A/N: Monique's last name is one I saw on another fic, I don't remember whose, so if it was yours thank you, and if you know whose it was please tell me so I can give credit where it's due.
I hope you enjoy Ron's stitch with the girls. Poor, poor, Ron, when will he learn?
I'm sorry about the delay in updating, I had to go out of town for a couple days (the only internet connection there is dial-up) and when I got back, COX (that's the actual name of my ISP) was having problems of some type.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kim Possible, if I did, I would be rich and my stories would be on TV rather than here.
Ron's POV
"Ron, Ronald. You need to get up and get ready if you don't want to be late for school." that's not Mom... who is trying to wak-... never mind, it's Mrs. Dr. P... close enough to mom...
"Five more minutes." I had to try, what good is it if you don't even try?.
"You said that the last two times I tried to get you up, and I gave it too you then. Not this time, get up or I let Kimmie wake you with a cold glass of water." she's tried to get me up already?... this is the first time I remember... and that's just not fair... cold water alarm clocks are evil... almost as evil as monkey's...
"Okay, okay." I surrendered.
"Good, now I can go make breakfast." Boo-yah... definite bonus to crashing here... yeah, crashing at KP's... who were we taking out yesterday again... Duff?... no... Monkey Fist?... no... Drakken?... Then I remembered everything that happened, Shego...
I made an attempt to move off the couch, that was a bad idea. In the mixture of stiffness, my natural clumsiness, and the blankets I was bundled in I found the shortest route to the floor with a thud. I thought about trying to get up, then thought about it some more. With my head to the floor, I heard a set of footsteps approaching, "Ron, I said get up, not move from the couch to the floor. If you need help I'll help you up, you weren't moving the best yesterday, and I'm sure you're going to be in a lot more discomfort today." why can't doctors ever just say pain?
"Thanks Mrs. Dr. P, I think it'd be best. The Ron man isn't running at 100 percent today." I doubt I will be for a couple days either...
The older lady, not old... but older, helped me to Kim's room to find some clothes. KP was in her bathroom getting ready, so I just grabbed a set of stuff out of her closet and went to the guest bathroom to get ready. I took off the clothes I wore last night both on the 'date' and to sleep in, but before I put the shirt from my stash on, I caught a glance of myself in the mirror. I went over to it to see what the damage from my little sparring event was, and was surprised to find that I didn't have very many fresh afflictions, one thing to be thankful for. I only noticed 4 fresh cuts, one that happened before Shego even laid eyes on me and the other 3 from an open handed swipe that I didn't avoid fast enough. While I didn't have many new marks, what really caught my eye was the preexisting ones. I never paid much attention to them, I knew they were there, and I new they were just a testimony to my curse of not being popular; it's not that I wanted to be popular, I could really care less, but being at the receiving end of years of beatings, mixed with the fact I was facing upper mid-level henchmen on a regular basis, really left a mark, or at last count 23... including the fresh ones.
I'm not sure how long I stood there just in my cargo pants thinking about the causes behind what I was seeing, but in my daze I missed hearing my best friend enter, "Thank you. I know I don't say it enough, but thank you."
Returning to reality I asked, "For what? I haven't done anything."
"For what? For everything... for not bailing when I told you how I feel, for getting my back all these years, for making sure I always got back up when I fell, for... just for being you, Ron." I wasn't sure what to say, I'm not used to taking compliments.
"I've always got your back, just like you've always got mine. We've always been there for each other, and I hope we always can be." Then I did something that I had never done, I embraced my best friend without any self-consciousness about my body. I'd done my best to hide it from her, I didn't want her to worry, but last night we revealed all those things we had been hiding from each other, maybe Shego's little 'date' did serve a purpose. After standing there just holding on to my lifeline for a while I saw the clock and said, "I should probably finish getting around, I'll be down in a minute."
She just nodded and disappeared, I'd be lost without a friend like her... no, not a friend like her... I'd be lost without her... I shook my head clear and finished getting ready for what was promising to be an interesting day.
I wasn't quite as bad as I was after my first encounter with Shego, but moving around was still a task all to itself. I had just made it to the bottom of the stairs when there came a knock at the front door. "We'll..."
"...get it." the Tweebs said as they darted past me, do they really need to move that fast around me?
"Hello Bonnie. What..."
"...brings you here?" they don't know yet... they were in their room when we got back from the school and I doubt Drs. Possible mentioned that we were going out...
"I came by to talk to Kim and Ron for a while before we went to school."
"Boys, leave our guest alone. Bonnie, come in we were getting ready to have breakfast. Care to join?"
"Ron's already up and cooking? I didn't figure he'd be doing that for a couple days."
"No, I'm handy in the kitchen as well as in the OR. I take it from that question, he found out food isn't only the way to a man's heart?" she chuckled as Bonnie flushed.
As they stepped around the corner Bonnie saw me and said, "Breakfast a la Stoppable is an artwork."
Everybody in the kitchen laughed a little, they seemed to agree with her statement. "Now quit flattering him, he might get a big head, then how's he going to fit in your little car Bonnie." I cast a glance at my best friend, who gave me that little innocent 'what?' look.
"I can't see Ron doing that, I mean he was so calm and in control when he got those royalties and the haircut. No, he wouldn't do anything of the sort." this is not fair... my best friend and my girlfriend are ganging up on me... I need help...
"Jim, Tim... Do you by chance know where that tape of KP is? You know, the one she doesn't want anybody to see?"
Their eyes lit up, "No Ron, we don't..."
"...know where it is." then one of them winked making sure Kim saw.
"Tweebs!"
"All's fair KP. Now all I need to do is find some home footage of Bon-Bon and I'd be set." I had a scheming smirk.
"You will never find it. If you think the other stuff is hidden, there is no way short of a miracle that you will find anything on me." she sounded fairly certain of herself, but cautious at the same time.
"That sounds like a challenge, I might have to make a point to find something." then, with a bit of mischief in my voice, I added, "Maybe Tara knows something?" Her eyes were the size of platers at the thought of me finding out whatever it was she wanted to stay buried, I'm not really going to go out of my way to find out... it's just fun to get a raise out of her...
"Alright you three, I think it's time you found your way to school. And Bonnie, any friend of Kim and Ron's is welcome here any time. And after last nights discussion, good luck today, you're going to need it." Mrs. Dr. P. was in her motherly advice mode. I'm glad she's accepting this well... I wonder what they talked about after Kim and I left...
On the way to school Kim asked what I had been thinking earlier, "So, how long did you stay and talk to Mom?"
Keeping her eyes straight ahead, pretending to be engrossed with the road, she said, "Oh, not very long. Just a little bit, you know to explain what was going on; me, Ron, dating, you, Ron, going on a date," ouch, there was some venom there... I thought she understood that we didn't really have an option, "Shego, Ron, the fight, and we talked a little about Ron."
I was confused, I don't know the first thing about how to understand girls, and I admit it. Kim on the other hand got it, because she giggled a little, "There seemed to be a trend. So did you find out anything interesting?"
"Only that she's thought what everybody else has since 2nd grade rather than 3rd." casting a playful glance at my best friend, and making me even more confused.
"No way. Why didn't she, or anybody tell me? Why didn't I know, for that matter?" Kim was getting flustered and I was deciding that I was never going to understand women.
"We talked about this, unspoken rule, not allowed." enough with the cryptic stuff... why can't they speak in plain English?...
Looking down, I saw I wasn't the only one completely lost in this conversation, "Don't worry Rufus, that's not English, they're speaking in high school girl talk. If you ever find a way to decode it, I think even Wade would have to bow down to your intelligence." My wise crack earned me a light slap on the arm, fortunately in a non-sensitive area.
Having Bonnie drive, we arrived at the school earlier than normal, leaving us with 20 minutes before the bell rang, sending us to our first rounds of inhumane torture. But no one in the car moved when Bonnie shut it off. "We're here." the beautiful chauffeur strained.
"Yeah, we're here." I was no less nervous than she was, what is going to happen... what are people going to think?... am I going to be on the receiving end of glares or cheers?... Finally, after what the clock, which had to be lying, said was 2 minutes I said, "It's out of the frying pan for us."
