Author's Notes: Unfortuanately Disney owns KP, I don't. This piece of Fiction is mine however. The italicized text represents conscious thought. I would like to make a shout out to my beta-reader Ghostwhiter and to Joe Stoppinghem and Criminal Critic for reviewing chp 8. Thanks guys! Now on with the show!
"It's been an interesting few weeks since Yori left," Ron thought as he ducked quickly into the boys bathroom. He let the door close behind him as he heard 'her' voice in the hallway behind him, tearing into someone that had inadvertently stepped in front of her chosen path. Bonnie had found walking with him quite enjoyable, especially when she knew they would run into Kim. It always got Kim going when Bonnie and Ron walked into the room at the same time and Bonnie knew it. Ron had begun avoiding 'bumping' into Bonnie in the hallway. "It's not like I haven't thought about going out with Bonnie. I mean, I kinda did when I got all that money from Bueno Nacho. I wonder if she knows that I'm still getting royalties? Or is she just enjoying how much it tweaks Kim when she walks up and sees her standing next to me?" Ron had thought it over. "Either way it's not doing anything for my friendship with Kim." He suddenly noticed the chuckles and laughter coming from one of the bathroom stalls. He rolled his eyes and went to leave, not even wanting to know what was going on. He was half out the doorway when he recognized a voice.
"Come on guys. I took a shower this morning, I don't need my hair washed," begged a nasally voice.
"Ned?" Ron thought. He turned and walked back into the bathroom. Two feet were visible over the top of the stall and four below it.
"Hey Ned, you coming to class?" Ron asked calmly, walking towards the stall. He didn't have class with Ned. Ned was a senior, but he didn't want to be the one to force a confrontation.
"Beat it dork, unless you need your hair washed too," said a deep voice from in the stall as the other one chuckled. Ron recognized one of the voices; it was one of senior jocks."So much for avoiding a direct confrontation."
"I am a little sweaty," Ron replied. "I just got done with gym class." He stopped in the open area of the bathroom, just in case he had to back up his mouth.
Two seniors put Ned down and came out of the stall quickly, intent that the smart mouth not escape their punishment. The looks of anger on their faces switched to surprise and then apprehension as they realized who was standing in front of them, his usual grin plastered on his face. The bigger one dropped his hands to his sides. "Oh, I didn't know it was you. Sorry about the dork remark."
"I didn't mind the dork remark at all," Ron stated happily. The two seniors relaxed visibly. He dropped his voice a little lower and his eyes hardened, "I am a bit tweaked about how you are treating my friend here though."
Their faces blanched as they saw the cold, serious look on Ron's face. It wasn't the face they were used to seeing on him, and after what he had done to Brick and Joe they were a bit concerned. The smaller senior picked up the books on the floor and turned to Ned. "Sorry about that buddy, you know we were just playing around right?"
"Umm, I guess. No hard feelings," Ned stammered. "Just don't come to Bueno Nacho or you might have a surprise in your naco. Buddy."
"Let's go Ned," Ron said to him, turning towards the door. "If we don't hurry we'll both be late to class." They left the bathroom and hurried down the hallway. At the intersection they had to go their separate ways.
"Thanks Ron," Ned said, his face still red with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.
"No big Ned, that's what buds are for." He waved as he rushed to his next class. "Well at least I didn't have to use force that time." The bell rang and he slowed back down to a walk. He was already late; it would probably be detention and another missed cheer squad practice. He didn't need to get in trouble for running in the halls as well. Mr. Barkin had really been keeping an eye on him since the last incident. He had been the one that was getting picked on that time. It was a few weeks after the football team lost the last football game of the year. They had been knocked out of contention for the state finals. Quite a few of the seniors on the football team were pissed at him for Brick getting expelled. Like it was his fault. He remembered back to that moment in the locker room….
Ron was soaked with sweat as he pulled off his 'Mad Dog' mask. It really got hot in there, especially when he was performing acrobatics on the field. He knew some of the football players were a little tweaked with him. They blamed him for Brick getting expelled, and so it was his fault that they had lost in the semifinals for the Division one state champion earlier last week. Mr. Barkin had been stepping up practice for the football team in response to their loss and the football players were in a foul mood because of it. At least the cheer squad wasn't tweaked with him, quite the opposite actually. Bonnie had let the story of what happened in the corridor that day out to all the rumor mills. Ron knew that he had thoroughly beaten Brick that day, but the way the story grew you could have sworn he was Chuck Norris on speed. "Well at least no one really bothers me much anymore." Sure there were snide remarks and pointing of fingers, but no one laid a hand on him. He could even walk through D Hall without being harassed.
Ron packed away his stuff and decided to go home to take his shower. The football players were coming into the locker room from practice now and while none of them would bother him alone, he knew that in a group they would be bolder. He didn't want to fight if he didn't have to, but he had decided after that day against Brick that he wouldn't lie down for anyone anymore. He picked up his bag and started heading toward the doorway. "At least none of them has tried to start something yet," Ron thought as he neared the doorway.
