A/N: Not much to say today really, just the dedication and the disclaimer.

Dedicated to my awesome beta-reader, Joe Stoppinghem, who was instrumental in whipping this chapter into shape. Thanks buddy!

Disclaimer: Kim Possible and affiliated licenses are the property of Disney. They do not, nor will they ever, belong to me.


The Strange Life After

Chapter 9: Drive

Once again, Ron Stoppable found himself lost in thought, consumed by torment due to his feelings regarding a beautiful woman. 'The more things change…' he mused, quickly he was shaken from his thoughts by the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. The blond young man did a quick double-take.

"The Ron Factor," was at work once again. Directly in front of him, by sheer chance, was a posh car showroom. A humorous, "If you need to ask, you can't afford it", black sign with white engraved lettering was posted at the end of a red velvet crowd control rope. Giving the feeling this was a very exclusive club allowing only privileged members only.

There was a hot-rod red Lamborghini Gallardo, ; a Blu Swaters Ferrari California; Diamond White Metallic Mercedes-Benz SL 550 roadster and Indigo Metallic Jaguar XK-Series convertible. However, the set of wheels that was parked in the center of said glass-walled showroom was a sight to make any young man quiver visibly with need: a pristine Carbon Black Aston Martin DBS Volante.

Ron felt that hairs on the back of his neck stand up as he eyed the vehicle. "Somehow, a 'boo-yah' just doesn't do her justice,"' he said to himself with a grin, momentarily snapped out of his funk. He walked into the showroom with a renewed sense of purpose. Affecting a confident stride, he approached the front desk. The clerk, an overweight balding man in an overpriced tacky suit, looked up from his papers, taking in Ron's appearance with an overly critical eye.

"We don't have public restrooms here," the clerk sneered simply, appraising Ron's cargo pants and sneakers with obvious disdain. Then he went back to his papers.

"You're mistaken, sir. I'm not looking for a restroom," Ron replied curtly, hoping he sounded smooth. "I'm looking to buy."

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't sell used cars here" the clerk stated flatly, "might I suggest 'Smilin' Bob's Discount Auto Sales' over on 2nd avenue?" as he pointed to his right with a small snicker.

Had this brief exchange taken place only a few days previously, Ron might have attempted to remain passive in the face of such blatant adversity. As it stood currently, however, things had changed dramatically for him, and he steeled his resolve for a brief game of hardball. In the brief second Ron took to decide on tactics, the clerk had once again returned to his papers.

'I can't believe I'm about to do this…I've been spending too much time with Shego' he thought. At the thought of the green-skinned woman, however, his resolve faltered, and he pushed such feelings to the back of his mind for the moment.

"*Ahem*" Ron began, once again drawing the clerk's attention.

"Ugh… Yes?" the clerk drawled.

"First I do not appreciate your tone," Ron stated, trying his hardest to sound intimidating.

"Oh, I'm sorry, sir" the clerk replied snidely. "I'm just used to dealing with customers who actually have the money to consider buying what we offer here."

Waiting for this cue, Ron slammed his hands on the table, startling his oppressor. 'Either he hears me out, or calls security …'

"Do you have any idea who I am?" Ron started sternly. "Do you have any idea how influential I am in circles far more exclusive than any you know of?"

'Keep it going, you're on a roll.'

"Are you aware that I could buy any vehicle in this building several times over?"

The clerk nodded dumbly, his attention now directed completely seriously at the youth standing before him.

"As my father said to me, 'STOP USING YOUR HEAD FOR A HAT RACK!"

Ron paused for effect and to ensure the guy was buying it.

"And THINK before you pass judgments…now, I would like to take that car there—"he pointed to the object of his desire with a smirk. "—for a brief test spin before I decide if it meets my standards."

"I'm afraid," the clerk said, trying his best to regain his verbal footing against Ron's steely gaze, "that I'll have to ask you for some kind of security deposit in the event that something happens while the vehicle is in your possession." he finished quickly.

"Do you always treat your potential buyers like thieves?" Ron sneered. "Fine, then." He produced several of his newly-acquired hundred dollar bills. ('Thanks for the loan, Wade!' came to his mind.) Then slid them deftly across the counter to the clerk's greedy hands.

Then snatching the offered keys quickly and strolling over to his target. "I'll be back as soon as this fine machine has been properly put through its paces."

