip them off. It took her little difficulty to navigate the hallways and after ten minutes she found the back way to the nurses station.

" Excuse me. " She waited for the nurse behind the desk to notice her. " Excuse me." Kim said again growing impatient.

" Yes can I help you?" The nurse said with an aggravated tone. Kim pressed on.

" I'm trying to find Ron Stoppable. " The nurse stopped what she was doing.

" Honey, you are gonna have to step out with the rest of the fan club. " After saying this she went back to her work.

" Excuse me. " Kim repeated her new catch phrase this time with an emphasis on the 'me' part. Finally the nurse looked up and the recognition was instant.

" Ms. Possible! " Flustered the nurse struggled to get out of her seat. Once she was up however she wasn't sure what to do with herself. Kim spared her the embarrassment.

" Please just let me know where Ron Stoppable is. " Kim just looked at the nurse who was staring back dumbfounded. Kim glanced at the computer and than back up. The nurse caught on and with a nervous giggle started punching at her keyboard.

" He's down the hallway second door on the right. How have you been dear? " Kim sidestepped the question and with a simple 'thanks' excused herself. As she walked towards Ron's room she couldn't help but be annoyed at the lighting. Prolonged exposure to hospital lighting always gave her a headache. As Kim approached the door she could hear voices. She couldn't help but eavesdrop if only a little.

" Mr. Stoppable are you sure? "

" Yeah yeah. It was all a big miss understanding. " Upon hearing her love's voice her heart jumped a little. With a light knock she interrupted. The officer that Kim saw looked up, recognizing her instantly.

" Oh Ms. Possible, I was uh just leaving. " He nodded towards Ron and slid by Kim out the door. The reunion hadn't gone the way Kim had thought it would. First off Ron wasn't looking at her, he was looking out the window. And then of course there was the fact that he didn't even acknowledge her.

" Ron?" Kim called out weakly. She shut the door behind her and took the empty seat next to his bed. " Ron, are you okay? " Kim took his hand and held it in hers. " Ron talk to me. " She wasn't expecting the pained expression she saw when he turned around. Kim couldn't help herself and pulled him into an embrace. " Ron what's wrong? " Reluctantly she let go as he gently pushed her.

" I fucked up KP. I fucked up and I'm sorry. " Ron turned his head to look out the window again. A million thoughts started racing through Kim's mind. She was relieved he was okay but didn't know what she had missed. " What happened? Why are you here? I heard something about Shego attacking you. " Ron took in a deep breath and let it out. Without looking away from the window he started to talk.

" I was with Shego. I didn't ditch her that was a lie." Kim retracted from Ron's confession.

" Why did you lie? " Her tone matching her sudden anger.

" Because when you called we were in bed together. " A long second passed before it registered; Kim jumped up.

" Very funny Ron. " She waited for a response but got silence in return. Thoughts began to race through Kim's head. " You slept with her!" Ron spun around and looked at her.

" No no, I was trying to fix the connection thing and it ...well .. it just ended up in us laying next to each. Clothes on and all. I just , it was weird and you put me on the spot so I lied. "

" And." Kim glared at Ron.

" And...well and she kissed me but that was later,but that's all Kim. I mean we talked a lot but., look I'm sidetracking here. " As Ron floundered for words Kim tapped her foot on the floor. Ron settled down enough to put his words together.

" I lied to you and I betrayed you and I'm sorry. Nothing beyond what I told you happened. I'm sorry." Upon hearing Ron's confessions Kim could feel the pain in her chest. Picturing Shego and Ron didn't help either and within seconds she was fuming.

" Ronald Stoppable you piece of shit! " Whatever was within Kim's reach came flying at Ron. He didn't even flinch as she bombarded him with medical supplies, his guilt forcing him to take whatever punishment she dealt out. As soon as Kim was out of stuff to throw she dove into Ron's chest beating it as she did so.

" Damn you! Damn you!" Kim sobbed each 'damn you' accompanied with a punch. After a few minutes her fist began to grow sore so she switched to her elbows. After another few minutes of turning Ron's chest into jelly she calmed down enough to look at him. Tears still flowed from his eyes and he turned his head to avoid eye contact. Kim grabbed his jaw and turned his face towards her. " You look at me! " The couple made eye contact and everything started catching up to them. Kim noticed her knuckles were bleeding and though Ron wouldn't admit it his chest felt like it was on fire.

