I do not own any Disney characters named herein, and am only borrowing them for a tale meant for entertainment purposes only.

Kim Possible: Model Hero

By LJ58

4

Bonnie felt her throat tightening as the jet descended, and the pilot announced their arrival. She was told to wait, as they would be approaching a private hangar where she would deplane once they stopped.

As they maneuvered down the runway toward the hangar, the little man again reminded her of the value of role models, and how Kim was a positive force for a lot of desperate, young girls, as well as older women still struggling with their own identities. He pointed out not for the first time that damaging her value as said role model could result in severe legal penalties.

"I got it the first half-dozen times," she muttered, and stared out the window at the sea of faces she couldn't believe were apparently waiting just outside the hangar.

Then she saw a long, black limo pulling up, and the back door was opened to let a very familiar redhead out who turned, and waved cheerfully at the crowd.

In spite of the whine of the engines, Bonnie imagined she could hear them all chanting her name.

For a moment, she grimaced, and then she saw Kim looking toward the jet, and because she knew Kim, likely better than most realized, she saw the fatigue in her too made-up face. She saw the bleakness in her usually bright gaze. She saw the faint droop in shoulders that used to be perennially squared, and ready to face anything.

Whatever was going on, Bonnie realized in a moment of startling clarity, it was killing Kim.

Did she hate the idea of playing nice that much, too, or was it something else?

Sure, she could just imagine her face when someone told her that her girlfriend had won the contest, and was coming to visit. She could just imagine how Kim would have taken hearing that she was supposed to play nice, and put on a good show for the cameras, and the crowds.

She knew the redhead had already dumped Ron.

No surprise to that one.

But did she already have another crush that might be endangered by Bonnie showing up like this?

She frowned at that.

Already stinging over Brick Flagg's defection last year, she had found temporary solace in Junior's arms after a very unlikely meeting with the playboy. Only he proved far too shallow even for her. Still, she had tried to make it work. Only when he realized she wasn't as rich as he was, and able to sit around all day doing as she pleased, he left for richer pastures.

She didn't blame him.

She was already headed for the door herself. Hearing him sing didn't help.

"We've arrived, Miss Rockwaller," the short man in the surprisingly still immaculate suit informed her.

"I think this is where I say…. Duh," she snorted, and headed for the door as the flight attendant, a mute, but very handsome guy in a very snug uniform was opening the door.

"Don't worry about your luggage, Miss Rockwaller," the hitherto mute attendant told her warmly. "It will be delivered to your hotel without delay. I hope you enjoyed your flight."

"Most of it," she told him blandly. "The parts where he wasn't talking," she said, jerking a thumb at the man behind her.

"I understand completely," he winked, and nodded as she stepped outside onto the ramp already in place.

She looked down, and just stared at Kim looking up at her.

"Bonnie," the redhead said in a surprisingly breathless tone, looking at her as if she really did miss her, and had been eagerly awaiting her arrival.

Not likely.

"Kim," she said in a slightly taut tone, and forced a smile. "Been waiting long?"

"Months," Kim laughed, and some of those close enough to hear her laughed, too.

Bonnie wanted to roll her eyes as cameras flashed, and video cameras aimed their way as she carefully picked her way down the steps, conscious of the jerk behind her whispering curt reminders.

"I am glad you came," Kim told her, sounding surprisingly earnest.

"I'm surprised my boss let me off work a whole week," she quipped.

Then, to her shock, Kim threw her arms around her, hugged her tight, and planted a kiss full on her lips in full view of the entire crowd, and anyone watching the television just then. All while the crowd applauded, and cameras flashed all around them from behind the barricades.

The brunette's stunned expression was clearly visible as Kim's hands slid down to hold her sides, and she just smiled at Bonnie's astonished stare.

"What are you doing, Possible," Bonnie hissed just for her ears as she stood there, staring down at the slightly shorter redhead incredulously.

