Disclaimer Kim Possible, and all other related characters and material is the property of Dave Shooley and Disney Entertainment. I do not own them, nor do I claim such false ownership, no copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 2: Tea with a Friend
By: Ansa
The small digital clock that sat up upon Ron's new room table was well into double digits, and he still found himself up and on the Ronunicator. Although it was night here, back at home it was bright and early in the morning…yesterday. No matter how much it bothered him, he wouldn't even try to wrap his mind around that, at least not yet. On the other end of the communication line his mother was saying her last goodnights, her eyes red and swollen from last night's crying over her "little boy." It had taken almost ten minutes to convince her that he was fine long enough for her to allow herself to hang up the phone and let him finish his evening. Already his mole rat companion had fallen asleep, still curled up in a small ball on his pillow resting on his already inflated mattress. Looking over he was thinking at just how nice that looked, and how if he was ever going to get up in the morning he had to be getting to bed.
BEEP BEEP BEEP
Ron hung his head, frustrated and disappointed in his delayed night's sleep. He appreciated the attention and support he was getting, he really did, he just needed some sleep as well if he was going to make the 5 a.m. wake-up.
"Ron Stoppable, Ninja in trainging speaking."
"Hey Ron, how's Japan?" Wade smiled from behind his desk as usual, the room around him full of monitors and computer wire. It was early so a plate of half eaten toast and a glass of orange juice accompanied him, carefully placed next to him, yet not near any of his delicate equipment.
"Hey Wade, it's ok just not home you know?"
"Yeah well I figured, it IS on the other side of the world, you can't get any further."
"…yeah."
"Oops, sorry bout that." Wade sunk slightly in his seat, even super-geniuses tend to say the wrong things sometimes.
"It's ok."
"So how's Yori, she's still there right?"
"She's going to be my tutor for a while actually."
"You're going to learn Japanese?"
"Yeah well you know what they say, when in Rome…or in this case I guess that would be Japan."
An uncomfortable silence continued, both could tell that the forced small talk was over and wasn't really going anywhere anyways. Ron and Wade were always friends, but not really too close. Even though he knew Wade felt obligated to do so, Ron appreciated the call; it made him feel that they might actually be able to have been good friends if given the time.
"So…has Kim called yet?"
The question caught Ron by surprise, first because of its subject and secondly because it actually had some context to it, it showed concern, interest…it wasn't just small talk.
"W-well, no actually. I mean, she's got her own things right? I'm sure she just got busy." Ron knew this wasn't true. As busy as Kim gets, she always made sure she had time for those she cares about. Her not calling spoke more than any words from her could ever say.
"…Ron, you have to understand how hard this is for her."
"Yeah, I know but this isn't exactly easy on me either." Ron stood up, easing his arm to his side forgetting that he was talking via video connection and paced around the room. "I mean, I left everything I had back home to come here, including her. That wasn't an easy decision to make, even if it was my personal future at stake."
"Just give her some time…you know she doesn't mean anything by it, she'll come around."
"…you really think so? You sure she doesn't hate me?"
"Kim doesn't really hate anyone."
"What about Bonnie?"
"Oh…right. Well, she doesn't hate anyone else, you know that."
"Yeah…but, I did desert her to go half-way across the planet."
"No…you left to go half-way across the planet to pursue your own life." Wade smiled, which confused Ron, this wasn't exactly the kind of conversation one smiles during. "You made a tough decision, but ultimately it was made based off what you wanted out of life. You had to go, and it would have been wrong for Kim, or anyone else to ask you to do otherwise." Wade paused for a moment, not exactly sure how to continue. Like Ron he knew that there was a considerable gap in friendship between them. Despite this, he did feel a connection with Ron. All those years spent together, seeing him grow and develop in skill both mental and physical, what little progress there was, he came to admire his strength and persistence.
"And…I've got to admit, I'm…proud of what you are doing."
"Ok, Wade, you're like my age. What's up with the old person talk?"
"Well, you knew what you wanted and you went for it, no matter what it meant for your normal life. You uprooted yourself and moved all the way to Japan for the sake of your own future."
"You…really think so? You really think what I did was that great?"
"Well…it's certainly not something I could have done."
"Yeah well you wouldn't need to you're a super-genius after all."
"Exactly, but you aren't."