" So?" Kim's icy tone and fragile demeanor shocked Ron. It took him a minute to respond.

" So...what? "

" So what about me? Did you even think about me? What about us? Are you running off now with that, that whore? " Kim spat. Ron looked back at her surprised. He thought she was the one that left him.

" No I'm not running anywhere. It's not like I was out to leave you! I just...well I just got in over my head I guess. " As Ron said the last part he gestured towards the hospital room. Kim looked at him wearily. Putting distance between them Kim said " Tell me about it. "

And so Ron started at the first lie and went from there. He got a little vague from time to time which Kim had noticed but she remained silent letting him finish his story.

" In the end even Rufus abandoned me. I just, I'm so sorry. " Ron went back to staring out the window. Kim squeezed her eyes shut as tight as she could. Without opening them she spoke.

" Ron. Do you love me? " Ron looked taken back at the question.

" Well yeah of course. "

" And do.." Kim was struggling to speak " do you love her?" The pleading look in her eyes told Ron what she was hoping to hear. Under any other circumstances it would have been an unusual question. But Kim could tell something was different just by the way Ron was referring to her. The two of them had clearly bonded on some level.

" No Kim I don't. But.."

" But.." She cut him off.

" But " he continued " I feel something. I've wrestled with it and I honestly can't tell you what it is. I know, that I don't love that women, and I know I don't feel for her like I do you. But I also know that I was sad when I woke up to find her gone. " The word's cut through Kim's heart. Had Ron not looked so pathetic she might have lashed out again. But Kim could see that no physical beating could compare to how much he was mentally beating himself up. With intense mental coaching and preparing herself Kim opened her mouth.

" I've got to get a soda. "

Over the next couple weeks Ron had conformed his life to Kim's. He got an apartment and a job where she would first attend college. In fact he bent over backwards to adhere to her life and it was Kim who had to remind him of what he wanted to do. From the little things like decorating his apartment, to luncheons at Bueno Nacho. All of it was through Kim and it was only at her insistence that they did anything she thought Ron would want to do. After a month it grew tiresome and Kim decided to give Ron some space. It was than that the distance started to really grow. His life had become an open book, predictable to a 't'. Which wasn't Ron. He called every night at exactly five unless they were going out. Which was also predictable; a show of some kind and than a romantic dinner out on the town or at his apartment.

Looking around her dorm room Kim let out a large sigh. " My boyfriend is a robot. " She said to no one. In truth the trip to Japan made her feel a little better. It was ,after all, the first thing Ron had done without consulting her in months. And yet she was still all too eager to stop him. ' Why was I trying to stop him? ' Kim thought. After taking a shower and getting dressed up Kim decided to use her time off to do some shopping. After all it was a girl's best therapy.

Shego shut the cab door behind her and it drove off leaving her standing in front of the large mansion. Gathering her courage, she approached the gates. The man at the gate greeted her without a word and let her pass. ' He's been expecting me. ' It took her another two minutes to make it up the front driveway and to the great double doors that was the entrance. Before Shego could knock the doors opened to reveal a butler. Without a word he escorted her through the luxurious house and to the dining room. Sitting at the end of the table sat Drew Lipsky, indulging in what appeared to be lunch.

" I like the place. It's...cozy?" Shego said as she looked around. Drakken put his utensils down and looked up at her.

" Hello Shego. I don't suppose you came back to apologize. " Drakken's tone was unreadable.

" My therapist told me I had to pay you a visit." Shego smiled at him, coldly.

" Always with the jokes. That's all you have. You break my heart and than come back just to laugh in my face! " Drakken leaned forward in his seat as his rage built up. Shego was going to correct him about the therapist but was too proud to. Instead she took a deep breath in and pulled out a sheet of paper. Quickly she began to read.

" Drew, for the past several years of my life you have taken great care of me. " As Shego started to read Drakken sat back, stunned. " Whenever I needed anything you were there. And although I was quick to make threats you took it all in stride. As an employer I couldn't ask for better and for that I thank you. "

" Please Shego I..." Embarrassment draped over Drakken's face.

