A/N – I forgot all about Rufus -- Just pretend he was in the story the whole time. Things that are written like this 'Like this' are characters talking to themselves in their minds. Now w/o further ado, the story.

Chapter 7

I walked into Bueno Nacho with Kim, and I immediately led her to the booth we used to always sit in. Ah, memories, sweet, sweet memories.

"KP, remember the first time we came here with our parents when we were little? We were five at the time. I think I've had a crush on you ever since then because the first time we came here I tried to act really mature and smooth, like they did in the movies." I let out a little chuckle. "I helped you into your seat and then spilled nacho cheese all over you." She let out a small smile but kept quiet, which I found odd; I had expected her to bring up some other fond memories. Maybe she was just having a bad day. I decided to bring up some other fond moments we'd had here.

"Remember the time we came here after watching a romance movie with your parents and I asked your dad for permission to marry you? Or the first Naco I ever made? I grossed you out at first didn't I? Oh yea, and the time where--"

"Ron," Kim said quietly, breaking me off. For some reason she looked sad, as if she was about to cry.

"KP, is everything okay? What's wrong? Is it me?"

"You didn't do anything wrong, Ron," she rasped softly. "It's not you, it's me." 'Why do I not like where this is going?' I asked myself.

Kim's POV

"…yea, and the time where—" I had to break him off now. If I let him go on, I wouldn't be able to find the strength to tell him the truth anymore.

"Ron," I whispered, feeling a wave of nausea creeping over my body. I felt so rotten.

"KP, is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?" 'No Ron, you didn't. You've been the most loyal and loving boyfriend any girl could have, always there at my side when I needed you; so why can't I return your feelings?'

"You didn't do anything wrong, Ron. It's not you, it's me." 'How can you just take away everything from him? Haven't you seen the happiness in his eyes? The trust? Don't you remember how sad he looked before you came back to him? Why do you do this to him?'

"It's us, isn't it?" Ron asked.

I could only slightly nod, averting my eyes from his. "I-I-I don't love you." 'How could you say that? He loves you more than life itself. He took you back in even after you abandoned him, and he finally trusted you enough again to give his heart to you. Is this how you repay him?' Tears started to stream down my face.

"Come on, Kim. I'll take you home," he said emotionlessly as he got up and headed towards his car. I found the energy to follow him, and as I entered his car I stole a glance at him. 'You see what you did to him now? Did you see his face?' It was stained with quiet tears rolling down his cheeks. 'That's not even the worst part is it? Have you ever seen such hurt and betrayal in anyone's eyes before?' I couldn't stand it anymore; I broke down sobbing, wet tears soaking my face. Ron still hadn't said anything, and I knew I couldn't keep quiet, not after all I did.

"Ron," I muttered through choking tears. "I-I-I'm so sorry…" 'Is that the best you can do? I'm sorry? He comforts you after you've experienced a tragic heartbreak and, despite all of your disloyalties, takes you back in, and all you can say is I'm sorry He followed you unhesitatingly on dangerous missions and risked his life for you numerous times and all you can say is I'm sorry?He gave you sixteen years of invaluable emotional support and rarely complained about your lack of loyalty and all you can say is I'm sorry? He gave you his heart and soul and you shattered it, and all you can say is I'm sorry?' The car stopped; I realized that we had already arrived back at my house.

"Ron, if there is anything I can do—" Those words sounded so pointless, even to me.

"Kim, I said I'd take you home. Now get out and never come back." Those words sounded so dead, so devoid of emotion. I turned my head to get one last look at him. He seemed like a statue, never moving nor changing facial expressions, a shell of his real self it seemed like. I know I couldn't even comprehend a fraction of the pain he was going through at the moment, so I stepped out of his car and went inside sobbing. 'He gave you his heart and soul and you shattered it, and all you can say is I'm sorry?'

A/N -- Phew, I finally got that chapter out. Ok, those are the basic seven chapters I wanted to write these few days in order to set the stage. I've got a vague idea of where this story is headed, and I'd really appreciate some new ideas.