Welcome back everybody, so far the body count is one; he is the unlamented Fukushima. I mean how can I keep it that low? Something tells me the numbers will rise, I'm not saying when though. Anyway we get a little back ground information about Ernie and Stevie….I wonder what Jacob Rockwaller has over those two to keep them in line?
I want to thank my beta and sometimes co-writer for everything his has done over the last three years. Thanks CB, dinner's on me next time.
I also want to thank everyone who has read, faved or reviewed not only 'The Hunter' but all my other ones, I really do read each review. CB ole Stevie is going to be in the dark about a lot of stuff, he thinks he is a player. Pbow I agree Kim is pushing things further than she did in the series, but I think it's just a reaction to James' trying to break her and Ronnie up…..oh I think Ernie and Steve are digging themselves with a Caterpillar 992 ® for a really big hole. Neoalfa thanks for not disliking 'TH' as for wanting to smash your screen when you finish reading a chapter all I can say is that I have accomplished something. Jimmie1201, you forgot about Rufus' cheese bill, what they didn't show in the series is where the naco money really went…..The Wisconsin Cheese Factories ®. Readerjunkie, thanks bud for stroking my ego again, but do you really think that Barkin and Ernie are the only ones who are gonna catch some grief. Trust me there are a lot of people who get played.
A word of advice, watch out which characters you begin to hate in this one.
Anyway we'd better get this started,
ST-103
The Hunter: Book One
Chapter 21
The Possible home, Middleton, Colorado:
"James, I'm going in to the hospital today to check my mail, read some reports and make sure that they don't have a shortage of doctors while we finish our vacation.", Anne told him between bites of her sandwich.
James responded, "I thought that they had already sorted that out."
"They have, but I like to be sure that my patients are doing well, I'll ask my replacement if there are any problems, you should check in too.", the surgeon suggested to her brainiac husband.
"Sure Anne, I should check in with the Space Center as well. Where did Kimmie-cub go?", the rocket scientist asked.
"She went to the high school to meet her boyfriend and then have lunch with him.", Anne explained.
"Ronald? She should have asked first.", James, while unhappy with the goofball teen meeting with his baby again, knew better than to say too much because both red heads were a little unhappy with him for pulling everything he did so far over the summer. This smart man still had his head in the sand when it came to his lovely and talented daughter dating boys.
"She did, but you were watching a Captain Constellation rerun. Really James you have to get out of that little world that you are living in. It's like you're a middle aged geek or something.", the frustrated wife and mother pointed out, "Not only that, but Kimmie's seventeen years old and has been world saving for years. I mean I've been ranting about your obsession for weeks now….haven't you been listening?"
"I haven't seen an episode since we went down to see Nana. And I know what our baby has been doing; you've been beating me over the head with it."
"And whose fault is that?"
"Well..."
"You had better not blame Ronald for that, you made those arrangements.", the red head warned.
James replied a little sharply for the position he was in, "I won't bother you with what I'm thinking then. What are we doing tonight?"
"We are going to Bearymore's Pizza so the boys don't drive me nuts talking about it all the way to Slim's place.", Anne told him, "Kimberly and Ronald are going out to eat and I think dancing."
"I guess that's alright. They do need to spend some time together. And they have my permission just as long as they don't do anything inappropriate. ", James groaned as he knew that his wife was nowhere finished beating him up over what he had tried to pull this summer.
"You mean like those stories your Mom told me about your antics when you were their age? James you have no room to talk if half the stories Nana told me were true. According to your Mother you were a pervert on a testosterone high for six years, Ronald has never acted that way."
"It wasn't..."
"Hi Mom and Dad I'm home.", Kim called as she walked in effectively shutting this conversation down.
"How was your lunch date with Ronald?..." Anne suddenly got up after glancing at her daughter, "Uh Kimberly would you come in to the kitchen for a moment? I need your opinion on something."
"Sure Mom.", Kim followed Anne into the kitchen wondering what was going on.
"What's up Mom?", Kim asked when they were alone.
"Did you forget something Kimberly?", Anne whispered.
"Huh? What are you talking about?", the younger red head lowered her voice.
"Your two little girls are looking at me.", Anne pointed out, "And if you don't want your Father to make life difficult for you...well you'd better cover up, because this is just about his worst nightmare." Glancing to Kim's upper chest, "That man is not as dense as he seems, and he knows where you've been for the last couple of hours."
"Huh? Oh my….", the younger red head gasped instantly covering herself.
"How am I going to get past him Mom?", the wide eyed teen asked realizing her Mother was bound to ask some questions and her Father would ask harder ones if he found out.
"I think we need some laundry soap. I'm sure your Father will love to get some so that we can have some clean clothes for the trip. Just wait here for a minute."
"Mom I just checked earlier and I thought we had plenty."
"No you're mistaken Kimmie. Wait here I'll have your Father get a bottle at the store.", Anne smiled.
X
"James, could you do me a favor?", Anne asked as she entered the family room.
"What do you need Annie?", James inquired.
"We just ran out of laundry detergent, so could you be a Dear and pick us up a bottle?", she asked, "Otherwise we won't have clean clothes for our trip to see your brother."
"Sure honey."
"Oh I just thought of something, we could use some coffee and bottled soda too.", Anne looked up, "And some snacks for the road, you know while you are at the store."