" It came to little surprise " Shego continued " that our relationship would evolve into what it had. " She paused as if skipping lines looking for a good part to pick up. " Drew, I'm sorry that things ended the way they did. I come back here today to tell you properly that I'm not interested in a relationship like that. And I hope that you'll find it in your heart to forgive me." Shego finished her speech and looked upon a speechless Drakken. His daze wore off quickly however and he jumped up holding his arms out.

"Shego I couldn't stay mad at you! " Wide eyed Shego stepped back even though they were over fifteen feet apart.

" Slow down there tiger! First off I just came to apologize, not make up. And secondly you need to cut the crap! I've been attacked by synthodrones three times now. " Shego held up three fingers for emphasis. In an agitated manner Drakken started tapping his fingers together.

" Well maybe I did go a little overboard with the drones. But dammit Shego I missed you! " Drakken started walking towards her. Every nerve in Shego's body told her to attack but Dr. Tash told her this would be difficult. Drakken might as well have hugged a board with Shego's stiff demeanor. It was when Drakken tried to sneak in a kiss that she stiff armed him. A pained expression crossed his face.

" Et tu Shego. " Drakken pleaded. Shego rolled her eyes at Drakken's dramatics, trying to come up with a way to end things peacefully.

" Drew, I don't look at you like that. You're more like a father to me." Shego smiled a sad smile. The middle aged man frowned and turned his back on her.

" I'm sorry you feel that way. " Drakken said sullenly. An audible click came from his pocket and the room filled with a gang of synthodrones. " But mark my words you will be mine. "

" Thank you Drew. " Shego said crouching down getting ready for combat.

" Oh, what for? " Drakken cocked his head as he asked.

" I was trying to come up with a way to put the fear back in you without breaking the rules. "

" Rules what rules? Well that isn't fair no one told me about any rules!" His complaint fell on deaf ears however for Shego had already engaged the first drone. Sending a bare fist through it's chest it imploded on itself in goo. Another drone came in for the attack with a kick chest high but Shego ducked and drove her hand into its groan piercing that one as well. Drakken paled as he watched. The combat was getting more intense however as several more drones came at her and soon Shego was forced to retreat if only by ten feet.

" Give it up Shego, I know what you can do and I made these drones resistant to your powers. " Drakken said with a sigh.

" Let's test that theory. " Shego said with a twinkle in her eye.

" It's not a the..." Drakken lost his voice as cyan flames erupted from Shego's hands. Shego took one long step forward and brought her hands together in a clap. The result was a wave of cyan energy that shot out in a crescent cutting the remaining drones in half. That part Shego expected. What she didn't expect was the arc continuing to everything else in the room. Luckily Drakken had assumed his usual fighting stance and was curled up safely on the floor, under the attack. But the walls weren't so fortunate and the room started to crumble down. Shego yanked Drakken with a firm grasp on his collar and jumped out of the room right before it all came down.

As the dust settled Drakken looked around for his attacker. Shego however was no where to be found. His butler sprung up around the corner.

" Are you alright sir? "

" No you buffoon! Get me the police! Wait! I have a better idea. "

Shego could hear the maniacal laughter outside the compound.

Kim felt the sunlight spill across her shoulders through the mall skylight. It was ,in her opinion, one of those great little pleasures in life. The usual crowd assembled around her, not wanting to encroach Kim's personal bubble. ' Drama .' Kim thought to herself as she reflected back on the paparazzi who scared her. It was unfortunate that she broke his nose, but the lawyer she got in exchange for a favor cleared it all up. ' Defending myself from impending doom. ' Kim smirked. She entered Club Banana and started her usual browsing. Looking around she let out a slow sigh. It saddened Kim to not see her friend Monique working behind the counter. But Kim had moved on from that life and was starting a new chapter. Although she had to admit the chapter had started on a down note. No matter how much she tried to distract herself she always fell back onto thoughts of Ron.

It was the summer after graduation with Kim and Ron in the Stoppable garage playing darts.