"And into the fire." she finished for me. "It's a good thing you've already proven yourself to be plasma-proof, fire should be no problem." she added in a weak attempt to lighten the mood.
"Are you sure you want to do this today? I mean we could give Monique more time to set the scene and make things smoother." I looked at Kim, I know she's trying to help... and I really want to take that offer... but we need to do this before the rumor mills shred any semblance of the truth to pieces...
"Yes I'm sure, but that doesn't mean I'm not scared to death." just don't pass out Ron... you can do this... all you have to do is walk in... with Bonnie, your girlfriend... a person that most people assume hates you... "Now, before I come to my senses and chicken out, let's go."
As I reached for my door handle, Bonnie's hand slipped from mine as we both got out, I was followed by Kim, who graciously let me sit up front because of my current situation of physical well being.
We were halfway to the door when Bonnie said, "Oh no." Looking around to find the cause of this sudden distress, I saw none other than Brick Flagg pulling into the parking lot, what a way to start the day.
"Well, he was gonna find out sometime, it's not like we could tell the school but not him. He may be dumb but not that dunb." Well... maybe he is... I don't want to try...
Both the girls gave a weak laugh, then KP reminded me, "Remember, you have to stick up for yourself. If you don't I do, and from what I hear, so will Bonnie in this case."
I didn't say anything, heck what could I say. We made it to the door without any interference, I got a dark look from across the lot when I glanced over my shoulder, but nothing was said or done, yet.
Inside was another story, we were met by Monique at the front door, "So it is true? Ron, I didn't know you had it in you. And Bonnie, you got yourself a good man there, and seeing how he's my best friend's best friend, I have to warn you not to hurt him. Or you will think that little bout Ron had with Shego was childs' play."
"How do you know about that already?" It was on all of our minds but I got the words formed first.
"Well, Kim threw her Kimmunicator after talking with Wade, but it didn't fall in her bag. It landed where he could see what was going on, audio too, and recorded everything. This morning I heard that Shego had shown up from one of the cheerleaders, so I cracked into Kim's locker and had him send me the highlights, enough to know what happened. Sorry bout the loss, Ron, good effort though."
"How did you get into my locker?" Kim wasn't mad, really, just curiously agitated.
Monique smiled as she put a pin in her hair, "You don't think hanging out with a super spy girl hasn't worn off, do you?"
"Who cares how she got in. What are you going to do?" I felt her squeeze my hand a little tighter, I let go of her hand and put my arm around her. She seemed to agree that this was more comfortable and pulled in close,
Monique thought for a second then said, "First off, I gotta get the word out that you two are an item, and that it's for real. I assuming that it's real?" we both nodded, and she continued, "Then, I'm going to dispel any rumors that Ron is brainwashed or that you're under the influence of some type of mind control or blackmail. Other than that, I'm going to get to know my new friend, anybody Ron and Kim are willing to spend time with must be worth my time."
Bonnie's death grip on my waist subsided a little as our little group made our way to Kim's locker to talk to Wade. "See, what did I tell you. I got the connections to make it all right." Please Monique... if I never ask for anything again, please help with this...
"We'll see Mr. Connected. I hope you're right, but we'd be dumb to believe this is going to be easy." I really want to be dumb... I want to believe this is going to be easy, "This is going to shake the food chain to pieces."
What! I let go of her and stepped back, "I thought the food chain didn't matter. I thought we were going to forget about the food chain. What happened to that?" I wasn't yelling, but very sternly making my opinion known.
"No that's not what I meant," she was grabbing my arm but I wasn't in the mood to touch her right then, "I'm not saying it matters to me. Why am I cursed with a big mouth? I don't care, but some people will. And this will completely throw them off, and very possibly make some of them mad. I'm talking vicious, out to ruin somebody, smear them and everyone associated with them mad. I don't, if I did I wouldn't be here right now." she's got a point...
Before I could tell her I was overreacting, a hand from behind me on my shoulder caught my attention. Spinning to face the owner I came eye to chest with, why me?, Brick. "Are you the reason Bonnie is upset right now?" he cracked his knuckles and I gulped, "I think you'd better leave her alone. Come on Bonnie." still glaring at me he reached over and grabbed Bonnie's forearm and started to lead her away, bad idea... don't touch her...
"Let go of her." he froze, but didn't turn back, "Maybe I didn't say it loud enough to get through your helmet, but I said: let go of her!"
"Are you really that desperate for a beating?" he had let go of her and was now facing me.
I saw her get to Kim and Monique, with Wade on the screen, "Wow Brick I'm impressed, you used a three syllable word, correctly." then I made a scene to get people's attention, "Mark the day on a calender folks, Brick learned a big kid word."
Typically, he wouldn't swing at me in public, he'd wait till he caught me in a bathroom or locker room. Not this time, his fist was on a one-way course to the side of my face. I saw the looks I was getting from KP's locker, crap I can't just take it this time. So I ducked, I felt his hand ruffle some of the hair on my head because I hadn't even planned on moving till it was almost too late. The look on his face was worth it though, he'd never seen me move like that and definitely wasn't expecting it right then.
"Leave him alone Brick!" Bonnie was trying to avoid a confrontation, thank goodness someone is going to be a voice of reason, "Ron could kick your dense butt all over the school and back." never mind...
"Please, this scrawny loser?" he laughed out, "Besides why are you hanging around here anyways?" well, here is the spark for his fuse...
"Is she not allowed to hangout with her BF?" Monique spoke before Bonnie could answer.
"And her BF's friends?" Kim added, oh sure... make him in an even better mood... I can hear the hiss of his mental fuse disappearing...
"What do you mean, BF?" are you really that dumb?... I mean, yeah, sometimes Monique's letter's are hard to understand... but come on... BF?...
"Boy-Friend, Brick. You know, that thing you were till I got smart and dumped you," way to go Bon-Bon, "Now I have a real man." and then you go and do that... trying to get me hurt...
He looked at me then back at her, "You mean, you're dating this?" as he pointed towards me in disgust.
"People, I think we need to make a holiday, Brick used a big word and figured something out on his own." Monique, as much as I like your sarcasm... I could really do without it right now...
He turned back towards me, "Well, let's see if she still wants to go out with you once she figures out you're not only a loser, but a weak loser. One who gets beat up by me." Boom...
"Please don't do this Brick? I don't think you want to do this right now." and I really don't want to do this right now, "I don't want to cause any problems. Some one might get hurt." and unfortunately it can't be me... okay that's kinda twisted... I almost sound like I want to get hurt... I don't, but I really don't want to hurt you either...
Under his breath he said to me, "Don't worry, you will. This is going to be just like every other time. Only this time it'll be in front of an audience." yeah, and audience that won't let me not fight you...
He dove to form tackle me, the same as he always does: tackle me, pin me down, then proceed to beat/kick me on the ground. Only this time I wasn't still standing there when he got there, I was behind him after a quick flip over him. Okay, same mentality as with Shego... just wear him out... he'll give up... go into wear-out mode... sidestep, dodge, flip, dive, whatever I have to. He was back on his feet staring at me in shock, but it didn't last long. Deciding that diving blindly was out of the question, he started running towards me with his right fist cocked back like a gun, a big pain causing .50 caliber rifle, ready to hit me when he got within arms reach. If he could hit me, I chuckled inwardly at the thought.
"Ron, don't make her come back to this school." Kim reminded me of Shego's promise, crap, if I don't fight him Shego will... and I doubt she'll hold back at all... add another reason I have to do this... why me?... oh yeah, I was forced to work with Bonnie against my will, then I decided to get mouthy with Shego, after which I started dating Bon-Bon, and finally Shego wanted a rematch...
Out of instinct I deflected his blow and sidestepped as I swept his feet out from under him, sweet he's mine now... just a quick foot to his head to end this... and I'm doing this while sore from last night... almost too easy. I was turning around to finish the maneuver that I'd used many times on henchmen, that would leave him in an unconscious heap on the floor, but forced myself to stop, no... you can't do that... why he'd do it to you... he doesn't stand a fighting chance... he doesn't give you a chance when he thinks he's better than you... stop right now... don't do it... come one, it'll be quick and easy... just one short movement and he'll never bother you again... but it's not right... neither is what he's done to you in the past...
