Chapter 10: That feeling in the air

A week and four missions later Kim and Monique were walking out of the final class for the day.

"So you got a date for the dance this Friday?" Monique asked checking out some boys that walked by. "Ron? Is that you?" A voice came from the left.

"Not yet and it's no big if I can't, I can just hang with…" Kim realized what she was saying.

"Still getting use to it huh?"

"Yeah, I guess. What about you?"

"I've been use to it for a while."

"Not that, have you found a date?"

"Oh. Not yet. But there are a lot of takers, want me to keep a look out for you."

"Please and thank you. Listen I've got a go, see you later."

Within in the hour Kim was in the gym playing two on two basketball with Ron, Joan and Felix. It was Ron and Joan versus Kim and Felix.

"Here comes the two pointer!" Ron announced as he took a shot.

The ball bounced off the rim and fell into Felix's waiting hands.

"Don't get cocky Stoppable." Felix returned. "I can whup you sittin' down."

"Show me what you got steal wheels." Ron said as he held defense.

Felix faked Ron out and drove down the court before passing to Kim. His partner caught the ball and immediately came face to face with Joan. Kim kept on dribbling as she tried to get past her avid opponent. She found no such luck as Joan stuck on her like glue.

"How am I supposed to score if you won't leave me alone?" Kim joked.

"I'm difficult that way." Joan replied as she reached for the ball.

Kim was overcome and lost the ball to Joan who dribbled past her in a shot. As she came up to Felix she slowed down and pulled back to avoid his highly developed defense abilities. To avoid losing the ball she initiated her trippy dribbling skills. Joan dribbled the ball in front, behind, between and around her legs like pro.

"I can do that but I don't wanna." Felix said with a chuckle.

Joan quickly fed Ron the ball who went for the shot and sunk two easy points.

"We might just need your cyber tech to beat them." Kim said as she grabbed the ball.

"My thoughts exactly." Felix agreed as he pushed the button on the chair's arm.

The wheelchair made it's transformation into its hover conversion. Felix flew up into the air as Kim passed him the ball. Ron and Joan had a smile on as Felix shot the ball at near point blank. Joan ran towards Ron, who wove his fingers into a latch; Joan stepped into his grip and Ron hoisted her up into the air. With the given lift Joan deflected the ball sending down to the ground.

"Rejected!" Ron called making a victory stance.

"Show offs." Kim said with half resentment and half encouragement.

The game continued on until the four were sitting on the bleachers relaxing their tired bodies.

"So Felix, you have a date for the dance?" Ron asked taking a drink form his water bottle.

"No." Felix answered unbothered by his response.

"That's too bad." Kim sympathized.

"It's okay; it just means I get an entire night to play zombie mayhem 4."

"If you're looking I know someone you could go with." Joan offered.

"Really? Who?" Felix asked wishing to inquire.

"Morgan Anderson."

Felix's face went nervous while Ron's lit up with glee.

"Do you know her?" Joan asked.

"Oh yeah, Felix knows her." Ron chuckled pleasantly as he elbowed Felix.

Ron was more then aware that Felix has had his eye on Morgan for quite some time. Felix rubbed the back of his neck as the color slowly tinted his cheeks.

"Well… I… do you really think she'd go with me?"

"Why not?" Kim asked supportively. "You're not a bad looking guy, not to mention thoughtful, smart, with a spankin' sense of humor."

Felix shy look turned to doubt, feeling a sense of sugarcoating.

"Even so, I don't really shine in the whole dance department."

"Neither does she." Joan jumped in. "She sprained her ankle a while ago."

With this new information Felix went into deep thought about possibilities.

"Who you going with?" Joan asked looking towards Kim.

"Me? No one yet."

"Don't sweat it KP." Ron said. "If I can find a date, it should be as easy as blinking for you."

The warm feeling Kim got when Ron encouraged her flourish inside.

"Okay well, good game girls but me and Felix have stuff to do." Ron said standing up.

"We do?" Felix asked.

Ron glared at Felix with a "go with it" look. "Yeah you know… the thing with the place."

Felix caught Ron's gist. "Oh yeah. Right, with the guy during the when."

The girls were a little skeptical but understood the implied guy time. Ron moved in close to Joan, giving her a quick peck on the lips before following Felix out of the gym. With the guys gone Kim went to leave but her hand was grabbed by Joan.