" Booyah! The Ron man scores! " Ron exclaimed after scoring three triple twenties in a row. Rufus jumped up to high five him. The pattern had started to wear on Kim as they went into their third straight game with Ron shutting her out. " Face it KP! You have been outclassed by capital 'R' with an 'on'. " Kim started to grind her teeth at his dumb theatrics. But it wasn't until she completely missed the board that she lost it.

" You're cheating! " Kim accused. Ron dropped his smile and changed his expression back to the helpless loser.

" Come on Kim, maybe I really have just gotten better." Ron shrugged as he said this.

" Or it could be that your mystic monkey man crap makes you super human. " Kim shot back. Ron could tell she was starting to get more angry at herself for getting sore. " Whatev, it's not fair playing darts with a super hero. "

" Well thats been my line for years now. " Ron said gently as he smiled back. Kim looked at him and couldn't help it. She just felt silly.

" Okay, new game. I start. " Kim said throwing a dart. Ron caught it mid air as easily as if it were a side thought and stepped up to Kim. Her prior agitation resurfaced.

" Wh..." Ron interrupted her with a kiss.

" You wouldn't have liked that throw. " Ron moved down to nuzzle her neck. His breath sent out promises of warmth and comfort. Not enough however and after Kim tripped Ron back she threw her second dart at the board. The dart in Ron's hand shot upward and into the ceiling and Kim's connected on the twenty right below the triple. ' I could have sworn I had that. ' She thought to herself. Ron jumped up with a chuckle and started for the door.

" You want anything to drink? " He looked at Kim expectantly.

" No I'm fine. " Kim said more focused on getting her dart back. She couldn't help but notice ,as she pulled the dart out, that the tail feathers were now torn. Kim jumped up to grab her other dart from the ceiling and immediately noticed the tail feather threads entwined around the dart tip.

" How? " Kim paused lost in thought. " Ron whats happening to you? " She said covering herself with her arms.

' Why couldn't I handle it? ' Kim thought to herself. She often had similar flashbacks and it always played out the same. Ron would exhibit some new ability or skill and Kim would get sour about it. She had come to the conclusion however that change can take time for people to adjust to and even her ,The Mighty Kim Possible, could be subject to said time and adjustment.

" Kim you there? " Kim pulled out her communicator to see Wade.

" Yeah Wade? " Kim asked. Wade looked a bit taken back.

" What happened to ' What's the sitch?' " Wade smiled. Kim rubbed her temples in slight frustration. Although Wade was a teen genius she had to remind herself that he couldn't read people for squat. To his credit, Wade caught on the second time around.

" The website just got an unusual hit. " Wade looked at Kim expectantly.

" Just spill already Wade. " Kim's agitation was growing.

" It's Drakken Kim, he says he was attacked and had some things stolen. " Surprise mixed in with Kim's agitation.

" Okay Wade, what's the sitch?" Wade picked back up and started a debriefing.

" Shego. She was last spotted downtown, I'm sending you the coordinates now. You'll have a ride out front within half an hour. "

" Got it, I'll call you later. " Kim started to end the transmission.

" Kim wait! Do you want me to call Ron? I mean it is Shego after all. " Kim's eyes widened in response.

" No don't let Ron hear a peep about this. Got it? " Kim said sternly. Taken back a bit Wade just nodded and then ended the transmission.

Two hours later Kim was standing over the DZ strapping on her chute.

" Thanks for the ride. " She said without looking at the pilot.

" It's the least I could do aft.." He didn't get to finish for Kim had already jumped. ' Peace' Kim thought to herself as she started her decent. This was yet another one of Kim Possible's great little pleasures. The wind knocked away all sense of hearing , gravity screaming to retake her body and eventually it would but not now. Now Kim was free of all feeling and sensation but one. She closed her eyes and drifted, opening herself a hundred fold to the joy that is free fall. It was the only thing in her life that she had no control over and was comfortable with. But all good things must end and upon entering the desired altitude she pulled her chute. Still the gentle glide down was part of the experience, a cool down period from that dramatic flight. And as Kim touched down on the ground she couldn't help but feel regret, she always did. Like leaving the sky was akin to a small child leaving Disney Land.

" Wade, I'm a block away. Are you sure this is where Shego is? " Kim was talking into her communicator. Wade tapped away at his keyboard, his computer screen flashing.