The clerk hurriedly opened up the adjacent garage-style door as Ron turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life with a satisfying power. 'Hello, gorgeous…' Ron thought blissfully. The clerk felt at ease as Ron gracefully drove the car out of the building and rolled to the stop light located at the end of the block near to the showroom.

But when the light turned green the young man revved the engine and the machine roared into life like a race horse at the start of the Kentucky Derby. The bewildered clerk just hung his head feeling this wasn't a sale, "just a quick trip to the store and back."


In her stress-addled state, Kim Possible had forgotten to ask Wade for a ride to Go City, such thoughts occur to her as she sped down the interstate in her inherited Ford Taurus. She was a responsible driver, but her current state of mind had made her reckless. Her thoughts were divided between her surroundings en route, and the strange predicament she now found herself in.

'At this rate, Go City should be about a day's drive' Kim observed, drumming her fingers on the surface of the steering wheel. 'I hope Ron understands…' she thought with a grimace. 'I know what he saw couldn't have looked good, but Ron knows me! We've been together since pre-K. He has to know I would never do something like that to him, right?'

Kim wasn't so sure, as she attempted to put herself in his position and the doubts were growing.

'But Ron isn't like me!' she tried to reassure herself. 'He isn't as stubborn, for one thing! Ron, of all people, will understand. It's one of the reasons I love him…he's so reasonable compared to other guys! He doesn't get jealous, or easily hurt, and he's creative, and sensitive, and…'

As Kim lost herself in thoughts of her boyfriend, she nearly missed her exit. In her abrupt swerve to correct her course, she inadvertently cut off the semi truck a few feet behind her. However, almost as soon as she noticed her fatal error, subsequently bracing herself for the worst, a large red pickup that had been keeping pace with her in the left lane sped deliberately into the path of the semi behind Kim's vehicle, itself taking the full brunt of the impact.

*CRUNCH*

As the driver of the semi slammed his brakes, the pickup spun out erratically, crashing into a guard-rail along the opposite side before coming to a stop.

Kim, meanwhile, had managed to pull over near the wreck, shell-shocked. Cursing herself all the way for her lack of observation, she exited her vehicle and cautiously approached the wreckage of the pickup.

'Yeah, I can do anything…except notice when I'm about to cause a huge accident!' she seethed. 'You're damn lucky Kimberly Ann Possible, that this guy was there to save you or you'd probably be dead…'

As she drew closer to the vehicle, the door opened abruptly, and out tumbled a tired-looking man who despite a few minor scratches and a visible tear in his shirt, looked none the worse for wear. He surveyed the damage for a brief moment before hanging his head in apparent dismay.

"Hey!" Kim cried out, catching his attention. "Are you alright?"

"What the hell were you thinking? You miss the exit so you just jump two lanes!?" he shouted in reply but soon calmed down then continued. "Yeah, I'll live." He paused, before adding. "Actually, I should ask you the same question, miss…?"

"Possible" Kim finished. "And thank you, assuming what you did was intentional."

"It was" he grimaced. "Although I'm not sure why I bothered to save someone who obviously has a death-wish, destroying my truck in the process!" he finished, kicking at his wreck dejectedly.

Kim's guilt smashed into her like two tons of bricks. "I am SO, so sorry. I guess I wasn't paying enough attention—"

"Damn right you weren't!" he cut her off harshly, his anger building again.

"Look, I feel reeeeeally bad, and I promise you I can call in some favors and make it up to you." Kim started. "But for now, I'm assuming you're gonna need a ride somewhere that isn't the side of a busy interstate? Like a hospital, to get checked out?"

"I'm fine, or I will be after I call Triple-A," he replied hotly. "But if you think I'm gonna ride in a vehicle with you after the stunt you just pulled—"

"Actually, I was thinking I could call in a ride for both of us with some friends" Kim corrected. Not waiting for a response, she fished her Kimmunicator out of her car, and placed the call. "Wade?"

"Kim! What's the sitch? Have you reached Ron?" Came the reply.

"Actually Wade, I was hoping for a ride" she replied quickly, blushing anxiously.

"I was wondering when you would come to your senses about that!" Wade chuckled. "Can do, where are you now?"

"Actually, Wade, there's been a slight…" Kim looked nervously at the man now standing a few feet behind her, arms folded over his chest, "…complication." She took a deep breath before relating her story as quickly as possible.