"Giving you the fifteen minutes you so obviously want, Bon-Bon," she cooed. "Besides, I didn't see you stopping me," she smiled up at her. "Want to dance now," she asked. "I guarantee you that you'll be all over the front pages by morning."

"As your….girl-toy," Bonnie hissed as Kim seemed to hug her again to cover their whispering.

"Maybe. But just think of how your sisters are going to feel when you get more fame than they do. Especially when we both know Lonnie probably sent you here with directions on how to try to sabotage my career, and get her onto the fast track into E-D's new line."

"How do you know….? I mean, I didn't….."

"Oh, please. I may be traveling more these days, but I'm still in touch. Wade keeps me cued with everything going on back home. Those two sisters of yours have been badmouthing me since I did Carlotta. Which they should realize is only giving me more exposure, and more publicity. And as my agent says," she grinned, now dragging her toward the limo as if eager to be alone, "There is no such thing as bad publicity."

Bonnie found herself being tugged past the crowd, toward the limo, and all but stuffed inside.

Kim dropped into the car beside her, waved one last time, and let the driver shut the door.

She sagged in the seat the moment the door closed, the tinted windows hiding them from the crowd outside. She closed her eyes, and gave a weary sigh, shaking her head.

"Seriously," Kim said as Bonnie just stared at her. "I am glad to see a familiar face. Even yours, Bonnie. Sorry about the welcome, but I'm told you….understood the role we're playing here?"

"Yeah. And either you're a lot more twisted than I thought, or someone is playing you badly, Possible. No way someone could misconstrue anything I've ever said to make it sound like I…..love you."

"Actually, they thought I was crushing on you, and had apparently finally talked you into coming to see me. The contest was just serendipity, as far as the press is concerned."

"Great. So now we're…..Romeo and Juliet?"

"God, I hope not. They both died in the end."

"You're being morose," Kim was told.

"Whatever. We have reservations at Silver Lace at seven. Very uptown club. Then supper at Carlini's, and a press conference at nine tomorrow morning before I have to go in to start my shoot for the new line. God, I need coffee."

"Yo, Jeeves," Bonnie surprised her by banging on the privacy shield.

"Yes, Miss?"

"Where can we get a good triple-latte in this town? And by good, I mean lots of caffeine, not just foam."

"That would be Ryan's Cafe, Miss," the man drawled. "Do you wish to stop there?"

"You bet, and don't spare the horses. My girl needs caffeine."

The man smiled over his shoulder, and nodded.

"I quite understand, Miss. We are…..fifteen minutes away from the establishment," she was told.

"Good."

"You didn't have to do that," Kim told her.

"Let me guess. They don't let you have caffeine?"

"My photographer is already afraid of me. He probably thinks too much caffeine would make me….."

"Break him, or maybe his camera into little pieces, and shove them somewhere?"

"You do not know how many times I've thought of it," Kim smiled faintly.

"I'll bet I can," Bonnie smirked. "I know you, Possible. You might be a perfectionist who wants to save everyone but herself, but you still have the worst temper I've ever seen when someone pushes you too far. Or…..things don't go the way you want them."

Kim yawned.

"Seriously, I will try to see you enjoy yourself, Bon. I mean, without too much…..else. You know?"

"I can live with that," Bonnie grinned. "And for the record, I didn't listen to a word Lonnie said while I was packing. I learned a long time ago to tune my sisters out."

"I guessed."

"Right. You were my guest once, weren't you," she teased now.

"Yeah. That week was….interesting," she chuckled, her eyes still closed.

"Is that what you called it? It was different. Seriously, I still think you live a charmed life, Kim. You know there are people that would kill to replace you."

"Like Lonnie?"

"She's first in line, for certain," Bonnie laughed.

"Not you?"

"Not my thing. I don't mind the vacation, though. I really am surprised Benj let me off a whole week."

"I'll wager my boss bent his arm."

"Or paid him off, too," Bonnie laughed. "Or don't you remember Benj Welton?"

"Oh, right. The diner. They made the best lattes," she sighed. "Ron never wanted to stop there, though."

"You know he's seeing Monique now."

