I've got something to say
But now I've got nowhere to turn
It feels like I've been buried
Underneath the weight of the world
I try to hold this under control
They can't help me, cause no one knows
Now I'm goin' through changes, changes
"Changes" by 3 Doors Down
Divided We Stand
Ron quietly crept out of bed trying not to disturb his sleeping partner. He searched the room as quickly and silently as he could, gathering up his clothes that had be strewn about earlier in the evening. Unfortunately some articles were missing.
"Boxers. Here boxers. I know I had you on when I came in here." He mumbled under his breath.
"Looking for these?" Ron turned to see an awake and very naked Bonnie sitting up in bed. His boxers twirling by the waistband around her finger.
Ron, taking it, like so many things, for face value just gave her a smile and reached for the garment. She quickly pulled them away from his grasp.
"unh ah!" Bonnie said in a teasing tone. "Where do you think you're going?"
He leaded in close, giving her a flirty grin before kissing her gently. At the same time he grab his boxers while he had the chance. Breaking the kiss he backed away and began to dress.
"I still have to move into my own place today." He caught sight of the time as he put his watch on. "What little is left of today anyways."
Ron turned to her and gave Bonnie that goofy smile that she used to despise, but has grown to find cute and endearing. "I got to go do that unless you want me living in my car?"
Bonnie got a mischievous look in her eye before replying. "As I recall it is… roomy."
"Not very comfortable though." Ron added as a blush came to his cheeks.
It quickly faded though as all flirtation and goofiness left his face. He looked at her, now fully clothed, with a completely serious expression. Something people rarely saw on Ron Stoppable's face.
"Look, Bonnie we need to talk."
That got Bonnie's undivided attention. Those words never lead to good things. At least not in her experience. And it had always be her using them. He wouldn't be breaking up with her, would he?
"Bonnie, we been doing this sneaking around thing for what? Almost a year now?" She nodded, not understanding where he was going with this. At least that's what she told herself.
Then he said exactly what she worried he would. He spoke barely above a whisper as he sat on the edge of the bed. "I don't know if I can keep doings this."
"Ronnie." She said as she wrapped her arms around him from behind. Her head resting on his shoulder. "It's been working fine so far. Why change something that works?"
"People are going to find out eventually. Why not just get it out in the open? I mean I'm not exactly a social outcast anymore these days, so it can't be your reputation you're worried about. What is it?"
As Bonnie thought about it she knew she wasn't worried about her reputation. Maybe when they first started at the beginning of senior year at Middleton High, but not now. Like he said, he'd climb the social latter nicely. Not super popular by any means, but not a social leper either.
No it was different with Ron. He wasn't like most of the guys she had dated. He really cared about her. Truthfully that scared her. Of course she couldn't bring herself to admit that out loud.
"It's that there is a bit of excitement in the sneaking around. Some thrill to be had you know?"
"Besides," She began, her eyes going wide and her hand coming to her chest in mock horror. "I have my reputation as Queen Bitch to uphold! I can't possibly have a happy and stable relationship!"
They both laughed at that. Their respective reputations have be subject to more that a few inside jokes between the two.
"We'll figure something out Ron." She said after the laughter subsided. "But right now you'd better get moved into your place. I can't have my boyfriend living in his car."
Ron tilted his head to the side to look at her with a playful look on his face. "I thought you said it was roomy?"
"I did, but you were right when you said it was uncomfortable." She gave him a quick kiss before giving him a shove and pointing to the door. "Now go."
"Yes ma'am!" He mock saluted as he walked towards the door. Ron paused before going through and turned back to face her. "We are going to have to talk more about this you know?"
"I know."
**********
Things got fairly hectic after that as everyone had their own affairs to get in order. But now with registration, moving and the first day of classes over two long time friends finally had a chance to sit down and be… well, friends.
It was almost amazing that no missions had cropped up in that time. Though after agreeing to meet outside the science building Kim had here classes in today, her and Ron did go on a mission of sorts. An important one in Ron's opinion. Find the nearest Buenos Nacho.
Less than a year ago Ron would have done this first thing upon arriving at Upperton University. But ever since Rufus died the place had never held the same appeal. It hadn't been anything traumatic that had taken Rufus away from him. Naked Mole Rats just didn't have the same lifespan a person did. He died peacefully in his sleep and Ron would be eternally grateful that if he had to go that it was painless.