"Sure I'll get right to it. Are you sure that you don't want Kimmie-cub to go get it?"
"I'm sure James, I have her scheduled to help me do some light cleaning before she goes out on her date tonight. That is unless you want to help me instead..."
"I'll be back shortly.", James rushed out of the door picking up his keys on the way out.
"Oh and get the van washed too James, you don't want to be seen driving around with a dirty vehicle.", Anne pointed out as she followed him out the door.
James Possible hated housework like most men and saw his opportunity to 'disappear' and avoid such tasks when given the chance and was almost out the door before Anne could think up anything else.
In seconds she could hear the van start up and she checked out the front door to make sure that it had left.
"Coast is clear Kimmie.", Anne called out as James backed out of the driveway.
A red headed blur ran past her and up the stairs, "Thanks Mom, you rock."
After a moment Anne followed her daughter up the stairs to get up to speed about Kim's earlier escapade with Ron.
Anne poked her head above the trap door, "Kimmie, what did you guys do?"
Kim turned around, "Not much of anything Mom; I stripped down to just my capris and Ron to his cargoes. We kissed and hugged. He didn't even put a hand on them. But it was soooo sensual. I just forgot to put everything back on, that's all. Are you mad with me?"
"Just a little upset for you not thinking that's all. I'd prefer you to keep your clothes on when around Ronald or any other boy for that matter for the time being. You are a very pretty girl and you don't want to give them 'ideas'.", Anne advised.
"Well maybe Mom, but I sure enjoyed the feel of his chest up against mine. Maybe that will be the last time for a while. Ron was sure surprised by it though."
"Did he like the view?"
"I think so, he hugged me...I'd say that would be a yes. Then he did something that floored me."
"W...", Anne cleared her throat, "What was that honey?"
"Ronnie put his ear to my chest between my...Mom he was listening to my heartbeat. He just stopped doing anything but have his arms around me and listened."
"I think we can post that as enjoying the scenery, I think his commitment goes very deep for you honey. And no doubt I think you have a keeper here, but remember Kimmie your Father is very protective of you and he gets carried away easily. So let's try to limit these little adventures of yours and Ron's for a while.", Anne reminded her.
"Uh Mom, I noticed something on or rather under the skin of Ronnie's chest.", Kim decided to ask her Mother about what she saw but wanted to leave out any talk about the ink job on his back.
"Oh?"
"Yeah it looked sort of like a pace maker I saw once, but Ron says it isn't. He doesn't know how it got there either."
"Does it bother him Kimmie?"
"It doesn't seem to; but I never would have known if we weren't naked on top."
"Well it it's not bothering him and he's not worried about it, but you keep an eye out and let me know if it starts to bother him honey. With all the things you two have come across over the last few years it's a wonder you both don't have two heads and seven legs.", Anne frowned deciding to ask Ron herself when she got the chance.
"I'll do that Mom and thanks. What did you want me to work on around the house?"
"Just do a little dusting and put a bra on before your Father gets home."
"Yeah I'll be right down Mom; I'd better take care of that right now."
Anne Possible hummed to herself as she descended the stairs much happier than she had been in a long time. 'Yes Kimmie, your Ron is a keeper.'
XX
A couple of hours later:
"I'll get it Mom.", Kim yelled knowing who it was already after the doorbell rang.
The teenaged red head, wearing a knee length skirt and a flattering blouse, opened the door, "Hi Ronnie you look nice tonight." She dragged him into the house to get a better look at him dressed in khakis, a medium green polo shirt and a pair of slip on shoes
"Hi KP, you look a lot better than me, but you had a head start. Anyway the world's best girl deserves an acceptable boyfriend.", Ron leaned in to kiss her on the cheek in greeting not wanting to upset James who he was sure was around somewhere. Suddenly from behind his back he pulled out a wrapped package.
"Ron? What's this?"
"Uh it's something that I got for you in Japan."
"What is it?"
"Open it."
Kim smiled as the wrapping paper was discarded, "What is it?"
"It's from Cuddlebuddy® of Japan. Open the card too.", Ron instructed her.
Kim handed the plush toy back to Ron for a moment and opened the card.
"Oh my gosh, it's a one of a kind.", the collector of the toys gasped.
"Yeah.", Ron smiled, "Sensei knows some of the head people at the factory in Japan. It's called a Platamonkey."
"But Ron, it must be worth a fortune."
"It was worth the smile on your face KP."
Kim however wanted more and pulled him into a deep hug and kept him there until they could hear a man clearing his throat.
"Hello Ronald how have you been, we haven't seen you for most of the summer. Kimmie-cub your Mother would like to talk to you for a moment.", James asked but with a frown as he sent his daughter off.
"Sure Dad did you see what Ronnie got me?"
The rocket scientist frowned deeper, "It's wonderful, honey."
"I'll be right back. Dad don't you dare launch him into outer space, I have plans for him tonight…on the dance floor.", the younger red head warned.
"You go ahead Kimmie-cub I'll just keep Ronald busy here."
"Well yeah Mr. Dr. P, I sorta had to go to Japan then KP had that cheer camp and later vacation...so it's been kinda busy this summer.", Ron explained getting a very uneasy feeling about being around this man for some reason. 'And lonely too, but I'd never admit that to you sir.', Ron added as his young red headed lover went in search of her Mother carrying the now cherished toy to show it off.
