A/N: In response to the many comments referring to Ron's sudden (I don't think it's all that off given the circumstances) ability to take out Shego, I will try and explain why I did this. One: Shego thinks of Ron as the buffoon, not a serious threat when it comes to fighting, therefore she underestimated him just like most people do. He's not as inept as he let's people believe, (this is opinion here...) I think it's a good cover for when he is actually needed (...end of opinion). Two: You are too impatient, and if you pay attention all (or at least most) will be explained in this chapter.
As for Kim standing there and just watching, I wasn't sure what to have her do. I'm going to sum it up to shock, watching Ron step up and go toe-to-toe with Shego was probably a humbling experience. And I think it adds nicely to her confusion.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kim Possible, if I did, I would be rich and my stories would be on TV rather than here.
Kim's POV
Five more minutes... except, I'm waking up on my own... still, five more minutes... I always seem to have this argument with myself, or whoever dares try and wake me, I'm just not a morning person. At least today I was comfortable, not stiff and it's nice and warm under the covers with my body pillow, but I don't have a body pillow?... Pandaroo?... nope, too big to be the Cuddle Buddy... I forced my eyes open against the light filtering in through the window, Ron and I must have crashed on the couch... it took a second for what I just thought to sink in and take effect, oh no... I didn't say anything that I might regret did I?... I don't want to lead Ron on till I know for sure how I feel is real and not just a rebound... think Kim, what happened... what did you say?... I finally wrapped my conscious mind around last night's conversation and breathed a sigh of relief, it's not that I don't want to like Ron that way... I just don't want to think I do, then figure out I was wrong and hurt him... he might not forgive that, not even his best friend... well, at least this isn't too weird... I mean it's happened before, we're both too tired to make it to a bed and just fall asleep on the couch or on the floor... I'm just going to enjoy it this time for different reasons... KIM!... okay, so no thinking like that... he is a good pillow though...
My arms were already wrapped around him in a partial hug and my head was resting on his chest, more definition than I remember... he must be working out, so I had no problem just pulling myself in closer. Who could blame me... I mean, I have this amazing man laying on the couch with me... and I know he won't mind... Kim, think this through before you do something... well, something dumb...
Ron's POV
As my mind found it's way back to a usable state, my body was screaming at me. Ouch... now I know why Kim is stiff in the mornings... Shego packs quite the punch... I finally pried my eyes open and looked around, good, I'm at KP's... then a light went off in my head and I looked down, my body was to busy yelling about me being a moron for taking on Shego to mention that I had a red haired body laying on me and was snuggling in tighter. There were only five words going through my head right then, Deep Space Black Hole Probe... well, maybe not... I mean it's not like this hasn't happened before, and I'm still a citizen of Earth... besides, she's probably asleep and is just subconsciously pulling herself towards the closest source of warmth... yeah that's it, she's asleep and just doesn't know better... she'll wake up and blush, say sorry and things will go back to normal... right?... My hopes were shattered when I realized the red on my chest was now framing two emeralds.
"Finally decide to wake up?" she was smiling which means she'd been awake for more than 5 minutes. She's not a morning person and the only facial expressions she knows withing 5 minutes of waking up are 'leave me alone', 'I hate you', and 'leave me alone because I hate you'.
"Thinking it might be better to go back to sleep," thinking about the pain I was feeling, then I saw her eyes turn down, duh, she thinks it's because of her... "I have a major pain in the back." curse the English language and all it's double usages, "What I mean, is I'm sore from yesterday, and sleeping it off sounds like a real good idea right now."
Once my intended meaning was out, her glow returned. "Well, it was your first time, I know the first time hurts. I remember my firs..."
Cough, cough
I about bolted from the couch, if I wasn't so sore and Kim wasn't laying half on top of me I might have succeeded, but the way things were it looked like I was having a convulsion. I saw the blood draining from Kim's face and followed her line of sight to see, oh man... can't I just get a break?, Mrs. Dr. P. Well at least it isn't Mr. Dr. P. "Am I interrupting something?"
"This isn't what it looks like, I swear. We just came in from the mission late and I was comforting Kim and we ended up sleeping together on the couch." Again I cursed the English language, "And by sleep I mean unconsciousness and rest. I took on Shego and there is no way I could have... I'm going to shut up now while I'm behind."
Kim had apparently lost the ability to talk at the sight of her mom, and she just stood there looking like she was trying to decide what to do with us, please don't call Mr. Dr. P... for a few seconds before laughing, not some small giggle or a restrained laugh. No she was laughing at us, when she finally got the ability to talk back she said, "Don't worry I know, I woke up last night to make sure you'd made it in safe, and saw you two on the couch. Where do you think the blanket came from? You just might want to censor your conversations around your father."
The slightly slower morning mind of the red head closest to me realized what she'd been saying when her mom decided to enter, "No, we weren't talking about that, I was talking about the first time I fought Shego. Don't you remember how sore I was? Well, yesterday Ron took on Shego by himself, and won. Obviously, at a price though." Nice save KP... it may be the truth but there's no way I'd even buy that... I don't even think the Puppy Dog Pout could help...
"Impressive Ron on your first time. Well, I didn't figure I needed to call and have your father reserve Ron a seat, I just couldn't resist when I heard what you were saying." I thought she was enjoying this way too much, but I gave her a half-hearted laugh and laid my head back, Oh what a wonderful way to start the day...
I felt Kim relax a bit and lay her head back down too, come on, you need to clear your head... step away from the situation and take a look at it from the outside... "Hey KP?" she lifted her head enough to let me know she acknowledged me, "I really got to go."
"What and work on your project? I'll bet you've had enough of Bonnie to last a lifetime or two." And then there's her... the other person who had me confused... Kim was right too a point, yeah, but what about past that point... you're curious about Bonnie?... maybe just a little...