"Kim, can I ask you something?"

"What's the sitch?"

"Kim… am I good girlfriend?"

Kim gave Joan a queer look.

"I'm not sure I'm the one you should be asking this."

"No not that. I mean, I'm I better then Ron's other girlfriends?"

"Joan, Ron never had a girlfriend before you."

"Really?"

Kim nodded.

"Well… I guess I'm a little worried that I'm cheating him out on something. You know, like there's something he wants but I'm not giving him."

"Joan, you have nothing to worry about. I haven't seen Ron this happy since… ever."

Joan smiled gently. "Thanks Kim, you have the best advice."

"No big, I'll see you later okay."

Meanwhile Ron and Felix were making their way down the hallways of Middleton High talking lightly.

"Man, a girl who shoots hoops and likes video games? How lucky are you?" Felix complimented.

"Sheer talent my friend, sheer talent." Ron answered smugly while polishing his knuckles.

"Now when you say sheer talent, you mean dumb luck right?"

Ron paused to think. "Yeah, probably."

They rounded the corner and stopped as they saw the target. Morgan Anderson was gathering her books from her locker.

"Here's your chance." Ron encouraged pushing Felix's chair.

Felix immediately stopped. "No way, I can't do this."

"Sure you can. If I have enough dumb luck to have a girlfriend I'm sure enough has rubbed off on you to get a date."

Felix didn't budge.

"You hear that?" Ron knocked on the locker door beside them. "That's opportunity knocking and if you don't' answer it's going to play ding-dong ditch."

"Good for it, I don't care." Felix snapped folding his arms.

Morgan began to walk down the hall when she stumbled making herself drop her books. She shouted out in frustration as she tried to pick them up. Regrettably she would flinch in pain due to her ankle pains.

"Okay opportunity is slapping you across the face now. Go be a knight upon a cybernetic steed."

"N-O."

"I'll give you a week's worth of nacos and chimmeritos all grande sized."

"You can't bribe me Ron."

Ron sighed. "Okay you're right I shouldn't have said that I'm sorry. Hey what's that?" Ron pointed to the ground.

"What?" Felix asked falling for the distraction.

As Felix looked Ron pushed the handle on the chair forward, locking it in advance.

"Whoa!" Felix yelped as the chair launched forward.

Felix reflexes let him regain control and switch off the movement just as he stopped beside Morgan. Morgan came face to face with Felix as she was in her half bent down position.

"Hi Felix." She said a little embarrassed by her inability to perform the task.

"H-h-h-hi M-Morgan." Felix stammered his heart pounding uncontrollably.

Felix looked down nervously and noticed the books; instinctively he bent forward and gathered them up for Morgan handing them to her with a coy smile.

"Thanks Felix." Morgan said admiringly. "This dumb ankle has me walking around like a cripple."

Morgan went cold after realizing what she said.

"Oh I'm so sorry Felix I didn't mean…"

"No it's okay." Felix interrupted. "It was kinda funny."

They both laughed awkwardly followed by an equally awkward silence.

"Soooooo…" Felix dragged out in mid-planning of his sentence. "You going to the dance this Friday?"

"I wish, but guys are avoiding me, nobody wants to go to a dance with a girl who can't dance."

"I don't mind… err that is I would like to take you… if you wanted to go with me… to the dance… on Friday." Felix stumbled feeling incredibly stupid.

Felix's head dropped down his eyes squeezing tightly awaiting a rejection. Morgan looked at Felix and was taken by his generosity and his cute innocence.

"That would be nice." Morgan giggled.

Felix's tight eyes opened.

"Really?"

"Yes, I'd love to go to the dance with you."

"AWESOME!" Felix pinnacled but quickly brought his persona down to be more casual. "I mean… cool so I'll see you then?"

"That's right."

Felix moved the control to back up but mistakenly sent himself ramming into the lockers. Quickly correcting his error Felix spun around and drove back to Ron who joined him in the walk around the corner.

"You're a dead man Stoppable!" Felix said scornfulness.

"That's a funny way of saying thank you." Ron smirked.

"I nearly died!"

"But you didn't. In fact now you have a date, with the girl of your dreams no less."

