A/N – I'm definitely at a crossroads (is that the right word? Or is it fork in the road) right now in my stories. There are two paths that I can take, and I'm not sure which one. As much as I enjoy writing fanfiction, if I take my first path that I had intended to do affairs may get too convoluted and too dark for my own liking, not to mention extremely long. There'd have to be at least one sequel, and I'm not sure if I'm ready go to into that territory yet, seeing as my writing really isn't that good.

The second path I can take also has some cons; it'd make my story very cliché, just like every other story on Kim Possible. It'd end shortly, and I'm not sure it would do you, the readers, justice. After all, I've said all along I've planned to take this into originality and I don't want to renege on my word. Well, in any case this chapter still stands the way it is, and since I didn't mark this story as Romance, I'm thinking about making a Ron/Bonnie pairing. Without further ado, here's the chapter:

If you told me now that everything would be all right, I'd tell you that you're a liar and a fool, a dreamer.

Chapter 9

I walked into Drakken's lair, expecting anything to happen.

"Well, well, looks like the loser's finally decided to come back. Who's to say we want you here now?" Charming, sweet Shego said that of course.

"Look, me and...her are done for good. In fact I'm quitting school, and, if Drakken lets me, I want to join you two in this business."

"Well, Stoppable, there is something you can do for me, and if you do it you can join us," Drakken said from behind me. "I've been doing extensive research over the past few months you were away, and I've developed a highly reactive mutagen from the chemicals that I—we—stole from the lab. Unfortunately, it's killed every lab rat I've planted it in, with the exception of one. The lone survivor became, how should I say this, genetically enhanced to the point where the smartest and most physically adept rats in the world can't even compete with. I've isolated a strand of the rat's genes and I've tried to match it with human DNA, resulting in a prototype chromosome that I've isolated. Apparently, any animal with this gene becomes a genetically superior organism that transcends all others of its species. Just imagine what this would do with a human, Stoppable! An army of super soldiers, capable of obliterating any opposition. Not only that, but I've added some of Shego's genes with this mutagen, resulting in some interesting results. I've now developed rats with seemingly supernatural powers, ranging from producing fire like Shego to telekinesis. I'm still experimenting, but I want you, Ronald Stoppable, to be my test subject. If I did this to a total stranger and he survived with the enhancements, well, you can imagine what he could do to us. You, however, would probably refrain from killing us. If you agree, step into the chamber over there attached to the molecular separator." Without hesitation, I did it. I didn't care that this could potentially kill me because I felt like I had nothing to live for. As I stood in the chamber and waited, I heard the door open again.

"Just testing your loyalty, Stoppable. I'm not going to test this out on you yet. It's still in its preliminary stages and I want to do some computerized simulations. However, there is something I want you to do."

"What?" I asked curiously, kind of relieved that Drakken was going to do more research before experimenting on me.

"I want you to go back to school."

"What??" Shego and I yelled simultaneously.

"Stoppable, you need to be in school to avoid suspicion, and with Possible probably still trailing after you trying to mend your relationship, that's the last thing I want. You need to go back and finish this year. Not just finish, but with good grades and in better physical shape than you are in now Stoppable. I need you to be ready when you come here. Now go back, but make sure you check in with me periodically so I can see you haven't reneged on your word and are showing progress." I left the lair silently, befuddled at Drakken's words. Deciding to just let it rest, I headed back to school, right in time for lunch. As I went in, I saw her sitting with…Josh Mankey? 'What the Hell?' I asked myself. You give her undying loyalty and she leaves you; he plays her like a fool and she still wants to be with him? More pangs of betrayal swept through me. Is it that unbelievable? Think about it; you're a loser, he's the most popular guy in school, not to mention gorgeous, something you're not. Do you honestly believe she cares about personality that much?

I took a table alone in the corner of the lunchroom with the food I had picked up from Bueno Nacho and just watched silently. They were laughing, as if nothing had happened, and I had never existed. Were you really expecting her to mourn for your loss when she could just go and get another guy in a matter of seconds? Josh got up and excused himself, going to get more food. I then saw Bonnie walking towards Kim with an irritated look on her face. Of course, I had no clue what the Hell they were saying but it seemed pretty harsh. Both looked extremely pissed after Bonnie left, and I think I may have seen a tear fall down Bonnie's cheek. Something was definitely wrong; Bonnie never shed tears, she was an ice queen.

I saw her leave the cafeteria, and decided to follow her. As she was walking down the hall, seemingly oblivious to all around her, she took out a bottle of what looked like to be pills. I did not like where this was going, especially when she then proceeded to walk into the girl's restroom. 'Don't even think about it Ron' a voice in my head said. I didn't, so I just walked into the restroom after her. She was sobbing, and by now I could tell those were sleeping pills, lethal in huge doses.

"Bonnie…" I whispered to her. I expected her to turn around, scream, and kick me in the balls sixteen times. Life's full of surprises though.

"Ron? What are you doing in a girl's restroom?" she asked quietly, without the unnerving confidence she seemed to always have. Did she just ask why I was here like it was normal? And did she just call me by my real name instead of 'loser' or 'freak'?

"I saw you…cry, and I decided to follow you, to make sure you didn't do anything that you'd…regret. Well, if you were going to do what I thought you were going to do, then I guess you couldn't really regret anything, but still, I mean, doing that will cause regrets and—"

"Ron, you're giving me a headache."

"Sorry, I just can't control myself at times. I guess I'm just onstoppable." That was lame Ron. Yea, it did sound pretty lame, but for the first time in my life I saw Bonnie break a smile at me.

"You don't understand," she said sadly. "I can't go on like this. