It Finally Happened:Part V
Somehow Ron wished the drive could last all night. His mother may have insisted on taking the big car because is was safer (and slower) but she did not count on the wide, bench seats of the old family cruiser. Kim did something he would have never expected from his 'safety first and always' girlfriend. She slipped out of her shoulder harness and buckled the center lap belt on, snuggling close, holding his arm loosely so he could still handle the wheel. It didn't matter, the power steering was so smooth he could handle the mighty gunboat with his pinky.
He was thankful that their 'grounding' had been fairly liberal. Missions had come up and, considering the fact they had just saved the world, none of their parents raised any objections, just so long as both of them went straight home once their transportation delivered them to Middleton. That meant every moment on all the drafty airplanes, noisy helicopters, sleek hoverjets and other assorted means of transportation was enjoyed to its fullest. They didn't talk so much as they were together, Kim holding onto his arm just as she was right now, her head resting on his shoulder, his figurative position in their relationship becoming literal.
When Kim appeared at the top of the stairs, Ron's jaw didn't hang open, only to be restored by her father. His smile was too big, too wide to allow his mouth to fly open. Her mother appeared behind her, positively beaming.
Vague threats of being sent into outer space were pushed aside in his mind. All he could think of now was Kim, his Kim looking like an angel in a summery, nearly white dress, her hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her round, flawless face, her green eyes flashing like jewels. After a few moment he realized he had to start breathing again. Even when he did, he wondered if his lungs could keep pace with the pounding in his chest.
He knew Kim was beautiful. Not just beautiful but absolutely stunning. He even thought all those pictures her brothers had taken and distributed over the internet were beautiful. He had every one on his computer at home, along with the cd-rom she put together for him the Christmas before last. What made this different, what made him feel so warm inside (and most def glad he was a boxers man) was that she had done this for him. It wasn't done for those whose names he would not even think tonight, it was for him, Ron Stoppable.
He had gone all out for her. The last time he had shown up for a date with her, all he could think of was ending the surprising, unasked for relationship in order to protect their friendship. He had simply combed his hair (time wasted) and put on a fresh jersey (considering Kim had 'jacked' one of the others at school.) Not the best impression he could have made, especially considering the outfit she had appeared in. (He secretly wished she had worn it again but could quite easily understand why she might not want to wear it again.)
He considered consulting Monique about what to wear, but somehow that didn't sit right with him. Sure, she had great fashion sense, but that wouldn't be him, it wouldn't be what Kim had fallen for. Still, shabby Smarty Mart cargos, dirty sneakers that had been white once and stretched out, threadbare red jerseys were not what he was going to arrive for their first official, real, non-electronically enhanced date wearing. His new clothes were still from Smarty Mart (all he could afford) but they fit, looked good and had a crisp, new look to them.
He had quickly foregone wearing a tie. Along with his 'going to dress like Ron' theme he instead picked out a navy shirt with a button-down collar and a nice pair of charcoal colored slacks, just slightly darker than his mission cargos with a touch more texture to the color. Knowing what he planned that evening, he skipped over his black Temple shoes (he could only take wearing them on Saturday mornings) instead picking out a nice pair of loafers.
He could tell the way Kim's eyes lit up as she descended the stairs he had done well. More than well, considering the warm kiss she had given him, right in front of her parents. It was only a hint of the kisses she intended to give him that evening, but it still almost burned his shoes right to the carpet of the foyer.
It wasn't until he put the car into drive, the ancient transmission spooling up like a high-dollar sewing machine, that he realized that no curfew had been set. He stewed on that for a little while, enjoying the warmth of his lady snuggled up against him in the big automobile.
"KP, did your dad tell you when you've got to be home tonight."
"Mm, mmm" she answered, almost dozing against him.
"Ya think we need to call, just to be sure? I don't want to spend another week grounded like that. It felt like we had maybe five minutes to call our own."
"Tell you what, we'll call at ten. If they don't say anything then, we'll be home by midnight." She settled back down on his shoulder, closing her eyes
Ron started deliberately taking wrong turns, wanting to prolong this moment as long as he could. All too soon they were pulling up at the restaurant. It wasn't the finest dining establishment in town, but it was no slouch either. One day he might have built up enough favors with the culinary masters of Middleton to secure them tables among the giants of the growing city's social elite. Today he had to go where he could afford. At least it was a real, sit-down affair with tablecloths and waiters with black ties and white aprons.
Just so long as Kim didn't up and order the surf and turf.
Kim leaned over the table, looking at him through the candle flame, resting her chin on her fists, smiling faintly as her eyelids drooped. "Ronnie, I can't get over how good you look, all dressed up. Who knew you could be such a spankin dresser."