" Yeah Kim I'm sure. I know it sounds weird but Shego has utilities and all in her name there. " Wade responded, he looked like he was about to continue but Kim interrupted.

" Thanks. " Kim turned off the communicator reflecting on her treatment towards Wade. Perhaps it was a little short, after all there was neither a 'please' nor a 'thankyou' anywhere in their last several conversations. ' I'll send him a gift basket later.' Kim joked to herself.

" How about this? " Shego asked expectantly holding the black ensemble in front of her.

" Nuhu. " Rufus said shaking his head. Shego let out a sigh and tossed the clothes into a large pile of rejects. She had to admit finding something that went well with her body shape, hair color, skin color, and eyes was nearly impossible. What's worse was that the little rat had an even higher standard than she did. With a little more fumbling around Shego stepped out in a light green tank top with black pants. ' Black and green, the colors of my life.' Rufus jumped up and gave her a thumbs up.

" I don't know, it makes you look kinda frumpy. " Shego spun around to personally witness her would be tormentor. It came as quite a surprise to see none other than Kim Possible. Shego's prior shock dropped as she in turn picked up her sarcastic persona.

" Kimmie. Come for some girl talk? " Shego's mind had already put together the pieces. And as much as she would like to beat down her old nemesis, she liked her little apartment. Besides she had another month on the lease.

" Shut up Shego, just hand over the gizmodo thing and give up. " Kim was surprised with her sudden anger. Granted it was the sight of Shego that caused it and Kim had an idea of why.

" Look Kimmie, you're being played. " Despite Shego's protest against the conflict Kim jumped at her. Shego jumped out of the way, landing with a roll. Rufus interrupted the fight jumping up to Kim with a hug. " Kim!" he exclaimed. Kim gave Rufus a smiling glance and stuffed him in her pocket. As she looked back up Shego was retreating through a window.

" Coward! " Kim shrieked as she ran after the Green Lady.

" I just don't want you breaking my stuff. " Shego said while jumping from the ledge. She performed a graceful swan dive , and rolled onto the roof of the building adjacent to her apartment. Kim jumped out the window but used her grappling hook instead. A well aimed swing with her feet ,directed at Shego, met nothing but air. Shego turned around to face Kim after her little dodging maneuver.

" Kim, you need to cool down. As much as I would love to beat your ass, I can't do it. " Shego said pretending to be distracted by her nails. Kim squinted as if she was trying to look through Shego's scheme.

" You think you're better than me? " Kim retorted. It creeped Shego out a bit.

" Maybe you should see my therapist, he did wonders for me. " Shego smirked back.

" Like anyone would want to listen to you. You're a goddamn mess! " Kim said waving her hand in Shego's general direction. ' Why does everyone think I'm joking about the therapy? Was I that bad? Wait what did she say about me being a mess ? ' Shego thought.

" Well Ron listened, all night. " The words came out too quickly. Shego didn't rightly care for Kim's feelings. But Ron had become somewhat important to her and the thought of causing Ron any grief bothered her.

" Don't you dare talk about him! " Kim was beyond angry as she said this, her words hardly coming out as understandable. Of course this just egged Shego on.

" In fact, sometimes I listened two or three times before he even listened once!" Shego said dismissing months of therapy and self control. Everything was too rich, how could she not indulge? Shego had never seen Kim react that fast. The grappling hook shot at her first, easily dodged. But the free flying hair dryer that shot out the hook was unexpected and clocked her on the nose. The blow was mildly agitating if anything but that's all Kim wanted. With precious little time to close the gap she did a running slide onto the ground sweeping Shego's feet out as she did so. Shego caught herself in a handstand position but Kim had an axe kick come down on her tailbone which in turn slammed Shego's face into the rocky rooftop. Dazed, Shego tried to roll away. But there was Kim one step ahead again. It had come down to a gritty looking street brawl as Kim sat on top of Shego's chest while abusing her face.