Felix tried to argue but took a deep cleansing breathe soaking in the afterglow of success.

"Okay you're right… but you still owe me week's worth of nacos and chimmeritos."

"Don't think so, you turned down the bet, it's null in void."

"Wiseacre."

"Now that's over with I need your help."

"My help?"

"Yeah, where can I get a tux?"

"You already have a tux."

"But it's so… plain; I want to do something special for Joan."

"Wow, you really like her don't you?"

Ron nodded shyly but honestly.

"Okay then, what about Club Banana?"

"I can't go there, Monique would find out and you know how she blabs everything."

"True." Felix responded as he returned to the drawing board. "Why not the rentals?"

"Haven't been allowed there since the mariachi band incident." (Let your imagination thrive)

"I got it! The new place in the mall, I bet they sell them."

"Hey you're right. I can just…" Ron stopped and slapped his eyes with an open palm. "There just one problem, Joan's mom owns the place."

"Oh snap. I guess that's scrapped."

"No, it's the best I've got; I just have to be subtle."

"And we all know how good you are at that." Felix mocked.

"Thanks Felix, I should go now."

"Check you later." Felix began his drive home.

It didn't take long for Ron to get to the mall and even less time to find the store he needed. Apparently Mrs. Mayril had decided to call it "The Vision." Ron just stood at the entrance trying to formulate his plan.

"Act natural." Ron told himself as he walked in.

Ron strolled in, his hands in his pockets pretending to browse around. No one else was in the store except him, this would complicate matters. Hearing footsteps approaching from the back Ron looked up to see Mrs. Mayril walking out with some boxes. At first she didn't see him but after setting the boxes down and turning around her face lit up.

"Ronald. It's good to see you again." Mrs. Mayril greeted cheerfully as she walked up to him.

"Hi Mrs. Mayril."

"I told you, you can call me Beth."

"Yeah… right. So how's business."

"Could be better, but I'm still setting up. So what can I do for you?"

Ron's heart skipped a beat. "Me? I ahem am just looking for a suit." Ron mumbled.

Mrs. Mayril got a pleasant smile.

"Is this because of the dance?" She asked pleasingly.

Ron's eyes went big with embarrassment.

"No! It's not that." Ron denied. "It's for… a funeral? Yeah, my dad's… ex-girlfriend's… sister's… nephew's… brother died."

Mrs. Mayril raised a suspicious eyebrow but decided to play along.

"Okay, I think I have just the thing." She said going to the back.

She returned shortly holding up a very gloomy, dull and all around ugly tuxedo.

"Will this do?"

Ron fidgeted and rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. Mrs. Mayril put the tux down and put a hand on Ron's shoulder.

"Relax Ron. What you're doing for Joan is very sweet."

"You think so?"

"I know so. But the thing is I don't think I have anything in your size right now."

Ron's head dropped in disappointed funk.

"But how bout I make you a special suit, custom for you." Mrs. Mayril suggested.

Ron's head rose back up with a shimmer of hope.

"You'd do that?"

"How could I say no? Let's get some measurements."

Mrs. Mayril led Ron to the privacy of the back and had him remove his clothes, excluding his boxers. She made quick work as she measured around him.

"You've really bulked up since the first time I saw you." She said measuring his arm width.

"Huh? Oh, I guess I have." Ron replied truly noticing his muscle build for the first time.

After the measuring and having his clothes back on Ron and his stylist went through the design of the suit. Ron didn't know much about fashion or the proper terms of how a suit should look but with Mrs. Mayril's help Ron managed to pick out everything needed that would all match and to which he liked.

"Okay Ron, come back this time Friday and it will be ready."

"That fast?"

"It will be my top project."

"And Joan won't know?"

"My lips are sealed."

With this confirmation Ron felt extreme satisfaction. The few days passed by surprisingly fast for Ron, with Felix stressing on what he was going to do when he was with Morgan, Monique keeping guys dangling before choosing one for the dance, Kim half caring half obsessing over finding a date and Joan struggling to not say a word about her dress.

"Hi Mrs. Mayril." Ron greeted as he walked in the door.

"Hello Ronald. It's ready for its first test drive." Mrs. Mayril replied holding up the suit.

Ron changed into his new tux and modeled it in front of the mirror and its creator.