I hadn't been thinking about Bonnie till KP brought it up, "Actually, I really got to go. As in I haven't used the bathroom in a while."
She got off me, then helped me up. Ouch, how does she deal with this after every mission?... I feel like I got hit by a semi... After a few steps I decided it'd be better if there was someone there to stabilize me, so I motioned Kim to lend me her shoulder, "What, did Ronnie bite off more than he can chew?" I knew she was just giving me a hard time, especially after the pep talk she gave you yesterday.
"Well, I've got a big mouth, and I don't think that many people can bite off more than me." My humor was returning, and for the first time in about a week I was grateful for double meanings in the English language.
"I might have to agree with you there, Mister 'I can put 3 taco's away in 15 seconds'. But, when it comes to fighting, well let's just say you earned yourself a seat at the big kid table yesterday."
I reached for the door frame at the bathroom, Kim thought I was loosing my balance and tightened her hold on my waist, "Well, unless you plan on helping me in here..." I couldn't resist, and the way her face matched her hair for an instant made it worth the smack on my shoulder, ouch, I don't remember hitting my shoulder?... I'm probably going to be sore everywhere for a while...
Finishing my business I started the long trek back to the living room, one I'd made many times, it just never seemed this long. I need to get away to think... ouch, and I need to work some of this stiffness out...
I heard something right then I wasn't sure was a good thing, "Hey, Ron we heard how..."
"...You beat Shego, and handed..."
"...Drakken to GJ on a silver platter. Hicka-Bicka-Boo!"
"Hoo-sha!" Then they were gone, Whew, I know I can't move fast enough to dodge a stray rocket.
"Hey KP, how do you move the day after a mission against Shego? I mean seriously, I feel like an oak board." I really wanted to know, did she have a personal masseuse or something?... because that's the only way I can picture moving in any form of the word normal in the next 3 days...
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." I gave her my 'try me' look, "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you. I usually stretch as best as I can then go for a jog, nothing too much, just a couple miles around the park or something."
My jaw hit the ground, "There is no way you can even think about jogging if you feel like I do." But the look on her face said she was quite serious, "Okay, well... I guess if it'll help. Do you want to help me stretch before I take off?"
"Sure, but why don't you go change into something besides your mission clothes, and when you get back you can take a nice hot shower." I don't know if I'll be able to wash my back... no, Ron, no, bad thoughts... okay, so if I can't have Kim help what about Bo... NO RON, NO MORE THINKING! okay, no more thinking for me... I'm good at that...
I made my way, with a little more ease than earlier down the hall to Kim's room. I've spent enough time here I have a corner of her closet that is unofficially mine, I have a couple sets of mission clothes and probably half a dozen sets of everything else I might where on a daily basis. I went with a pair of loose fitting, but not baggy, jeans since I was going to be jogging and a black turtle neck.
"Do you want company? If so I'll go get changed real quick and join you, if not, I'm going to take a shower like I mentioned to you earlier, and go back to sleep." I looked at her, I really need time alone... but company on a jog makes it more enjoyable... I really need to clear my head... but she would be there... I really need to do this on my own... I'm in the same boat as Kim right now, I need to figure things out for myself... fine...
"Na, you just get some rest. I'll be back before you know it." And I took off out the door, Holy Sweet Monkey's in Havana it's cold out here... well, maybe the chill will help keep me focused...
I was glad they cleared the roads while we were gone yesterday, made jogging a whole lot easier than it would have been in 4-5 feet of snow, why couldn't they do it Thursday... oh quit complaining, you enjoyed the time you spent with Bonnie... I did, didn't I?... weird, that's another thing I never thought would happen, I enjoyed Bonnie's company... but did she enjoy her time... that's a dumb question... of course not, you're too low on the food chain to even be associated with in public... I didn't ask whether she wanted to be seen in public near you, I asked if she enjoyed herself... ... I honestly don't know... I mean we were kind of forced to work together on that dumb project... but she did smile and, if memory serves me, she laughed once or twice... so she might have enjoyed working on the project with you, right?... I don't know, I guess she might have enjoyed some of the time... okay, so would you like to spend more time with her?... let's think about this, actually I almost don't have to think, she's a very attractive cheerleader with a drive to accomplish whatever she sets her sights on... I definitely think I could spend more time with her... but there's no way she'd want to spend time with me... are you sure about that? I mean have you asked her?... no, but that's only because I want to be able to walk and eat solid food, I really doubt nacho's are good through a straw... are you seriously afraid of Bonnie?... well, yeah kind of, I mean I can face any villain, but I'm scared of her... why are you scared of her?... because, because I guess I can deal with the whole getting beat up things, I just think she could beat me in ways that I've never been beat before... not physically, but deeper... so you're scared of getting yourself hurt?... isn't that what's stopping you from going after Kim?... oh man, why did I have to think of her right now?... I'm really confused... I mean, I've known KP for ever, and we know each other better than anybody else... she's my best friend and I don't want to loose that over some crazy hormones... but I also don't want to throw away a chance at true happiness because I'm afraid that what I feel is just crazy hormones... I really wanted to pull my hair out right then, but I my fingers were too cold to get a good grip, and I really didn't want to have to explain the premature balding in one location.
So, you want to wait and see if KP makes the first move, right?... she is usually the more aggressive type anyways... but do you want to wait on that?... and you know that right now she's on the rebound... I know I'm not going to try and start anything with Kim... I can't chance loosing my best friend in the whole world... I think you're forgetting something... no, I'm not forgetting, I'm choosing not to acknowledge... why?... don't tell me you don't like blue eyes... ... I felt like I was flying when I looked in them... plus, she's not so evil... once you get past the fact that it's 'Bonnie'... I wasn't paying any attention to where I was running and bumped someone running the other way.