Bonnie apparently saw the conflict in my face, "It's okay Ronnie, you can control yourself. Find that happy medium, I know you can do it." I decided right then that she had to be magic, because her words worked like a spell to calm me down and help me focus on doing what was necessary, don't attack him... defense only... I can do this...
Brick, at being taken down, was furious and thought that attacking the cause of him being on the floor was a good idea. He took a boxing stance we'd learned in PE and started to dance towards me, is he serious?, he took several jabs, swings, and uppercuts at me. All of which I either dodged or blocked with ease even being stiff and slow from yesterday's encounter, I'm pretty sure Dr. D himself is a better fighter...
He wasn't getting tired of trying to hurt me, in fact the longer he went without hitting me, the madder I think he got. Then a sound that usually chills me to the bones echoed through the halls, "STOPPABLE! FLAGG! My office, now!" thank goodness for good old Mr. Barkin...
Considering I was sitting in the chair next to the guy who was just trying to turn my face into a work of art, I was pretty calm. I had just prevented myself from getting cremated and I hadn't hurt anybody in the process. And the little peck on the cheek I got walking past the girls was making me all warm and fuzzy inside. Unfortunately for me that warm fuzzy feeling was showing on my face, "Wipe that grin off your face, you're here because you were involved in a fight." I straightened my face out, but I was still smiling inside, I just had a beautiful girl kiss me like I was her hero... I might have to do this more often, but that though quickly vanished when he continued, "Now, which one of you wants to go first? No takers, okay. Ronald, why were you fighting with Mr. Flagg right back there?"
"To be honest, sir, I wasn't fighting him. I wanted to but I didn't." I really didn't want to in the beginning... but it felt so good to lay the smack down on him for once... I almost didn't stop... he's- no I'm- no we're lucky Bonnie was there to calm me down... he'd probably never play football again, if he walked... and I'd be locked away for a few years on assault charges... curses of being trained to fight and being 18...
"Yeah, if we would have been..." the meat head beside me started.
"That's enough from you Brick, you'll get your chance to speak when Mr. Stoppable is done." he said sternly, then turning back to me, "Now, if you weren't fighting, what would you call what you were doing?"
"Honing my hand to hand combat defensive skills, sir?" I was trying to squeeze by on a technicality, and when he didn't stop me I continued, "I never took a swing, well unless you count when I took his legs out from under him. But that wasn't an offensive move, it was more of a 'let his momentum carry him to the floor and away from me' type thing." I cocked an eyebrow, hoping he would accept it.
He didn't flinch, but stared at me for a second, "So, you were innocently standing there and Mr. Flagg, unprovoked, attacked you and you just defended yourself without causing so much as a scratch on him?"
I looked over at Brick, "I don't see any marks, and I know I didn't cause any that wouldn't be visible. So yeah, you basically hit the nail on the head."
Barkin turned towards the quiet football player, "Is there anything you would like to add or challenge about his testimony?"
"Only that it wasn't unprovoked, he started it by upsetting Bonnie. I was just trying to get her away from him when he get in my face." his story appeared flimsy at best, even to someone who wasn't there.
"Would the three young ladies, including Ms. Rockwaller, and, if I remember correctly, the young computer genius who witnessed the scene agree with your story?" Go Mr. B... I never doubted you... Boo-Yah...
"Bonnie should, but I doubt the other three will, they were at the locker and couldn't have heard what was going on until things got started." dude, I think you got hit in the head one too many times... they were all there and saw what happened... and Bonnie is my girlfriend, I'm pretty sure she'll agree with me... besides you grabbed her, not a wise decision... I felt my anger starting to return so I derailed that train of thought and focused on the present.
Instead of speaking to either of us he pressed the button on the box beside his desk, "Will Bonnie Rockwaller, Kim Possible and Monique Jenkins please report to the office."
There was silence in the small office as we waited, I knew that my case was going to be made for me at the arrival of the three people he'd just called in, Brick was sweating bullets in anticipation. All the while, Barkin just sat there watching the two of us, almost as if he were trying to get inside our heads, go for it... I got nothing to hide... well, nothing about today at least... well maybe that kiss, but you didn't see it...
Knock, knock
Mr. Barkin stood, "Come in, I'm assuming you can guess why I called you in here. You were witnesses to the incident that occurred in the hallway this morning, I want to hear from you what happened to see if these two are telling the truth."
Kim spoke up first, "You see-" but was cut off by a large hand being raised from the far side of the desk.
"Please, I trust you Ms. Possible. However, I would like to hear Ms. Rockwaller's view of things." He looked at her, "Would you care to share what you saw happen?"
"Well, Ron and I were walking with Kim and Monique to Kim's locker-" she was stopped right then by the same hand that stopped Kim.
"Are you telling me you were willingly associating with Ron and Kim?" he looked slightly confused at the idea, is it that hard to get your mind around... yeah we didn't always get along in the past... but come on...
"Why would I not be associating with them?" she snapped in a way that said there shouldn't be any questions about it, I swear she's the only person who can snap at that man and get away with it, then continued, "As I was saying, we were walking to Kim's locker when Ron and I had a misunderstanding in which I was upset and talking loudly, when Brick," she spat his name out like it tasted bad, "tried to drag me away from Ron physically. Ron told him to let go of me, twice. Which he did, but he got mad and started threatening Ron." I glanced at Barkin and Brick, Barkin was taking things in and Brick looked like he was trying to sink through the floor, "Ron warned him not to do anything, and said he didn't want anyone to get hurt. But, Brick didn't listen and attacked him. Ron just avoided the dive, Brick didn't get the hint and went after him again. This time Ron dropped Brick to the ground and had ample time and opportunity to hurt Brick, but didn't. When Brick go up off the ground, he came back for round three. Which is where things were when you got there, Brick was trying to use the boxing you'd taught us and Ron was keeping himself from being on the receiving end of any of the blows, but never returned any."
I was surprised at the detail and the pride she said that with, she's proud of me... Boo-yah... who's got it going on?... that's right... the Ron-man... "Possible, would you agree with what Miss Rockwaller just said, or is there something you would like to add?"
"No, I think she said everything that happened, but I want to add that Brick is lucky he didn't get hurt, especially after what Bonnie and I saw yesterday." he gave her an inquisitive look, you didn't have to bring that up... I don't want to brag about it... besides, I did lose, "Oh yeah, you don't know yet. Yesterday during cheer practice we were interrupted by Shego, who was there for the sole purpose of fighting Ron. You see Ron was the one who stopped her and Drakken last Friday, and she wanted a rematch, so to speak. We were threatened if we called the authorities, so we didn't. It was a good fight and Ron held his own for a long time, but in the end got beat. But, from what I saw there, Brick would be in a wheelchair if Ron was trying to hurt him."
The large vice-principal sat there taking in what he'd just been told. "Mr. Barkin, may I speak?" Monique piped in, he nodded, "Thanks, I want to say that Bonnie had everything perfect, but there's another witness who I think can speak better than any of us in this room can." She reached over and, much to everyone's surprise, picked the Kimmunicator out of Kim's bag and pressed the button to call Wade, "Can you show me the recording from when we were talking earlier at Kim's locker?" Then handing the device to the ex-military man sitting across the desk she said, "You see, Wade records everything that happens on one of his cameras, and it just happens that he was giving Kim an update on some things when this started."
Mr. Barkin watched as the display replayed the events starting at the point where Brick put his hand on my shoulder to the time the recorded voice of the man watching it came booming through the little speakers. Handing it back to Kim, he turned to me, "I have to give you credit Ron, that was impressive. You were able to prevent yourself from getting hurt, while keeping other people out of harms way, and you never took the offensive and injured your fellow student, that's some self-restraint." then looking at everyone in the room individually, his gaze finally fell on his target, "As for you, because you never technically hit Ron I can't expel you. However, I can, and will, give you two days of in school suspension and a week of detention. Now everyone out, tell your teachers you were with me, they'll excuse you." We all started to leave, "Ron, please stay for a second. I would like to talk to you alone for a minute." what did I do?...