"Hey Stoppable, you happy now? It's your fault we didn't make state." Joe Jones, the team center, was walking toward him.
"No," Ron replied simply. "Looks like I spoke too soon."
"Good, we're not happy either," Joe stated flatly. A few of the other football players voiced their agreement.
"Make him pay for it Joe!" a voice called out from the back.
"Maybe I will. I'll be sporting though Stoppable. Tell everyone here you're sorry for getting Brick expelled and then quit the cheer squad and I'll let you go. We're sick of seeing you on the field aren't we guys?" A few of the players nodded in agreement.
One of them shook his head. "Remember what happened to Brick, Joe. I can't say that he didn't deserve it though, treating a woman like that." It was Erik. Even with him being new to the school he had already earned a spot on the team as safety.
"Whose side are you on anyways?" Joe quipped at him. "It was a fluke, Brick didn't expect him to fight back. I do." He cracked his knuckles and advanced. "Ready for a beating loser?"
Ron's face hardened as anger bubbled up inside of him. He had quite enough of being pushed around. Ron took a breath through his nose and blew out slowly through his mouth like Yori had taught him, trying to control his emotions, keeping his power at bay. He stood there, holding his bag in one hand as Joe came in, throwing a jab at him. He leaned back, Joe's fist barely falling short. As Joe went to pull his hand back Ron grabbed the back of his hand and twisted. He stepped to the outside, applying pressure and locking his wrist. He pulled up, locking up Joe's elbow and forcing him to his knees to alleviate some of the pressure on his shoulder. Everyone grew quiet in the locker room, none of them saw Ron fight Brick and they were taken aback by the ease in which Ron had incapacitated Joe.
"Don't hurt him Ron," Erik said, stepping towards him nervously.
Ron ignored him, speaking down to Joe. "I'm sorry that you lost the state championship. I'm also sorry that Brick was too stupid to realize that hitting a woman and bullying people just because they are weaker than him is wrong." He gave a little twist and Joe tensed as his joint screamed. "I'm not sorry for what I did to him though. He deserved it." He let go of Joe's arm and turned, walking out of the locker room. "I didn't mean what I said about Brick, I was just acting tough, wasn't I?" He was confused as he walked home. Ron thought he would have been happy that he stopped a fight without anyone getting hurt, but that's all he had felt was sad remorse. "I suppose it's better than the shame of being beaten up," he had thought.
Ron shook the thoughts of the past week from his head as he entered the classroom, late. He was right, Mrs. Hazelwurth was pretty disappointed and gave him detention for being late to class, again. Kim looked at him with concern from her seat. Ron gave her half-hearted grin and shrugged his shoulders. Mrs. Hazelwurth continued her lecture on the anatomy of the fetal pig they'd be dissecting tomorrow as Ron took his seat.
"Late again Ron. What is going on lately?" Kim asked as Erik came up beside her and took her hand. They were just leaving class and Ron was on his way to detention.
"If you weren't so busy you'd know," Ron thought. "It's no big KP, I just had something I had to do. We can talk about it later, I have to get to detention." He thought for a moment, "Maybe we can meet up at Bueno Nacho later? Say 5:00?"
Kim blushed, "Sorry Ron, I have a committee meeting for the Spring Spirit Dance after cheer practice. Maybe tomorrow?"
"No Kim, we're going to the movies tomorrow remember?" Erik piped in.
"Oh yeah. I'll just call you later tonight Ron." "Figures." "OK KP, talk to you later." Ron went to his locker and picked up the rest of his homework, at least he could get that out of the way in detention.
Ron finished with his detention and went home. It was a bit boring without Yori around and with Kim constantly busy with Erik. He sighed, "at least I don't have anything to get in the way of my training." Yori had left him with a training regimen that would whip him into shape, sticking to it would be the exercise in discipline. She told him that she would know if he followed it when she saw him next. He didn't want to disappoint her. She was a good friend, but she had a wicked spinning back kick and she wasn't afraid to use it when she was disappointed. He finished up his exercises and meditation and showered.
Shortly after dinner the phone rang. "Can you get that Ronnie?" his mother called from the living room.
"Sure thing mom!" he hollered back, wiping the dish suds from his hands before picking up the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi Ron!"
"Hey KP. What's up?" Ron asked.
"I just want to know how you're doing."
"I'm OK KP."
"You seem a little bummed lately. I thought you'd be psyched, you're doing better in school and have been doing great in our sparring sessions." "A little too great," Kim thought, "I think Erik's poor ego is crushed, and I still have a bruise from the throw that Ron slipped by me."
"Yeah, it kinda tanks that Yori had to go home last week. It was nice to have someone to hang out with besides Felix."
"I'm sorry Ron. You had that talk with me weeks ago and we still haven't been hanging out as much as we used to. Hmm." Kim thought of when they could do something special together. "Well this Saturday is Valentine's Day and Erik wants to take me out to eat, we have cheer practice and I have another Dance committee meeting on Thursday. Wednesday is the commercial for Ford. How about next Friday? I can pick you up in the new car. We can do whatever you want."