"You look spectacular." Mrs. Mayril insisted.

"Not to shabby." Ron agreed looking at himself.

The suit kind of reminded Ron of his spy suit he had for a while but this one had a more debonair quality to it. But what really made him stand out was that it seemed to form with the shape of his body, really showing off his new found musculature.

"I even add this." Mrs. Mayril patted his left leg.

Ron looked and saw a matching pocket that was designed specifically to hold Rufus.

"Wow, that's cool."

Ron changed out of his new suit and back into his clothes before returning to Mrs. Mayril.

"So how much do I owe you?"

Mrs. Mayril handed Ron the receipt and Ron's jaw dropped. Ron wasn't expecting such a price; he was short by significant amount.

"Oh man." Ron groaned. "I can't afford this. I guess this whole thing was a waste of time huh?"

Mrs. Mayril smiled unfazed.

"Ron whatever you're missing, I'll cover for you."

Ron was bewildered by her statement.

"What? No way! Really? Are you sure?"

"Trust me Ron the look on my daughter's face when she sees you in it will be payment enough."

Ron blushed. "Thank you."

It was only a few hours later that Ron was putting on his tux again and preparing the last few preparations for the dance. Ron was debating a thought in his mind as he looked in the mirror. Finally he came to a decision.

"Hey Rufus?" Ron said turning to his little buddy.

"Huh?" Rufus asked from the dresser.

Ron picked him up and brought him to eye level.

"Rufus would it be okay with you if you stayed at home?"

Rufus looked slightly hurt.

"It's just that, I want tonight to be a little more private, you know just me and Joan."

"I dunno…" Rufus said giving Ron an uneasy look.

"Please? I even bought you your favorite Bueno Nacho order." Ron offered pulling out a bag from under the bed. "How bout the good old 'Rufus special'?"

Rufus was bought out easily plus he could tell Ron really wanted the night alone with his girlfriend.

"Thanks buddy." Ron thanked placing Rufus and the bag on the bed. "I'll see you later."

"Goodbye!" Rufus waved before diving into the meal.

Ron arrived at the Mayril's front door and gave himself one last check before ringing the chime. Courtney came to the door; her face was set to astonishment when she laid her eyes on Ron.

"Wow Ron you look… wow!" She managed to spit out.

"Thanks Courtney, can I come in?"

Courtney was in a mid-trance before snapping back. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Sure."

Ron stepped inside and walked into the familiar living room where Ricky was writing a report of some kind.

"Hey Stoppable!" Ricky greeted boldly as he analyzed him. "Looking sharp."

"Hi Rick, is Joan here?"

"Joan? Na, she just left to go to the dance with this other guy, you know the guy with the tattoos, the hog? Of course she's here."

"Ah, Ronald good to see you again." Mr. Mayril smiled as he walked in from the other door.

"Like wise Mr. Mayril."

"Wait till you see Joan." Courtney smiled at Ron. "She looks amazing... but not as half as good as you." She added tittering.

"Going to have a good time tonight?" Mr. Mayril asked turning Ron's attention back to him.

"That's the plan." Ron answered feeling like an exhibit.

"Hi Ron." Joan's soft voice said from behind Ron.

Ron turned to face her but he froze like stone when his eyes set upon her. Her hair was styled like Ron hadn't seen before but he liked it, with dazzling teardrop earrings, her glasses replaced with unnoticeable contacts that made her eyes even more irresistible, a strapless dress blue like her eyes that led down to her ankles with an open seam leading up to her waist, matching blue heels, a gentle perfume that smelled like a rare flower from the Amazon and finally the heart chain necklace that Ron gave her to top it off.

Her stunning appearance was more then Ron could take, Ron collapsed to the ground like a lifeless rag doll.

"Is it too much?" Joan asked concernedly as she looked at herself.

"N-n-n-no, n-not at all." Ron stuttered as he used the couch to pull himself back up.

"Uh Ron, you've got a little something here." Courtney informed tapping her mouth showing Ron where it was.

Ron wiped the bit of drool that was forming at his mouth.

"Oh, thanks."

Ron was back on his feet and Joan walked up close to him getting a proper look at him, her eyes glimmering like magic.

"Ron… you look…" Joan was trying to sound proper. "Presentable."

Inside Joan was screaming like an adolescent girl at a boy band concert.

"She thinks you're gorgeous." Ricky translated bluntly.

Normally Joan would tackle him to pound on him but she didn't want to ruin her moment or her dress.

"Now isn't that just perfect." Mr. Mayril said. "You two look to good to waste, I'll get the camera."

He returned almost instantly, camera in hand.

"Okay, let's have a smile."

Ron held Joan closely as they both smiled together just as the quick flash went off.

"Perfect."

"Come on Ron, let's go." Joan insisted tugging on his hand.

"Now remember, no later then midnight."

Both teens stopped to look at the man.

"Midnight?" They said in unison.

"It's a special occasion and I think we can trust him." Mr. Mayril insured glancing at Ron.

The couple looked at each other with surprised, but happy expressions.

"Now you better hurry off, don't want to be late."

Joan agreed as she recommenced her pulling at Ron's arm. Ron didn't need too much persuasion as he followed closely behind. The sun was at the brink of setting as two walked peacefully towards the school gym, Ron didn't take the scooter not wanting to have any problems with messing up Joan's dress. As they walked in through the gym doors the dance was already in full swing, people talking, dancing, partying, everything.

As Ron walked into the slightly darkened room he suddenly felt a sting of worry. What had he gotten himself into?

"Ron, Joan!" Monique shouted above the blaring music.

The two saw her with ease and walked up to her.

"You guys look amazing!" Monique praised as she looked them over.

"So do you." Ron replied looking at Monique.

"Hey? Look who's here." Monique said tapping the person behind her.

The person turned around to look at Monique.

"What?"

"Kim, Ron and Joan are here."

Kim looked at Ron and was nearly blown away by his appearance.

"Ron… you look spankin'." Kim said honestly still a little overwhelmed.

"Same to you." Ron smiled noticing that she was wearing the same black dress she wore on their acci-date.

"And Joan, you look gorgeous."

"Thank-you."

"Where are you're dates?" Ron asked after noticing no guys.

"There over there, stallin' on the dancin', you know how guys are at dances." Monique thumbed over to tables.

As Ron looked over at the table Monique was pointing to he also noticed Felix and Morgan at another table. By what Ron could see they were talking and laughing together and having a great time. Felix looked over at Ron, to which Ron gave him a thumbs up. Felix returned it before returning to his date.

Ron's stinging feeling ensued uncontrollably; it felt like someone was gliding broken glass on his insides.

"Oh Ron, I want to go say hi to my friends, I'll be right back." Joan remarked before heading to the other side of the room.

Ron nodded; he stood motionless for a moment before walking over to the refreshment stands. Standing by the punch bowl Ron made rapid short sips every half second. Kim became aware of this sitch and moved up next to Ron casually.

"Ron, you don't have to be nervous."

"N-nervous? W-what makes you think that I'm nervous?" Ron said trying to remain cool.

Kim raised an eyebrow as she glanced at Ron's hand that was fidgeting so violently that it was sending punch sloshing out and slowly formed a puddle on the floor. Ron got Kim's implication and set the cup on the table then laced his fingers together.

"Ron, you've been on plenty of dates with Joan, this is no different, and it's just a dance."

"Whoa KP! It's not just a dance, it's my first dance with a girlfriend." Ron argued. "I mean what if I do something stupid, like what if my pants drop?"

"Wouldn't be the first time." Kim rolled her eyes.

"KIM!" Ron retorted, unhappy with her 'advise'.

"Listen to me Ron; ninety-nine percent of the stuff that you think can go wrong is literally impossible."

"Hey, there's a chance that UFO's will bust in and abduct me."

"There is nothing you can do that would make Joan hate you, I've seen the way she looks at you."

Ron looked at Kim with open eyes.

"Joan is a lucky girl to be with you Ron, and I'm not the only person here who knows it."

The painful feeling was gone.

"Thanks Kim you're always there for me."

Ron and Kim had a quick hug before Ron went off to find Joan. Kim just stood for a moment feeling a little perplexed.

"Where did that last part come from?" She asked herself. "It seemed more then just advice."

Ron found Joan and they quickly hit the dance floor, moving to the fast beat. Felix watched them feeling very happy for his friend.