"I kinda wasn't paying attention to the road and I caused a car accident and now I'm sitting on the side of the road with this guy and he needs a ride to a hospital to get checked out," she finished, breathless.

"Uh…okay?" Wade replied, still processing this new information. He struck a few keys before looking back up at his caller. "Okay Kim, got a lock on your location, and your ride will be there in a few minutes. I'm assuming you'll also need a tow for the damaged vehicle?"

"Please and thank you," Kim replied halfheartedly, ending the call. She now turned her attention back to her unlikely savior, truly taking in his appearance for the first time.

He was older than her, that much was certain, although by how much was unclear. He had dark hair, and brown eyes. Freckles, too, which reminded her of—'Ron…well, so much for dealing with THAT sitch today…'

A few small scars on his face, but overall, a very good-looking man. A tad abrasive, judging by the angry glares she had received from him from the moment they met. 'Although I can't say I really blame him. He did wreck his truck on my account.' His clothes were fairly tight fitting, probably tailored specifically for him, and apart from the large tear in his shirt, they were in near-perfect condition, no rumples or signs of wear.

'Probably brand-new…The man obviously has more than a little money.' A more detailed inspection of his truck seemed to also confirm this, the truck having obviously been in pristine shape prior to the accident.

"*AHEM*" Her rescuer cleared his throat, tapping one foot impatiently. "How long before I can expect this 'ride' you promised?"

Kim held up her hand, silencing him. "Actually, as much as I would like to get back to what I was doing, it's only right that I go with you to the hospital."

"I told you," the man answered gruffly. "I'm fine."

"But I can't be sure of that," Kim retorted. "Just humor me. You probably saved my life back there, the least I can do is make sure you're alright."

Her rescuer gritted his teeth in frustration, "Fine, just don't go all 'Florence Nightingale' on me."

Despite herself, Kim had to chuckle at the backward reference. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Satisfied, the man held out his hand toward her, preparing to introduce himself. "Well, I already got your name, Miss Possible—"

"Kim Possible," she amended.

"The famous hero?" he clarified. "Well, no wonder you have such a powerful death wish." He chuckled a bit before finishing, shaking her hand. "Alexander Blake. Friends call me Alex."

"Pleased to meet you," Kim replied, "Although I wish it was under different circumstances…again, sorry about your truck. "And thanks again."

"You're welcome," he replied, trying for a winning smile, and not quite succeeding. "Sorry if I seem a tad gruff," he explained. "I'm sure you'd be pissed too, if our roles were reversed."

"Yeah, this isn't exactly a pleasant sitch…" Kim agreed with a shrug, watching as the helicopter that would serve as their mutual ride flew overhead, and came to rest on a nearby field. "That would be us" she said, directing Alexander's attention to the waiting chopper. "Shall we?"


Meanwhile, a driver in Go City was having more success minding his surroundings as the Aston Martin he would soon own sped through the streets. Largely, Ron's success separating his driving skills from his inner conflicts was attributable to his tendency to organize his thoughts by speaking out loud, a habit he had developed since Rufus died, as a natural evolution from his tendency to speak to Rufus, who was always with him.

"I don't know what to do anymore, Rufus," he began, imagining his passed companion standing on the seat beside him. "I still love Kim. She hurt me, worse than anyone ever has. But I'll always love her. Even if I move on, some part of me is always gonna belong to her…" He looked to his right, jarred back to reality when he didn't see his hairless friend's head bobbing up and down. "I miss you, buddy, more than ever...I reeeeally miss you." he said dejectedly. "I could really use the moral support right now."

The blonde youth pulled the car over to the side, opening the sunroof and looking up at the clear skies. "Sometimes I wonder if you're in a better place, looking out for me…" he felt tears welling up in his eyes at the thought of his beloved pet winking at him, perhaps flashing him a thumbs up. "I wish you were here right now, buddy…"

After a few minutes of reflection, Ron resumed his drive. "You'd know exactly what to do if you were here, Rufus. You'd scamper up to my shoulder, chitter some encouragement, and I'd know everything was gonna work out." He allowed his thoughts to wander back to green-skinned woman who was the primary source of his inner turmoil. "I'm afraid, Rufus" he said, voice trembling. "I'm attracted to Shego. And if this last couple of days is any indication, I think I really like her…" He paused, imagining the little face of his friend soaking in this new information.