"I suppose that it's too bad that you two haven't hung out, but with my wife's opportunity and you two going into your last year in high school, I felt that Kimmie-cub needed to see some family, because this might be her last chance for a number of years.", James stated, using the topic to set up an opening for Ron to say something which could get him thrown out of the house where neither red head could argue with his actions. Silently James patted himself on the back over the hurdles he had put in the teenaged boy's path to dating his baby.
"I totally agree with you Sir, my family is not near as large or spread out as the Possible Clan….nor are there as many of us, but I think it was a good idea for the vacation.", Ron replied with a smile, while leaving out the reason why he didn't have that many relatives.
"Ronald I'm glad you agree with me. I uh am sorry that you won't be able to come with us to Montana.", James explained.
"I can't go anyway Mr. Dr. P, I have football workouts twice a day and they're keeping me pretty busy. Somebody gave Mr. B the idea that I wanted to play football, now I'm stuck. Anyway I want to get a job and at least make some 'date' money for KP."
"That's too bad about what happened….So you are going to be one of those 'hotties' that Kimmie-cub used to talk about over the last couple of years?", James inquired hoping that Ron was going to let this go to his head and maybe be able to use this to force a breakup between his baby and her goofy friend.
"Sir me? A hottie? Pshaw just between us I don't think that term will ever be used to describe me.", Ron retorted with a snort, "I'm more suited to the buffoon tag, if you know what I mean."
"So what are your plans tonight Ronald?", James asked, his plans being dashed and as he decided that he might need some help to make this unholy romance between Kimmie-cub Possible and Ron 'the goof' Stoppable come to a screeching halt.
"Kim's choice."
"Oh, not Bueno Bacho?"
"No sir, Pace's and then either a movie or dancing, her choice. Then maybe a slow walk through the neighborhood to finish out the night.", Ron told the older man to gauge his reaction to the plans.
"Hummm, in my opinion a movie would be fine, but Mrs. Possible loves to dance; so I would go with dancing with Kimmie. But just make sure of where you place your hands, or rather where you don't place your hands.", James said as he seemed to grow in stature as most Fathers of teenaged girls seemed to do when they wanted to make a point with said girl's boyfriends. Surprisingly, instead of the quivering blond boy he was used to seeing when he did this, Ron Stoppable didn't flinch at all. Instead the blond teen's response was a cold stare to the obvious threat.
After a moment the hard eyes disappeared and Ron replied, "Yes sir, but the choice remains KP's tonight, I just wanna be close to her."
"I'm sure you do, but have a good evening and remember what I said.", the overprotective dad informed Ron as Kim returned.
Kim leaned in and kissed James on the cheek, "Goodnight Daddy, Mom gave me permission to be out till midnight. I have my Kimmunicator if you need me."
"Have fun Kimmie-cub.", James brightened then darkened, "But not too much fun."
"I won't and Mom lent me her keys, see ya. Come on Ronnie.", Kim replied pulling her boyfriend along.
"Are you sure you don't want Ronald to drive?", James asked as the two teens exited the house.
Ron turned around, "KP's the better driver Sir. When I get my own car, I'll drive."
Anne came up next to her husband and waved, "I think that young man is growing up quite well James. Give him a break. Now come back inside, the boys will be home in a little while then we can take them out and get some burnt crust pizza."
X
"How did it go with Dad?", the red head asked after she had driven several blocks.
"The third degree wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, maybe he's accepted this step in our relationship.", Ron replied as he looked over at her.
Nodding in determination to him, "Mom, Nana and I have worked real hard on him. Promise me that when our daughter starts going out you'll be more supportive than Daddy is."
"Our daughter?"
"Yes our daughter...Does that surprise you?"
"No, no it doesn't KP…I know you have mentioned it before, but we have a long way to go yet. It might be too early to make those plans.", Ron sighed.
"Why's that Ronnie."
"Well we have to get through high school and college then we have to find jobs. Then we can settle down. Where are you planning on going to school? I don't really see you at Upperton, I don't think you'll be challenged enough and you'll get bored.", the blond teen pointed out.
"I don't know yet, I got some preliminary emails…I might give some thought to those, but it's just been a real busy summer and I was so hoping that we could have spent most of it together. Anyway we've discussed Upperton, your grades are good enough.", Kim frumped from behind the steering wheel, "You?"
"I don't know, I've been reading some pamphlets and looking up some colleges online. It looked good, but then I saw their requirements...I ah have to raise my grades to go to those other schools...a lot."
"Oh and when were you planning on telling me this Ron?", Kim asked.
"I haven't made any decisions KP. I'm just looking to see how much trouble I'm in if I try to go to the same school as you, and I'm not even counting your Dad in that equation.", the blond teen smiled, "I won't have the money or the grades to get into one of those fancy schools that are gonna come looking for you, they only take the best of the best, but I think I might qualify for Middleton's Community College of Weed Whacking and Grass Removal."
"You're not that bad, I know your grades are way more than good enough to get into Upperton University.", Kim countered.
"I don't know KP, a private college like Upperton? I don't think I can swing that kind of tuition."
"But you do have the grades...and if you go, I can go there with you and get the degree I want.", Kim added.
"I guess I can try. It would be badical going to college with my girlfriend.", Ron smiled hoping that something might just come out of his secondary schooling plans or lack thereof, "But I don't think you'll be happy…."