"I'm really sorry I can't take you out there Morgan." Felix sighed looking back to her.

"Don't apologize Felix, I'm having a great time, besides I can't dance any better then you."

"I know but I think I should give you something." Felix went into thought looking down at his chair.

Something hit him; he looked back up at Morgan with a confident smile.

"Morgan, have you ever flown before?"

Morgan was a little confused.

"Uh yeah, I took a few plane trips on my vacation last year."

"No, not like that. I mean, have you every really flown, felt the wind in your hair, like you have no bounds, see everything?" Felix asked with more enthusiasm in each word.

"No, I guess not."

"Would you like to?"

Morgan was a little creeped out by what Felix was saying but the allure in his voice and curiosity overthrew her suspicions.

"Yes."

"Then follow me." Felix smiled as he helped Morgan up and guided her to the doors.

After a few songs Ron and Joan returned to the side to take a rest.

"I need some punch, you want some?" Joan asked.

"Na, I'm good."

Joan went to the punch bowl and within a minute Ron was approached by Brick Flagg.

"Hey Stoppable! How's it going?" Brick said courteously.

"Uh, hi Brick." Ron replied a little surprised.

Brick hardly ever talked to Ron, and even when he did it was almost never a positive comment.

"So where did you get the chick magnet?" Brick inquired.

"Chick magnet?"

"The suit man, all eyes are on you tonight." Brick used his eyes to point around the room.

Ron glanced around and found that Brick was right, he was being checked out by a lot of the girls. It was a funny feeling for Ron, girls never looked at him with exceptions to when his clumsiness made him look like a moron.

"I actually got it at 'The Vision', that knew store in the mall."

"Cool, thanks man, by the way congrats with Joan she's looking fine." Brick added before leaving.

Ron didn't like the last remark but didn't say anything. As Joan returned with a cup in hand Ron put his hand around Joan's waist sending a message to all the girls that said "sorry ladies, I'm taken".

"Ron look." Joan said pointed to the corner of the gym where someone appeared to be hiding.

The two began to approach whoever it was and as they got closer they realized that it was Tara and she was crying.

"Tara, what's wrong?" Ron asked concernedly.

Tara looked up but was so embarrassed that she tried to turn away. Ron wasn't going to take this for an answer.

"Tara?" He repeated.

The innocent girl sniffled a few times but managed to find words.

"Josh ditched me."

"He did not!" Ron said hoping to be right.

Tara nodded sadly and was about to start bawling again but Joan opened her purse and pulled out portable tissues for Tara to use.

"Thank-you." Tara spoke softly taking them.

"Don't cry over him, Tara, he isn't worth it." Ron insisted trying to make her feel better.

"No, he's right, I'm a loser."

"Don't you ever talk like that again." Ron said sternly.

"I should just go home."

"Don't let the jerk ruin your night, stay and have fun." Joan joined in on Ron's support.

Tara rubbed her eyes, but still quivered insecurely.

"But who could I dance with?"

"I'll dance with you." Ron instantly responded.

Tara's heart began to pound at Ron's statement. She was instantly taken by his offer but glanced at Joan with unease.

"If that's okay?" Ron asked looking to Joan.

"It's more then okay, I insist." Joan replied.

And as almost on cue slow music began to play. Ron offered his hand to Tara.

"May I have this dance?"

Tara smiled overjoyed; she brushed away the remaining tears before placing her hand in Ron's. Ron brought her to the middle of the room and placed the other hand on her waist. They moved slowly to the rhythm of the music looking into each other's eyes.

"Don't think a second thought about Josh." Ron spoke tenderly. "Trust me that guy will be kicking himself later for even thinking about ditching you."

Tara smile grew even more. That indescribable warm feeling flushed through her. She couldn't believe how handsome and charming Ron had become. How she wanted to move closer, to embrace him so tight but she refused temptation. She was not going to be like Bonnie, she was not going to bring shame to his kind gesture.

"Feel better?" Ron asked after the song ended.

Tara nodded, too happy to speak.

"I'm glad to hear that, now let's see you have a good time."

Before Tara walked away she couldn't fight the one thing she wanted to do. She leaned in and gave Ron a gentle kiss on his cheek.

"If you get in trouble for that, I'll tell her it was my fault." Tara whispered before going to see her friends.