"Monique's still in Middleton, too," she asked. "I thought she was going to college?"

"Assistant manager at C.B's now," she said, and shook her head. "Plus, she is interning with the man himself, if you can believe that; all while attending fashion classes at MCC."

"That sounds like her. I hope she makes it."

"If she does, she'll be competition," Bonnie teased.

"She'll be good. She always had a flair for fashion."

"She still does."

"Should I be jealous," Kim teased, opening her eyes now, and glancing cover at her.

Bonnie sputtered.

"Of me….and….? No! I just said Ron was seeing her. Believe it, or not, they attend every wrestling thingy that comes through. I don't know why, but they do. She actually seems to enjoy his company, too," Bonnie snarked like her old self.

"Well, Ron can be fun," Kim sighed.

"I know that tone. Sounds like fun wasn't always enough."

"To be honest, even before this….sitch came up, Ron and I were falling apart. Someone told me I needed to learn who I was before I could decide what I really wanted to do. I think…. I think now, Ron and I never would have worked. We made great friends, but…..not much else."

"Oh. So, are you saying….?"

Kim sighed, and shook her head.

"Bonnie, I really, really don't know what I'm saying. I'm tired, caffeine-deprived, and I have a head full of things to worry about. I do know, I'm glad to see you. A familiar face. And I don't want to ruin anything by saying the wrong thing while I'm only half awake."

"Shall I go in, and order, Miss," the driver asked as he pulled into a parking lot just then.

"I know what I…. What she wants," Bonnie said, knowing Kim always ordered the same thing back home. She was consistent like that. "Be right back. Don't fall asleep on me," she warned her.

"Perish the thought," Kim yawned. She eyed the driver studying her in the mirror, and muttered, "Should have given her some money. I'll bet this place is expensive," she complained.

"No more than anyplace else. Not many of the 'in-crowd' come here, but it is a good place for coffee without the usual crush," the man told her. "I guessed neither of you ladies cared about labels, though."

"Not a bit," Kim told him earnestly. "Just caffeine."

"I know how you feel," the man smiled as Bonnie appeared, and climbed into the car after the driver jumped out to let her in, balancing the two cups she held.

"Triple-mint latte, heavy on the caffeine, light on the foam," Bonnie declared, handing her the hot cup.

She pulled the lid open, and took a sip.

"Ambrosia," Kim sighed, and glanced over at her. "You actually remembered?"

"How could I forget. It's the only thing you ever ordered anytime we went out," Bonnie actually laughed.

"I'm not that bad."

"If it's not cola, it's always a triple-mint, and you know it," Bonnie charged her.

"Okay, maybe I just like….."

"Caffeine," she suggested.

"Uh, yeah. That," she said, and took a longer sip. "This might just get me through the night without falling on my face. Just don't tell my agent. He likes to count my calories, too."

"As if you could ever gain weight. I've seen you eat," Bonnie reminded her.

"I eat just fine," Kim sputtered.

"Like a racehorse. You just don't gain weight. Shocked me senseless the first time I realized I had a legitimate reason to hate you."

"What?"

"Do you know how hard I work to keep my figure," Bonnie huffed, sipping her own drink. "While you blithely snack away, and never even think about calories. Life is just unfair. Blatantly cruel," she dramatized.

"I never really thought about that," she mused, looking more awake now as she began to gulp down the latte. "I just figured it was because I was always so….active."

"Kimberly, I was at least as active as you. Okay, not doing the same things, obviously, but ballet, cheerleading, and working out? I worked to keep fit, and you just…. You were gifted," she admitted. "Yet you never cared you were gifted," she sighed. "I never understood that. I still don't," she blurted, then said, "And I can't believe I just admitted that much."

"Jetlag," Kim told her. "It's a bitch. I just flew in the night before…."

"And I'll bet your arms are tired," Bonnie chortled.

"That joke is so old, it has whiskers," Kim laughed, snorting as she did.

"Well, excuse me for favoring the classics," Bonnie huffed.