"It'll be spankin' Ronnie; just think we might be able to make this all work out.", she asserted. Then after pondering for a moment, "I wonder if that bonding thing had anything to do with it?"
"You know KP this is the first time we've really been together...I mean other than for lunch today, since we did that thing. You don't know what it means for me to be so close emotionally to you..."
"Ronnie I do know what you mean, it's like when I go to sleep at night, you're like with me. It was weird at first, but now I really look forward to going to bed.", Kim stated, "I don't know if I could sleep without that feeling now."
"Yeah KP, I know. You're the last thing I think of before I nod off. I guess that linking thing really did work. I feel so calm when I think of you.", Ron explained.
"I'm glad Sensei thought of it, I just can't picture my life without you.", Kim smiled.
"Yeah you, me and your Dad.", Ron chuckled.
"Oh Ron you could have gone all night without mentioning something like that." the red head teased.
"Turn in here KP."
"Yeah I see it.", Kim replied as she pulled into the lot.
In a couple of minutes they were being shown their table.
"So what looks good on the menu KP?", the blond teen asked as he scanned over his own.
"I'm thinking something in a white sauce this time.", the red head replied.
"They have a couple of nice dishes with that. I think that I might get some veal this time.", Ron suggested.
"Oh that sounds good honey, maybe I'll get that too."
"I guess we're going to be out a while tonight and it's starting to get cooler, so I think it's a nice choice."
"You know food like no one else Ronnie."
"At least I have an idea about something KP.", Ron smiled as he closed his menu, "It's not much but it's me."
"Why don't you think about becoming a chef?"
"KP I don't know, see for me cooking is relaxing. If I did it for a living I don't know if I would enjoy it as much as I do now.", the blond replied, "It might ruin it for me."
"Oh I didn't know Ronnie."
"Hey I'm sorry for bursting your bubble there, but while you're on vacation I'll think about it."
"OK Ronnie that's a deal."
XX
The two teens were sitting at a table alongside the wall of the teen hangout, taking a break from the 'fast' dances and decided to just go with the slow ones for a while. "This has been a nice time honey, we really needed this.", the red head told Ron dreamily in a low voice while she reached out to touch his hand.
Instinctively Ron turned his hand over and softly held onto hers.
"Well, well, well if it isn't Dumbable and Possible, Middleton High's loser couple.", Marcella laughed lightly as she walked up with another member of the cheer squad, Jessica Brooks, and two boys who were both strangers to Kim and Ron.
"Same to you Paxton.", Ron quipped deciding not to take any guff off the two since he wasn't the mascot anymore.
"What are you going to do now that you're not watching us do all the acrobatics.", Marcella asked not waiting for an answer just using the opportunity to put Ron Stoppable down again as per Bonnie's orders.
The blond teen glanced up and sighed, "Uh I took up another extra curric so I won't be goofing off too much since you asked."
"Oh they make the arcade at the mall a sport or something?", Jessica now got into the act.
"Ron's playing football this year.", Kim enlightened them.
"Ron Stoppable is going to play with the 'big' boys? Kim are you sure he's not afraid of getting hurt?", Jessica snarked.
"I've been beat up by goons and Henchmen® so I think I can handle being stomped by some high school football players.", Ron explained for himself then decided to take the attention off him, "Uh who are your friends?"
Marcella pointed to a stocky sandy haired young man, "This is Brad Phillips and Mark White. They play on Upperton's defense. What do you play Stuckable?"
"Left out probably.", Jessica snorted drawing chuckles from everyone but Kim who's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I mostly sit on the bench, somebody's gotta keep it warm ya know.", Ron wanted to diffuse the situation before Kim went critical mass on them.
"You play for Barkin?", one of the large teens asked.
"If you call it that.", a smiling Ron replied seeing the other two Middleton Cheerleaders' eyes open wide, "We'll just have to see when we meet."
"How many years? What position? Did you get traded?", Brad asked in a whisper that only Ron could hear.
"Nah I'm a rookie. So just a new guy into Coach Barkin's meat grinder. I'm learning the running back position.", Ron smiled somewhat liking the two and wondering what he meant by being traded.
"So what year are ya?"
"I'm a Senior here with KP.", Ron replied then remembered his manners, "Brad and Mark this is Kim Possible."
"Kim.", Mark and Brad stated together.
"Guys.", the red head responded.
"Uh do you guys want to sit with us?", the blond teen inquired, "I mean it's crowded in here tonight and there aren't many tables."
"Uh no we've got other plans.", Jessica hissed not liking how the conversation got out of control like it did with the three males seeming to get along.
"Are you sure?", Kim asked, "We have plenty of room and we're not going to stay here too much longer."
"Sure we'll sit with you.", Mark replied wanting to get some 'inside' info on the Mad Dog team.
Kim and Ron moved together and Mark sat by Ron and Brad sat by Kim. "Come on girls sit down they won't bite.", Brad offered.
"I'm rabid according to them. So don't count on it.", Ron snickered remembering when he was voted off and the two now sitting down had been cowed by Bonnie.
"So what kind of system you guys running this year?", Mark inquired.
"I guess we're running what they call a pro style...You?"
"Houston Veer and a three four.", Brad traded information.
"Oh I've heard of the Veer, it can be a nightmare to defend if you've got a quarterback who can read a defense. I suppose it's all about the option.", Ron replied having talked to Dave Alberts about different style offenses, "We're running a three four as well. Some of the guys are pretty good. They almost killed me."
