"Come on. You never talk about what you do at the preserve." The attractive redhead gave her companion the look she knew he couldn't resist. "It's been over a month. There's got to be something."

The blonde boy averted his eyes as they walked to their homerooms. "Nothing to tell, KP. We walk around to make sure there aren't any traps or hunters. If there's a dead animal that's not been eaten, we get it sent to a lab for testing. Otherwise, we run the obstacle course or just talk."

"That's all?" she asked, disappointed.

"Rufus plays with one of the wolves, Shadow." Ron gave his friend a goofy grin.

Kim smiled back. "Sorry. It's just been boring lately. The few missions we get have been uneventful. And I don't get to see you as much anymore."

The blonde sighed. "I know. But this has really been helping my grades."

"I know. And I'm proud of you. You've even become better help on our missions." Coming to where they had to split up, she ran ahead. "See you in Lit class," she called with a wave.

"Later, KP."

Ron ran into the class just as the bell rang and took his seat next to his favorite redhead. He looked around, noticing everyone else had gotten back their essays on the story they'd just read the week before. Not wanting to make a fuss, he figured he'd get it later. That was until he realized Mr. Philips was going over the essays.

"As you know, the story was about a clumsy but likeable aid to the king. At the end of the story, he was put to death for the murder of a nobleman though witnesses say it looked like he was trying to save the nobleman. Not once did he say who the true murderer was.

"Almost all of you said he was innocent. He either came upon the scene or was an accomplice that had a change of heart. Many of you believe he was afraid to say a name; some say he was loyal to the end. Care to explain your essay, Ronald."

Ron stammered at the sudden attention and giggles from his classmates. "Well, uh, it seemed like an act. The king trusted him so much. I thought maybe he used his niceness to get close for the assassination. He then made it look like he was helping so his reputation would clear him. He'd die either way, by the law or by the king; so, he just didn't finger anybody."

Smiling, Mr. Philips handed him his essay. "Very good. That's completely right. Congratulations on you're A."

Ron sat in stunned silence, staring at his grade as class continued.

The beautiful brunette was dressed to kill in a long sleeve purple shirt and black mini-skirt, both accentuating the curves of her athletic body. And killing was what Bonnie Rockwaller had on her mind as she walked home alone down the dark road, the full moon her only light. She held herself as she shivered in the cool night air; her fury was not enough to keep her warm.

He'd looked nice when they'd met at the mall. A handsome college sophomore, he seemed like a fun way to spend a Friday night. After a passionate time making out at the local lover's spot, he tried for more than she was willing to give. Angry, he'd called her a tease and kicked her out of the car. She'd waited for him to return, but his taillights just disappeared into the distance.

So, she started the long walk home. She wished she could call for a ride, but it would be harder to spin it her way if she did. Bonnie was broken from her thoughts when a car rolled beside her and the occupants leaned out to give her catcalls. Glaring at them, she told them to leave her alone as she walked faster to ignore them. She grew scared when she saw the car headlights move behind her and heard the doors open and slam closed.

Trying to run, she tripped and knocked the wind from her lungs. Unable to scream for help, she rolled to fight her attackers as best she could. The three guys were almost upon her when they were stopped by an oddly familiar voice. "I don't think the lady needs all three of you to help her up."

Bonnie's eyes widened in surprise when Ron Stoppable stepped into the light, wearing his usual red jersey and brown pants with a leather jacket for warmth. The next few moments were a blur to her. She saw her attackers rushing Ron, then two were on the ground with the third helping his buddies to their car. From what she could see, one's face was covered with blood from a broken nose; the other was holding his ribs with the opposite hand since his other arm was hanging limp.

The blonde helped the dazed brunette to her feet, and he had that goofy look on his face again. "You ok, Bon-Bon?" he asked, breaking her from her reverie. This set off the tears threatening to flow, her blue-green eyes staring into his brown eyes. She hugged him tightly around the neck, breaking down as she cried into his neck.

The tanned brunette slowly came awake, letting out a contented moan as she nuzzled the warm chest of the man carrying her. She lazily looked up to gaze upon the man's features illuminated by the moon and tensed when she realized whom it was. The blonde seemed to have not noticed she was even awake. She let the blush leave her face before telling him she could walk now.

Setting her down, they walked together in silence, absorbed in their own thoughts. Ron walked with his hands in his pockets, acting like they did this all the time; Bonnie stared at her feet, clutching the leather jacket tight around her. "How long was I asleep?" she asked quietly.

"About an hour. It's just another mile to your house," he said nonchalantly.

"Why did you do it?"

"Because you were sleeping," he said, confused.

She sniffled as she smiled at that. "Why'd you help me back there? After all I've done and said to you."

Ron gave her a lopsided grin. "You needed to be saved. If nothing else, you're honest, Bonnie. You say to people's face what you'd say behind their back. You're mean, but you're honest."

"Thanks," she whispered, not sure if he'd heard her.

They walked the rest of the way in silence. Ron watched her from the road until she entered the house, then he walked home himself. It wasn't until she got to her room that she realized he had given her his jacket to keep her warm at some point. And she was still wearing it.