Bonnie's POV
I wasn't sure whether to be happy or freaked about how the day started. On one hand, Ron just proved that he could control himself, even if he needed a little cheerleading, and that he really does care for me. No one is going to question whether we're serious at least, not many people would stand up to and fight Brick if it wasn't serious, heck I'm sure there aren't many who would stand up to him if it was serious. On the other, Ron just about kicked the crap out of one of the biggest guys in our school without breaking a sweat, and he's got to be sore from yesterday's fiasco. The idea that Ron was able to hide something that big makes me wonder what else he's capable of hiding.
The first hour of class seemed to take an eternity, but finally Father Time released his death grip on my life and allowed the bell to ring. I all but ran towards Ron's locker, only to find he wasn't there. Kim saw me and laughed, don't you laugh at me... I won this time... not that it was a competition... but Ron's mine... stay away, "Looking for Ron?" I gave her a look to ask if there was any question, "You might go check by your locker, he was already here and gone." I nodded thanks, not trusting myself not to lip off if I spoke, and started towards my hall, "You deserve some credit, Bonnie." I turned back to see the red-head struggling to finish her thought, "I'm not sure he would have stopped if you hadn't said something." that had to hurt for her to say... I guess she's willing to give me a chance too... still have to make sure she doesn't try and make a move on Ron...
I was slightly disappointed not to find Ron at my locker, I wonder where he went? Kim seemed certain that he was going to be here, unless she lied... why would she?... to get me away from Ron... maybe he really hadn't been to his locker yet and she just wanted to make it look like I was too good to come see him between classes... I can't believe she'd stoop that low... I doubt I would have dropped to that level, even when I was a Queen B... how do people not see through that front... she's no better than I am, or was, or am trying not to be... oh, headache... too much thinking mixed with anger equals feeling of an ax embedded in skull...
The next couple hours drug on, I was worried about Ron, hoping he didn't think I was avoiding him. Then there was the constant thoughts about Kim trying to split us up, that back-stabbing, ill-tempered, freak of nature... I can't believe she'd try and break up her best friend, even thought she said she wouldn't; and on top of that, it seemed like everywhere I went everyone was asking me if Ron and I were going out and about the fights he'd been in. Well, almost everyone, my best friend, Tara, hadn't asked a single thing. She seemed to be basking in the Sun of some unknown knowledge every time I ran into her; I didn't ask and she didn't offer, and the more I think about it, the more I think I don't want to know.
I opened my locker to grab my books for the class that I can officially call my favorite class, not my favorite subject... but definitely my favorite class, to find Rufus standing there at attention. His beady eyes lit up a little as he greeted me, "Bon-Bon!" dang that little guy grows on you fast... don't get me wrong, he's still a little creepy... but I think I could get used to him, Then changing tones he said, "Ron," he sounded disappointed as he hit himself on the head a couple times.
"Okay, let's try this again. I'm still learning how to understand you." broken English mixed with charade style sign language isn't as easy to understand as you think.
Exasperated he tried again, "Ron," and he hit himself on the head again, this time he added, "Me bad." then hung his head like he was ashamed or disappointed.
"Ron's beating himself up?" I thought his head was going to fall off as hard as he was nodding, "He thinks he did something wrong?" with a little less enthusiasm he nodded again. "Do you know why?" this time he looked down and shrugged in a sign of defeat, he doesn't know... Ron's got something bothering him and Rufus doesn't know what to do... "Well, why don't we go to class and see if we can cheer him up. Clear those clouds away so I can get some Ronshine." Rufus just shook his head and crawled into one of the pockets on my bag.
When I got to class it was the same scene as yesterday, there was only one seat open, and it was beside Ron. Only today people know it won't bother you... in fact it might bother you if someone else was sitting there... I could also see that Rufus was right, Ron looked really down about something, if this has anything to do with not being at his locker... I'm gonna beat Kim... she may be a better fighter, but I'll play dirty... hair pulling and all if I have to... "Is this one taken?" the sound of my voice snapped him out of his trance, and his goofy grin spread across his face, don't do that... you're lying when you do that...
"Actually I was saving it for someone." what?... I'm definitely gonna kick h-, "I was saving it for a beautiful young woman. You might know her, she's a little shorter than me, has brown hair that's the same color as yours, and you can't forget that great smile," then with a little bigger grin, "plus she looks amazing in a Middleton cheer uniform."
I felt my face get warm as I played along, "Well can I sit here and keep her seat warm until she shows up?" He patted the seat, "Why thank you, good sir."
Mr. Barkin wasted no time after the bell to begin, he reminded us that we had a week and a day till our projects were due and the weather last week is no excuse for an extension because he's going to give us today to work on them in class. That's okay, because we really couldn't have used that excuse anyways... we were sort of stuck together... forced to work on that dumb paper... that I owe a lot to... I might just have to keep a copy for nostalgia purposes...
Ron started to get his stuff out of his bag and lay it on the table in front of us, not saying a word in protest. "Okay Ron, spill." I was getting tired of his facade, and I know he didn't really want to work on the project, he just wanted something to keep his mind busy. He looked at me with a blank expression, "Listen, I know something is up, especially when a certain naked mole rat shows up in my locker to tell me that my boyfriend is beating himself up about something. Now again, I say spill."
He reached for his pocket then looked around to see Rufus pull his head back into my bag, "It's no big."
I wasn't going to take it, "Are you trying to lie to me or convince yourself? You didn't even notice he was gone, something is on your mind."
"We should be working on Barkin's assignment." and turned back to the papers he's spread out.
Now typically I would have agreed, I hate the idea of not having homework left undone, but we had worked on it for two solid days practically and were well ahead of the game, "You're going to procrastinate all you want, but we are going to have this conversation." he stared in the direction of the report setting in front of him, but I think he was looking right on through, "If this is about not seeing you at your locker, I can explain that." and you're not going to like why.
He turned his head away from me, like he was trying to hide his face, "Let me guess, you showed up at my locker and KP told you I'd already been there and gone?" he already figured it out... I guess it doesn't take a rocket scientist... her ass is grass, "She was right," say what?, "I did show up and leave quickly, I needed time to sort some things out. I'm still trying to convince myself, but it's not working." okay, so what I'm getting is Kim didn't lie to me... so that means I overreacted, again!... I really need to work on that... I can't blame Kim for everything...
"And you complain that Kim and I were talking in a foreign language, would you mind trying that in English. Then, maybe I can help you. I thought that's what part of being in a relationship was about, helping each other through the rough spots."
For the first time since I showed up he looked me in the eyes, it scared me, he was so full of fear and anger, "You really want to know?" I asked didn't I?, instead of making things worse I nodded, encouraging him to continue, "I really wanted to hurt him. Not just humiliate him so he wouldn't bother me again, no, I wanted to cause him serious pain for grabbing you like he did. After I dropped him to the ground, I was going to do something to him that I do to trained guards on missions, I was going to drop my foot into his face breaking his nose and more than likely knocking him out. I hoped that it wouldn't so he could get up again and I could really do some damage. Every thought from simply breaking a finger or smashing his nose again, right up to snapping his knees backwards has crossed my mind. If you hadn't been there to stop me..." he shuddered and let his head fall to his hands.
He was staring at the floor, you're beating yourself up because you wanted to beat the tar out of Brick?... you should be happy that you finally grew a spine and stuck up to him... "Ron, it's okay. You may have wanted to, but you didn't, and that's what matters. If I got down on myself for every bad thing I wanted to do but didn't I'd be a wreck," like just five minutes ago, I was going to kill Kim, "you controlled yourself which is more than I can say for me if I was in your shoes. He has been on your case for years, and then he grabbed me, and it all came to a breaking point. Plus, it's kind of sweet how you stuck up for me." his head finally lifted when I said that, "I mean, how many people do you know that would stand up to Brick for their girlfriend?"
