Chapter 54: Cultural Exchange Student
For Kim, real irritation started on Friday night. Kim decided that her rebound prohibitions didn't keep her from putting 'Kim and Ron Friday' back together. Unfortunately, it turned into 'Kim and Ron and Yori Friday.' The worst part was that Kim couldn't complain about Yori's presence. She was a guest of the Stoppables, after all, and Ron was obligated to be a proper host. Even if he seemed to be enjoying this chore more than Kim would like. The three teens had gone out for dinner at Riverna's followed by a movie. After that, they headed back to the Possible's house to unwind. Yori was good company and Ron was as funny as ever, but Kim was used to having Ron to herself.
Kim took some consolation in the fact that her brothers were home. The tweebs bombarded Yori with questions about Japan, hardly giving the girl a chance to answer between questions. After Mr. Dr. P called them off, they took to finishing off their small flying machine, which Rufus could pilot. The three teens spent the next forty-five minutes being repeatedly buzzed by a gleeful naked mole rat. Finally, Kim enticed Rufus out of the cockpit with a wedge of cheddar and the tweebs managed some semblance of restraint. Kim, Ron and Yori spent the next hour in pleasant conversation, until Ron said that he was getting tired. Kim ground her teeth behind her smile when the two of them left to walk, unescorted, to the Stoppables' home. Her brothers didn't help.
"I wonder if Yori's a ninja?" Tim wondered out loud.
"Yeah, maybe she can walk across paper without making a sound or leaving a mark, just like that bald guy on that old TV show!" Jim added.
"Tweebs!" Kim interrupted. "First of all that was a TV show. Secondly, that was set in China and Yori's Japanese. Third, that show was about kung fu, not ninja skills. Finally, just because Yori's oriental doesn't mean she knows martial arts." Kim was well aware that she did, but she wasn't exactly lying to the tweebs.
"I don't care," Tim snapped back. "She's really light on her feet and the Stoppables' guest room is next to Ron's. I bet she could sneak into his room and put a spider in bed with him without him knowing she did it."
"Yeah," Jim continued the thought. "I bet she could sneak into his room with nobody in the house even hearing her."
The two wandered back to their room, discussing Yori's physical prowess. Kim was left with the unpleasant picture of Yori sneaking into Ron's room for a reason that didn't involve arachnids.
Saturday, Kim walked over to Ron's house to discuss some of her ideas for the 'make up prom.' While Ron wasn't on the committee, he was a very creative person and she took advantage of this by routinely bouncing ideas off of him. She sighed; it was another thing about him that she had taken for granted. She reached the end of the Stoppables' street just as they returned from Temple. Kim stopped cold when they all piled out of the car. Ron was dressed up, of course, in a shirt and jacket but Kim hadn't been ready to see Yori. The Japanese girl had been wearing a dark red dress and she looked absolutely stunning. Ron obviously made some form of comment, causing Yori to cover her mouth and giggle while Mrs. Stoppable smiled and shook her head. Kim turned around and left without being spotted.
Kim returned that afternoon to find Ron and Yori in the kitchen finishing up their homework assignments. Yori was reviewing Ron's work, which made Kim grind her teeth yet again. Ron quickly finished his assignments; Yori made a few minor corrections, then Ron was distracted by a call from Oscar. Fortunately for Kim, Yori was still very curious about the prom, so Kim actually had something to talk to her about. Yori seemed oblivious to the tension Kim was feeling.
The teens then went on a ramble around the city, showing Yori the sights. They went to the mall, where they stopped by Club Banana. The girls looked at clothes and they all talked to Monique. Monique asked Ron what his plans were for the next weekend, but Ron simply told her that they were secret and being finalized even as they spoke. Of course, she couldn't let it go at that, demanding full disclosure. Ron had remained firm and the interplay between the two of them had both Yori and Kim laughing. Finally, they excused themselves, leaving Monique fuming in an amused sort of way.
After showing Yori around for another hour or so, Ron said that he was starting to feel tired and sore. Considering the beating he had taken (was it just last week?) Kim was more than happy to end the tour. She was disappointed when he said that he wanted to go home and rest, rather than go to her place and chill. Again Kim was forced to watch the two of them head for the Stoppables' house, with Ron joking and Yori laughing.
Sunday morning was a shock, with Ron and Yori showing up at the Possibles' house wanting to attend church with them. The 'Cultural Exchange' story might have been Yori's cover, but she fully intended to learn what she could about American life. She had spoken to the pastor after services, asking about basic principals of the Christian faith and how Protestant beliefs differed from Catholic beliefs. The pastor enjoyed the discussion. After leaving the church, Ron and Yori left for the Stoppables' house. Yori quietly asked Kim to come to Ron's tree house that afternoon for a secret meeting between the three of them.
Kim climbed into the tree house to see Ron seated, lotus position, with his eyes closed and a look of deep peace on his face. Yori was sitting next to him with the same posture and expression. A veritable feast was waiting nearby.