"Sounds good KP, I'll plan something. I hope we can do Bueno Nacho or something before then though." "It's only Thursday."
"Sure thing Ron, maybe after cheer practice on Monday. You're coming over to practice sparring Sunday aren't you?"
"Yeah KP. I'll be there, bright and early." He smiled at that. Kim really wasn't a morning person.
Kim rolled her eyes and sighed, "You think you're going to gain an advantage by me being groggy?"
"Darn straight KP, I need all the help I can get!"
They talked a little while longer before they hopped off the phone. "I can't believe I forgot about Valentine's Day. I have to pick up a card for Kim!"
Ron drained and rinsed the sink. "Mom, can I use the car to go to Smarty Mart. I need to pick something up."
His mother looked up from the work she was doing at the coffee table. She smiled at him sweetly, "You forgot about Valentine's Day again didn't you?"
"Umm, yeah Mom."
"You're lucky I'm letting you with all the detention you have been getting lately. But I suppose." His parents often caved to his requests. He thought that perhaps they felt guilty for the long hours they worked and the business trips away from home.
"Thanks Mom. Have you spoken with Dad about letting me get a car yet?"
"Yes Ronnie. I have him half convinced."
"Kim is getting one next week from Ford for letting them take her photo for an ad."
She sighed; she hated Ron being so dependant on Kim all the time. "That girl has been leading him on for far too long. He needs to find himself a nice Jewish girlfriend. I suppose a car couldn't hurt, he has enough money in trust." "You have been doing a great job with your work around the house lately. If you can keep yourself out of detention next week I will talk to your father about it again." She held out her car keys for him.
"I will Mom, thanks." He left and drove to Smarty Mart. "I'll have to be extra careful this next week," he thought, ducking down just a little as some of his classmates drove by. "I hate driving this station wagon around." He put the car in park and walked into the store, heading toward the card aisle.
He turned the corner bumping into a young lady nearly knocking her over. Her basket tipped and a package tumbled towards the floor. Ron swooped down and scooped it out of the air before it hit the floor. "Sorry about that Miss," Ron began. He looked up at the young lady recognizing her. She was wearing blue jeans and a button up shirt with her long hair pulled into a ponytail. But there was no mistaking the woman he had met so many times,. "Shego!"
Shego looked at him with amusement. "Nice catch Stoppable."
Ron stood open-mouthed looking at her.
"Close your mouth, you'll catch flies." She glanced left and right looking for someone. "Is Princess with you?"
"Umm, no." Ron answered.
"Good, I didn't want to have to fight in blue jeans. They aren't very well suited for fighting but they sure do look good, don't you think?" she said, turning a bit. "Is she flirting with me?" "They look very nice, Shego. The green blouse is lovely as well."
She held her hand out for the item that he had caught, Smarty Mart's contact rinse. "Thanks Tiger. You stalking me or are you looking for something?"
"I didn't know you wore contacts."
"It's not for me, it's Dr. D's. You didn't answer my question."
"Oh. No. I have to pick up a Valentine's Day card," Ron stated.
"Ouuu, Ronnie have a girlfriend?" Shego asked with a grin on her face.
"Nah, I always get Kim one." Ron replied.
Shego rolled her eyes, "Figures." "Bleck, I can't stand that holiday. It's so sappy." "And it reminds me of Jason."
"Don't tell me that you don't get any Valentines."
Shego chuckled, "Drakken's henchmen learned a long time ago not to try, after the first few got out of traction. Motor Ed sent me one last year and stalked me like a puppy. The guy's a moron but he has guts." She looked up thoughtfully for a moment, "and he can take a punch."
"Oh."
"Hey Stoppable," Shego said, serious for a moment.
"Yeah Shego?"
"Don't tell Princess that you saw me here. I wouldn't be able to live it down if she found out I shop at Smarty Mart."
"Sure thing."
"Remember you owe me dinner."
"Anytime you want it Shego."
"I'll hold you to that. I better get going before Dr. D. forgets I'm out and moves the hoverlair. I told him no more mobile homes, but does he listen?"
Ron just stood there, unsure of what to say. "Umm, yeah."
Shego smiled, "Don't even think of following me Stoppable. I still owe you one from that kick you got me with."
"Oh, sorry about that."
Shego shook her head, "You're something else. See you around." She turned and walked down the aisle towards the checkouts, disappearing around the corner with a glance behind to see if he was looking. A smile spread across her face as she saw that he was.
"Is it just me or did she add a little extra sway to her hips?" Ron thought. He walked to the card section in the aisle and picked one out for Kim. He glanced thoughtfully back at the corner Shego had disappeared around. He turned and picked out another card before he left.
Author's Notes: The Jason in the story is from Zaratan's "Ascent and Descent". The story was an inspiration to me and I have incorporated that background (up to So the Drama) into my vision of her character, with his permission of course. Thanks again Zaratan! To my readers, leave a review. It's free and it gives me with a warm fuzzy.