The two Upperton boys chuckled. "Yeah that can happen, just don't get stood up in the hole. Always stay as low as you can.", Brad advised, "Yeah you got a handle on what they try to do, but being able to defend against it by hearing about it isn't the same as practicing against it..
"That's what Dave and Curt told me about staying low when it's time to make contact.", Ron smiled, "It took about three days and a bunch of film, and a few ice packs to fix it. Hey it sounds like some slow dancing music. Guys, girls if you'll excuse KP and me...we haven't had a whole lot of time together this summer." Ron got up and offered his right hand to Kim who gratefully accepted it wanting to get Ron alone again.
"That's right Alberts is your new QB and Curt Whiney. Curt was on my JFL team when we were kids.", Brad lied not wanting to mention that he was as old as Brick Flagg and planned on going into college after the upcoming season, "How is he doing I haven't seen much of him?"
"He doing alright I guess, I'll tell him you asked.", Ron replied, "Excuse me and KP."
"Ron what was all that about?", Kim asked her boyfriend.
"They were mining for intelligence about the football squad, they gave me something, I gave them something back.", Ron explained not telling his girlfriend how he had been briefed at a team session on what to say if anyone asked.
"Wasn't that unethical to tell them what you guys were doing?"
"I don't think so; Dave told me the coaches trade videos back and forth. So unless Mr...uh I mean Coach Barkin has changed his offense and defense completely they already know what we do on the field."
"I didn't know honey. So it's an open secret?"
"Yeah I guess, I mean everybody attacks the same holes or defends the same stuff, it's how they interpret a style with the strengths of their players is how successful they are...At least that's what Dave told me. Look at it like how we go into a lair: The bad guy knows what we're after, but he doesn't know how we are going to try for it."
"Sounds like it can be complex Ronnie, like we all know that there are more than one way to build a pyramid.", Kim mused, "At the camp we went over some different ways to do it."
"Are you thinking of doing cheer in college?", Ron asked as he took her right hand in his left and put his right around the small of her back, well above her backside.
"I don't know yet Ronnie, I like it but the college level gets pretty intense, and with the course load I might take Cheerleading might have to take a back burner. Why?"
"Just trying to get a handle on our future. You want to go to school with me, but what if the place we go doesn't have cheerleading? I mean you want us to go to college together, but I have to realize that I have some limitations on where I going to be able to attend."
"Well if they don't have cheerleading then I just won't do it, the same thing if it interferes with my classes.", Kim answered simply.
"Oh and have you get tweaked at the Ronster huh? I know how much you love it."
"I won't get tweaked, sometimes we have to grow up that's all."
"Yeah I sorta remember you saying that last spring. At the tree house remember?", the blond smiled as Kim laid her cheek on Ron's shoulder as they began to moved slowly around the floor.
"That was because I thought I was growing up, I was so wrong….I hurt you and I'm sorry."
"No KP you were right."
XX
"What was that all about?", Marcella asked Mark.
"Oh we were wondering what we might be facing this year, that's all.", the Upperton footballer replied.
"You just scouted us?", Jessica hissed.
"Not really, he didn't diagram any plays. That would have been unethical and would have gotten him thrown off his team. We told him a little about what we are doing, but until he sees tapes it won't help.", Mark informed her.
"Well don't worry about Suckable, I doubt if you have to face him. Barkin probably has him holding tackling dummies for the real players.", the Middleton Cheerleader snarked.
"Yeah maybe, did you see that dark red mark on his forehead though?"
"Well I try not to look at him, so I'm gonna say no."
"Well that mark is where a helmet is pulled down tight; if a guy is only holding dummies he doesn't need it that tight. I have a bad feeling about him, not all dangerous running backs are big bruising men. He's a nice enough guy though. Are you sure he's from around here?"
"Yeah he and Possible have been hanging around each other since before I knew them...We met in middle school.", Jessica informed them.
"So Ron is from around here then...Good.", Brad thought out loud mentally posting his name to cross reference and give Coach Smitters the information on the rather small guy who had just left the table.
"Oh why is that good?", Marcella inquired.
"Oh nothing. Just something that came up.", Brad smiled, "Let's dance."
"Sure.", Marcella responded as she got up from her chair.
"Come on Jessica let's take a spin on the floor.", Mark got up and offered his hand.
XXX
The King Home:
"Well you two aren't you going out tonight?", Abby asked her daughter over the dinner table.
"Nope Mom, if you don't mind Josh just wants to hang out and watch an old movie.", Tara smiled.
"Well you two have really calmed down since that night you were late from curfew."
"We don't want something like that to happen again. Josh has been the nicest guy. Anyway he's finishing up a painting of me and he wants to show it to you sometime next week."
"What kind of painting?", Robert King asked with a tone that most Fathers of teenaged daughters use when looking out for said daughters when something unexpected gets told.
"Completely clothed Dad.", Tara replied.
"Well I guess that kind of art is alright..."
"Now Bob, be nice, they just fell asleep while on a date. Josh has been a perfect gentleman.", Abby replied.
"Yeah I know, but it's the Dad's prerogative to have the boy shaking in his boots...Your Father tortured me.", Bob reminded his wife.
