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Chapter 3

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Monday afternoon and Kim and Ron are back to training. It's only been a week but Ron has definitely shown great improvement. A swift kick from Kim is countered by Ron with a leg sweep. A kip-up by Kim and straight punch from Ron. Kim grabs Ron's wrist and throws him across the room. Ron rolls threw and quickly regains his fighting stance. Kim and Ron begin running at each other, Kim leaps into the air and Ron slides underneath her. Quickly to his feet Ron gets into position, just as Kim turns around from her land, she is greeted by Ron's foot in her stomach. The blow causes Kim to bend over and grasp for air. Ron seizes the opportunity and flips over Kim. He grabs her legs out from under her and then pins her arms behind her back and holds her down.

Kim: "Nice job, but could you please remove your knee from my side."

Ron: "Sorry KP."

Ron stands up and then helps Kim to her feet. The red-haired girl smiles at her friend and makes her way over to the weapons rack on the wall.

Kim: "Alright Ron now it's time for some weapons training. What do you want?"

Ron: "I'll take the bo staff."

Kim tosses him a long wooden staff and removes two shorter staffs for her self. The two friends move back into their small dojo and get ready for the next round of combat. They begin by circling each other then Ron strikes first at Kim. Their sparring match begins. Strike after strike, block after block, blow after blow, the two teens fight around the room. Ron spins the staff around and gets back into his fighting stance. He leaps into a forward hand-spring and Kim performs her own forward flip over him. The two teens land on their feet facing away from each other. Ron back flips over Kim who spins around expecting Ron to be in front of her but he is now behind her. Ron swings at Kim's head as she turns around expecting her to block the blow but for once Kim is unready and Ron's blow hits her upside the head knocking her out cold. Ron quickly drops down to check on Kim.

Ron: "Kim... Kim... are you alright Kim? C'mon Kim answer me."

Receiving no response, Ron runs up stairs and returns a few seconds later with Kim's mom.

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Kimmy, Kimmy, wake up Kimmy."

At this time Kim starts to stir and finally opens her eyes. She is woozy and not sure what's going on.

Kim: "Mom, what happened? The last thing I remember was sparring with Ron, I turned around and that's it"

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Apparently Ron knocked you out. Are you alright?"

Ron: "Sorry KP I thought you were ready otherwise I wouldn't have swung so hard."

Kim: "I'm fine mom my head just hurts."

Kim's mom holds a bag of ice to her daughter's head.

Mrs. Dr. Possible: "Here's some ice dear. Your head's gonna hurt for a while, maybe you two should refrain from training before one of you gets seriously hurt."

Kim: "Yeah at least for a day or so."

Ron: "KP I'm really sorry. Didn't mean to hurt you."

Kim: "It's okay Ron, you did excellent. Caught me totally off guard."

Kim smiles at Ron who gives her a quick kiss on her head.

Kim: "What was that for?"

Ron: "To make it all better."

Ron helps Kim to her feet and then he and Kim's mom help her upstairs.

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Back in school a couple of days later Kim is standing by her locker waiting for Ron. She sees him walking towards her and is about to say hi when Josh taps her on the shoulder from behind. Kim turns around to be face to face with her dream guy.

Josh: "Hi Kim."

Kim: "Hey Josh."

At this time Ron has walked up to his locker which is right next to Kim's. He was going to say 'hi' but decided that this is one of those conversations he shouldn't but in on.

Josh: "So I was wondering if maybe you'd like to go out on a date with me Friday night?"

Kim: "Well Josh, Friday nights are my Ron nights and well..."

Ron overhears this and immediately jumps in.

Ron: "Kim you can either go on the date with Josh Friday night with or without me."

Kim: "You sure? I know how much Kim and Ron night means to you."

Ron: "C'mon Kim there's plenty of things I can do. Go out have fun."

Kim: "Thanks Ron. Pick me up at seven Josh?"

Josh: "I'll see you at seven Kim."

Josh walks away and Kim just smiles at him. Ron pulls a book from his locker and then begins to walk to class with Kim.

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Inside of the school gym, the cheer squad has just finished up another hard day's practice. Ron has been sitting on the bleachers watching the entire time and now that practice is over, Kim comes up to him.

Kim: "Hey Ron, I'm gonna take a shower real quick see you in fifteen?"

Ron: "I'll be waiting KP."

As Kim heads for the showers, Tara walks up to Ron.

Tara: "I was hoping to see you today."

Ron: "Well Tara it's my pleasure to make your wish come true."