He could never stay completely away from the fast food restaurant though. Even despite the memories it brought to the surface. Or maybe because of them. But besides that it was still his and Kim's place. Nothing could change that.
So after a half hour of searching they found a Buenos Nacho. They got their food to go. They rarely stayed and ate at a booth anymore, preferring to go for walks and enjoy the day. Weather permitting of course, and today was a beautiful day.
"… and Professor Kelly, my physics professor, introduced us to some really amazing theories. I swear the workload is so going to be worth it!" Kim exclaimed, chatting excitedly about her first day.
"Yah well my psych class is soooo hard. I couldn't understand half of what the prof was talking about and it's just the first day!" Ron exclaimed also, although not in an excited manner. His hands were waving around as if to emphasize his point. "And it is so boring I swear I nearly fell asleep at least twice!"
Kim brought her hand to her mouth in mock shock. "You, fall asleep in class! No way!"
"Yah, yah. Why did I take this class anyways?"
"Because you thought it would be a bird course. A guaranteed A."
"Right, I'm an idiot."
"No you're not Ron! You're just going to have to work a little hard…" Whatever Kim was going to say was lost as they saw a man in a ski mask grab a woman's purse and head off into an alleyway.
Reacting on years of experience the two took off after the thief without so much as a glance at the other. There was no need. They knew they were on the same page. Each having the others back.
The alley led to a dead end. That's where they found the thief standing in front of the wall. Kim immediately took charge of the situation.
"Just give us the purse and come peacefully. You have nowhere to go."
The masked man didn't reply. He just waved goodbye. Kim and Ron didn't have any time to react before the ground opened up beneath them and they were swallowed by familiar looking green tubes. When they came to a stop they were greeted by a woman in blue with an eye patch over her right eye.
"Miss Possible, Mr. Stoppable, welcome to Global Justice." Dr. Director welcomed.
"Couldn't you just pick up a phone like normal people?" Ron quipped.
**********
"So let me get this straight." Kim said.
They were now gathered in the rather modest office of Dr. Director. She sat behind her desk, a rather modern looking piece made of metal and glass. The only luxurious thing in the office. Kim and Ron sat across from her awe struck at what they had just heard.
"Global Justice wants to recruit us. Not only that, but if we do sign up they will foot the bill for our schooling, and provide us with more private housing that is more accessible to headquarters."
"That's exactly it. Of course you would only be agents on a part time basis. We wouldn't want to interfere too much with your studies. Upon graduating, however, you would be offered full agent status.
"The fact is that you two already have a great deal of experience. Now that you are both over eighteen we can officially recruit you."
"Will Du wasn't eighteen the first time we met him." Ron said, speaking up for the first time since the meeting began.
Dr. Director actually seemed to be a little taken aback by his statement, but recovered quickly. "Will… is a special case. It's really not my place to tell."
"Fair enough."
"Anyways." She continued. "You don't have to decide right now. Take some time and think about what I've said. It's an open offer."
She pulled two cards from her desk and held one out to each of them. "Take these. Just dial the number on the card when you have made a decision."
Ron couldn't resist a parting shot as he took the card. "Sure, now you do the phone thing."
**********
They ended up sitting in Kim and Monique's dorm room that night. They were alone since Monique had to work late. After moving she transferred to the Upperton Club Banana to work her way through university.
Neither Kim nor Ron had spoken in almost half an hour. Both lost in their own musings over the offer. Both thinking differently about it.
"I think we should do it." Kim said, finally breaking the silence.
"I don't know Kim, going government. Doesn't feel right."
"C'mon Ron!" Kim said almost pleadingly. She really wanted to do this and Ron was being difficult. "Think about it. Guaranteed rides to and from missions. No more relying on favours. No more worrying about having back up. It's just a call away! Think of how many more people we could help with the GJ resources!"
Ron sighed and cut her off before she could keep going. He looked her straight in the eyes before he spoke. "Kim, I said it wasn't for me. I never said it wasn't for you."
"You mean go without you?" Kim seemed almost horrified at his nod. Go on missions without Ron? Could she actually do it? They had always gone on missions together. Since they were fourteen. She may have complained sometimes, but going without him was never an option. Even with the Global Justice agents it wouldn't be the same.
"It will be alright Kim." Ron said reassuringly. "I know you want to do this. In the meeting I could see that sparkle in your eye you only get when you're really excited about something. Go for it. I'll be ok."
They continued talking on it long into the next morning. They finally came to a decision. Kim would join Global Justice. Ron would not.