"Okay, ow!"
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. What I meant was, I can afford to do whatever I want cause I'm a super-genius. You, on the other hand don't have that luxury but you still managed to do it."
Ron smiled, a bit of a weight and awkwardness lifted off of his shoulders, easing the tension in the conversation. For someone like Wade to be saying such things meant a lot, a whole lot. It was hard enough without having to admit that he appreciated the comment, but it had to be said. What Wade gave him was that extra push to full accept his decision for what it was, and no longer worry if he had made the right choice. In the back of his mind the lack of contact from Kim still concerned him, but he would understand if she could not bring herself to call him tonight.
"Thanks Wade…"
"No problem. I'm sure it's late there, so I'll let you go."
"Ok, and hey…don't be afraid to call you know?"
"…You got it."
Ron smiled and clicked off the communicator, setting it aside on the bookshelf that sat low to the ground for better access when sitting. Turning his head in curiosity Ron continued to hear this strange sound that he first noticed earlier that night. Only now did he come back to it because the rest of the night had been interrupted by talking with friends and family. Standing up he first felt a little disoriented, watching as everything in the room, built at a lower level, shrank as he lifted himself up on his feet and eased himself to the sliding paper door.
Outside the night smelled nothing like it did at home, the air crisp and cold. Looking up he saw there was not a cloud in the sky, the only thing obstructing view of the sky would be the mountains, which held their own beauty. The stars and move above him were brighter than he had ever seen them, and that alluring sound had now become deafening. The sound was somewhat familiar to him, most likely from previous visits, but from the time passed he had forgotten them and their serenade.
Ron stepped further into the night and onto the porch, his ears fully open and accepting the sound as he leaned up against an old wooden pillar. If he wasn't so sure it wasn't he would have said it was crickets, but crickets don't sound like this. The sound a cricket makes is a sweeter, more pleasant sound but this…this was sharper, more abrasive, and yet, it was far more delightful to listen to.
"What is that?"
"Cicadas…enjoy them for now, summer shall leave soon, and they with it."
Another melodious sound came from just to his left, forcing his attention away from that which had fascinated him so. Yori stood, just outside her room, her hand still resting gently on the edge of the sliding door. He could tell that she was preparing for bed by her attire, a long gown-like clothing made out of a light material for summer use. If his memory served him, he had received his own just earlier this day which they had called a Yukata. Her hair shone brightly in the moonlight, even more so than usual which led Ron to the conclusion that she had recently returned from the bath. The warm smile on her face was somewhat broken, as if something just happened to be on her mind.
"Wait…I thought summer was just starting?"
"I'm afraid you misunderstand the time difference."
"I thought I did."
"The seasons are opposite from where your home is and here. Winter shall return quite soon here, while at Middleton the hot season will be just beginning."
"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh….ok, I got it now…I think."
"Stoppable-San…I'm afraid I did not come out to enjoy the cicadas with you."
"Huh?"
Ron watched while before him her broken smile faded to a slight frown, her arms moving to her front as she bowed fully to him.
"I am afraid I must apologize to you."
"For what?"
"I did not mean to eavesdrop upon your conversation…"
"What? Oh don't worry about it, these walls are paper thing. I mean seriously, they're made of paper, you guys should really think about remodeling."
"Yes, well…I also failed to realize how big of a change this was for you. Please, allow me to invite you into my quarters for tea?"
Ron nearly fell back if it wasn't for the wooden pillar supporting him. He wasn't quite sure what to think or say at this. On the one hand he knew Yori was a woman of honor, and that conversing over tea was a valued tradition in her country…but on the other hand, he couldn't help but get the "going back to my place for 'coffee'" reference in his own.
"Awww gee I'd love to but I have classes tomorrow and…"
"Please, it will be my honor this time."
Ron sighed quietly to himself, but then again he couldn't help but smile at Yori's pun. Yori knew full well he had classes, in fact, she did as well. She knew how early they were as well, but what Ron knew was that she wouldn't do anything that would endanger their attendance. He would be to bed in a decent hour, but for now, he would spend some time with an old friend.