"Possible-san," the Japanese girl opened her eyes. "My thanks for meeting with me."
The biggest problem with Yori is her manners. If she was rude I could be rude right back. Instead she's always polite so I have to be polite right back. .
"No big," Kim said, taking a seat on the couch. "What can I do for you."
"I wish to discuss Ron-san's relationship with Monique-san." Yori replied, really catching Kim's attention.
"They have a date but they aren't a couple." Kim answered. "Are you interested in him that way?" Kim decided to really find out Yori's intentions.
"I have not spoken, but I make no secret that I am, indeed, interested in Ron-san as more than a friend and colleague." Yori's honest remark had Kim clenching her teeth again. "But that is not why I ask, Possible-san." Yori looked squarely at Kim. "I have a duty, a mission to perform. I must remain close to Ron-san in order to protect him. I cannot allow this…prom date…to separate Ron-san from me. Will Monique-san and Ron-san wish to be…alone…during this prom date?"
Kim's eyes snapped wide open, would Monique make some sort of play for Ron during the prom? Worse, would Ron make some sort of play for Monique? Worst of all, would they make a simultaneous play for each other? Kim quickly reviewed her conversations with Monique and realized that she didn't recall her friend having a boyfriend since she had moved to Middleton. She remembered Monique telling her that she had some bad experiences with previous boyfriends, but hadn't gone into any details.
"They aren't at that point right now," Kim said, being truthful. "This will be their onl…er, first date. But they've been friends for over a year and proms are a convenient time to expand relationships."
"I do not understand your answer, Possible-san." Yori confessed.
Kim favored the Japanese girl with a crooked grin. "That's because I really don't have an answer. Right now, those two are just friends but Ron did ask Monique on a date and Monique did accept. Either or both could be looking for a deeper relationship, in which case they could try to slip off for some alone time." Kim paused and glanced at Ron. "Don't you think that it's awkwierd talking about him right in front of him like this? What's he doing, anyway?"
"He is unaware of our discussions since he is in a deep, meditative state," Yori answered. "Much as in a deep sleep, normal conversation will not rouse him. Ron-san continues to accelerate his healing, even more than when he was in the hospital." Noting Kim's confused glance, she explained. "The longer Ron-san is able to maintain his meditative state, the greater he accelerates his healing. While in the hospital, he only dared to enter this state for two hours each day for fear that one of the staff would find him unresponsive. With school on Friday, he was only able to meditate for two hours after 'Kim and Ron' Friday ended. Yesterday, he was able to meditate for four hours and he will manage another four hours today."
Yori gestured at the food and continued, "also, the longer he spends healing himself, the more energy he expends. He will leave his meditative state exhausted and famished."
"Is that why he got tired so early yesterday?" Kim asked.
Yori smiled at her. "Master Sensei told me you were swift to learn these things. Yes, he meditated for four hours yesterday morning and tired himself. He is pushing himself to his limits in healing himself."
"Why are you having him push so hard?" Kim demanded.
"It is his choice, not mine, Possible-san." Yori's voice had a decidedly indignant tone. "He is concerned about Fisk. The Yamanouchi School still cannot locate Lord Fisk, so Ron-san wishes to be prepared to defend himself as soon as feasible."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Kim was determined to assist her friend.
"Yes, Possible-san, two things," Yori replied. "First, please stay close to him whenever you are able. It does not matter if I am present or not. Should Fisk strike, I may be overmatched."
Like you have to ask me to stay close when you're with him! "Sensei asked me to help, I was intending on doing that anyway." Kim's reply came out as more of a growl than she had intended.
Yori gave Kim a measured look. "The second thing I would ask, Possible-san, is that you speak with Monique-san. You are her friend, so she may be more willing to listen to you explain that slipping off for this…alone time…may have serious consequences."
Kim checked her watch, "how much longer will he meditate during this session?" She asked Yori.
"He has been meditating for an hour and he will meditate another three." Yori answered.
"Will you be able to stay with him the entire time?" Kim prompted.
Yori looked insulted. "That is my duty, Possible-san."
Kim held up her hands in an apologetic manner. "I understand. Monique is on duty at Club Banana. I can run off and have a word with her during her break. Then I can come back here and we can talk to Ron about his intentions this Saturday night."
Yori looked at Kim for several long moments, "Yes, Possible-san. We shall work together to insure Ron-san's safety."
Kim nodded her agreement. Then she very deliberately got up, leaned over, and kissed Ron's cheek before leaving.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kim called Monique, who scheduled her break to meet with the redhead. Kim caught the bus to the Mall and went straight for Club Banana. As soon as she spotted her friend, Monique finished with her latest customer and waved Kim to follow her to the storeroom.
"Alright, girlfriend, WUTBYHOAS?" Monique asked as soon as the door closed. Kim looked confused. "What's up that brings you here on a Sunday?" Monique clarified.