"I am what I is." He said, not willing to take his eyes off her. She giggled lightly, recalling one of their missions when he had spoken that line. In moments both of them were laughing.
Kim took a packet of crackers and spread some soft cheese on them. "Rufus is going to be upset he missed this."
"I know. We made us a little deal. Saturday night dates are just the two of us, and I take him to Bueno Nacho as soon as they get back open."
"Ron, you go to Bueno Nacho anyway, as often as you can."
"Shhhhh, don't let the little guy know. He still thinks he's getting the better end of the deal. I still had to bribe him with a whole pack of Deli Deluxe American."
"Oh, so you didn't have to pull out the big guns?"
"Couldn't. He polished off the stilton and the Roquefort the other day. Let me tell you, you did not want to get anywhere near his box."
"I can imagine. So, big guy, now that you have me all to yourself, what do you plan to do with me?" She plopped down on her fists again, making dreamy eyes at him.
"Well, I kinda thought since we didn't get to do too much dancing last week at the prom, I'd try to make it up to you tonight."
As if on cue, the lights dimmed just a tad more. Moments later a small band took the stage, followed by a young woman with long, dark hair. Kim squinted at her, thinking she looked familiar but couldn't quite place her.
At least until she started singing.
"Ron, that isn't…"
"Sure is!"
They both sat and watched as the young woman launched into a song both of them were very familiar with. Kim had a hard time keeping herself from singing along as she launched into the chorus of Say the Word.
Kim hardly noticed as the waiter brought their food. The singer shifted into a slow ballad and many patrons found their way to the dance floor.
"Ronnie, come on, let's dance. I don't want to chance missing her sing the song from our prom."
"Patience, my love. I have it on good authority she will sing it near the end of her set. We've got plenty of time to enjoy our food."
Kim looked at her plate and back at Ron. In a flash she was grabbing his hand, pulling him out to the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, "I would rather have a cold meal and lots of time dancing with you." She whispered, giving him a quick peck on the lips before putting her chin on his shoulder. "Mmmm, Ronnie, why do I get the impression by this time next year I won't be able to do this?"
"What, dance? Why wouldn't you be able to dance."
"I mean this," she nuzzled his ear for effect, "Call it my woman's intuition, I somehow get the feeling you're a long way from being done growing."
"I hope I am. I don't want to get a hunchback from leaning down to kiss you."
"Aren't I worth it."
"Every day, KP, every day." He nuzzled her back, eliciting a slight purr."
A lot of dancers drifted away as the girl switched to more upbeat songs, so they retreated to their own table, picking at their still mostly warm food, every so often feeding each other some tidbit from their plates.
Another couple, perhaps a decade older made their way by, their meal finished. The woman was about Kim's height and would have had her build if she wasn't late in pregnancy. She smiled at them as they walked by. "Are you two celebrating an anniversary?"
"Um, no, actually this is our first date."
"Wow. I'd have guessed watching you two that you'd been together for years. Good luck." She said as she waddled away, supported by her young husband.
"We've skipped right to 'old-married.'" Kim said, watching the retreating couple. When she looked back at Ron, he was looking intently at the stage.
His eyes met the singer's. She nodded toward him and he took Kim's hand. "Come on, it's time."
The music started just as they reached the dance floor. It was still a much more upbeat song than the slow ballad had been earlier, but they didn't care. This was now and forever would be their song. Other dancers followed them onto the floor as they gravitated to the center, this time spending much more of Could It Be looking into each other's eyes, their bodies pressed close to each other. As the final chorus started they could hold back no longer. Their lips met and they danced, kissing each other just like it was the first time all over again.
As the song ended and the audience applauded they kept on dancing, reliving that moment at the Prom. Seeing them, the singer launched into an encore, reprising the song.
All too soon it was getting close to ten. Ron paid the bill, leaving a more than adequate tip and they walked to the lobby. Kim was grinning from ear to ear when she put away her Kimmunicator.
"That was Mom. I think you just made Daddy's decade having me call at ten, but they didn't give us a curfew." She leaned in close to whisper to him. "I have you all night if I want you." She purred.
"Booyah." He whispered back. "I tell you what, though, KP. We've got all the time in the world, especially with summer vacation coming in a few weeks. Why don't we keep me on your Dad's good side and have you home by midnight anyway."
"I like the way you think, Romance Boy. So, what is your plan for the next two hours?"
He took her hand, leading her out into the night. "Why don't we make it up as we go along."
"Spankin." She replied as he held the car door open for her.
Even though it was the end of May, Ron had to run the defroster for a few minutes before they left the parking lot, leaving just enough time to get Kim home by twelve.