The inside of Yori's room was very much like his own in size and placement of furniture, of course she was much more settled than he was, as well as cleanly. On the walls hung several large scrolls in a black ink, brushstrokes forming sharp, oblong mountains, not at all like that of Japan. Also scribed in ink were several Japanese characters which Ron knew he would soon learn to read. Her bookshelf was full of small, paperback books that looked very much like the Japanese comics that had become quite popular some years back at home. Next to these towered hard-covered, thick, books that closely resembled those he had bought just earlier today. The rest of the room was very traditional, her futon tucked neatly away in the closet and photos resting lovingly on the top of the bookshelf. As mundane as these seemed, there was something about the row of framed moments of time that seemed…odd to him. He knew something was wrong but he just couldn't put his finger on it.
"It has been a while since I have had guests."
"Really, that surprises me."
"How so?"
"Well, you're like the top of the ninja class aren't you? I thought you'd be mega popular by now."
Yori smiled nervously, kneeling down by the small table and placing her small clay kettle on an equally exquisite platter, waiting for the water boiler to finish it's seemingly never ending task. For a moment she stared off seemingly at nothing before answering him. Inside her head her mind was working hard on something, hard enough to forgo the infinite importance of manners for even a moment's pass.
"Oh! Yes…I am quite skilled."
"Skilled, you're only the best ninja I've ever met…although, you ARE one of the only ninjas I've met too so…" His words trailed off in the very same manner and pace that his glance roamed away. He was still standing, half because he still hadn't become full comfortable with spending most of his time on the floor, but also because his mind was currently on other things at the moment.
"Hey, Yori?"
"Yes?"
"Do you…do you think, I have what it takes? You know…to make it here?"
The sound of pouring tea and the aroma of the brewing leaves filled the air of the room, and during that time, the young maiden said not a word. At first she was confused with Ron's unassuredness, it seemed to her that if he wasn't sure if he should be here than it would be foolish to have traveled so far. She also knew, however, through the phone conversation that this was not a decision that was made rashly, but one made through true provocation of the mind and soul. Setting down the pot, and grabbing her own cup, Yori finally smiled.
"Stoppable-san, I am sure that if you had not the potential to become great, Sensei would not have accepted you back, nor would we have sought your help in the past." Her eyes opened, drawing his glance into her glorious auburn iris. "I have great faith in you Stoppable-san…Ron-san. I have faith in the man that you will soon become."
It took a moment for her words to sink in as genuine for Ron, something like that wasn't normally said to him outside of family. Even if it was Yori, he had to wonder at first if she was serious. He knew her too well however to doubt her sincerity, she was one of the most genuine people he knew. In a way he was glad that if he was only going to have one friend for the next for years it was someone like her. He could only smile, and do his best to sit on his heels as she was. He wasn't exactly comfortable with it yet, but if he was going to fit in he might as well start now.
As he inched himself closer to the table doing his best to keep his balance the sweet scent of the tea leaves filled his nostrils. Across from the table the young girl smiled at him bashfully, both sitting quite awkwardly as silence filled the gap between them. A new scent suddenly sparked an unavoidable charm whose origin was already apparent. Cherry blossoms, much like the smell of those outside only too strong to be coming from the night air, no, it was coming from her. Perfume oil, sweet and intoxicating. It soon became quite obvious that any serious ninja would never wear something of the kind; it would only be another risk of detection. No, this was the act of a woman, a woman who was preparing to meet a man whom she admired, fancied even.
"So…what's up?" Deep inside himself Ron cringed at his own words, but sadly they were the only ones that he could manage to muster at the time. Not quite sure what to think about the perfume, he got nervous. Things had just ended with Kim, and he wasn't sure he was ready to start pursuing again.
"Once again, I must apologize…but I must ask."
"What is it?"
"You, and Possible-san, are lovers?"
"L-LOVERS?" The table shook hard, nearly knocking over the tea cups when his failing balance sent his left knee crashing into the edge. Slender, elegant hands caught the porcelain cups just before they shattered, a slight blush forming on her cheeks.
"I am sorry, it was out of place…"
"No, no, it's…fine."
"I ask only because I overheard you talking with your friend."
"Yeah…" Ron steadied himself, giving up all hope for balancing on the back of his feet again and instead switching for cross legged. "Well, we kinda dated for a while before graduation, and I guess, we were… 'lovers."
"Oh no, I'm afraid you misunderstand." Yori's mind instantly went to places that an honorable mind should not go, the flush on her cheeks now burning a bright red even when concealed by her soft snow-white hands. "In Japan, those who are in a relationship, but not married, are often called lovers…it does not necessarily mean what you are suggesting."