"Not many, but then again, not many people can stand up to Brick. I'm just a bad person for wanting to do what I did, I shouldn't want to hurt people, I'm one of the good guys remember?"
"Yeah you are, and you proved that today. Someone I hope you care about was, from your point of view, being hurt and you went to their rescue. Then you faced the temptation to turn Brick, your high school nemesis, into a bloody pool in the hallway and you overcame it. That in my book is a good guy, one I am proud to be going out with."
He smiled at me, "Thanks." Then looking back at the papers he'd spread out, "You were right we're far enough ahead we don't need to work on this today."
As he started to put things back, I laid my hand on his, "Since you got it out, and I pulled you out of your trip down self pity lane, why don't we go ahead and work on it."
"But you said we were far enough..."
"And you, about five minutes ago, said you wanted to get this thing done. And the way I see it, since we are so close to being done, we might finish today, or at least get really close to finished, then for the next week all that time we would be working on this we can spend doing more enjoyable things together." I was trying to appeal to his basic instincts.
And from the reaction I got I'd say it worked, "What are we waiting for? I mean, with as much of a head start as we have, we should be done in no time." he was fumbling around in his bag trying to get anything we might need that he missed the first time around.
"Easy there, I thought you like to procrastinate?" it's not like I didn't want to get the project done, trust me I did, but seeing him that eager to do something was new, and I think I like this drive he's showing...
"I'll procrastinate later," then thinking about what he'd just said he added, "See I'm procrastinating being a procrastinator." now how do you argue with logic like that... simple, you don't...
We were quickly in the swing of things, having a few hours logged already on this project we both knew where we were going with this and what we would need, which also meant there wouldn't be much need for us to talk. I was starting to get a little bummed about having to write this dumb paper, that I owe a lot to... I might just have to keep a copy for nostalgia purposes, when I felt his calloused hand ease around my waste and find my fix itself to my left hip, his hands may be rough... but I like it... they have character... and now I sound all sappy... crap, when did I become sappy?... I moved my chair a little closer so he didn't have to reach as far, and saw Rufus roll his eyes and retreat to his hiding spot.
"Ms. Rockwaller, would you mind explaining this?" I'd been so absorbed in trying to get this part of the paper wrote down right that I'd missed the approach of our teacher. I felt the hand on my hip slowly retreat as I looked up, and saw that from his standpoint he couldn't have seen Ron's arm, which means you can put it back, Ron... Instead, he was standing on the other side of the tall table holding a stack of papers, "Your report is about done while most of the other students are barely started, and you have Ron as a partner. Now I'm not accusing you of being stupid Stoppable, but you do tend to put things off. So Bonnie, I want to know if this is a team effort or if you're just doing the report because you can't stand to wait." this is going to blow his mind... and I'm going to enjoy doing it... I cast a devious glance towards Ron.
"Actually, it took some convincing, but I got Ronnie here to work on it before the day it's due. Plus there's the whole having basically two days that we were locked in a house alone together without much to do besides work on this, so we got a lot done then. And besides, if we're working on this we can't really be spending quality time together, now can we?" I peeked a look out of the corner of my eye, mission accomplished, Ron was staring in disbelief. Then taking a wandering look around the now silent room, I realized that everyone had been listening to me, take a picture it'll last longer... why are you staring at me... I finally find a decent guy and everyone thinks I'm a freak... I wanted to scream something to the effect of, he's not a loser and get a life, but thought it might be a little rash.
Taken back a little, Mr. Barkin cleared his throat, yeah that's right... step off, "Then I have to say keep up the good work. Just try not to distract him too much, I don't want to see you two waiting until the last minute to finish what little you have left because you were spending quality time with each other." I saw the look in the older man's eye that let me know he saw Ron's arm, good... at least he'll stay off our backs about that...
As soon as he was out of ear-shot I turned to the amazing man sitting next to me, "That hand had better be going back to where it was," he looked at me then cast his gaze up front for a second before returning with a look of concern, "Don't worry about the big scary man, you have an adorable young woman sitting here that can be so much scarier if she needs to."
As his hand returned to it's rightful place, see the world is all better now, he said, "I'm more scared of you than I am of Shego walking through that door right now." The door just happened to be opening right then, and I thought Ron was going to have a heart attack. He finally started breathing again when he saw it was just someone coming back from the restroom.
"Nervous much?"
He didn't have time to respond when the bell rang, he was left with his mouth open and the words he was going to say stuck in his throat. I saw my new favorite teacher, well maybe not my favorite... just one I like now, step through the door to play eagle eye on the cafeteria and I took full advantage of his absence. I got nose to nose with Ron, playing it slow and trying to make him beg for it; and it would have worked if he hadn't decided to grow a spine right then and pulled me to him those last couple of inches. I thought I was the dominant one in this relationship?, but that thought interrupted when just as I was starting to return the kiss, he broke it off with a goofy grin, hey, I was enjoying that, "I'll see you at lunch?" he started to stand, "Or are you gonna sit w/ Tara and them, you don't want to forget them because of the Ron-man?"
"You could sit with me?" then I'd get the best of both worlds...
"I can't really bail on KP, Monique, and Felix... Hmm, there's a big word that works here: cannon-drum?"
I knew he was just playing, two can play, "Conundrum, I'm pretty sure the word you're looking for is conundrum. It looks like you might actually learn something today, the school system hasn't failed altogether." I was mock cheering and applauding.
"No, no, no, it can't be... I can't learn anything at school, it's in prophesy, the end is near." his overdone drama was enough to make me and the few people who were still in the room gathering their books to laugh.
"Here I'll make you a deal, we eat with Kim and them, and when we're done eating we go talk with Tara and the people I usually hang out with. Deal?" I think it's a fair idea... plus Kim and them are a little more used to his table manners than a table of cheerleaders would be... I still have some image to uphold...
A loud grumble caused him to quickly finish packing up our stuff, "Sounds good to me, let's just get there."
"Yeah. Hungry." I looked down to see a head sticking out of Ron's pocket.
Picking him out and letting him sit on my shoulder I said, "Is the little black hole ever satisfied?"
"Rufus? Naw, he eats almost as much as I do." then hearing a little grunt and seeing the pink rat cross his arms, Ron added, "Okay, sometimes he eats more. Are you happy Rufus?" The smile and nods that looked like his head was going to fall off were the only responses.
"Then let's go feed my growing boy, and his little rat too."
Lunch was interesting to say the least. Ron's table manners were almost perfect, and while I hadn't seen him eat in a while except from a distance, the looks on the other three people's faces were enough to tell me that this is a rare occasion at best. About halfway through la goop de gray he noticed that they were staring, "What, do I have something on my face?"
He started to reach for his napkin when Felix finally spoke, "I didn't believe it till now," then turning to me, "I don't know how you do it, but I'm impressed that someone can affect him like that."
"Hey! I may be a mess usually, but give me a break, I do know proper table manners. Besides this is the first meal me and Bonnie have ate together since we officially started going out."
I was taken back both by the fact he had remembered or thought about this being our first official meal as a couple and the thought that he was giving me special treatment, "So does that mean this is a one time deal?"
Even with his mouth half full he spoke clearly, "No, that's not what I meant, I just wanted to try and impress you..." he'd started out fairly vocal but his voice trailed off to almost nonexistent quickly.
"That's more like the Ron we know and tolerate." the only other male at the table jabbed. Ron didn't say anything, but Rufus blew a raspberry in his direction receiving a chuckle from around the table.
Sweet... unnecessary, but sweet, "I asked for the whole package, warts and all. You don't have to change for me."
"Girl, you better just stop right there. Ron just changed his eating habits, even if it is just for one meal, for you. As of right now, you've got him wrapped around your little finger." Monique was speaking like he wasn't even there, but he didn't seem to mind, and she's got a point... wait, I don't want him to change... I like him just the way he is... rough edges and all...