"And he had good reason to. That camping trip was a big lie, I still don't know how you got my sister to cover for you.", Abby smiled revealing something to her daughter that she never had before.
"I paid for her and her boyfriend to get some alone time to themselves.", he chuckled since he figured that he couldn't be grilled by Tara's grandad now and that the statute of limitations must have run out, "it was expensive but worth it. You married me didn't you?"
"You always were a sweet talker Bob, but let's get back to Tara and her boyfriend.", Abby told him.
"Yes dear, um Tara we've decided as well as the Mankeys to lift your groundings. Remember if you guys are going to be late call us or them. If your car breaks down make sure you do the same thing.", Robert King informed his daughter, "We really don't want anything like this happen again."
"It won't Dad, but Josh is going to be over in a little while, do you mind if we still watch the old movie?", the platinum blonde asked.
"Are you sure you don't want to go out?"
"We might after the movie, for an ice cream cone or something. Hummm Dad do you mind if Josh brings some over?"
"Well I don't see why not..."
"Good then I want to call him and let him know."
XXX
The Rockwaller home:
"You are a loser Bonnie.", Connie Rockwaller taunted.
"Why am I a loser?"
"Possible goes to a national cheerleader camp and Dorkable goes to Japan to study. There is no way that either should have been able to do that without your permission. Then you stayed here. They made you look like a fool."
"And yet you still live at home too, so you're just as big of loser as Stoppable is.", Bonnie hissed back at her older sister, "All I did was do what you guys did when you were here, I worked on my tan. And as for K, she couldn't have gotten that much better. I've had ballet, so that means I've worked hard too."
"I...and Lonnie are just waiting for our big breaks Bonnie, but at least we have plans. At least plans that are better than yours. We didn't have a loser in our class who was going to bring everyone down to his level except for that Joad guy, but we took care of him. At least all the freaks that started school with us had the decency to transfer to other schools.", Connie grated out, "I mean, what will all the Queens on 'Food Chain dot com' have to say about how the school is being dragged down by Possible's buffoon?"
"Well if you think it's so easy why you don't have Stoppable transferred out then. Cause right now hardly anyone listens to me except some of the other cheerleaders after that stunt at the prom."
"That should be your job as lead girl at Middleton Bonnie. Lonnie and I explained that to you when you were a freshman."
"Well I brought that up to Mr. Barkin, he didn't even do anything. He ignored me.", Bonnie informed her sister as her temper and her voice rose.
"Do I have to do everything for you? OK fine I'll talk to Daddy and have Stub...uh Storka...oh whatever his name is transferred to a place where he belongs.", Connie grated out.
"As if.", Bonnie snarked.
X
Ten minutes later:
"Daddy?", Connie looked at her Father with something that looked suspiciously like Kim Possible's 'Puppy Dog Pout'.
"Yes Connie what can I do for you?", Jacob Rockwaller replied as he put down the sports paper that he had been reading.
"We have a problem at Middleton High and Bonnie can't fix it."
"Oh what's the problem honey?", he inquired not suspecting the upcoming headache which was going to plague him and his family for years to come.
"We have more riff raff in the school and Bonnie can't get Steve Barkin to expel them.", she explained.
"I'd rather not be caught in the middle of that honey..."
"But Daddy it's not right..."
"Sigh, alright what's the kid's name?", he asked not really wanting to draw any more attention to himself.
"I think its Bumable or something."
"Don't you even know the kid's name?", he pointed out, "If you are going to do something to someone or have someone else do something to him then you should at least have the correct name."
"What difference does it make?", she couldn't quite believe that her Dad was telling her this.
"It's just like pointing a gun, you should always be sure of your target. If you shoot the wrong person it might be a friend.", he advised.
Possible's sidekick is not a friend, he's a nuisance and a freak.", Connie countered having little tolerance for those who weren't the 'pretty' people.
"I don't think having someone at Middleton who is eccentric going there would just make it more interesting, not everyone can be at the top of the heap Connie you should know that, but get that information for me and I'll see what I can do." Jacob promised.
"Oooookkkaaayyy, I'll find out.", she replied not having a clue about how much trouble this might cause (and not really caring either).
"Good, but make sure you write it down.", Jacob urged her, "We have a problem with the school board and Bonnie's friend, Tara's, Mom could make life hard on me and my friends...And we just don't need that right now."
"Thanks Daddy."
"Sure thing Connie. I'll try to work this out for you when you get me the information."
XXX
"Ron you are so sweet letting those guys and Marcella and Jessica sit at our table.", Kim spoke softly into his ear as the music continued.
"Meh, I am what I is, anyway they're your friends too. I don't hold a grudge against them, if I hated like they do I don't know if I could live with myself.", Ron took the opportunity to twirl Kim around and then steadied her.
"Where did you learn to do that?"
"Been watching the Dancing Channel. I can't be online with Zombie Mayhem all the time. Felix kicks my behind too much as it is.", Ron snorted pointing out just how good his friend was at certain things.
"OK, but promise me you'll practice with your girlfriend so she won't be surprised the next time."
"I promise KP..."
The music ended so the couple made their way back to the table and sat down before the cheerleaders and the Upperton Footballers got back.
Kim and Ron were done for the night and decided it would be best to go home.
As Marcella and Brad returned, the long time best friends who had become boyfriend and girlfriend made their excuses and began to leave.
"Uh Ron?", Brad asked.
"Yeah."
