A/N Ok if you ever see or hear a joke about people who go to grad school being stupid. Laugh. No seriously. Ok this chapter has taken me forever to get out and I want to apologies for that. The others will hopefully not take this many months to get up. Enjoy.

They had been out every night the whole week and had come up with nothing. Some of the nights it was completely quiet with no sign of them, on others they would show up after Stalker and Ribbon had left. Kim pounded her gloved fist into her palm, tonight had been another no show.

"I'm getting tired of this, we either don't find them or we show up late." She kicked at some loose pebbles.

"Amp down KP this isn't like our normal missions. We have a whole city to look for them in, even narrowed down to this area it is a lot of ground to cover." He flashed her one of his goofy grins we she looked over at him, her eyes softened as a smile formed on her own lips. "That's my girl." He wrapped an arm over her shoulders and pulled her close. "Let's say we blow this pop stand, we've spent enough time here for tonight."

"Yeah you're right." She was calmer but still unhappy. "I just wish there was an easier way to find them." Looking at the ground her eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh why didn't I think of this earlier." Reaching into her pocket she pulled out the kimmunicator. "Wake up Wade." The screen blinked to life showing a still wide awake Wade.

"What's up Kim?" He smiled before taking a drink from his every present soda.

"I need you to check for any connections between the locations that Stalker and Ribbon have been over the years."

"I've gotcha and then I'll check to see if anybody with the same connections is in the area. I let you know what I find." Wade began typing furiously on his keyboard as the screen went blank.

"Even when we're behind you are always on top of the game."

"That maybe true but I can't win them without you." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Now you said something about blowing this pop stand."

Being that it was a brisk autumn night Ron suggested they enjoy a nice walk around town before heading back to the dorm. What he really wanted was to get Kim's mind on something else for awhile. It was clear out and the moon was lighting their way with its pale ambiance. Ron wrapped his arm around Kim's shoulders and pulled her close as they walked. The world melted away as they walked together.

They were almost back to the dorm when Kim spoke up. "I hope Wade gets us that info soon." Ron sighed, a perfectly good plan shot to hell.

"You know Kim they are doing the city a favor by taking out some of the criminal element."

"It's how they're doing it; they're reckless, unprofessional, and dangerous. And one of these times they are going to kill somebody. I just can't let that happen, it bothers me and it should bother you to."

Ron sighed again deep down he knew she was right but he was afraid that if she kept pushing this issue she would lose her objectivity, if she hadn't already. "It does, I just think you're pushing to hard on this that's all."

"I'm not pushing this at all I just want to take them down and soon. Even if I am you should be backing me on this." She stopped and turned, locking a deadly glare on him.

"Wait a minute that was uncalled for KP, you know I've always had your back." He felt his face flush as his anger began to rise. He couldn't lose his cool, not now, if he did it would push Kim to finish this on her own. Taking a deep breath he let his anger flow out with it. "Kim we are on the same side in this matter and that is what is important."

Kim was about to respond but Ron had already started to walk off, not quickly but at his normal leisurely pace. Realizing that he wasn't going to allow her to continue the argument she caught up and fell into step with him. They stayed silent with their own thoughts until they reached Ron's door.

"I'm sorry Ron, you're right you've always had my back and I know you always will. It's just that we've been trying so hard to stop those two and we keep coming up empty."

Ron spoke as he entered the main room. "I hear you, Stalker and Ribbon are a slippery pair but rest assured they are going down." Ron had turned to look at Kim as he spoke so only she noticed Cameron standing in the kitchen. His eyes almost seemed to flare at the mention of Stalker and Ribbon, but when she looked to confirm what she saw it was gone. "Oh hey Cam grabbing some snackage for an all nighter?"

"Snackage yes, all nighter no. My favorite show Rebuildin' is running a marathon can't miss any of that." He grabbed his plate of snacks. "So what have you two been up to, no good I bet." He gave a wink aimed at both of them. Before either could answer. "Well I'd love to stay and chat but the show must go on and so must I." He left with a grin plastered to his face and two teens in his wake.