"Classics are good," Kim deadpanned. "Classics are great. So, how is everyone else doing? You know, back home?"

Bonnie sighed.

"Most of them bailed. They couldn't get out of Middleton fast enough."

"Oh. Not you?"

"I'm…..looking for my best fit. You know me," she smiled, eyeing her nearly empty cup. "Always waiting to make sure everything is perfect."

"Yeah. I guess some things haven't changed," Kim told her quietly. "That's actually…..nice."

"Are you….complimenting me," Bonnie blinked.

Kim stared at her even as the driver pulled up in front of their hotel.

"We're here," Kim said, not answering her. "Ready to see your room."

"The Hilton," Bonnie gaped. "We're at the New York Hilton. Lonnie will so jeal over this one."

"You can get postcards in the lobby. Charge them to your room," Kim winked.

"I so have to send her one right away," Bonnie grinned, and let Kim climb out after the driver opened the door for them.

There was no crowd this time, but she did see a few men with cameras standing back from the door. Kim surprised her by waving to one of them, and addressing him casually.

"Hi, Roy. Slow night?"

"You know it, KP. This your girl?"

"Bonnie Rockwaller," Kim smiled, and slid an arm around her, still holding her latte in her free hand. "Two Ls."

"What's in the cup?"

"Don't tell my agent," Kim chortled. "It's a triple-mint latte," she grinned.

"Man, I could use a shot of that!"

"So could I, and I have it," she said, holding up the cup, and taking a long sip as the man laughed, waiting for her to lower the cup before he simply held up the camera, as if asking permission.

"Get my good side," Kim pressed him.

"Always, Red," he called her, and snapped off a few shots.

"You know him?"

"He's okay. I don't mind him. Some of them are outright jerks," she said in an aside as she led Bonnie into the hotel.

Behind them, a bellhop had appeared, and was taking Bonnie's bags from the trunk. She had not even realized they had been loaded.

These guys, she realized, were slick.

KP

"Promising start," Will said, listening to the recording from the limo. We can get some serious mileage out of the some of the sound bites. It does even sound like they are a legitimate couple, though. Even better."

"I think we should still be careful," Deva said as she listened to the pair over the transceiver planted in the limo.

"We're both being well paid to deliver the goods, DD. You're not going soft, are you?"

Deva stared hard at him.

"Unlike you, Will, I'm not an idiot. Don't forget who we're dealing with here. Contract, or not, you push too hard, and that girl will take you apart like a jigsaw puzzle. Even David doesn't treat her like the other girls. Do you know why?"

"Please. She's an over-hyped cheerleader."

"With genuine martial skills. I checked her out. And, by the way, she's still practicing. I've caught her in her room sometimes going through motions. That girl is the real deal. If we're not very, very careful, this could still blow up in our faces."

"You sure you're not getting soft," Will snorted.

"I won't deny I like her, but I'm more concerned with the fact this is the same girl that helped put down some very serious bad guys before she even finished high school. Think about that."

Will snorted again.

"The way this is going, she'll be just another self-absorbed diva before we…."

Deva stood up, glaring down at him.

"Is that some kind of crack?"

"No! I meant Possible. She's all ego. If we play to that, she'll crack, and fit into any scenario we craft for her. That's what I meant. Not you. Wasn't even referring to you. Honestly," he smiled ruefully as the woman's cold eyes fixed on him.

"Good. Because if you think our employer can be harsh," she said ominously, leaving the threat hanging.

Will, who knew what happened to the last guy to anger Deva Delure, said nothing.

"Okay, we'll wait, and see how it goes at the club. Then, I'll go through whatever we get, and put together a media package, and a suitable scenario for tomorrow," he decided as he finished listening to the girl's arrival.

"All right. I suggest I take Roland's place as Rockwaller's escort, too. I already noted he's a poor fit for her. He'll set her off for certain if we don't contain her. Frankly, he has all the finesse of a dead cat in a dog pound."

"I can't argue. If you think you can divert the girl, do it. Just make sure she plays her role while we get ready to write the sad ending to Possible's career."