Tara: "Ron you're so sweet."

As Tara says this she gently brushes up against Ron's arm. Ron just thinks it was accidental and thinks nothing of it. The two teens stand in the gym talking for a while. The whole time Tara openly flirts with Ron but Ron doesn't even notice it. Soon, Kim is done with her shower and has come back into the gym. She notices Tara flirting with Ron and that Ron is oblivious to it. She makes her way over to Ron and Tara.

Kim: "Is this a private convo?"

Ron: "Ohh hey KP."

Tara: "Hi Kim. Well I gotta be going, nice talking to you Ron, bye Kim."

Ron and Kim: "Bye Tara."

Kim: "Ok Ron let's go. We have training to get to."

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Back in Kim's basement, the two friends are back to sparring but not going at full force.

Kim: "So how should I wear my hair on Friday? Up or down? What about a ponytail? Ohh and then there's my earrings. Do I go with the hoops or diamond studs? Ohh my gosh a dress, I forgot all about a dress."

Ron: "Why is that no girl will go out with me? Am I ugly or something? Not fun? Too nice? I get the whole popularity thing but when every girl in the school turns you down it makes a guy wonder."

Kim: "Ron are you even listening to me?"

Ron (mockingly): "Begin quote."So how should I wear my hair on Friday? Up or down? What about a ponytail? Ohh and then there's my earrings. Do I go with the hoops or diamond studs? Ohh my gosh a dress, I forgot all about a dress." End quote."

Kim is not stunned at all but feels dumb for having doubted Ron.

Kim: "Sorry Ron I just..."

Ron: "Don't worry KP. I'm always there for you. Now what about my problem? It would be nice to go on a date before the turn of the century. I don't think that girls hate me. You don't hate me. Monique doesn't hate me. Tara and Zeta are always nice to me yet no one wants to date me. Why? Can you please tell me?"

Kim: "Well... uhh... you see Ron..."

Ron: "It makes me wonder. If you and I hadn't met in preschool but later in life would we still be best friends?"

Kim: "What kind of question is that?"

Ron: "Think about it. If we met in high school would things be different? I'm not trying to say that you don't value our friendship or that you're just my friend out of pity but I just can't see us meeting later in life and still becoming best friends. I guess sometimes it just seems like you take me for granted."

Kim: "And you don't?"

Ron: "When have I ever?"

Kim: "Let's see. How about whenever theirs some big school project, you never do any work cause you know that I'll always pick up the slack for you. Or when you steal my food knowing perfectly well that I won't get mad cause I know how much you enjoy eating. That's what makes our friendship so great. The fact that we both know the other one will always be there no matter what."

Ron: "Point well made Kim."

Kim: "Good now once last piece of advice for the night. No your not ugly, yes you are fun, there's no such thing as too nice. Well actually there is but your not it, no offense. You do happen to have a few problems. One you're a little self centered. Not selfish but self centered. Two, you try way too hard and give up too easy. And last but not least you're pretty clueless."

Ron: "Self centered. How can you say I'm self centered?"

Kim: "Ok Ron let's look at your crushes. We'll start with Amelia and Bonnie. Now do you like them because their nice, their great personalities, what is it? Cause I think it's the fact that your jealous."

Ron: "Jealous?"

Kim: "Yeah you're jealous of all the "popular" kids. You wanted to date Amelia and Bonnie so that you would become popular. Why? There's nothing great about it. Infact take my popularity I don't want it cause none of those people are my friends. My friends are you, Monique, and I guess even Tara."

Ron: "Well what about trying too hard and clueless."

Kim: "Remember Zeta and Everlot?"

Ron: "Actually Kim that was Malcolm."

Kim: "Right Malcolm thought that by becoming the ruler of Everlot he would win over Zeta and you thought that by being the hero you would win her. The only difference between you and Malcolm was your approach. Then once you realized your mistake instead of talking to Zeta you just gave up. You really should try talking to us girls Ron."

Ron: "Ok I'll give you points for the first two but Ron Stoppable is not clueless. Well yes I am but not that clueless."

Kim: "Ron earlier today, Tara, was flirting with you. Blatantly and heavily. You know why? It's because she's liked you for a while now and has tried to give you subtle hints but you just don't get it. So here is what you're going to do. Monday before school starts, you're going to go up to Tara and say, "Tara I really like you and I was wondering if perhaps you would like to go out with me Friday night?" Got it?"

Ron: "Kim why am I waiting for Monday to ask her out? Tomorrow is Friday so why don't I ask her out tomorrow morning?"