"How does he always manage to sneak away before we can get him back?" Ron's eyebrow was cocked.

"Who knows, anyway it is getting late and we should get some sleep for once."

"You always know what's best." She grabbed Ron by his shirt and turned him towards her.

"Damn right I do. I know you'll always have my back but I sometimes need you in my face."

Her eyes locked with his and he knew that she was truly sorry for the comment she made earlier and now she was searching to see if he would forgive her. His answer was more then she expected. He bent down and kissed her. The kiss deepened as she leaned into him. They broke a moment later and just held each other.

"That was some goodnight kiss, maybe we should fight more often." She smacked him on the arm as he released her.

"I'll see you in the morning monkey boy."

Morning once again came too early for Ron. He cursed at the sun as he reluctantly tossed off his covers. The floor was cold enough to get him moving a little faster towards the bathroom but his speed didn't move much past that of a sloth. Stepping out of the bathroom 40 minutes later having finished with his shower in record time he quickly tossed on some clothes and headed for the door.

He flung the door open only to have to dodge a fist coming at his chest. "I didn't think we had that bad of a fight last night KP." He stood grinning at her.

"I was trying to knock on the door but somebody opened it before I could." Glaring at him in mock irritation she pushed into the room. "Besides if I wanted to hit you I would have."

"Right, that's what they all say. Nobody can touch the Rondo." He lurched forward from the impact on his shoulder. "Well only when I don't want them to." The arm cocked back again. "Alright I get it geez can't you let a guy have some fantasies."

"No."

"Ok fine, so what brings you down here this fine morning? Besides me that is." The look was just above freezing.

"Well I wanted to have some breakfast this morning but I got tired of waiting for a certain someone to get up. So how about you get something whipped up before I starve to death."

Ron gave her a very stern face before throwing her a salute and marching into the kitchen. He could hear her giggling as he went to work. They talked about this and that, the random things that had been going on in there classes. It turned to friendly banter as Kim started helping, which to Ron's surprise and Kim's as well worked out rather well. The previous evening not even a memory as they sat down to their breakfast.

"You never did tell me what you and Gwen talked about the other night." Kim gave him a confused look for a second before she caught on.

"Oh yeah, she was upset because he is being a typical male and doing something that is either going to get him hurt or in trouble." She noticed the look she was getting from Ron. "You're not typical. Anyway from the sounds of it he may have hurt himself already."

"I pretty much got the same story from Steve. Except he also told me he does whatever it is because of what happened to his dad, must have been rough on him having his dad shot by some punk kid in a botched holdup." He popped a piece of fruit into his mouth.

"Really, that's awful. No wonder he has a short fuse with people like that."

"No kidding. Anyway you might be right about him getting hurt, I think I saw some bandages on his back when we were talking." Ron started absentmindedly chewing on some bacon.

"Are you sure?" The question was so forceful Ron looked up confused.

"Well no but I saw something white on his back sticking out from under his shirt, it looked like gauze but I'm not positive. Why the sudden interest?"

"I think Steve could be Stalker."

"WHAT, how do you figure that?"

"Think about it. His dad is hurt by a kid trying to rob a place, Stalker has a real aggression towards criminals. He is out doing something that can get him hurt and you say you saw what looked to be bandages on his back, a spot I injured him in."

"Uh wrong KP. That last time you really nailed him was on his arm."

"Uh wrong Ron. The last time we fought them I put him through a window, back first. Unlike the movies that is going to cut you to shreds." Ron considered that for a moment. "Plus remember when I did hit his arm, Steve had it wrapped up the next day."

"Yeah but both he and Gwen said it came from football practice."

"That doesn't mean anything if she's working with him."

"What do you mean working with him? What could she be doing to help him…? You think she's Ribbon?"