As the dance continued Kim was busy with her date Tom Castle. Tom was a good looking guy and socially acceptable. Kim liked him but she just didn't like him, she feared that coming with him to the dance was sending him the wrong message. Either way when another slow song began to play Kim noticed Ron and Joan moving onto the floor. Kim instantly felt the urge to dance.

"Let's dance." She said to Tom almost in an order.

"Alright." He answered.

As the music played the gap between Ron and Joan was quickly filled when Joan moved right up to Ron, resting her head on his shoulder and arms around him. Her eyes closed, a blissful smile on her face, anyone could tell that nothing could bring her down.

"One, two, three, four, one, two…" Ron recited in his head.

Ron lacked the heavenly look that Joan did; he was making sure he stepped in proper sequence. Ron's nervousness returned, making his stomach squeeze up. As they danced Ron looked around the room for a solution, something to make it go away, and then he saw Kim. Everything changed. He remembered what she told him, she was right. Ron didn't have anything to worry about, Joan was with him by choice, and there wasn't anything he could do to make her hate him. When he was with her Ron felt like a god, like nothing could stop him, and when she wasn't with him the thought of her gave him the same strength. The more he thought about it the more it made sense and the more it made sense the more Ron knew it to be true.

"I love you." Ron said softly.

Joan's closed eyes shot open and she pushed away from Ron enough to look at him.

"What did you say?"

"I said I love you Joan Mayril, more then anything else."

Joan's eyes went misty; she bit her lower lip and looked down trying to hold back the tears of uncontrollable happiness. Ron cupped her chin with his hand and raised her head back up to his.

"I love you Ron."

Their lips met in a kiss, the most compassionate and loving kiss that they ever shared. It continued longer then any other. They united in the exact same thought.

"Let time freeze." Their minds begged. "Give me more air in my lungs, anything to make this last forever."

They both felt the sharp sting in their lungs as they screamed for oxygen. Finally they released taking deep breathes. The break was brief as they returned to each other, moving as closely as physically possible.

The whole time Kim was close enough to both hear and see what transpired. Her insides collapsed into a black hole, and she turned away before she saw them kiss.

"Kim?" Tom asked. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry Tom… I… I have to go." Kim bolted from Tom's hold and into the night.

Tom was left standing with open arms. He wasn't angry just wondering if he had done something wrong. He didn't find out, instead he walked to the side feeling depressed. He stood up looking around for something to distract him. To his left he saw Tara who was had her hands formed in a prayer as she watched Ron and Joan feeling so happy for them and even imagining it was her kissing Ron.

"So where's your date?" Tom asked her trying to forget his last moment.

Tara snapped out of her daydream and was reminded of her unpleasant experience.

"I got ditched." Tara answered slightly sulking.

"That's funny, so did I." Tom replied.

After processing this funny coincidence they looked at each other, a little twinge of energy sparking.

Tom smiled confidently. "Can I get you some punch?"

Tara smiled back. "I'd like that."

Ron and Joan continued to dance together even when it seemed the music called for a more lively setting. They were existing in a whole different plain then everyone else, a place where nothing could go wrong, a place where no one could interrupt… except Mr. Barkin.

"Alright you two, the public display of affection has to be taken elsewhere." He blared.

Ron and Joan separated from each other and saw that there was almost nobody left in the gym.

"Dance is over?" Ron asked.

"Dance is over." Mr. Barkin confirmed.

"Well, we should leave then." Joan said taking Ron's arm in hers steering for he doors.

As they walked out unbeknownst to anyone, Ron was being watched from the darkened corner of the gym. An eerie shadow smiled evilly to itself strumming its fingertips together, it pulled out a cell phone and dialed a number.

"Phase one confirmed, Sir." It said sinisterly.

The happy pair walked out into the moonlit night. Joan shivered as the breeze brought a cold chill. Ron removed his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. She snuggled into the feel and smelled the last traces of Ron in the fabric. They walked up the road Ron's arm securely around her waist; Ron checked the time and saw that it was ten.

"I guess I should take you home right?" Ron said as they walked up the sidewalk.

"No way! I'm not wasting my extended curfew just to go home early." Joan argued sternly.

"Okay we've got two hour, where should we go?"

"Let's go to your place."

"What's there to do at my place?"