"Mon, I need to talk to you about your date with Ron on Saturday." Kim started.
Monique looked at her. "He's not your boyfriend, girl. What goes on between the two of us is between the two of us."
Kim's eyes flashed open for a moment, then she regained her temper. "I know that, Mon, just please, don't run off for any couple time, alone with him."
Monique gave Kim a long, level look. "So what if we do? Girl, where do you get off chasing after Eric at the drop of a hat, but telling me to keep my hands off Ron? I think that Ron and I've been friends long enough to take it up a notch if we feel like it."
Kim glared at her friend and in a low, but very firm voice said, "dammit Monique Ron could be in danger!"
Monique's eyes went wide. "What do you mean, girl?"
Kim took a deep breath. "You know that criminal that banged up Ron's hip?" Monique nodded. "He wants to kill Ron! The Yamanouchi School keeps tabs on him, for reasons they won't tell me. Anyway, that creep has disappeared and they're afraid that he might try to kill Ron while he's injured." Kim looked closely at her friend. "Yori isn't just an exchange student, she's a martial arts expert. She's been sent here to guard Ron."
Monique's eyes were very wide. "You're serious about all this?" She blurted out.
Kim regained her composure. "I'm dead serious," she said. "I'm not going to say that the two of you on a date doesn't bother me, but it goes beyond me right now. Whatever you do, keep Yori or me close by wherever the two of you go." Kim looked steadily at her friend. "Unless you think that you're up to tangling with a genetically enhanced supervillain and a pack of trained, attack-monkeys."
Monique just stared at Kim for a long minute. "So, you want to be ready in case this guy makes a move at the make up prom?"
"There or anywhere, anytime until Ron heals up." Kim replied.
"Then there's just one thing to do," Monique told her, heading back to the store. "We've got some new dresses in that look great, and still allow you freedom of movement. Let's find you one that makes you look extra fine!"
"Monique, I don't have a date!" Kim couldn't keep the smile off of her face. Trust Monique to use a potential deadly assault as and excuse to shop for clothes.
"So what?" Her friend asked. "It doesn't mean you can't show up. I was planning on going stag until Ron asked me to go with him." Kim's smile faded a little, but Monique continued. "The only thing that going stag means is that the entire male population at the prom is fair game!" Monique paused to look at Kim. "With one exception."
Kim rolled her eyes. "I get the picture Mon, show me what you've got."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron found himself in a truly awkwierd situation. Having two beautiful girls sitting down in front of you, discussing your date with a third beautiful girl should be a dream come true for a sixteen year old boy. He was willing to bet that whomever came up with these 'dreams' didn't include one of the girls being a ninja and the other girl knowing sixteen forms of kung fu and possessed of an explosive temper. Ron shrugged, mentally, and listened to his lecture.
"So no matter what happens, no matter what ideas Monique gets, you will keep either Yori or myself in view at all times." Kim was lecturing him like she had lectured her brothers' soccer team.
"That means, Ron-san," Yori chimed in. "That you must not become so fixated upon Monique-san that you fail to account for your surroundings. Lord Fisk may attack at any moment, and the prom may become a prime distraction for his purposes."
"I get it, okay." Ron answered. "Watch my surroundings and keep at least one of you two close by at all times." Kim and Yori nodded at him. "And keep my eyes open when I'm necking with Monique." Two sets of eyes and two mouths flew wide open. "Just kidding," he said with a meek expression.
"So not funny," Kim snapped.
"This is not a matter for humor," Yori declared at the same time.
Important safety tip, never tweak girls who can kick your butt. "Ladies," Ron attempted to mollify the two. "I am taking it seriously. I've got a genetically enhanced, kung fu master who wants to kill me! If I didn't laugh I'd have to cry."
Both girls continued to glare at him.
Ron threw his hands up in surrender. "Okay, no more jokes. I'll keep close to at least one of you until Sensei's network tracks down Monty."
"Fine," Kim grated.
"Acceptable," Yori's tone was cold. .
"Now that that's settled, how about we talk about the dance?" Ron suggested. "If I can use the school kitchen, I can make the refreshments for a lot less than having a caterer do it. I'm seeing the counselor on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but I could prepare things on Tuesday and finish off anything left on Thursday."
That got Kim discussing plans for the dance and Yori, being curious was soon absorbed as well. Ron wasn't much on organizing, but he was creative and had some decorating ideas that had potential. All said, Kim was ready for another prom committee meeting on Monday. She left for her house with all three teens thinking the same thing: This is going to be an interesting week.
Once again, I thank everyone who has taken the time to read, review, and/or email me with comments and suggestions. I especially enjoyed the old 'war stories' with fellow, former wrestlers.
A Major thank you to Joe Stoppinghem for beta reading and catching my numerous spelling and grammatical mistakes.
Catch you at my next update.
Daccu65