Deva stared at him hard.

"Her….former career," he added.

"Be very careful, Will. I'm not sure I like you. I know Kimberly doesn't. And that could still blow up in our faces. As I said, remember who she is," she told her."

"Was," he sniffed dismissively.

KP

Bonnie gaped as the limo stopped in front of a very well lit, and very obviously crowded club that had people waiting in line to get in all the way down the block.

"Whoa, how are we going to get inside?"

"Trust me," Kim told her as she held out her arm, slid it around Bonnie's back, and led her past the paparazzi, the bouncers, and into the one club the brunette never, ever expected to enter. After all, Silver Lace was an exclusive club for the elite. An elite lesbian club. And Bonnie had always favored boys. Men. So why was she letting Possible drag her into the place like she was her arm candy?

Because, she had to admit, it really would tweak Lonnie if she showed up on the news, and ended up with more exposure than her. The dress she was currently wearing would have cost her six months pay back home, and the green silk showed off her body to perfection.

After an hour at a nearby spa, a relaxing bath, and Kim's own wardrobe lady fitting her, she looked as rich as you could be without being actually one of the elite.

She had already decided to go along with Kim. She had decided she could always write off the entire incident later as a mad experiment. She could claim to be curious, or something. Swept up by her famous 'friend.' Meanwhile, how often did she get to mingle with real celebrities. Even if they were apparently those kind?

"Julie," Kim smiled, calling to a very gorgeous blonde. "How are you?"

"Not as lucky as you, doll," the slender golden beauty that looked familiar to anyone that watched films smiled their way. "So, is your gorgeous friend free, or is she yours?"

"All mine," Kim smiled, and wrapped her arm more tightly around Bonnie. "She's only in town for the week, so we're making up for lost time."

"Lucky you," the blonde smiled, and turned to another guest who called her name.

"Is that really….?"

"Some people may, or may not be into the scene," Kim told her as she led her to a table in the far corner. "But they all come to places like this just get away, and relax. Some just like playing both sides of the fence to see if they would prefer it."

"Still, her," Bonnie shook her head. "No one will ever believe…."

"First rule. Discretion. They don't mind being seen. They just don't want rumors."

Bonnie eyed Kim, hearing the sincere tone she used, and nodded. She also noted that Kim was more awake and alert. Maybe because of the coffee, or maybe because she was used to being up later hours now. Not that her hours had ever been regular from what she could tell.

"I can see that. Can I still say I met her?"

"Sure," Kim grinned. "I wouldn't deny you the fun of name-dropping. Just play mysterious. That must makes it all the more fun when everyone tries to guess where, and how, you met, as well as what might have really happened," she laughed.

"Something tells me you're way ahead of me in this game."

"I've had a good mentor," Kim admitted.

"Oh. So, you're not just bulling your way through, as usual," Bonnie laughed as she took a seat at the table, surprised when Kim treated her like a real date the way she tended her.

"Not….completely. And here comes my mentor now," Kim, in a darker green dress that complemented her own coloring said as she sat down near Bonnie, and then looked over to the arriving woman that waved across the room at them.

"Deva Delure," Bonnie gasped, naming one of the top models in the world who pointed at the bar, and held up three fingers. "She's….?"

"She goes both ways, but she has a lot invested in Silver Lace," Kim told her as she nodded to the woman. "So she won't want any waves for the opening of her newest franchise."

"Wow. I didn't know she was…. You know, Lonnie idolizes her."

"Really? Do you want me to get her an autograph," Kim smirked as Bonnie just stared at the statuesque woman with ebony hair that fell loose tonight, like black silk over her shoulders. It presented a start image with the ivory dress, and diamonds she was wearing.

"No. I want it. Then I can hold it over her smug, pretty head," Bonnie huffed as the woman approached the table balancing three drinks.

"Hi, Kimberly. Two white wine spritzers for my lovely guests, and….one for me," the woman said as she set each drink down before taking a seat across from her as Bonnie just stared.