"Sorry, Bon-Bon." As I was helping her up I realized two things, one I just ran into Bonnie. And two, I said Bon-Bon, I am so dead right now.
"Watch where you're... Oh, hey Ron. Sorry about that, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, I didn't expect to see anybody else out running with the weather like it is." She was red, I couldn't tell if it was because of the cold or because she was blushing, I'm going with cold.
"Neither did I." after a short, and might I add very uncomfortable, silence I asked, "Sooo, what are you doing out here?"
"I guess I could ask you the same. But since you asked first, I was just out trying to clear my head. Got a lot going on right now," I understand that feeling... but what all is going on for her?... "You know the project, cheerleading, and school in general." She added that last part in a bit quick, I don't have the brain capacity to understand what I'm thinking AND try and understand what she's thinking... if she wants to talk about it she will... "And, you?"
"About the same, except the whole worrying about cheerleading and school thing. I'm trying to work out some stiffness in my back and clear my head, I know big shocker I'm actually using that thing between my ears." She tried to laugh at my weak attempt at a joke but the Mr. Frost had other ideas and she just shivered. "Hey, are we still on for three?"
"Yeah, three will work. If you want to you can come over sooner, I'm about ready to call it quits for today. And I might have something that will help your back." She instantly got redder but I didn't feel the wind blow by or the temperature drop, I didn't think that was possible at this point, and added, "No rush though, if you have something you need to do, do it."
"Well, I don't have any real plans for today. I was just gonna relax a bit and hang out with a friend for a while. But we see each other all the time; I'll stop by after lunch sometime, sound good?" Now, why in the world did you just do that?... better question, why did Bonnie ask you to come over earlier?... my brain started to complain about too much usage.
"Yeah, guess I'll see you then." But neither one of us moved. Finally breaking the silence she started away and over her shoulder said, "Bye Ron." I stood there for a couple more seconds watching her run away, didn't mind the view either... Then to prevent my mind from regressing any further I turned back the way I was going in the first place, okay, granted there is nobody else here, but did Bonnie just speak to you in a civil manner in a public place?... not a single snide remark... Replaying the conversation in my head a couple times as I made my way back to the Possible residence I realized two things, she didn't kill me for saying 'Bon-Bon', she didn't say anything at all about it really, and she said she had something to help my back that caused her to blush, well I think she blushed... it's kind of hard to tell with the cold weather...
I reached the door of both Heaven and Hell, Heaven because there's a hot shower and a beautiful woman in there... Hell because, well there's a beautiful woman in there and I really don't want to explain to her what I am doing today... It's not that she won't understand I need to get the project done, she says I put things off too much as is... she's just going to ask 20 questions about why I'm all of a sudden motivated to work, especially with Bonnie...
The promise of a hot shower finally won over and I knocked once as I entered, something nice about spending as much time here as at home... open door policy... I even have a key... "Hey, Ron. Kim's still asleep, do you want me to wake her?" The older woman in the house asked as I shut the cold out behind me.
"Yeah, if you would. I'm gonna take a shower, I'm thinking Bueno Nacho for lunch, then I have school work I need to go get done." I'll break it to KP on neutral territory... might have Monique meet us, she watches GWA and would make a good referee...
Standing in the flow of steaming water I looked over my body to make sure there weren't any wounds that needed attending too I'd missed. Fortunately, there weren't any besides the large bruise in the middle of my back, plasma fists are something to avoid from now on... and they weren't before?... they were, just now I know what happens if you don't... Kim was right, I do feel better after that jog... not good by any means, but I'll be able to manage on my own till it works itself out...
"I think the Ron-man has earned himself a chimerito, grande sized of course, on me." This was music to my ears as I hobbled down the stairs.
"Boo-Yah! Hey, why don't you call Monique and see if she wants to meet us there?" Not only will she be able to ref, but then I won't feel like I'm bailing on KP totally...
"Anything for my Ron." and she was gone, up the stairs to her room to get her cell I'm sure. My brain must have been in extra slow mode because it took a few seconds to realize what she'd said, 'Anything for my Ron'... not 'Anything for Ron' or 'Anything for the hero'... she just called me her Ron... calm down Ron, you're just reading too much into this... it was probably just a slip... what a Freudian slip?... no thinking right now, just prepare to enjoy free food...
I was thrilled when I saw Monique waiting on us at our regular booth, not because I was thrilled to see her, but because it would make my life easier in a while... I'm not saying that she isn't a great person to hang out with... Ron, shut up... you don't like Monique, time to nip this bud before it gets a chance to do anything... I knew I was right, I liked Monique as a mutual friend of a friend, but nothing else. The other female at the booth, the one sitting extremely close to you, was a different story.
Waiting on our food I listened as Kim recounted every painful detail of my bout with Shego. Apparently, I mixed some of the things I'd learned from KP, Monkey Kung Fu, and a little of something Kim didn't recognize, after describing it Monique squealed that it was GWA... and they say TV rots the brain...
Ned called that our food was ready, and Kim jumped up to get it. Leaving me at the temporary mercy of Monique, "What's going on Ron, you haven't hardly said a word since you got here. You should be pumped, you beat Shego, and from what I can tell you might be getting your wish."
I was dumbfounded, how did she know?... or rather what did she know?, "Wh-what are you talking about Mon? I am pumped, I'm just sore."
"Don't play dumb with me, she may not see it but I've known since I first met you two. I just think some recent events might have opened her eyes to the possibility. Unless I'm way off about you, in which case you might want to fill me in so I can do damage control." well technically she's not wrong... but right now she's not completely right either... man, I don't know what to do...