"Oh OH!!! Okay I gotcha…um…oh…yeah…" The words sputtered out of him, more embarrassed now than he can ever remember. Not only did he even further prove his awkwardness in this strange land, but he fully admitted to a girl that could possibly like him that he had been intimate with another woman…specifically he admitted to his first time.
"I am sorry; it must be hard for you." The sentence finished inside her mind with the words that she could not speak and still remain polite. She finished with words that touched on a subject that intrigued her, but also made her feel so very shy and vulnerable, not at all like her self. She finished with especially when you two were intimate.
"Yeah…I guess it's just going to take some time getting used to, for both of us."
"Has she not called you?"
"…No, not yet, I'm guessing she's either having a really hard time with this or, she's mad at me."
"Mad?"
"For leaving, which I'm sure that's not it. I know Kim; she's not the type to get mad at things like that, especially when she knows how important it is to me. I just can't help but think it you know?"
"I wish I could understand, unfortunately I do not know what it is like to be with someone like that." Trying to keep her composure, trying to hide her embarrassment her eyes darted to the side, her delicate hands toying with the cup before her.
"You're kidding? You mean you've never had a boyfriend?"
"I have not." She paused, no longer letting herself appear vulnerable, her eyes staring directly into his. When he looked, Ron could see the drastic change in her. She was stone cold serious about something.
"I wonder Ron-san, could I confide in you about something?"
Again, deep inside somewhere, Ron cringed. Although he wasn't entirely sure what was about to be said, he had a sneaking suspicion it was something about love, and if it was about love he had an even more sneaking of a suspicion that it had to do with him. Either way, Japan must already be rubbing off on him because he was not about to be rude.
"Well…yeah, I guess."
"I am afraid…I do not know what it is like, to feel that way about someone. I am afraid; I will not be able to do so."
"What do you mean?"
"I…am not sure, that when the time comes I could…" Yori turned away for the first time since her initial request, unsure as to whether or not she could even finish the sentence, even if she were to finish it in her head. Luckily, she wouldn't have to.
"Love, you don't think you can ever love someone? Why would you ever think that?"
"I…am not sure I would know how. I have spent time so much time focusing on myself, the training of my self, my spirit, my mind, and my body. I am not sure that I would know how to care for another."
Ron smiled, but not so much as to make her feel foolish. He could seem to help himself regardless. Despite the fact that she was the most genuine person he knew, she was just as innocent as a child sometimes. Although, he wasn't sure as to how this issue came up.
"Well…it's something that just comes naturally really. You don't really have to think about it…it just happens. I mean, well you have crushed on people before right?"
"Crushed?"
"I mean, you've liked someone before, more than you would a friend?"
"Y-yes."
"Well, it's kind of like that…only when you are actually with them, you get to explore more of that feeling, and then it will all come naturally." Ron liked explaining things much better when he could call from experience, it was easier, and he could be more eloquent than usual…well...to be more accurate, it would actually give him a chance to be eloquent for once.
"Perhaps…"
"What brought this up anyways?"
"Oh…" The smile Yori flashed seemed sincere enough on the surface, but further investigation would show how nervous she actually was. Body language gave her away, her fidgeting hands, her distant gaze, and of course, the ever apparent rosy blush in her cheeks. Ever since Ron had stepped within sight of her she had been dreading this moment, even now she wasn't sure she could tell him. What she did know was that she needed to try and be honest with him.
"Stoppable-san…I am-"
"Let me guess, you've started seeing someone?" He hated interrupting her, but he would have hating hear her confess her feelings for him even more. If that was to be the case his inquiry would only be a stall at best, he knew that, but he was just too nervous to care.
"No…I am not, that would be inappropriate."
"Inappropriate OHHHHHH, because you can't date classmates?"
"No…it would be inappropriate because I am betrothed."
Ok, well that one was a bitch to get done. Unfortunately my scheduale didn't work out and even further classes got in the way…as well as personal issues. Truth is now is not really the easiest time in my life, but I'm planning on releasing these chapters for your benefit. Besides, I really like this story and some positive words would help me greatly. It just might take a while for future chapters to come out so please be patient.
ANSA