The rest of the meal was rather uneventful, I was getting to know Monique and Felix, figuring I'd be spending a little more time with them because of Ron, and we took turns going over the few days we were stuck in my house and how we got together, minus a few details here and there. I think Monique decided it's her personal goal to get Kim and me get along, she invited me to go shopping this weekend then asked Kim, knowing she didn't have any plans. I need to tell her to take it easy... we're gonna have to take this at our own pace... because I trust her about as far as I can throw Brick Flagg... and she likes me about as much as the lunch lady... I was proud of myself though, I didn't make any direct attacks on Kim while we were talking, granted that could be the result of not talking to her much at all and staying engrossed in conversation with Monique about the new stuff coming into Club Banana.
Rufus was polishing off a plate as the owner turned to me, "Well, let's go see how Tara's doing." then to the others, "We're gonna go talk for a while, I'll see you guys later." A chorus of 'good byes' followed us.
"Hey, Bonnie! I saved a couple seats hoping you two would show up." a couple seats?... I guess she's never really had a problem with Ron... and now that I think about it, didn't she crush on him a while back?... note to self, keep an eye on her... it's not that I didn't trust her, she was my best friend, but Ron was mine and I didn't feel like sharing.
This conversation was like a bad case of deja vu, we were recalling the last week, starting with the despise we both felt towards Barkin for pairing us together up to and including this morning's chaos. Which also explained why there was an extra seat at the table, the usual owner was in ISS, well it's now claimed... he can find his own seat from now on. Ron was unusually quiet while I told that part of the story, when he did talk about it, he downplayed things with a 'no big' or two. Once we got all the horrid rumors, some were just rotten to the core... there was even one that we'd got drunk during the blizzard and he knocked me up, straightened out, Ron took some time to get to know the people at the table a little better. He knew most of them fairly well, it turns out that not everyone was quite as dedicated to the food chain as they let on and didn't treat him like a social pariah like I had.
Ron's POV
Lunch went fairly well, I think. I got a few remarks about my table manners being better than normal, okay so they existed this meal, but all in all it was good. Bonnie and Monique hit things off pretty good, I think the fact Monique works at Club Banana didn't hurt things at all, but she'd better watch out with both KP and Bonnie. Those two together is like having Batman and the Joker locked in a room together, bad things could very likely happen. I hope they can work things out, I don't know if I could stand to have my best friend and my girlfriend hating each other, and I know I couldn't choose between them right now.
Then when we got over to her table, I think I shocked her a bit when I struck up a conversation with Tara and Laura. I don't think she was expecting me to know most of the people there, I mean it's not like they were my friends or anything, but I knew them well enough to carry on a conversation with them.
We'd been talking for a while when Tara popped off with something I think I could have gone without, "So Ron, how did you finally convince Bonnie that you weren't a loser like she tried to convince herself before?" I really wasn't expecting it either, I mean Bonnie was sitting right there.
I started to answer but barely had a sound leave my mouth when I felt a light squeeze from the hand intertwined with mine, "He didn't have to try very hard, all it really took was a pinch of Mr. Barkin's idea of a bad joke and a little bad weather." I couldn't have said it better, "Well mix that with a little Ronshine." yeah, that's right... Ronshine makes it all good...
"Can we assume that 'Ronshine' is how you've been keeping her in such a good mood the last two days?" one of the girls from the other end of the table asked.
I looked at Bonnie who scooted in close and found her way under my arm, which answered the question for everyone. "You better believe it, anyone who gets a dose of Ronshine is gonna be in a good mood." This got me a round of laughs and an elbow in the side.
Lunch period was getting close to an end, and things had went smoothly, I should have taken that as an omen. The wag of a petite finger caused my head to drop so she could whisper in my ear, "I could really do for some us time." That was all the encouragement I needed, we excused ourselves and made our way to her locker before everybody was released from the cafeteria. With the same motion of one finger my knees felt weak as I wrapped my arms around her small frame, "It's just us, you and me, no one to interfere, mano y ma-" I cut short her seductive sweet nothings with my lips, it's not that I minded hearing it... but they were going to make me loose what little composure I had left if I didn't stop her.
Unfortunately our 'conversation' was interrupted in a similar manner as the fight this morning was, "STOPPABLE, ROCKWALLER! My office, now!" dang it... you were so on my good side till this. We followed the intimidating man to his office walking on almost opposite sides of the hallway with our heads dropped in shame and disappointment. "I don't have to tell you why you're in here, public displays like that are not tolerated," I thought you said you didn't have to tell us why we're here, "I could place the both of you in ISS for the rest of the day, however I believe that would cause more problems than it would fix considering the other occupant. So I'm open to suggestions for a proper replacement punishment." you can't be serious... we have to come up with our own punishment... that is cruel and unusual...
After a short silence Bonnie spoke up, "You could let us off with an official warning," yeah like that'd ever happen, "You would stay within the guidelines of the handbook for a first time offense, and you would be avoiding a potentially hazardous situation from forming." do you have the handbook memorized?... I'm not sure I ever even opened mine... wait, yes I did, when I needed kindling for a fire on that over night mission towards the beginning of the school year... and besides, there's no way Barkin would go for letting me off with a warning... first offense or not.
"I can't allow you to get off with a warning, or the entire student body would think that I'm going easy on you. Or worse yet, they would expect the same treatment."
My mind kicked into smooth talk overdrive, "That problem is easily avoided, since we were the only ones in the hall we are the only ones who even know you brought us to your office. If you let us off with a warning, we'd never even remember we were here, right Bon-Bon?" I looked at her with a pleading look, begging her silently to go with it.
"Um, yeah, sure... We'd never even remember we came to your office." she seemed to understand where I was trying to go with this.
He only thought for a few seconds before he said, "This is your ONE AND ONLY warning, and if anybody finds out about this I will give the both of you a weeks worth of detention for violation of teacher student trust." there's a such thing as teacher student trust in the handbook?... I doubt it, but I'm not going to ask, "What are you waiting for, everyone to be released so they can see you leave?" Bonnie grabbed my arm and led me out.
Looking over her shoulder she pulled me into a kiss that made my mind officially quit working, "Wah- waha- what was that for?"
"For smooth talking Mr. B like that." it was your idea... I just had to give him a little push...
Ring
"Well, I guess I'll see you at practice." she sounded disappointed, no don't do that... it'll make me wish I could do something to make it better, and I can't, "Too bad our schedules don't cross for the rest of the day. But I guess they say absence makes the heart grow fonder."
She stood on her tip-toes and gave me a peck on the cheek before turning and disappearing into the growing crowd. I just stood there trying to recover from the power in her lips when a hand started to wave in front of my face, "Hello... Ron, anybody home?"
I turned to see Monique, fortunately she was alone because I really didn't want to explain my stupor to Kim, "Hey Mon."
"Can I guess, from the inability to respond when I yelled down the hall and the trance like stare in the general direction that a certain female would have taken to her locker, that you just got a MBK?" Now I had no idea what MBK stood for, but Monique is hardly wrong when it comes to stuff like this so I just agreed with her before excusing myself to make it to my next class on time.
I was halfway into my Mad Dog costume, on when the same three guys that were giving me a hard time yesterday came in. "Look guys, I don't want to cause any problems today. Can we just go without the loser beating today?"
When I spoke they froze and turned towards me, is that fear I'm seeing in their faces?, finally one of them spoke, "I don't see any losers to beat on, do you guys?" the other two shook their heads quickly, "I value the ability to walk when I wake up in the morning, have a good practice." Before I could find out what their deal was they bolted, oh well, it's not like I wanted to put up with them anyways.
The first thing I saw coming out of the locker room made me want to go back and hide, maybe use a vent to escape. My best friend and my girlfriend were at it again, obviously it had something to do with Bonnie not liking how KP was doing something. And Kim, being captain, wasn't about to back down to the demands of her arch rival, time to go play peacemaker... I can't let them keep going or they'll never get to practice...
"Ladies, ladies. It's all okay now, the Ronster is here. What's the problemo?" I should have hid, they both were giving me a look that made me thankful that they couldn't kill. "Come on, there's nothing that you two wonderful ladies can't work out like adults." oops, maybe I should have worded that differently...
"Why don't you tell your girlfriend to quit telling me how to do my job?"
"Why don't you tell your friend to take someone's help when it's offered?" that was below the belt... keep the gloves up...