"Hey uh good luck on the field...except when you play us of course.", the stocky young man smiled.
Ron offered his hand which Brad took and shook it warmly, "You too Brad. I guess I'll see you on the field if I survive the summer workouts and hell week."
"Yeah, uh watch out for South Donaldson. The Spotted Trouts are pretty dirty.", Brad advised.
"Yeah I heard."
"No I mean they're really dirty. They try to hurt guys...on purpose, but then so does Mountain Side. I heard people hire them to even out the odds."
"OK, I'll try and remember, see ya.", Ron turned wondering what Brad was talking about and offered his arm to Kim. "Ready?"
"Yeah, I guess it's time to go home. We have a long trip tomorrow."
X
After Kim shut down the van and they got out she asked, "Are you still up for that walk through the neighborhood?"
"Yeah I am, but here put a windbreaker on, it's really cool tonight.", Ron advised as he held one out for her.
"Won't you get cold Ron?"
"Nah you're always cold, this is nice for me."
"Are you sure?"
"I am, remember the Stoppable 'Fortress of Immunity'? I guess it also covers being cold too, KP. And even if I do get a little chilly I have my badical girlfriend to keep me warm.", Ron grinned which earned him a light punch on the arm.
"I volunteer if you get cold Ronnie.", Kim softly told him as she took the offered jacket and his help putting it on.
"And.", Ron smiled as she leaned in and laid her cheek on his shoulder, "I'll accept."
"You know I'm gonna miss you again."
"Yeah but at least you'll be with family. Are you going to do some riding at your Uncle's?"
"Yeah I plan to, maybe Joss and I can saddle up and make a little camping trip for a day or two. Uncle Slim has plenty of land up there."
"That sounds like fun; I hope you guys have a good time."
"It won't be as good without you there Ron."
"I guess, but you'll be home in a couple of weeks, then we have the whole year...maybe our whole lives after that."
"Yeah, but with Mom going down to Denver for that extra training...It's going to be hard too.", Kim frowned knowing she was going to miss talking to her Mother whenever she needed to.
"But you said she always wanted to do this Kim, sometimes you have to do some uncomfortable things to get where you want to go. I remember Wannaweep. I had to share a cabin with that crazy chimp, but it was worth the nightmares later just to get through it and be your friend."
"Yeah.", Kim snorted as she slowed her pace and placed her hand in Ron's back pocket, "I was so lost then...without you here to do goofy stuff with. I thought all that ranting was just that until Mom told me those marks looked like animal bites."
"Yeah Mom didn't believe me and Dad just sort of...well, he said 'don't complain'. I didn't know the reason that I got sent away for a whole summer. They told me last spring. I guess they took the first camp they could find and didn't check it out.", Ron looked off into the distance.
Seeing her boyfriend distracted she stopped and asked, "What happened Ron?"
"I'd rather not talk about it KP."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah...OK well it's a long time ago now. I didn't know until right after Junior Prom when you know Drakken pulled that stunt."
"Go on honey."
Ron paused, "Honey Mom had a miscarriage that spring…I mean before I went to Wannaweep. I guess we almost lost her too. It sorta messed her up and she couldn't face me. After the operation the doctor suggested that she get some rest and get away from Middleton for a while."
"Why didn't they tell Mom, we could have taken you in?"
"With the Tweebs, your parents had their hands full, and my 'rents didn't trust any of my relatives. So they sent me to the first camp that they found. One that had room for a summer long camper, I guess it was more like being an inmate, with Bobo around. They didn't think to check it out.", Ron frowned remembering the crazed simian.
"And that caused all your phobias then."
"Not all, but it didn't help either."
"So are you getting help?"
"Yeah you, Yamanouchi and Rabbi Katz. If everyone else would just leave me alone I could put this completely behind me.", Ron sighed as Kim pulled him into a massive hug.
"I should tell Mom and Dad..."
"No don't do that KP; I've already broken confidence in telling you this. I can just imagine what Bonnie and her posse would do with that information. I can hear it now "Stumpable's Mom is nuts, or she doesn't have all her plumbing. It would get back to my 'rents and cause her more problems than she already has.", Ron's eyes narrowed.
"They wouldn't do anything like that. It would be cruel."
"What Bonnie is doing now isn't cruel KP? If your Mom and dad knew, your brothers would find out. You know they can't keep their mouths shut and would probably put it on the site. Then the whole world including our foes would know and leave us open for attacks.", Ron cautioned.
"Ronnnn...", Kim's voice was strained now, "Why would they do something like that? I know I say they're evil, but they're really not...uh the Tweebs I mean."
"They're young KP, that's all it is. Maturity, you know I never thought that I'd be having a talk about maturity and your brothers and my Mom. It's kinda weird if you know what I mean." Ron got her moving again.
"It's sad too Ronnie. Is it alright if I talk to your Mom?"
"I don't know right now with Mom and Dad getting ready to file papers to adopt..."
"Adopt? Like a baby?", Kim stopped him again.
"Uh yeah KP, that's why they told me about why they sent me off to camp at (shudder) Wannaweep. I mean I don't know if I would have questioned it, but you never know I could have freaked out being an only child for my whole life."
"You're going to have a little brother or sister?"
"Well if Mom and Dad are approved. We don't know what we're going to have to do on that front."
"Are you sure you don't want Mom and Dad to know?"