Seeing Kim walking our direction again I said quickly, "Yes, you're right, I do. But things got complicated recently and I need to figure it out. If you want to help, stall."
Before she could say anything else the topic of discussion returned, "Time to feed the Beast."
"KP, you do realize you're not that ugly, right?" this got a laugh out of Monique and another light hit on my shoulder, at least it doesn't hurt as much anymore...
"You two, break it up. There's food here, can't let it go to waste." Kim and I just hung our heads in mock shame and reached for our food. "That's better. Now, what are our plans for today?" she just had to bring that up right now didn't she?...
"Well isn't there a sale at Club Banana? I thought I heard something about however far below freezing it got was the discount." Did she have Wade put a camera in Club Banana so she could watch for sales or what?
"You know it GF, and we got these oh-so-cute pants. Plus they're functional, they claim to keep you warm in the winter and keep you from roasting when you go in someplace that is to toasty without having to shed layers." Just what I wanted, to spend the day shopping at Club Banana... wait, that's what they are doing... I have other plans... are you saying working on a biology report sounds like more fun than Club Banana?... it's not necessarily the project I'm looking forward to...
"We're going to need a guys opinion on all this stuff." I could feel her eyes turn to me, oh no... "Ron? Are you listening, we need a guys opinion on the stuff we buy. You know, to see if they will like what they see." I already like what I see... It doesn't take Club Banana to do that...
"Umm, I don't think I'm going to make it." Refusing to look to my right and keeping my eyes locked with Monique's, please help me here... I need you to bail me out...
I heard Kim take a breath to say something, but my dark-haired savior managed to speak first, "Well that's okay, I can just call Felix. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to watch two pretty ladies model. Is that okay with you Kim?"
"I guess," it was all I could do not to shudder when I heard her, she was upset, why is she upset?... I've bailed on shopping before and she hasn't complained, "So, if you can't make it, where are you going to be?" her tone was less than pleased but not accusative.
My mouth was full at the moment, and I don't think I've ever chewed a bite that much in my life, well how do I deal with this?... well they say 'the truth will set you free'... okay, so here we go... "I kind of said I'd show up and work on something today." see how hard was that?
Then I made the mistake of making eye contact with Kim, "Show up where and work on what? I figured you'd want to celebrate for yesterday." Okay, so she knows I'm not saying everything...
"Well to be honest, Club Banana isn't my idea of celebration." that was the truth... more like torture...
"He's got a point, he only goes because he can't resist the PDP." Thank you Monique... finally someone is on my side today... I didn't turn to thank her fast enough, NO, not... dang it Monique... I said I'd be there... I can't fall to it... I managed to face the person I thought was trying to help me and to let her know I wasn't happy. But she already knew she'd slipped and was giving me the best unspoken apology she could muster.
"Ron, where are you going to be then? And will you look at me?" persistent, I have to give her that...
"Are you done trying to sway me with the PDP?" I watched Monique waiting for a sign then turned to face the very persuasive woman sitting beside me. "I am going to be working on something that the sooner it gets done the sooner it's out of my hair."
"You're avoiding answering the question I asked." She made a face that, while not the pout, was enough to break me.
"I told Bonnie I would be over after lunch. I ran into her, literally, while jogging and decided to work on it some more today. I just didn't want you to give me a hard time about spending this much time with her. Gives me a headache just thinking about it." granted the headache is for different reasons than you think...
"You never told me you were working with Bonnie on that thing! I'm assuming naked mole rats were out of the question then?" thank you again Mon...
"Yeah, we're doing it on dolphins. Did you know she's thinking about Marine Biology as a major? I figured if it'd help smooth things over with her I could deal with that. Besides it was right after we had the help of those trained ones to hit that under water base. Do you remember that KP?"
"That was so sweet, I never imagined we'd be swimming with dolphins. It was so amazing Mon, I wish you could have been there." Thank you for distractions...
"I told you after Australia, I'm not cut out for the whole hero business. At least without 20 years of training. Anyways, are you ready to go SHOPPING girlfriend. I'll call Renton on the way, I think I can persuade him to pull away from his video games for a couple hours to come watch us model." Monique, you're not helping out here... thinking about KP modeling will be a hard image to get out of my head later... (A/N: I know that in the corrected time-line the Australia thing never happened, but let's pretend it did)
"Alright, and Ron." I shot a look her direction in acknowledgment, "Have fun!" I could see the sarcasm floating in the air when she said that. If she only knew... well, not that there's anything to really know about... but you know what I mean... man, I'm arguing with myself again...
"I'll try not to do anything I might regret." I smiled and made my way home before I went to Bonnie's house.
At home I saw both my folks cars were gone, it's weird, I haven't seen them since Wednesday before school... I guess that's what happens when blizzards and missions happen... and I'll bet they're gone on business for the weekend... Inside, my thoughts were confirmed, they had left me a note this morning:
Ron,
We had to leave town for the weekend for work, there are left overs in the fridge and we left some cash for you in the envelope. Rufus was beginning to wonder if you were still alive, we left him with the Possible twins, they have taken care of him before and promised to do so again. Anyways, be careful. I hope your mission was a success and PLEASE do some homework this weekend.
Love,
Mom and Dad
For once I didn't feel any need to complain with their request to do homework, probably the one and only time this will happen though. So I grabbed my books and threw them in a pack, then as an after thought I grabbed a set of mission clothes, just in case, and started the blistering cold walk to the Rockwaller residence.
Knock, knock, knock
There was no answer, hmm, I told her I was coming over didn't I... and she did say to come over early, right?... maybe I misunderstood her... I guess I could go get Rufus from Jim and Tim... well try one more time...