"But I don't want to open myself up again," he elaborated, once again fighting back tears. "What if this is just a rebound? And that doesn't even account for Kim…I feel like if I let myself get involved with Shego, I'd be betraying everything KP and I had. Especially since it was only a week ago that I was ready to propose…"

The youth chuckled bitterly as he remembered the earlier events of the day. "You know what I did buddy?" He paused for effect. "I kissed her. As in, I initiated it! Since when do I do something like that? I'm not the dominant type!" His disbelief led him to a more sincere bout of laughter, if only at the sheer absurdity of his situation.

"Maybe Shego is rubbing off on me…" His chuckling ceased as he recalled her reaction. "Oh, who am I kidding? It's a non-issue anyway…she isn't into me. I guess I have nothing to worry about, huh buddy?" Somehow, this thought made him feel worse. "Good old Rufus," he said, "Helping me get my head straight, even when you're not around."

By now the blonde had lapped a good portion of the city, and was approaching the showroom again. He pulled the vehicle back into the waiting building, exited the vehicle, and strolled up to the clerk confidently.

"Love the car," he said with a grin. "I think I'll take it."

Seemingly recovered from Ron's earlier assertiveness, the clerk sneered in response. "Do you have one hundred and nineteen thousand dollars?"

The youth's grin widened, if possible. "But of course!" The sight of the clerk's jaw hitting the floor was among the sweetest Ron had ever seen. "Let's go do some paperwork, shall we?"


Ron decided to make one more stop: Go City Custom Cars. After having a fresh decal added to the sides of his new Aston Martin that proudly declared it 'The Rufus Mobile' it wasn't large, right behind the driver's door handle. Also custom plates were ordered: 'Rufus #1'

He returned to the firm just before dark. He tried the door, only to find it locked.

His spirits fell. 'Great…she probably wants nothing to do with you, man. Just go home. I'll bet Mom and Dad would love to see you…' After staring down at his feet he came to a realization.

'NO! I came back here to make things right, and I'm gonna do it!' He turned on his heels and stalked up the block to her apartment. He knocked twice, rang the doorbell once, and waited. The door was opened within a minute.

"Ron?" Shego asked, her tone doing nothing to betray the nature of the question.

Ron was startled at her appearance. It wasn't that she looked bad, but rather, she simply hadn't done anything with herself. And for Shego, this was truly uncharacteristic. Her hair was a tad unkempt and she was appeared worried, the bags under her eyes only visible upon close inspection. She was once again wearing the robe she had worn the previous morning, green with black trim, clearly she hadn't been expecting visitors. She had been drinking, if the smell of bourbon emanating from the open door was any good indication.

'Has she been having the same debate with herself that I have?' the blonde wondered. Her tone though, had betrayed no such thoughts.

"Shego…" he began, rubbing his neck nervously. "May I come in? I've got some things I need to say."

"Sure" she said, moving to the right to accommodate his entrance. "Would you like a drink?" she offered as they entered the living room.

"No, thanks," he answered. "I think I'd be better served having this conversation sober."

"I was talking about a soda, or possibly some milk?" Shego answered with a biting edge. She brought a chair in from the kitchen, placed it across from her guest, and sat down before finishing: "A kid like you doesn't need any alcohol, right?" Her choice of title hit Ron harder than any slap ever could have.

"Listen Shego," he started, taking a readying breath. 'Déjà vu all over again…' he thought glumly, recalling his last serious conversation, in the restaurant. "I don't know what came over me back there…no, scratch that. I do know. Here I am still broken up over my last girlfriend, and now I'm regularly associating with a beautiful woman who not only flirts back, if only jokingly, but is available."

"Go on," Shego said, once again affecting an emotionless tone, whilst examining her nails as if they were the most important thing in the world.

"Look, to be honest, I'm afraid" Ron continued. "I'm afraid this is just me going on the rebound, and that it might not be real. And I'm also aware that you could do infinitely better than some lowly buffoon like me."

He paused for dramatic effect and waited to find his courage. When it returned he continued.

"But I guess what I'm trying to say is: I'm really starting to grow fond of you, Shego—no, forget that. I am fond of you. I like you a lot, and if you're open to the idea, I'd like to …well, you know…go out with you?"

A pregnant pause followed, and over the duration, the tension in the room made Ron envious of the Cold War.

"Fine" came the short, unbelievable response.