"I really don't mind your Mom knowing, but your Dad? Sorry honey, but with the way he's been treating us he might look at this as another roadblock.", Ron told his red headed girlfriend.
"Yeah I guess so, but the last day or two he's been more accepting."
"Yeah maybe it will work out, but I don't want to share any inside information on my family with him. I mean Sensei doesn't even know about this and it's not just my secret, but it's about a very hard time in Mom and Dad's life. Some people would just love to dig up some dirt on them and us. If the media types ever got hold of this they would rant about another reason that we shouldn't be dating.", Ron explained.
"OK, but if he found out then he might use that as proof that you're not honest with me."
"Honey he just doesn't have a 'need to know', if we decide to get married I will tell him in a private conversation."
"You mean when we decide to marry?", Kim pointed out thumping him on the chest with her right index finger.
"Yeah, my bad. When we decide to marry.", Ron smiled as he again turned to continue their walk.
"That's better."
Finally the couple was standing under the lit porch light. "Are you going to see me off tomorrow?"
"When you guys plan to leave?"
"Dad said he wanted to be on the road early, so I think around six.", Kim replied as she kept her arms around his neck.
"I'll be there KP, now you'd better go inside. We're early and I wanna stay on your Dad's good side."
"Why do ya worry about that?"
"You want to get hitched sometime and go to college together right?"
"Hummm yes."
"Well then it'd go a lot better if he wasn't looking at me like I was some sort of villain like in those old 'Perils of Pauline' movies."
"Oh and which villain are you going to be when threatening this little damsel in distress?", Kim snorted.
"I don't know KP, it's just that's how I think he sees me, but anyway I could see me as an Indian Chief or a Pirate Captain instead of a buffoon for a change."
"How about Zorpox?", Kim snickered.
"Don't mention that name KP. I still have nightmares of him."
"Oh? Why?"
"He not only wanted the world's Nacos, but he wanted them served to him by a very under-clothed Sheila of the Leopard People.", the blond informed her.
"Really? What was she wearing?"
"An ankle bracelet."
"And what else Ronald?", Kim's eyes narrowed.
"A toe ring."
"Annndddd.", Kim continued to prod.
"Uh KP, Ron stepped back and rubbed his neck nervously."
"Ronnnie?"
"Uh KP you know there are places in the country where you don't get into trouble if you're not wearing much."
"They're called nudist colonies Ron, I know what they are. How do you know?" Kim could have sworn someone had just dumped red paint on her boyfriend.
"Well think of Zorpox perfecting Drakken's cloning machine and the next thing you know the blue tight wearing maniac is surrounded by KPs in the buff.", Ron began to redden.
Soon the teenaged heroine also reddened as she thought about what he had just told her about.
"So you wanna see me in the buff? You are a bad boy Ronnie.", Kim teased.
"KP I have hormones and I'm a teenaged boy. I am dating the most beautiful girl on the planet. It's a wonder I haven't melted down.", Ron whispered.
"Well Shelia of the Leopard people wants to see her Zorpox in the same way.", Kim grunted as she rubbed her tummy against his.
Just then the lights flickered, "Darn...I think that's our ten second warning."
"Yeah KP, I'll be here at six to see you off. Goodnight beautiful.", Ron leaned in for a light kiss.
"Goodnight Ronnie, sleep good.", Kim kissed him back then released him to go.
Anne Possible was waiting for her daughter as the door opened, "How did it go?"
"Hummm very nice Mom, we had a nice dinner and then went dancing. Then we went for a walk in the neighborhood.", Kim gave Anne the run down on the night's activities.
"You had better go to bed Kimmie."
"I have a few things to pack then I'll get some sleep Mom. Goodnight.", Kim replied as she kissed her Mother on the cheek.
"Alright, but we're leaving early in the morning."
"I know Mom, I'll be ready."
XX
Ron Stoppable was whistling to himself when the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. The long time non-conformist seemly stumbled and tripped and caught himself against a light pole. Glancing around while steadying himself he saw the car again that Yori had pointed out when they had said goodbye the day before.
'Is that the same guy?', Ron worried having spent years sneaking through villains' lairs he could easily see where someone might be keeping an eye on him and Kim.
As the car turned around in a driveway Ron was about to go talk to the man, 'Oh well if I see him again. I'll get his plate. Anyway I gotta get to bed.'
XXX
Global Justice Headquarters:
The Duty Agent at the main desk watched the car turnaround. 'It's too close to Stoppable and Possible's homes, I'll get an image of the plate and the driver and run it for background.', Agent Pam Snivels decided as she ordered surveillance cameras to record the car. She then opened a file and directed it to the attention of Agent Du for consideration in the morning when he got in.
XXXXX
Yay Kim and Ron got their date in and they weren't called out by Wade or GJ for a mission. That's gotta be some kind of record.
Since I have been writing I haven't been able to do as much reading. I still do, but not as much. Saying that please support the authors and stories you like by sending them a review once in a while to let those authors know what you think.
Now for the legal end of this chapter; Kim Possible, Ron Stoppable, Rufus, Betty, Will Du and all of the other sometimes quirky characters of the show 'Kim Possible' belong to the show's creators and the Disney Corporation and not myself nor my beta CajunBear73. Not only do we not own them…heck we don't even make any money off this hobby either and I'm telling you it tanks.
We'll see ya down the road,
ST-103