"I don't need any help, and if I did I wouldn't ask you."
"Why you-"
I decided to stick my neck back on the chopping block to prevent this from getting any more out of hand, "Hold up! One at a time, what is going on?" Then pointing to Kim I said, "Go."
"Why does she get to go first?"
"Bon-Bon, she is the captain. I will listen to both of you, just wait your turn. Now, KP?"
"Yeah, wait your turn." then seeing my face returned to the topic at hand, "Bonnie is trying to rewrite my entire routine for the upcoming meet next week, we won last time with the one I made, hands down, so I don't see a problem with it."
"Okay, now you get to be a good captain and listen to your teammate's concern." the look I got right then rivaled anything she'd ever given Shego, I about wet myself.
"I'm not disagreeing that we won with this routine, but we're going to be up against better schools and I think we could tweak her ideas with a few of mine and make this routine worthy of the talent that our squad has."
I decided right then that I have to be either the dumbest man alive or the bravest, I just stepped in between two women fighting about something that no matter what I do, one of them is going to hate me for about a week. "So, what should we do? You seem to have all the answers lately."
"I'm thinking, give me a minute." Okay, so I'm panicking... same difference right?, then a completely devious plan crept into my mind, "Here's what we're going to do. Today, we're going to keep practicing the routine you all know." Bonnie groaned and started to protest, "BUT, tomorrow after lunch, you two are going to sit down and go over the entire routine together. Bonnie, I want you to write down each idea you have that you want to change, and Kim, I want you to write down the things that you definitely don't want to change about the current routine, then you're both going to make changes that will make it better than it is." I'm gonna kill two birds with one stone... they'll quit fighting about this once they get through... and, maybe being forced to work together will make them talk things out some more... maybe even get them to quit fighting... maybe not make them like each other... but, at least quit fighting...
Then, my wonderful plan backfired, "Fine, but we're going to need a mediator. You're going to do that, you can calm us both down and you can be the final say on things we won't agree on." What?... no, not me... Monique or Tara... anyone but me...
I was going to argue with her, but the shy 'you don't want to argue with poor little me' smile I ran into made me realize I didn't have an option, "Fine. But you both have to make an effort to work things out. If you don't, I let Felix write a new routine and you will follow it without changing a step." and Felix knows about as much about cheerleading as Kim knows about cooking...
They both looked at me in horror, then at each other trying to size up their opponent, before agreeing and returning to the rest of the squad who had already finished stretching and were waiting on them to get things started. What did I just get myself into?
Even though both Bonnie and Kim told me not to 'over do it', I wasn't going to let them know I was feeling it today, I was going to push through, no pain, no gain... right?. It was funny for a while, then it got old, watching those two try and outdo each other; every time one of them would ask how I was holding up the other would be right there with a follow up 'are you sure?', which obviously was earning them a glare from the first person to ask right then. By the end of practice Tara had figured out that if she asked once in a while, neither of them would follow up or ask for a little bit, so she, for the sake of the team, asked me the age old question about every 10 minutes for the last hour of practice.
Hobbling out of the locker room, back in my long sleeved black shirt and red jersey, I quickly found myself being supported by a young brunette. "It's okay, I can walk by myself. I'm not on crutches, yet."
"What, so now you don't like being up close to me? Do I stink or something, I took a shower, maybe the soa-" wow she really gets worked up sometimes... good thing I know how to get her to calm down... I felt her smile against my already present one before I pulled away, "Don't tease like that, it's not nice."
"We have an audience," pointing to a few of the girls leaving their locker room, it's not that I really minded... and I did start it... but I'm not a big fan of making out in public... very often that is, "besides, you can have as much as you want when you come over and I finally get to fix you a proper meal."
"Are you sure you're up to it?" why do you keep asking me that?... I know what I can and can't do... if I can't handle it, then we'll call in something...
"Yes, I'm sure." knowing that she wouldn't be satisfied with that, I prepared myself for what happened next: she laid one finger in the middle of my back, with a smile I said, "Now no more stalling, you call and make sure it's okay, and I'll go get things started."
"If you'll wait, we can ride in my car together. I seem to remember picking you up today at her house." come on... there was no way I was going to make it home last night... besides, I slept on the couch alone...
"Sounds like a plan. We'll meet you in the parking lot." I saw Kim's red hair appear out of the locker room, and didn't think it'd be nice of me to blow her off, even if she did blow me off once or twice... or maybe a few more times, but who's counting?...
Holy mother of all that is evil... I should NOT have had Bonnie drop Kim off on the way... this morning's content to avoid pushing each other's buttons was gone... and I was constantly being drug into the middle of it to 'settle' an issue... they're on their own now... no more of this Ron trying to fix things up between them... I'm going to let them agree to disagree...
Fortunately the ride isn't that long and after dropping Kim off we went to my house. Which, unfortunately, had a station wagon in the driveway, crap... I forgot they were coming home today. Thinking fast, I asked Bonnie to hold on a second and flew inside, "Mom, Dad. Hi it's good to see you again. Wow, Mom, you look tired, I don't think you should be cooking, why don't you and Dad go out to eat tonight, just the two of you, enjoy a nice night off, you've been working all weekend at that conference and..."
My one breath attempt to evict the owners of the house were interrupted by my father's voice quietly speaking beside me, "Does it have anything to do with the pretty young lady that you rode home with?" I nodded, "Okay, I'll get your mom out of the house, she wouldn't like the idea, but I trust your judgment and hope that you can make the right choices." Boo-Yah Dad! "Honey, let's get out of here. Ron has a point, you don't need to be cooking, and you know what happens if I go in the kitchen." he's almost as bad as KP, "I think there's a new Italian place in Upperton, let's go try it out." sweet, that gives me even more time.
Bonnie's POV
"Welcome to Casa de Stoppable, where all your dreams can come true." all my dreams?...
"Isn't that a little, I don't know, braggy?"
Awe, he did the cute blush thing again, "It's only bragging if it's not true." and confident... I wonder how much fun I can have with this...
"Well, I did have this dream once," his face lit up with shock, I don't think he was expecting me to keep up his game, "I was sitting in big plush chair being waited on, hand and foot, by this really cute blond." he started to smile at the ideas forming in his head, oh this is going to be fun, "He was cooking for me, and let me tell you he could cook; then he was giving me a massage..." his eyes rolled into the back of his head, "on my feet." His gaze instantly met mine, full of curiosity. "Then, he took the bottle of lotion I gave him and started to rub it in on my legs." he made a funny noise but didn't interrupt me, "He kept getting higher and higher till..." I'm evil, "his parents showed up and he had to quit when he got to the knees." I really wished I had a camera, his face was one in a million, not sure whether I was just toying with him or whether I was trying to get him worked up.
"Well, I think I can help with part of your dream," his eyes took on a devious gleam, "and if we hurry, we can prevent part of your dream from happening." I was trying to find the words to express what I was thinking right then, but I wasn't even sure. The idea of Ron's strong hands getting to know me better was a very tempting offer, but I felt like I'd be moving too fast and, "You know, the rubbing of the feet and working up. I can just try massaging your back and shoulders, I had a good teacher so I think I got the hang of it." Dang him, he was playing my game right along with me. He's so going to get it.
"So, what is the wounded chef going to whip up tonight?"
"I was thinking something Italian, Italian food is romantic and I was kinda hoping that this was supposed to be a romantic evening," he starting to look away like he thought he was being to forward, still insecure... and he has nothing to worry about... my heart melted like ice cream in the park on the Fourth.
"I was hoping this was going to be a romantic evening too." I said as I guided his face back to face me, oh God, I hope he never looks away again... look at those eyes... or better yet, don't... they're mine...
He pulled Rufus out of his pocket, rousing him from a nap, and whispered something in the rat's ear. Rufus looked at me, then at Ron to give him a thumbs up and took off, not more than 30 seconds later I heard Barry Manilow start playing from the other room and saw Rufus streaking down the hall towards, what I assume is, Ron's room. "Now, you make yourself comfortable while I whip up dinner." He led me to a high backed chair and pulled it out for me, then after a small kiss on my cheek he disappeared into the kitchen.
