I can still remember
Days that never ended
Standin' on a distant shore

With every raindrop fallin'
I hear the thunder callin'
Like so many times before

Sometimes in the darkness
I hear what my heart says
Maybe one day I'll know what that feelings for

So I wait for the moment when I'll be with you
And all that we hoped for is all comin' true
The time we've spent waitin' is finally through
I'll be home again

"Home Again" by Bryan Adams

Divided We Stand

"You seem in good spirits Ronald.  Things going well at school?"  His mother asked him.

He sat in the kitchen of his parent's house.  The whole family was gathered around enjoying a late breakfast.  Ron had decided before moving away that he would make a point of visiting his parents at least a couple times a month.

"Pretty good."  Ron said neutrally as he stuffed another piece of bacon in his mouth.  "Classes are difficult, but I'm started to pick things up.  Even psych is starting to get interesting now that I've got a chance to figure some of the basics out."

"Really?"  His father asked surprised.  When they had spoken on the phone Ron had hated that course.

"Alright, maybe I called a psychologist Kim and I helped out a couple times and they explain the basics to me.  The point is I'm learning."

"That's good dear.  I'm glad to see those favours are coming in handy for something other than rides to dangerous missions."  His mother said with a hint of disapproval at the dangerous mission part.

His father didn't seem to notice though.  "How is Kim anyway?  You haven't mentioned her much since she joined, what was it, Global Law?"

"Global Justice Dad."  Corrected Ron with a barely audible sigh.  He had hoped they wouldn't bring that up.  "She's been busy with it so we haven't seen much of each other lately.  She seems to be adjusting though."

"It's an adjustment for both of you."  His father pointed out.  "But I'm sure the two of you will be fine."

"Yah, you're right."

"I'm just glad that you're not running around the world getting yourself involved in dangerous situations anymore."

Ron looked sheepishly at the floor at his mother's comment catching both parents attention.  "Ron?!?  You don't?!"

"Yah I kinda still do."  He told them as he lifted his head and met their gaze.  "I just… I can't do nothing you know?  That's not who I am."

Ron's father put a hand on his shoulder and spoke before his mother got a chance.  "Ron, you know we worry about you sometimes.  That's our job.  We're your parents.  But I can tell you this without a shadow of a doubt.  No matter how much we worry we are proud of you and what you do.  Never forget that."

His eyes barely held back tears and his voice caught in his throat at his father's heart felt words.  Ron always had a lot of doubts on what his parents thought of the adventuring.  It meant the world to him to know they were proud.  "… I… I don't know what… thanks guys, I love you."

It was the first time he and his parents had really talked about the missions in all the years he had been going on them.  The topic was one that they had unconsciously put a barrier around.  But with the barrier gone there was no stopping at that.  They talked and talked until finally it was almost three in the afternoon.  When Ron left he felt better about what he did and closer to his parents than he ever had.  It was a good feeling.

"Do you really think they'll be ok?"  Ron's mother asks her husband as they watched their son get in his car.  "Ron and Kim I mean?"

"Eventually, yah.  Those two have been together so long I don't think they know what they would do without the other."

**********

He pulled up into the drive of a house he knew just as well as the one he grew up in.  The Possible residence.  Nothing much had changed since his last visit.  There were a few new scorch marks on the grass though.  Jim and Tim must have built another rocket Ron surmised.

Walking up to the door Ron nearly just walked in like he usually did.  Then he realized that he didn't come here nearly as often and it might be a little rude.  Decision made he rang the bell.

When the door opened he was greeted by the smiling face of Mrs. Dr Possible.  "Hello Ron.  It's good to see you."

"Hey Dr. P, Kim around.  I know she planned on visiting this weekend and I figured I would drop by."

"Kim had to cancel Ron.  Didn't she tell you?  Something about GJ training."  Dr. Possible said with confusion written on her face.

"Oh."  Ron said deflated.  "It must have slipped her mind.  I should go anyway.  Still gotta finish a report for class tomorrow."

Dr. Possible looked like she wanted to say something, but Ron had already turned around and headed for his car.  Before she could think of yelling to him one of her sons barrelled past her and met Ron at his car door.

"Ron!"  Tim cried, out of breath from his made dash.  "I so need to talk to you!"

Tim threw a pointed look over his shoulder at the doorway.  His mother took the hint and waved before closing the door.

Ron wasn't really surprised that one of the now teenage twins wanted to talk with him.  They seemed to look up to him.  Though Ron for the life of him couldn't figure out why.

"Alright, alright.  Just breath before you faint."

"I was hoping you'd stop by.  I really needed to talk to a guy about this."

"What about your brother?"  Ron asked out of curiosity.  Those two were still pretty much inseparable.

"Would have no clue what he's talking about."

"Father?"

Tim's face contorted to a look of horror.  "Anybody but him.  Besides, he's old."

"Ooookay, what is it then?"

"There's this girl in my class and well…"  He trailed of as he looked at the ground, his face red.

Realization quickly dawned on Ron.  "Ah women advice.  I'll try to help, but Casanova I'm not."

"Well I know you've had a few girlfriends and you've known Kim pretty much forever.  I'm surprised you two didn't elope years ago.  You're practically made for each other"

"I think my girlfriend would disagree with you."

"Oh, you have a girlfriend."

"Yah.  I love her very much."

"Oh."  Tim said again, a little disappointed.  "It would have been cool to have you as a brother in law though."

Ron put his hand on Tim's shoulder before he spoke in a quiet voice.  "You know Kim and I are just friends right?  That's all we're ever going to be."

Tim nodded so Ron let the subject drop.  He gave him a huge grin.  "Now about this girl in you class.  The best advice I can give you will probably sound clichéd but it's good.  Talk to her.  The worst she can do is say no.  Trust me, I've had a lot of no's.  And just be yourself.  If that's not good enough for her she's probably not worth it anyways."

With another grin Ron got in his car and started it up.  Instead of leaving he rolled down the window.  "And by the way.  I've known you and Jim your whole lives.  You're practically my own little brothers.  If you ever need anything I'm just a phone call away."

With that he pulled out of the driveway and was gone.

The advice was good.  Tim knew that.  He knew he'd probably take it too.  That decided his thoughts drifted to the other piece of information he got.  Ron had a girlfriend.  He'd have to get his brother in on this one.