"Yeah, that's kinda what I figur—wait? What!" Ron said, his brain taking a few moments to catch up with his mouth. "I mean…that's, that's great! Awesome! Booyah!"

"If I hear you say that word again, I'm changing my answer" Shego said, still keeping an unnerving monotone. "Plan our date, Ron Stoppable. I'll pick you up at the firm at 6pm sharp tomorrow night."

Ron beamed ear-to-ear. "Actually, that won't be necessary. I have a car" he said confidently. "So how about I pick you up? You'll love my new wheels…"


Doctor Andrew "Drew" Lipsky, PhD, walked cautiously into a lair that had formerly been owned by himself under the name "Doctor Drakken".

"Hello? Is anyone here?" he called nervously. Scarcely had the words left him before the large conference screen in front of him flickered to life, on it, a head, neck and shoulders framed in silhouette.

"Hello, Doctor Lipsky," began the shadowy figure in a deep voice laden with distortion effects. "Do you like what I've done with the place?"

The formerly evil Doctor nearly jumped into the ceiling before putting on an air of composure.

"Ah, there you are. Mister Xander, I presume?" he asked. He wrinkled his brow. "I had assumed we would be meeting face-to-face."

"A necessary precaution, Doctor. You understand" the figure stated simply. "Rest assured I only require a moment of your time."

"Yes?" the Doctor asked, brow still furrowed. "What is this all about? If it's anything illegal, I'm afraid I can't help you. I've gone straight" he finished proudly.

"Rest assured, Doctor, my plan does not require anything illegal on your part" the figure clarified, before continuing. "In the early 1980s," the figure stated, "You attended university with one James Possible—"

"Yes, that's correct," the Doctor said matter-of-factly.

"It was not a question, Doctor." The figure paused before continuing, "I am aware of your ties to Doctor Possible. What I would like from you is to re-establish contact with him. Re-connect, if you will."

Doctor Lipsky was visibly puzzled. "And Why?"

"That's it. All I require is that you re-initiate contact with your former friend."

"And what purpose does this serve?" Lipsky demanded.

"That is none of your concern. Now I believe I also owe you some sensitive information regarding you former assistant," the figure replied.

"Oh, dear," the Doctor said, exasperated. "Did she return to crime? If she stole something from you, so help me—"

"You are correct, Doctor" the figure said. "A few days ago, your former assistant, the super-criminal known as Shego, broke into a legitimate establishment in Go City. Assisting her was the former partner of Kim Possible, one Ronald Stoppable."

"I'm sorry, who?" Lipksy asked, before snapping his fingers in triumph. "Oh, right! Stoppable. The buffoon! What's he doing with her?"

"Criminal activity, it would seem," the figure continued. "The pair broke into said establishment, and absconded with a very expensive microchip. What their plans are for it is anyone's guess."

"As interesting as this information is," Lipsky said, put-out that this was all the man had to offer, "How does this help me? My secretary said you assured her that you had information that would further bolster my public image!"

"Well, naturally, if you were to report this information to the authorities," the man elaborated, "it would be a feather in your cap. You place your duty to society even above loyalty to a former associate."

"An interesting idea, but why haven't you reported it yourself?" Lipsky asked.

The figure responded with a glare that the Doctor couldn't so much see as he could feel.

"Alright, you're a villain. Fine" the Doctor said, realizing his blunder. "But I'm afraid I'm going to need a bit more incentive to inform on Shego. Some proof would be nice, and I would very much like to talk to her and get her side of the story—"

"You don't understand." The man on the screen paused for effect. "It was not a request, Doctor. I fully expect you to act on this information, in addition to re-establishing ties with Possible. And if you were to mention this new information about Stoppable to him as well…I think you understand where I'm going with this."

"And if I don't particularly feel like 'acting on this information'?" the Doctor ventured.

"Then life could be made very…unpleasant for, you Doctor Lipsky," the figure said, in such a tone as to make Lipsky shudder. "Now, I am a very busy man, so go forth and do likewise, Doctor. Dismissed."

Drew Lipsky had never moved faster in his life than he did leaving his former lair at those words.

On the other end of the call, over a thousand miles away, Aaron Xander smiled deviously.

"Goodbye, Doctor."


A/N: The plot doth thicken! Soon, the plan will start come together, although to what end, you'll all have to wait and see! Mwahahahaha!

'Til next time, ladies and gents. And as always, please review!