Kim: "Because she's going out of town for the weekend and won't be in school tomorrow."

Ron: "Good reason. Well I understand the mission perfectly."

Kim: "Good that concludes our lesson for tonight. Now it's time for 'Pals' so come on.

Kim runs up the stairs before Ron can even reply.

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A posh restaurant. The young couple sitting at an intimate table. Kim is laughing at a joke Josh has made as she puts her hand palm-up on the table. Josh places his hand in her's as she gives him a little squeeze. A slow melodic song begins to play over the speakers.

Josh: "Would you like to dance?"

Kim: "I'd love to."

Josh leads Kim from the table to a small dance floor. They dance close, dreamy, and romantic.

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Outside the night air is cool as Kim and Josh walk homeward hand in hand. The night sky is filled with stars a romantic feeling is in the air. As they approach Kim's house, Josh looks over and smiles at her. She in-kind smiles back at him while melting into his eyes.

Kim: "I had a wonderful night Josh."

Josh: "As did I Kim. When can I see you again?"

Kim: "Anytime. Call me. Tomorrow."

Josh leans him and gives Kim a kiss on the lips. He walks away as she just stares at him dreamingly.

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Saturday afternoon and Kim and Ron are sitting at her kitchen table. Kim's mom is busy fixing them a meal as the Kim goes on and on about her date with Josh.

Kim: "Ohh and when we danced, it was like there was nothing else in the world."

Ron: "KP, I'm glad you had a nice time and all but isn't this a conversation you should be having with Monique. You know girl talk."

Kim: "Yeah I guess so. Although I think you should listen to me so that you know what to do for your date with Tara."

Ron: "Let's not get a head of ourselves here Kim I don't even have a date yet."

Kim: "Confidence, Stoppable, Confidence."

Kim's mom puts down some sandwiches in front of the kids. She also gives them a bowl of chips and two glasses of lemonade.

Ron: "Rufus, lunch-time."

The naked mole rat jumps up onto the table and begins to devour the food. Kim just shakes her head and smiles.

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Monday morning and Ron is waiting by his locker at school. He seems nervous about something as he just stares at the doors. Ron keeps fidgeting around with his book bag and then finally notices Tara entering the building. She walks up to her locker and opens the door. Ron takes a moment to gather up his courage and then makes his way over to her. Tara notices Ron walking up to her and gives him one of her cheerful greetings.

Tara: "Hi."

Ron: "Hi Tara, um... there's something I want to say..."

Tara: "Well what is? You can tell me."

Ron: "Well... um... I just wanted to say that I really like you and I was wondering if perhaps you would like to go out with me Friday night?"

Tara: "Well Ron, I already have plans with Bonnie Friday night. Tomorrow night however, I was hoping to go see a movie and it would be great if I had someone to go with."

Ron: "Well then tomorrow night you have a date with the Ron-man."

The sound of a bell tells the students that there are only five minutes before classes start. Tara and Ron say their goodbyes as they head off for class. Upon entering the room, Ron noticed that Kim wasn't sitting in her normal seat next to him. He scanned the room only to notice her sitting in the back right next to Josh. Ron wandered what Josh was doing in the room since he hadn't been in the class all year. He started to walk back towards them when he overheard some of their conversation.

Kim: "It was so neat they let you transfer to this class."

Josh: "Anything to be by my girl."

Upon hearing this Ron turned around and dropped down into his seat. A look of jealousy spread across his face but it was quickly replaced by a look of utter disdain for Josh. He looked around the room again only this time he noticed Bonnie had a very unhappy look on her face. He noticed her looking at Kim and Josh and then he wandered if that maybe Bonnie was jealous of Kim. He was quickly snapped out of his dream state when he heard his name being called repeatedly.

Teacher: "Ron Stoppable."

Ron: "Here."

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Ron is sitting in his computer class. On his screen is a zombie game and he is furiously shooting down zombie after zombie. Finally he is killed by a mob and the words game over flash across his screen. He gets up to go use the restroom and walks out into the hallway. Ron makes his way down the hall turns the corner towards the restroom. Immediately upon turning the corner, Ron notices that Josh and Bonnie are talking. They notice Ron and quickly go their separate ways. The bell rings and Ron runs back to the classroom not wanting to be late. He takes his seat at his computer and notices a message from Wade.

Wade: "Hey Ron we got the Zombie Fest 5 finals in a couple of minutes, you ready?"

Ron: "Wade my good man, that victory is as good as ours."