"We'll find something."

After stepping out of the crisp night and into Ron's home Ron called out.

"Mom? Dad?"

There was no answer but he did notice a note on the wall. Without even reading it Ron knew what it said.

"Oh yeah, they're at that conference tonight. They won't be back till tomorrow."

Joan walked past Ron and sat down on the couch turning on the lamp on the stand.

"I'll be right back; I just want to check on Rufus." Ron informed before heading upstairs.

Ron climbed up tread and peeked into his room. Rufus had been long since asleep, wrapped up in covers snoring quietly. Ron quietly closed the door and headed back down the stairs.

Ron looked at Joan who was glancing back at Ron; she patted the couch beside her encouraging him to sit. Ron did as she commanded. The two sat together on the couch, neither saying a word but both thinking the same thing all teenage couples think when they're alone in an empty house together. After a few minutes of nothing passed before Ron turned to Joan.

"Joan should we…" Ron didn't finish.

Joan was already leaning towards him. This surprised Ron so much that he stumbled back falling flat on his back on the sofa. Joan didn't expect Ron to fall so gravity took her with him; she landed on top of him. Unfazed Joan delicately started kissing Ron. Ron was a little uncertain about whether or not they should do this so he spoke up.

"Joan (kiss) maybe we shouldn't (kiss), that is, are we (kiss) is (kiss) this right?" Ron managed to get out between her smooches.

Joan placed a finger on Ron's lips to silence him.

"Ron." She said tenderly. "I want this more then anything."

Joan sat completely on top of him, legs on both sides of his hips. She leaned in and kissed Ron slowly putting her tongue in his mouth. Ron went solid like stone at first but went limp like tissue paper. They had never kissed like this before; they barely discussed second base now she wanted the whole thing.

"What should I do?" Ron screamed in his mind.

The bothering feelings that he got when Bonnie was hitting on him returned but what made it worse this time was Ron couldn't find a solid problem. Of course there were the thoughts on waiting and what about protection and all those other thoughts that become like a paper cup against the matters of lust, desire, and yearning that is the bulldozer.

Joan sat up and reached behind her back and undid a clasp. With a slight move the top part of her dress collapsed her entire upper half exposed. Ron's eyes bugged out. The girl then took Ron's twitching hands, lifting them up to her level. She sexually kissed them before placing them on her chest.

Bulldozer won no contest.

Ron's hands began doing the talking as they began to touch her sensitive areas. Joan moaned encouragingly as she massaged Ron's arms up and down. Ron leaned up as far up as he could go and met Joan in another French kiss this time he fully participated. The soft sighs of pleasure filled the silent room but silenced as Joan pulled away and stood up. She walked over to the chair where she slid out of her dress and necklace placing both of them gently on it. Ron idolized her goddess like body as she stood wearing only her underwear. She was digging in her purse when Ron needed to say something.

"Joan I don't have a…"

Joan wielded a small plastic square as she strolled back to him.

"She has one?" Ron thought. "How long has she wanted this? I guess it doesn't matter, at least we're taking precautions."

Joan kneeled before Ron.

"Are you ready?" She whispered before tearing the package.

"I guess." Ron answered half honest as he reached over and turned off the light.

Meanwhile on the other side of the world in an undisclosed mansion in England, Monkey Fist was sitting in his study reading a book and drinking tea when he heard a voice from behind.

"Quite a selection you have." The voice said making Fisk jump up to look.

Fisk looked up to the second story of the room and saw a figure strumming through his books.

"You have everything, from 'the Art of War' to 'Curious George meets the mailman'." The shadow continued.

"Who are you? And how did you get in here?" Monkey Fist shouted.

"Both trivial matters. You are Monty Fisk are you not?"

"That is not you're concern." Monkey Fist snapped raising his hand preparing to give a signal.

All around the borders of the room monkey ninjas began to line up waiting for the command to attack.

"Be at ease Mr. Fisk. I don't come to fight; I come to offer a proposition."

"Why should I listen to you?"

"Because we both want the exact same thing."

"Which is?"

"To see Ron Stoppable suffer."

Monkey Fist returned to his normal position with an intrigued look on his face.

"You have my attention Mr.?"

The figure slowly emerged from the darkness.

"Please, call me Katsuro."