Kim greeted the shapely woman even as she laughed at Bonnie's declaration.

Then Bonnie saw a nearly naked girl saunter past wearing a very short skirt, shackles, and a collar.

"Isn't that…illegal," she blushed as she couldn't help but eye the woman.

"Not here," Deva laughed. "And don't worry, she's an employee. Not a captive. Silver Lace is a theme club, and I'm trying it out before I decide to franchise, or not."

"Oh. People like….dressing like that?"

"It's part of the draw for some," she answered Bonnie with a twinkle in her eye, showing no offense. "You get to keep your usual tips. You have a little thrill, and some women really like playing the role. Some even sign up to play the more adult venues in the back."

Bonnie gaped at another girl that walked past.

"Now, she's not an employer," Deva surprised her by stating. "She just volunteered to serve for th night on a lark. Or….at her mistress' command. As I said, this is a theme club."

"How do you tell the difference," Bonnie asked as she noticed another girl in a collar and leather skirt walk by carrying a tray. "I mean, between regular employees, and…..the others," she choked, still blushing as she gulped a mouthful of wine, trying to calm herself as Kim just studied the women without batting an eye.

"Easily," Deva told her. "The employees don't have a leash on their collar. The leash tells the customers that the girl belongs to someone. Or is being 'loaned' out by a mistress. No leash means they are regular employees, and free for….admirers to enjoy."

"Define enjoy," Bonnie frowned.

"Ordering around. Dancing. Whatever."

"This is starting to sound more like a sex club than….."

"Welcome to the grown-up world," Kim told her, and took another sip of her wine. "Like your drink?"

"It's actually…..pretty good. But isn't it illegal for us to be…..?"

"We're both eighteen. In this club, it's all right to have a little wine, so don't worry about it. Just enjoy."

"We'll just tell everyone you're having ginger ale," Deva winked. "One glass won't hurt, after all."

"I've had wine before," Bonnie grumbled at the brunette. "Not this good," she reluctantly admitted.

"It's Deva's private blend," Kim volunteered, having tasted it before now. "She has her own French vineyard. We did a shoot there a few weeks ago."

"Sometimes, I really loathe you," Bonnie hissed.

Kim smiled. "And the other times?"

Bonnie just stared at her. "Just tell me one thing. How did you really luck into this? I mean, Lonnie's been killing herself dieting, and working out for years to try to break into the majors. You just walked onto a stage, and boom, you were on top."

"It wasn't that easy," Kim grimaced. "And believe it or not, I didn't start out wanting this. If I could, I'd walk away without a moment's regret if I could."

"You're kidding," Bonnie gasped as Deva said nothing. "But you're famous! Famouser," she blurted. "You're doing what some of us can only dream about, and you would really give all this up," she demanded, gesturing around her.

Kim sighed. "Bonnie, you know me. I only want to help people. That's my thing. But I got into this because….I kind of owed some people. A lot. So this was just kind of like a really big favor that got out of hand."

"Now I know you're kidding. You became the world's most recognizable model in less than six months because of a favor?"

"Yeah. Ferociously weird, huh," Kim asked.

Bonnie's expression was eloquent. "So, what about school? You weren't there for graduation."

"I had tutors. I got my diploma, but college is on hold until I fulfill more of my contract. I thought I would start some online work, though. Just to keep myself in the game."

Bonnie shook her head. "I'm probably going to be stuck working my way through, if I can raise enough. The folks tapped themselves out putting my sisters through college. And now Connie is in medical school, and Lonnie kind of bottomed out on the whole fashion career. It didn't leave much for me."

"So, is that the real reason you accepted my invitation?"

"Hey, an invite to the slickest, biggest, glitziest model slumming in New York," Bonnie exclaimed as she reached for her wine. "And it didn't cost me anything. How could I turn that down?"

Kim only smiled at her.

"Well, I'm actually very glad you came. Welcome to New York, Bon-Bon," she smiled, lifting her half empty glass to toast her.

To Be Continued…