Wade: "Good cause as soon as the tournament is over we jump straight into training. We have a lot to cover today so we can't be goofing around."

Ron: "No goofing got it."

With a few clicks of the mouse Ron is now in the Zombie Fest game room. He logs in and enters the battlefield just as the tournament is about to begin. A short while and many kills later Ron and Wade are receiving their congratulations on a first place victory. Soon Ron logs out and is taken back to his desktop. Instantly another message from Wade appears.

Wade: "Ok Ron you ready to begin training?"

Ron: "What are we doing today?"

Wade: "Well so far you have learned how to disable security systems, missile launches and death rays. Today however is going to be a little bit harder. We are going to tackle booby-traps when it comes to security systems, missiles, and death rays."

Ron: "What do you mean by security system?"

Wade: "You know how when you disable a bomb if you cut the wrong wire the bomb goes off?"

Ron: "Yeah."

Wade: "It's like that only a lot more complicated."

Ron: "How much more complicated?"

Wade: "We'll probably be working on it for the next two weeks."

Ron: "Ohh that complicated."

About three hours later Wade finally decides they have done enough for the day. Ron starts to pack-up and says goodbye to Wade.

Ron: "So same time same place tomorrow?"

Wade: "As always Ron. Ohh I almost forgot, Kim asked me to tell you that she won't be able to do training tonight so you get a night off. Later."

Ron: "See ya Wade."

Ron turns off the computer, puts his books in his bag and heads out the door. School is finally done for the day.

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Kim and Josh are walking around Middleton mall hand in hand. As they walk the floor of the mall looking into the windows of various stores, Kim notices a beautiful dress at Club Banana. She checks the price tag but it is well out of her price range. The two teens continue walking and talking.

Kim: "So tell me, why did we come to the mall?"

Josh: "To get you a dress."

Kim: "A dress? What for?"

Josh: "Well there's an art exhibit at the Middleton Museum tomorrow night and I was hoping you would be my date."

Kim: "I need to find a new dress."

With that said Josh notices a store sign that says 'Dress Shop.'

Josh (seriously): "I wonder what they have in there."

Kim leads Josh into the store and upon entering a look of amazement is spread across is face.

Josh: "Wow dresses. Just what we need."

Kim rolls her eyes like she usually does with Ron and begins to look around. A few minutes later she has picked out a red dress and heads for the dressing room. The dress is beautiful on Kim and Josh rents it for the next night. The two lovers then exit the store and walk off towards the mall entrance still hand in hand.

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Tuesday morning and Kim is singing to herself in the shower. She is in an extremely good mood. The teen girl steps out of the shower and dries herself off with a towel. Still singing, she gets dressed and puts on a little bit of makeup. Kim grabs her book bag and skips downstairs to the kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen, she is a little surprised to see Ron sitting at the table stuffing his mouth with pancakes.

Kim: "Hey didn't expect to see you this morning."

Ron finishes chewing his food and swallows.

Ron: "Well we haven't really seen each other lately so I thought maybe we could walk to school together."

Kim: "Sounds good. Sorry for canceling last night, I had some shopping to do."

Ron: "No big, I was kinda tired anyways."

Kim and Ron say goodbye to Mrs. Dr. Possible and head off for school. As they walk upon the sidewalk, Kim tells Ron of her date with Josh that evening and Ron tells Kim of his date with Tara. Ron is obviously nervous and not quite sure what to do. Kim gives him some pointers about what to say, what to do, and certainly what type of movie to see.

Ron: "I thought we could see the new 'Batman' movie."

Kim: "Ron it's a date, you want to take her to a romantic movie not 'Batman.'"

Ron: "But I love 'Batman.'"

Kim: "As do I but still you should go see something like 'Monster In-Law.'"

Ron: "Ok Kim you're the date expert."

Kim: "Yeah well I'm going to an art exhibit tonight and I know nothing about art. I'm gonna look like a total idiot."

Ron: "Nonsense, here's what you do. If Josh asks you what you think about a painting then you simply look at it like your studying it and then say 'interesting.' That should confuse Josh enough to think you know what you're looking at."

Kim: "I thought you said you would stop making jokes about him."

Ron: "No I said I would cut down, not stop completely. That is the first one I made since you to started dating."

They have now reached the school and Kim opens the door for Ron. Upon entering Ron once again sees Bonnie talking to Josh and once again they notice him and quickly separate. Kim however did not notice and Ron figures that Bonnie is just up to her normal no good self. Kim and Ron say goodbye to each other as Kim heads off towards Josh and Ron heads off to Tara.