Knock, knock, kno- eeeee
I'm no sucker for creepy movies, but when a door suddenly gives to knocking like that I get suspicious. "Bonnie? Hello, Bon-Bon? Anybody here?" The lights were on and I could hear the TV in the other room, but I didn't want to just barge in. I saw something out of the corner of my eye that made me want to smack myself, a door bell, duh! I pulled the door back closed, don't want to heat the outdoors now do I... oh no, now I sound like my parents, and pushed the little button.
Ding, Dong.
It was one of those rich door bells, think The Adam's Family style. "Coming!" Well at least someone is home... oh yeah, she's home alone this weekend too... When she opened the door I don't know who she was expecting, but when she saw me she stopped for a split second before letting me in. "Hey." Hey?... a one word greeting from one of the most talkative people I know?... I guess she just doesn't have much to say to you... waste of breath with no one to laugh at her comments... come on, give her a break... you know she's not really like that... she's not evil or anything... maybe the opposite of evil... an angel maybe?... okay so that may be a stretch...
"Hey, I know it's early but you said to stop by if I didn't have anything going on. Well it was either this or Club Banana, as you can see I'm here not there." Oh great, make it sound like you had to pick the worse of two evils... come spend time with Bonnie, obviously doing homework, or spend time watching KP model... man, can't I get out of my own head once in a while... I am here to work on biology, and spend time with a new friend... at least I hope I can say we're friends...
"I think you made a good choice." What?... I'm confused... Bonnie actually wanted me to come here?... well, she did ask you to stop by if you didn't have anything else going on... what was the reason she gave?...
"Oh, really. Coming and working on a biology project is a better choice than watching Monique and Kim model new Club Banana fashions?" This has got to be good...
"Well now that you put it that way... Yeah, definitely." I froze halfway through taking my shoe off, she's just giving me a hard time... right?. I turned my body to face her, my back was still a little stiff, but her face showed no sign of joking, she seriously doesn't mind me being here?... and might actually want me to be here?...
I finished getting out of my winter shell. I was down to my basic cargo pants and a long sleeved T-shirt, I didn't wear the jersey because it gets uncomfortable under the winter layers. "Would you care to enlighten me as to why you think being here is better than Club Banana? Not that I'm complaining about not being there, it's just you seem so confident that I'm better off here."
Bonnie's POV
What did I get myself into?... let's just run over the facts real quick... he was going to be here in a couple hours to work on the report... then fluke chance, we ran into each other... he was complaining about being sore... I invited him over early because I can help with that... we went our separate ways... he's now here, early... why can't I just be mean to him and tell him that now isn't a good time?... because you wouldn't mean it... but I want to... no you don't or you would have done it already... but I didn't expect him to actually take my offer... I mean, I know what I was thinking but is that really such a good idea... I guess I did offer, and it'd be typical of me to lure him here with the promise of something to make the pain go away, only to say I wanted to get our homework done... fine, I'll go through with what I was thinking... "Well, I do believe I said I had something that might help your back. You were complaining that it was sore earlier when we bumped into each other, and I think I can help you out. I get sore muscles from just practicing all the time..." come on it's not that hard, "and I have some stuff that will help ease the pain." See how hard was that?...
"Bonnie, I don't know how to say this other than be straight forward about it, I'm not into drugs." What?... he thinks I'm talking about drugs?... I guess my shock/rapidly rising anger was showing rather clearly on my face because before I had a chance to yell, scream, or kick him out of my house he said, "Oops, I guess that's not what you were talking about... haha, um, funny things, I thought you were offering me some of the stuff the jocks use after games to 'help ease the pain'. It's probably better if we work on the Flipper thing tomorrow, isn't it?" he was already backing towards the door looking over his shoulder to find his shoes and coat.
I was pissed, and I think I have a right to be, but he was so darn cute when he was scared, did I just say he was cute again?... okay, so I did... are you happy now?... ... yes... "No need to run away from little harmless Bon-Bon. You did forgive me for accusing you of some pretty nasty things, so I guess I'll let this one slide Stoppable." I may think he looked cute, but I couldn't let him think he was off the hook completely, besides I was still boiling.
He stopped backpedaling and hesitantly asked, "I'm almost afraid to ask now, but bending and stretching to get my shoes and coat off didn't do good things for my back, what were you going to offer to help?"
"Well you're going to have to bend and stretch a little bit more," you're evil... well, it's the truth he will... unless he can take his shirt off with out bending and stretching... "You need to take off your shirt."
I swear his eyes got the size of Frisbees, "Y-you want me to t-take off my sh-shirt?"
It's not that I wanted to see him without his shirt, okay so maybe part of me did, "Well, typically creams work best when applied directly to skin. Not so much when applied to the cloth covering said skin."
"I can just put it on in the bathroom, I doubt you really want to rub my back."
"Okay, you can give it a try, but I've watched you since you got here, and the farthest you've turned anything in your back or neck is when you were trying to get away, and that was hurting." It's not like he's wrong... I mean, me rubbing lotion into Stoppable's lean muscular back... how do you know?... you've never seen his back... I'd imagine it matches the rest of him... come on Bonnie, just because he's a nice guy trying to be your friend (at least I think he is) doesn't give you a right to drool... okay, so what about the fact that if he just cared about his appearance he'd be a babe magnet... BONNIE!... ...screw it, he's hot...
He stood there contemplating for a minute, "I'm kind of self conscious about some things. I mean I really like the offer, and coming from you it's almost enough to make me pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming, but..." he trailed off. What does he have to be self conscious about... I've seen what he's packing from a distance and was impressed...
"Would it help if I promised that you'd feel 98 percent better?" Now I'm asking to do this?... what is the world coming to?... "Like I said, I'm just trying to help. Besides, you won't be much help if you can't concentrate because of the pain."