"Could be, she has a strong gymnastics background. That would give her an advantage out there." Kim rubbed her brow.

"I don't know, I mean sure it seems to fit and all but it just doesn't feel right."

"I'm sure enough let's get moving and …" A knock at the door stopped her from finishing.

"It's open." Was all Ron could think to say at the moment. The door opened showing Gwen looking almost embarrassed to be standing there.

"Umm, have you two seen Steve? We were supposed to meet down at the cafeteria but he never showed up." Glancing over Ron noticed for the first time that the door was open and the room empty.

"I haven't seen him looks like he was up and gone before I was, sorry." He could feel the anger rolling off of Kim and he silently wished Gwen would leave.

"Oh ok thanks anyway."

"That drops down our number of people to ask where Steve is." The small laugh that followed had less to do with humor and more to do with nerves.

"Even so we need to find him and now." Reaching the outer door one of the bedroom doors opened reveling Cam, who was hobbling into view.

"I swear furniture is placed in just the right spots so you find them in the dark, with your leg."

Ron was about to respond when the kimmunicator sounded off. "What's the sitch Wade? You find anything out yet?"

"So far I haven't found any connections between the areas that those two have been to. However I did find to items you might be interested in. Stalker and Ribbon struck again last night, made a real mess of the area almost brought a building down."

"Perfect, they're dropping buildings while we're still trying to find them. Wade try to find a location on Steve."

"Um ok, why?"

"Kim believes he's Stalker and I have to say that the evidence does support it."

"So you want me to track him down. It'll be tough but I'll see what I can do." His fingers already dancing on the keyboard.

"Please and thank you."

"Tell then here is what I've dug up. The big cheese in this area is a guy by the name of Vernon Vasquez." Kim and Ron both exchanged shrugged shoulders. Wade saw the gesture. "I'm not surprised you haven't heard of him. He isn't talked about much and we normally deal with Super Villains. Anyway he is one tough hombre, rumored to be a professional hit man never proven though." Pausing to take a drink of his soda. "Looks as though Stalker and Ribbon have him spooked or pissed because he is holding a meeting tonight." The crashing of pans and silverware interrupted them.

Cam gripped the kitchen counter while staring down at the floor where the various items he had apparently dropped had landed. His face was pale and his knuckles where white from the force he was exerting in his grip. Neither feature was noticed by Kim nor Ron as their attention was drawn to the knife that was sticking straight out of the floor next to his foot.

"Uh…sorry about that guess I shouldn't try to juggle my utensils." His voice was light but his face betrayed his mood.

"Hey don't worry about it, you'll get better." The quip was light-hearted. He watched as Cam pulled the knife from the floor. As he did he noticed several bruises on his leg. Odd spot for them he thought as he headed out the door.

They had been searching for several hours with no luck. Both on and off campus they could find no sign of Steve. Giving up for the night they were heading back to the dorm.

"Maybe he caught wind that we knew who he was and he went to ground."

"It's possible but there wasn't much time between when we figured it out and when we started looking." She sighed. "We are so close to finally catching him."

"Maybe they moved on."

"I doubt that. Why would he start taking classes at the college if he was just going to leave."

"True." His expression match his mood, sour. Walking up one of the sidewalks a figure approached them. "Hey Cam, what's up?"

"Oh hey Ron, Kim. Any luck?"

"Not a lick of it." What are you heading off to? Ron pointed towards the bag slung over Cam's shoulder.

"I'm heading out for the weekend. Can't stay cooped up in the dorms for ever." Flashing them a cheery grin. "Doing that will drive you crazy. You two take it easy and I'll see you later."

"You too."

"Bye Cam." Kim waved as he walked away.

"Maybe he has the right idea. Just getting away from it all for the weekend."

"When this is done Ron. We are to close, I can't let him get away now." Sighing in defeat Ron put his arm around her shoulder.

"Ok but at least let me make you some dinner tonight."

"Deal."