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Lunch time and the school's cafeteria is packed with hungry students. Kim and Josh are at the cashier's station paying for their food. After paying, they begin to walk towards their normal table but Kim stops when she sees Ron sitting alone. Kim looks at Josh who gives her a nod and the two make their way over to Ron.

Kim: "Ron where's Tara?"

Ron: "In the library studying for an animology test I think."

Kim: "Don't you mean anthropology?"

Ron: "Yeah that's what I said animology."

Kim rolls her eyes at her friend and sports a sly smile. Josh sits down next to Kim and says 'hi' to Ron. Ron returns the greeting and while he is still a little weary about the Mankey monkey thing, anyone who loves Ghoul Bashers is ok in his book.

Josh: "So Ron excited about your date with Tara tonight?"

Ron: "If by excited you mean nervous, scared, and downright petrified of making the biggest idiot out of oneself then yes, I am excited."

Kim: "Remember Ron, confidence."

Josh: "Exactly Ron you need to be confident."

Ron: "I am confident. I'm confident that I'm gonna totally screw up."

Kim is about to reply but she knows how hard-headed Ron can be sometimes. She lets out a sigh and goes back to eating her food.

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Inside of her room, Kim is about finished getting ready for her date with Josh when her phone rings. Looking at the caller id, Kim notices that Josh is calling and picks up the phone.

Kim: "Hey sweetie you ready?"

Josh (nervous and uneasy): "Kim there's something I need to talk to you about."

Kim (sensing Josh's nervousness): "What is it?"

Josh: "Well Bonnie and I have been talking and I realize that I like her. I'm sorry Kim but I don't think we should see each other anymore."

Kim (angrily): "You're dumping me over the phone! And for BONNIE!"

Josh: "Sorry it had to end this way. I gotta go pick-up Bonnie for the art exhibit. Ohh and Kim I need you to return that dress by tomorrow night or else I'll have to pay for it. It's only a rental you know. Bye."

Kim angrily slams down the phone and tears roll down her cheeks. Kim burst out of her room, down the stairs, and out the front door. She takes off running with no particular destination in mind. Subconsciously though she knows exactly where she is going.

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A well-dressed Ron Stoppable has just left his house and begins his walk to Tara's. Down the street he sees a figure running towards him. Unable to identify the figure at first, Ron soon notices it's a girl with flowing red-hair and realizes its Kim. She isn't looking where she's going and bumps into him, almost knocking him down. Her eyes red and puffy, her cheeks covered in tears. Ron holds his friend close as she cries heavily into his shoulder.

Ron: "Kim, what's wrong?"

Kim: "Josh. He... he... dumped me."

Ron: "I'm sorry KP. C'mon let's go back to my house. We can talk about it if you want."

Kim: "Don't you have a date with Tara?"

Ron: "Don't worry about it. Right now you're the only person that matters."

Kim gives Ron a small smile as they head back for his house. Upon entering Ron's house, Kim heads for the bathroom to clean herself up and Ron goes into the kitchen. A couple of minutes later Ron emerges from the kitchen with a glass of water and walks over to Kim sitting on the sofa. He hands her the glass of water from which she takes a drink.

Kim: "Thanks Ron."

Ron: "Anything else I can get you? Do for you?"

Kim: "Just hold me."

Kim snuggles up to Ron who holds her tight. Sobbingly, Kim tells Ron that Josh dumped her for Bonnie.

Kim: "How could I be so stupid to believe a guy like Josh could ever like me? I'm such a loser."

Ron: "Kim you're not a loser. Your smart, beautiful, caring, and any guy would be lucky to be with you. Josh is the loser. He's the idiot who gave up the greatest person in his life. Your Kim Possible. You can do anything, including getting over Josh Mankey. And you will get past this Kim. You'll move on and find someone who truly loves and appreciates you."

Kim: "How can you be so sure?"

Ron: "Cause I... just trust me Kim, you will."

Kim looks up at Ron and stares into his eyes. An awkward moment passes between Kim and Ron who continue to just gaze into each other's eyes. Ron leans his head downward and kisses a surprised Kim on the lips. Kim returns the passionate kiss with an equal amount of passion. They break away from their kiss and Ron just looks at Kim who smiles at him in a way she never has before.

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Sorry if things are going slow but they will begin to pick up over the next few chapters. This marks the end of the first part of the first part of my story. Basically it's a trilogy inside a trilogy. Chapter 4 is next. I also made some changes to chapters 1 & 2. Just format though, nothing that has to do with the story. R&R.