A few more seconds of deep contemplation resulted in an... unusual request, "Okay, you're right, but don't let it go to your head, there's not enough room in here if your ego gets any bigger." always trying to make a joke, "I have a request, well two. One, what you see doesn't leave this house." odd?... but I nodded, "And two, if you ask questions, I ask questions." even odder?... and again I nodded in agreement.
With a reluctant sigh, he grabbed the bottom hem of his shirt and began to lift. My mind went back to the first time I saw this, three days ago when he first stopped by, nice... not chiseled like a Greek god... but lean and toned... then I saw up close what I had saw that first day and couldn't tell what they were, he's covered with scars... what, how, where?... my mind couldn't come up with the questions fast enough. Seeing my face he turned around, allowing me to see the affected area from, what did cause that?... It looks like... I don't know what that looks like, besides painful..."What happened? To your back I mean."
"I had a little run in with a certain plasma-fisted villain." Shego did this?... I thought fighting her was Kim's job... Guessing what my next question was he said, "I had a lot on my mind and needed to vent, I didn't expect her to take my venting seriously and actually fight me. But when she did, I was kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. The fight was surprisingly short, I only landed a couple blows, and they weren't that hard, she landed one, and you can see the result of that. I managed to drop her by luck and restrain her before she had a chance to recover. I honestly think the reason I did end up on top boils down to 3 things: one, she underestimated me and wasn't expecting what I am capable of. Two, I was frustrated and ended up venting through my fists rather than just making comments. And three, I just snapped, I don't know how to explain it besides that. The rest as they say is history." After a second he laughed, "That's the first time today I've been able to come up with number 3." He was trying to lighten things up, I could tell he didn't like being serious if it involved him. But I was too concerned about him right then to laugh too.
"Why don't you lay down, I'll be right back with the tube." I took off towards my bathroom to get the analgesic, Ron took on Shego and won... but he still caves to the likes of Brick and the other jocks... why?... there's not a one of them that would last 5 seconds against her... that boy needs to grow a spine and stick up for himself...
I returned to find Ron laying face down on the floor with a blanket under him, to prevent carpet burn I'd guess. I knelt beside him, looking closer at the bruising, ugh, and Kim does this on a regular occasion?... my respect, not like, of her just went up a few notches. "OOOH!" he shuddered, "That's cold."
"Sorry, it's supposed to start out cool then warm up as it works in, should have warned you. Trust me on this, okay?" He nodded and tried to relax, but everywhere it came into first contact with his skin he tensed, as well as every time I put too much pressure on a sensitive spot. I honestly felt sorry for him. After a little patience there was a little bit all over, so no more tensing from first contact. Now every time he tightens it'll be because of me, I've got to distract his mind... I've got a few questions I would like to ask... "If you don't mind me asking, where'd all the scars come from?"
I felt his muscles tighten slightly at my words, okay so maybe not the best line of questioning, "Only if you don't mind trying to explain why you invited me over early to pamper me." I couldn't see his face but I could tell he was trying to lighten the mood, even if it was only for himself right now.
"Sure thing, Ronnie." I just couldn't resist, after calling me Bon-Bon I owed him, though I think I could get used to it... I don't think he meant it derogatorily... more as a term of endearment I think...
This got a small chuckle followed by a moan, "No more jokes laughing hurts." After taking a second to collect himself, "It depends on which one you point out, half of them are from missions. Taking on that many goons you're bound to get hit a few times, no one is perfect and I'm far from it. Plus there's exploding death rays, laser defense cannons, and my personal favorite, self destructive lairs."
I waited on him to continue, he did say half of them were from that right?... "Ron?"
He lifted a hand as if to say 'just a sec'. I felt him take a deep breath, like he was getting ready to jump into a pool of ice, "The other half is because I'm a loser."
I was expecting, and wanting, more than that. "I'm no psychic so you might have to explain things to me. I know you may be at the bottom of the social food chain," and I'm beginning to question why, "but that doesn't explain the scars."
"Right there, under your right hand there's a knot. Would you be kind enough to get it?" I could tell he was delaying, but I'd give him time, this was apparently a touchy subject. Moving my hands to work out any hard spots I ran across he finally continued, "Some of them are from locker doors or the corner of a wall and a couple are the result of a class ring or two. Being at the bottom makes you prime pickings because no one cares or at least no one says anything. I guess it's helped me get used to taking a few hits on missions, so maybe its worth it."
What! "No, it's not worth it! I may have been a bitch but some of these scars came from pretty nasty wounds and if half of them are from that..." he gets beat because he's not 'cool'?... that makes no sense at all... and why doesn't he say or do anything... it's not like he couldn't, not after what he told me about what caused his back...
"It is worth it if no one gets hurt." what is he talking about?... what do you call those?... almost in response to what I was thinking, "Imagine if I snapped at school, what would happen to those who were around." yeah they'd be in a pile... where they belong if you ask me right now... "I can't bring myself to do that, I know I can take Flagg or any of the other jocks, heck I could probably take the football team, but I can't do it." The tone in his voice said the subject was closed for now, so the reason he doesn't stick up for himself is because he doesn't want to hurt them?... he's got a bigger heart than anybody else I know...