What am I doing?... a week ago I wouldn't have even spoke to him... now I'm dating him and he's cooking me a romantic dinner... and every time he kisses me, oh wow, even the memories make me weak at the knees... and he seems like he honestly cares for me... after all I've done to him, he's still giving me a chance... I don't deserve this... I should be the one who gets knocked around by people... I'm the one who made other people's lives miserable... OH NO, this isn't going to last... this is some type of poetic justice... I've found a way that I'm actually happy, and it's going to be taken away from me... I've built a barrier that protects me from people trying to hurt me... but I'm letting him in... then something is going to take him away... just to make me pay for all the stuff I've done... I tried not to, but I started crying a little when I came to this realization. There was nothing I could do to prevent it, I had spent all my time and effort trying to 'win' at the food chain, that I didn't pay attention to who I was stepping on on the way up. Now Fate was going to have her way with me, and it was going to hurt.
"Bon-Bon?" crap, he saw me, "Hey, what's wrong? Don't cry, shh, it'll be okay." He'd already pulled me to my feet and was holding me close to his chest running his fingers through me hair, trying to calm me down. "Why don't you tell me what's going on? It'll make things all better."
I really didn't want to talk about it, and when I was silent for a while, he seemed to understand that I needed a little time. He just kept holding me close to his chest and playing with my hair, doing what he knew how to calm me down. "I can't go out with you." I went with the first words that I could form, and decided as soon as they were out that I should have worded it differently.
"What, you don't like me any more?" he hadn't let go, but there was some concern in his voice.
"No, but that's the problem."
"I don't see a problem, you like me and I like you. Yeah, we both have some things that I'm sure will get under each other's skin, but we'll cross those bridges when we get there." he kept trying to, unsuccessfully, brighten me up, "Or is there something about me that you can't handle? Is it how close Kim and I are, because I promise that there's nothing going on between us. Or is it how I can't go without making a joke about something for more than 15 minutes, I can stop that, really I can, I jus-"
I took his tactics to get him to shut up, I really needed to talk, as soon as I get done kissing him... but I'm trying not to let him get any closer... too late now... cant let a good kiss go to waste. "It has nothing to do with you, or with school or anything else for that matter. This is because if I don't get out now, I'm going to get hurt." I paused to catch a few shallow breaths, "You have treated me like a queen, and I enjoyed it, but I know that this will never last. You'll leave me, either by choice or you'll be taken away from me, by what I don't know. I just know that I've been too evil for something this good to happen to me, good things don't happen to people like me, they just don't."
"Shh, I'm not leaving you unless you want me to. Or you do something that I can't forgive you for, and I don't think you're capable of doing anything like that." I was having trouble believing the words he said, but the way he said it could have convinced me that the moon really was made of cheese. We just stood there, letting the food cool, when he laughed a little and said, "It's funny that you think I'd leave you, I was thinking the same thing in the kitchen while I was making this. I was thinking about how stuff like this only happens in Hollywood, and that loser like me would never be able to keep a girl like you. I was just hooping that I'd get an easy let down." he thought I was going to leave him?... wow, I guess his insecurities were deep rooted...
"Why don't we salvage what's left of the evening and eat. Food always makes things better, you should know that." his arms slowly let go of me, but my body was screaming at me to pull them back around me. We sat down facing each other, with our left hands laying across the table clasped in the middle, not saying much as we ate.
After dinner I helped him load the dishes into the washer and we went and laid down on his couch to cuddle and talk. "You're beautiful." he whispered as we curled up the same way we did that night that seems like an eternity ago, but was in reality less than a week ago.
"You're just saying that to butter me up."
"Now why would I want to butter you up?"
"So you can get some more of this." I turned and planted a big one on him.
"Well, if I keep getting those my parents are going to be broke." what? "Butter isn't cheap, you know."
"Always joking, I'll bet you get out of your coffin at your funeral just to tell a joke." but don't die on me just to prove me right...
"Hey, funerals are so depressing, someone has to do it."
"Let's
just hope that's a long way in the future." hmm, the future...
"So, now we have a future together? I thought you were giving up hope because you are such an evil person."
"I had someone there to show me the light."
"Speaking of lights, my folks are home." I didn't know what he was talking about, since my eyes were closed, but when I opened them I saw a set of headlights turning into the drive, dang... I want to stay right here forever... I'll bet his parents wouldn't like that idea much... We both, grudgingly, got up and made our way towards the door. "I'll walk you out to your car."
As we got to the exit, it opened to his parents. "Hey Ron, who's your friend?" his mom was asking with slightly concerned anger in her voice, why are you mad... it's not like we did anything... and I'm more than his friend... get it right, it's called girlfriend...
"Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Bonnie Rockwaller." he said 'girlfriend' with a little emphasis and pride causing the little voice in my head to scream, YAY! "Bon-Bon, these are my parents, Barbara and Dean." Then it sunk in the depth of the situation, I just met his parents!
"Very nice to meet you, I was just leaving. Ron was just walking me out to my car, he's such a gentleman, again it was nice to meet you. Goodnight." that was ever so slightly awkward...
"Sorry about that." he was scratching the back of his head like he always does when he's nervous about something, "I was hoping to give Mom some time to let the idea set in before letting her meet you. She's not the most accepting of the idea of me dating someone she doesn't know, and have a full background check on."
"So you wanted me to meet your parents?"
"Well, I never thought about it. I just assumed that it would happen sometime, I mean if the first time you met them was at-" he stopped and looked like he was going to have a panic attack.
"Ron? Ron! Come on talk to me." I gave him a light slap on the cheek, which seemed to bring him out of it, "What was that all about? You were in the middle of a sentence and just stopped, what were you going to say?"
"Hey, look at the time. I'll see you tomorrow, pick me up at KP's again?"
"Yeah, I'll pick you up." his eyes narrowed a little, "Okay, I'll pick you both up." then his goofy smile resurfaced, "But don't think you're going to get by without answering my question, what were you going to say?"
A panicked look crossed his face as he started to scratch the back of his head, again, "Er, umm, it was nothing. Don't worry about it."
"If it was nothing why won't you just say it then?" he's not going to get out of this one...
I heard him mumble something really fast that sounded like, "It'd...awkward if th... oo met... edding." then clearer he said, "I was just talking without thinking so don't pay no attention to it, just me speaking before thinking again."
"Try again." He tried to lean in to give me a kiss, but I stopped him short, "Not until you tell me what you said."
He looked around as if he was going to find an answer in the dark, "Okay, but don't freak out. I was just-" I put my finger on his lips to stop his rambling, he took a deep breath, "What I said was, it'd be awkward if the first time you met them was at our wedding." His voice was almost so quiet at the end I about missed it, did he just say OUR wedding?... It was my turn to panic, wedding means, marriage... which means forever... which also means little Rons and Bonnies... and that means... and... and... "I'm sorry, don't freak out on me, I didn't mean it. I'm so stupid."
He started to try and run back to his house, but my hand, on it's own accord, shot out and grabbed his arm. "You didn't mean it?" do I want him to mean it?... oh wow, this is way to early to be thinking about this... maybe he's right, and I should just let it go...
"That's not what I meant either, I don't know what I mean. Why can't we just forget that I said it?"
"Because you did. And, I'm not freaking out, I'm just slightly panicking at the thought of the future. I don't think about it much, and having something, even if it is only a possibility, out there kinda causes my heart to hit overdrive."
"Oh," then there was a LONG uncomfortable silence. We've had comfortable ones, and this wasn't one of them. "Well, I guess this is good night."
"Yeah, I guess so." I was looking down trying to take in his slip of tongue when I felt one of his arms find its way back around me, while the other lifted my head to meet his. Now this is a comfortable silence, we stared into each others eyes, trying to get a peak at the soul hidden behind, till we ended the night with a short, but passionate kiss.
Neither one of us broke the magic of the remaining silence as he helped me into my car and I drove off to what I hoped was going to be a peaceful sleep. My last thoughts before drifting off to a land of blond hair, brown eyes and long kisses was, would it be so bad?