"Looks like everyone is gone." The room was dark as Kim stepped in and flipped the switch. "You know where to start. I'm going to get out of these dirty clothes and into something more comfortable."

"Oh sure you get to clean up but I'm stuck making dinner."

"It was your idea, remember." Ron's retort died in his throat as the truth caught him.

"Oh yeah."

"Right, oh yeah. Now get in there and stop complaining." Smacking him on the shoulder and pointing at the fridge.

"Yes ma'am." His head hung low and the words barely crawled out of his mouth but the twinkle in his eye told the truth. Rummaging in the kitchen he found practically nothing of use. "Hey KP, you don't have enough food in here to feed Rufus." He paused at the thought. "Ok bad example but you don't have much in here."

"I guess we could go out."

"No I said I'd cook so that is what I'm going to do. Give me a minute and I'll get some stuff from my place." Without waiting for a reply he was bounding out the door.

He skidded to the door and with surprising ease pulled the key from his pocket, unlocked the door, and had it back in his pocket before he stopped moving. Slapping a satisfied grin on his face he opened the door. All of the lights were on in the main room. Strange he thought everyone's gone.

"It's the legend himself Ron Stoppable." Ron's heart nearly stopped as it jumped into his throat. Swallowing hard he turned to look where the voice had come from.

"Oh uh hey Steve… you have…I mean how was…uh yeah." His mind spun as he tried to grasp what had just occurred. They had spent all day looking for Steve and he turns up back at the room.

"You ok Ron; you look like you just saw a ghost."

"Yeah, hey I'm great, never better, you know the Rondo. I just remembered I left something up with KP." He was out the door before either could say another word.

The door flew open so fast Kim thought someone had kicked it. "Ron what the heck are you doing?"

"Steve, Gwen…" Was all he could manage as he gasped for air, having run up the stairs. Taking a second to gather himself. "They're down in the room."

"What?"

"They're downstairs like right now." He had barely caught his breath before he was drug out the door.

Steve had just popped open the fridge when the door came crashing open. "There you are!" Green eyes narrowed as they burned into him.

"Hey Kim, Gwen already found me so don't worry about it." Flashing a lopsided grin as he finished.

"I wasn't looking for you for Gwen; I've been looking for you for myself."

"Well you found me, what can I do for you?" He leaned against the counter as Gwen came into the room.

"You can give up without a fight."

"I'm sorry, what?" A confused smile still on his face.

"I know all about your late night activities." The expression on Steve's face dropped.

"I don't see how that is any of your concern." Folding his arms across his chest. "Besides what do you have against it?"

"What do I have against it?" She could barely contain herself. "Only that it is dangerous not to mention stupid." Steve rolled his eyes as a muffled beeping sound emanated from Kim's pocket. "Just give it up." The beeping returned.

"You going to get that?" Asked Gwen.

"Shut up." Without moving her gaze from him. "You're coming with me." Her last comment finally broke his last nerve.

"First of all you do not talk to her like that or so help me I throw you out of this room." Raising to his full height his arms dropped loosely to his sides. "In fact I think you better leave right the hell now." Bone popped as his hands wrapped into fists.

"I'm not going to tell you again." She dropped back a step into a stance from the clearly agitated mountain before her. Beeping once again is heard.

"So you're going to attack me, real heroic of you."

"That slam so hurts coming from a vigilant such as yourself." Confusion spread along his face once again.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me I know you're Stalker."

"You've lost it. How can you even think I'm that guy? Besides you don't have any proof."

"What do you call all of those injuries you've been having plus the one on your back. You going to tell me you got all of those from football."

"I don't have to explain anything to you."

"Fine explain it to the cops." Pulling out the kimmunicator which was now continuously beeping. "Whatever it is Wade it can wait, I need you to get the cops here now."

"For the last time I'm not Stalker."

"Stuff it."

"He's telling the truth Kim."

"What!"

"That's why I've been trying to reach you. You've got the wrong guy."