"I guess it's my turn," Bonnie, why do you get yourself into messes like this?... "Well to be honest I'm not sure why I asked." I felt him starting to protest about my short non-answer and cut him short, "But... but, I'll give it a shot." I didn't have time to think my answers through, which means that I'm going to have to say things as they come to me: the truth without any Bonnie masking, "It's been a long time since anybody has treated me like you did, or rather do. I guess it's because I'm beginning to understand why Kim keeps you around, you're a perfect gentleman, well with the exception of your table manners." I could feel him smile, "You treat me like a human being rather than a piece of meat, don't get me wrong people aren't typically mean to me straight up. They're either afraid of me and what I can do to them or they want something. None of the above describe how you treat me, if you have a beef with me you tell me, you don't seem afraid of me, and you obviously don't want anything from me. It's just, I don't know, refreshing? I think that is a good way to explain it." You like Stoppable, don't you?... What!... No... I can't... why can't you?... is it because of the 'food-chain'?... if so you might as well give up now... fine... I might like Ron... but it doesn't matter because he's head over heals for Kim... as soon as she realizes what she already has... but she hasn't, has she?... but she will... right now she hasn't, and you know Ron isn't going to make a move on her, he doesn't want to end a life-long friendship... who says that they will end up together, maybe they are meant to be friends... Kim would hate me, more than she already does... probably accuse me of trying to take Ron away from her... and I don't want to do that... I just want a part of him for myself... she can keep her best friend...
"I'll take that as a compliment." the comment brought me back to the here and now.
"You should, and don't be so hard on yourself. I may have been wrong about you. Anyways, how is your back feeling? Better?" A groan and a nod were the response, "Well then, guess what time it is?" he didn't answer again, just cocked his head a little to signal he was paying attention, "Time to find out what Flipper likes to eat."
I couldn't hold in a laugh when he groaned and said, "My back hurts all of a sudden, you can keep going."
"Nice try, but we really do need to get this done. I remember my partner saying that he'd put aside his study habits for this." I heard him grumble to himself as I helped him off the floor. He was moving better at least, still a little stiff but definitely better than he was.
A few hours and many pages of useless facts about dolphins later I heard, "I think I pulled a ligament in my brain." he can make a joke out of just about anything... it's kind of cute... did I just sa-... yes I did... no more questioning yourself...
"Food?" The look on his face made it clear it was like asking a fish if it wanted water. "Okay, how about pizza? You don't need to be cooking, my culinary arts are limited, and if you keep it up, I might have to keep you around." I might anyways for other reasons...
"Sure, so what's your poison? Meat lovers', pepperoni, Hawaiian, or what?"
"So many choices... personally I'm a fan of meat lovers' and Hawaiian, I can't stand plain cheese pizza and won't eat mushrooms. So, what about you?"
"Yes." and left it at that, as if it was a reasonable answer, I gave him a questioning look, "I like anything I've tried on pizza, with the exception of anchovies, and that's because, well gross."
"I'll get a large meat lovers', I think that'll be enough for the two of us. Unless that bottomless pit you call a stomach wants me to get more?" He just shook his head as I went to find a phone to order.
Ding, Dong
As I stood to get the door I heard a deep almost gurgling voice, "Ugh. You rang?." He did not just quote Lurch... I guess he has no problem admitting his quirks... "Hey, I'll get it. I guess I should pay anyways for eating your food the last few days."
"No that's okay, you cooked me breakfast, I owe you a meal because the sandwiches don't count."
"I used your food to cook you breakfast and I ate your sandwiches, so that in my book means I owe you."
"Ron! Sit there, I'll be back in a second." I was a bit short with him, apologize when I get back... why can't I hold my tongue... I need to break this habit of snapping for no apparent reason...
I returned with the pizza to find him putting on his shoes, "I'm gonna go, you obviously don't want anybody to know I'm here. Not even the pizza guy who doesn't care anyways. We can work on this at school."
What's he talking about?... oh no, he thinks I... "No, that's not it at all, I'm still trying not to bite when I talk to you. I don't mean to, but bad habits are hard to drop. And as for people knowing whether you're here or not, well I don't know how I feel about that. I mean, doesn't Kim know where you are, you did give up an afternoon with her to come by here? It's not like I'm hiding it, I just didn't want you to have to pay for the pizza. I leeched enough when you had money, remember?" come on, please stay... I want to talk to you...
It was the second time in two days that my mouth had caused a misunderstanding between us, and again he was pissed, and again probably with a good reason, "It's a good thing I know you're trying to change or I would have already been gone. But can we cut back on the ice? It may not be intentional, but it still hurts." I thought he was immune and just blew it off?...
"I know, and again I'm sorry. So... are you going to stay or do I have to eat this whole pizza by myself and turn into a pig?" Maybe a little Ron-like humor will make him more accepting... I hope...
"Someone has to save that figure of yours." I do believe Ron is flirting with me... that dog... in a good way of course, I smiled as he added, "Besides I think I could use another round of Bonnie magic on my back."
"Oh? And what makes you think that wasn't a one time offer?" I definitely hadn't planned on the first time... but I think I could put my hands all over him again... and again, and ag... Bonnie, easy girl...
The look on his face was adorable, the whole hurt/disappointed/begging with a little bit of 'you know you want to' mixed in. "Pweez."
"The dark side clouds everything. Impossible to see the future is. ." Oh no... I did not just... Please don't let him hear that... please don't let him know where that's from, okay so that might be a stretch...
All hope was lost when I saw his jaw drop and his eyes light up, "You're a geek," then suddenly added, "I mean that in a positive meaning of the word. I had no idea that you were a Star Wars fan, I would never have guessed either. I mean you're a cheerleader, aren't they supposed to be anti-everything geekish?"
"We've all got our dark little secrets, and I think that this is one of those conversations that never happened, okay?" it's not like I expected him to tell everyone, I'm just used to having to cover my dirty little passions. You mean your dirty little passions excluding Ron... I don't have dirty little passions for Ron... key word 'little'... okay, I need to stop this...
"Well it's only a dirty secret if you make yourself think it is, I mean there's nothing wrong with liking science fiction. One question though, midnight openings, who or what are you?"
Before thinking about what he was asking, "Jedi master, long cloak with a hood to hide my face." Then covering my mouth in shock at what just passed through my lips, "You did not hear that!"