" ENOUGH! " A blast erupted from Shego's body knocking Kim up and away. After a rough and tumble recovery period Kim ended up on her feet. She looked up to see Shego; cyan flames and all. All fight left Kim's body as she saw 'her' Ron's colors in Shego's once lifeless flames. It was an affront on a personal level, a reminder of what once happened and still is. Kim hated those flames so much she couldn't describe it. Like a bastard child being born into the world as living proof and a reminder of a husband's infidelity. Between her newly acquired control ,and seeing Kim's face, Shego hesitated. ' What is up with that look? Did my top burn off? ' Shego checked herself out quickly. Upon noticing her flames ,which to her had become natural, everything fell into place. Going against her evil self's wishes, Shego extinguished her flames. As far as she could tell Kim was done.

" Search through my apartment for ' stolen goods' " Shego snorted "if you want, I don't care. Drakken played you Kim. And don't forget Rufus' stuff, he'll show you where it is." And with that the Green Lady jumped off the building and dissapeared.

Kim had been walking the streets for hours, no regard for where she was or where she was going. After searching Shego's apartment ,and breaking a few choice items, Kim had discovered not a damn thing. And why would she? If Shego had stolen anything it would have been money. The combined assault of her crumbling relationship and her failings as a teen hero pushed Kim down to a new low. Without any regard for the packing Rufus she walked out the door dragging her feet. When Kim got on the street she was assaulted with another painful memory.

" So Kim I was thinking and all. " Ron broke the silence that had settled in on the young couple. They were on a grassy hill in the park watching the emerging stars as the last cries of daylight rang out. " I was thinking about what our future held for us and all. " Kim smiled, her gaze still on the stars. " Kim I was thinking..what if.. after my training that is.. I went out to be a hero, I mean my own crime fighting force. " Kim couldn't help but giggle at Ron's choice of words. " Well you know then you could have more time with school and I'd be able to do something with my life. " Kim looked down to meet Ron's expectant gaze. She grabbed his hand and held it firmly.

" Things are perfect just the way they are Ron. " Kim stated. Ron looked more disappointed than she thought he would. " You're still the Monkey Man Ron. " Ron tilted his head as if to interject but he didn't. " Now Team Possible is stronger than ever." Kim squeezed his hand as she said 'stronger'. Things went quiet again, the crickets took it as a cue to chime in.

" I'm gonna do something with my life you know. I've been given a lot of gifts and I'm not going to waste them. " Ron said with determination. Again Kim giggled. Ron looked up and asked " What's so funny?" Kim let go of his hand and messed up his hair.

" I just think you're cute when you're determined. " Kim said going back to looking at the stars. " You ever think about how insignificant we are Ron? " Ron rolled away upset.

" Yeah KP been there done that. Remember sophomore year? I tried having the same conversation and you blew it off. " He said looking away from her.

" Captain Constellation is hardly a deep conversation Ron. " Kim said. Ron rolled back over so he could look at her.

" Well if you had heard me out that's what I was getting at. The insignificance and all. " His voice became soft near the end of the sentence. Kim locked eyes with Ron, her voice filled with emotion she spoke.

" I admire you Ron Stoppable. I wish I could be half as care free as you are. " Ron stayed frozen as Kim leaned in to kiss him. " You're the missing piece to the puzzle that is me. " Ron looked around frantically shaking his head.

" That's what I'm trying to tell you Kim! I'm changing, I'm growing. I have been. And one day you'll see. When you look at me you'll see Ron Stoppable the man. "

" You're adorable. " Ron started to protest but Kim tackled him sending them rolling down the hill as one. Ron ended up on top. " You feel manly now? " Kim said half mocking half seductive. Ron bent down and kissed her.

The memories flooding Kim made her heart ache. ' This isn't fair! Why couldn't things just stay the same?' It was no longer deniable. Ron was gone. Kim wasn't sure when or how, she just knew that Ron was gone and would never be back. Not the Ron she knew anyway. The Ron she loved. ' How could I be so stupid? How couldn't I see what went wrong. Where did it go wrong? '

Ron got off the bed and quickly started putting his clothes back on. Kim was confused. " What did I say? " She asked pleadingly. Ron ignored her and continued to dress, now putting on his shoes. Kim wrapped the sheet around her and got up to follow him out of the room. " Ron wait. " No response. " Ron please. Please don't go. " He hesitated at the door, his shirt still in his hand. " Ron please just talk to me. "

" Kim. " Ron paused choosing his words. " Do you realize how you talk to me? "

" What do you mean? " Kim stammered. As she waited for a response sirens could be heard in the background. Their contribution to the mood didn't help. " Ron what are you talking about? "

" That's the problem Kim. I can't talk about anything and have you take it seriously. " Ron still faced the door. " Every time I try to talk about 'my' future and 'my' plans you either go on autopilot or laugh at me."

" Well come on Ron every day it's something new! I mean one day you're gonna hone your skills and be a Master Monkey Man and the next day you're gonna work for Bueno Nacho corporate! How can I take anything you say seriously? " Kim didn't mean to sound so harsh. Surprisingly Ron turned around.

" That's cause I don't know what I'm doing Kim! How am I ever going to come up with anything grand enough to proudly stand next to Kim Possible!" Silent tears flowed down Ron's face as he talked.

" We've been over this Ron " Kim started retreating towards her room, the imminent danger of his angry departure all but gone. " Being you is more than enough. After all you're the one who doesn't care what other people think. " Ron stepped back in her room, taking an aggressive stance as he did so.

" I don't Kim. I couldn't care less. But I care about what you think. And I can tell how little you think of me! " Kim pulled back, her expression laced with pain.

" Ronald Stoppable you are the world to me! " Kim turned her back to him and started to get dressed.

" No Kim, I'm just a piece of a puzzle that is Kim Possible. "

" Oh Ron don't be such a drama king! " Kim waited for a response. She didn't get one. After a quick look around she noticed Ron was gone. Loneliness encroached itself upon Kim. " Jerk. "

' That was two days before his road trip.' Kim thought. Sure they had made up, but it would never be the same. Kim looked up and noticed she had walked to the pier. ' I was down town wasn't I?' As she continued on the boardwalk she looked up to look out at the water. There was no other breeze in the world compared to sea breeze. It lifted her spirits if only a little. Kim stuck around for a couple of hours, absently watching the horizon and occasionally glancing over at a street performer. ' I want it all back. '

" Booyah! " Startled by the voice Kim jumped. She turned around and saw the entrance to an arcade. As if driven by an unseen force Kim walked into the gaming area. When she walked in she looked around for the source of the voice. The only occupant in there was a young man with dirty blonde hair. Kim's hopes sunk a little. The mysterious man didn't seem to notice her as he jumped up with a fist pump. " I don't expect you to talk small alien space craft. I expect you to die. " The mystery man let out a phony evil laugh. Kim couldn't help herself, she had to smile.

" Hey." Kim said approaching the man. At first he ignored her, more intent on the screen. But than he caught her reflection in the black screen. He promptly turned around and gave a nervous smile.

" Hey! " He said a little too loud. " Do you need change? " He risked a quick glance up and down to check Kim out.

" No, I just. " ' What am I doing' " I thought you were someone else. I'm sorry. " Kim started to leave but the young man slid in front of her, almost tripping himself as he did so.

" Well I was about to close up shop anyway. You new? I haven't seen your face around here? " Kim was taken back, someone who didn't know who she was. " I'm Timothy by the way, you can call me Tim. " Kim looked down deftly at his extended hand. When she didn't reach for it right away Tim asked " Was it something I said? " Kim snatched his hand and shook it.

" No no I'm just...I'm out of it. I haven't eaten or anything. " Kim said back quickly.

" Well that's perfect Mrs..."

" It's Kim. Just Kim. "

" That's great, I mean about you being hungry and all cause I was just planning on heading over to the Burger Barn. Care to join me? " Tim's expression was one of pure innocence. With a weak smile Kim nodded her head and the two headed back onto the pier walking away together.

Authors Note* First, thanks for the positive and negative feedback, I appreciate the input. A special thanks goes out to Joe Stoppinghem, I hope I don't disappoint. Some of you might have noticed that this chapter is shorter compared to it's counter parts. The truth is I had a set start and finish point with a vague idea of how I would get there. I got there faster than I thought. The next chapter is already longer so I hope that will make up for this one. Again comments and criticism is always welcome in either form of review or pm. And as usual this story is dedicated to the many authors in the fanfiction world.