"Let me guess, you sneak out of the house, go alone, and walk because you don't want anybody to see your car and associate you with the movie?" He was laughing while he said this and it only got worse when I nodded. He had that down to the 'T'...
"Okay, before you get any more revelations. Let's eat." I was hoping against hope that food would derail his current train of thought...
Ron's POV
It's a good thing I'm not out to hurt Bonnie's reputation... some of the things I've found out would 'ruin' her... why does she worry so much about being popular... people would like her like this... I know I do... My stomach decided that I was done thinking for the moment, "Lead the way, you have the box."
I followed her into the kitchen and my mind wandered back to what I was thinking watching her walk away earlier, definitely can't complain about the view... get your mind out of the gutter, Ron... it's not in the gutter... yet...
Have you ever had one of those moments that you don't know what happened or how what happened did happen? This was one of those moments, I was admiring her legs, and the upper portion of her legs... you know the part attached to the bottom of her back... and her curves... and her... okay I get the point, when we got to the table she faced me. Knowing she could now see my stare, which was no longer staring at the back of her legs, I thought eye contact was my best bet for redemption, or prevention of loosing a limb. But it's a long way from the legs to the eyes, and I think mine took their time on the way up, soaking up everything as they went. When I did make eye contact I expected to see at least some anger, I mean I did just look her up (quite literally). What I saw almost blew my mind, she had a look of satisfaction in her eyes.
And if that look almost blew my mind, what happened next completely scrambled it, "I hope you're not drooling at the thought of pizza." Do what?... did she just?... yeah, I'm pretty sure Bonnie was just flirting with me... After that thought registered, my mind turned into a temporary mush.
"Yeah, the pizza." I said, clearly not able to think straight. My inability to respond in any way that made it seem I had control of what I said caused her to laugh and sit.
I managed to find a seat and watched as she ripped the top half off the box and put half the pizza on it and slid it to me, "Eat, you do remember how to do that don't you. Open mouth, insert food..."
There was no way I was going to let her get by with that, "Close mouth, refrain from talking and allow the cute blond to enjoy his pizza." Obviously my brain functions were returning.
Surprisingly it worked, she looked like she was going to say something, but instead dug into her half of the pizza.
The last bits of crust were making their last appearance when she finally spoke, "So, did you enjoy?"
"Duh, it's kind of hard not to enjoy a good meat lovers' pizza." I then found myself on the receiving end of a look that told me I was oblivious, okay just run back through things... what could she be talking about... food; be quiet comment; brain was mush; drooling comment... "Oh, that?" she nodded with a cheshire grin, "Well, I don't know how to answer. If I say yes you could get rightfully mad and kick me out, and if I say no then I'd be lying to you." I was pleased with my answer for a whole sum of maybe half a second, till I realized what I'd admitted to.
Before I had a chance to dig my grave any deeper, she asked, "What are you doing tomorrow?"
"Let's see, tomorrow is Sunday... Let me check my schedule," I pulled out an imaginary planner, "I have a few openings here. What do you want, to work on the report?" please no... my mind can't take anymore facts... it's going to explode without time to adjust to the information it's receiving...
"Actually no," What, "I was wondering if you'd be up for helping me with one of my dirty little secrets?" Dirty little secrets! Reading my panic/overactive imagination starting to kick in she quickly added, "You are one of the very few people who know about my addiction to science fiction, and I need a fix. I was thinking Episode II and maybe III if we got around to it... You know, just as two sci fi fans enjoying the same things."
Once my mind finally caught up with what she had actually asked, she wants to spend time with you... not doing homework/studying... she just wants to spend time with you, Ron Stoppable... Trying not to appear overly excited about the idea, although I think it was too late, I smoothly said, "Well, I think I can pencil you in sometime between 10 in the morning, and maybe 8:30 or 9. I don't know if that's enough time for you, maybe we should reschedule."
"I think that will work. How about you show up around 11, we can have a light lunch, if you know what a light meal is, and spend the rest of the afternoon watching rotting our brains with movies and small talk. Then you can show me how good you are in the kitchen again."
"I think I can squeeze that in between waking up and going to sleep. Maybe, it'll be hard as tight as my schedule is right now." I was really enjoying our banter, but it was cut short when I stood to take my makeshift plate to the kitchen, "Ow! Pain!" I immediately sat back down.
"Here, let me get the trash, then I'll help you back to the living room." I started to protest about her babying me, but was cut off by, "Doctor Bonnie's orders, you need a second round of treatment." Oh, really?... I like that idea...
A few minutes later I swore I'd died and went to heaven, oh sweet beautiful angels of mercy I feel good... okay so maybe it's not angels of mercy... it's just one... and she's good... "Bonnie?" I felt her hands pause in acknowledgment, "I'm not complaining about the massage, but what time is it?"
"8:30, why? Do you have a big date or something?" she said coyly, seductive temptress... quit complaining about things you don't have a problem with...
"Not tonight, but I have plans with a beautiful friend of mine tomorrow. And my back feels a lot better, thanks." I felt her hands move away and felt her weight lift off of me (she had been straddling my legs while I laid on my stomach, to rub my back, nothing too provocative).
"Well, I don't want to keep you then." she said helping me off the floor and into my shirt, dragging the cloth over my back still didn't feel the greatest.
"Yeah, well I guess this is good night."
"Yeah, I guess it is..."
I didn't have a clue how long we stood there, but I finally decided that I'd just go about it like I would with KP. I don't think she was quite expecting it, but she didn't complain about the one-armed hug I pulled her into. She returned it briefly before I opened the door to weather that could make Frosty shiver, "Good night, Bon-Bon." With that I took off into the cold night air, with the intent of sleeping alone and in my bed for the first time in three nights.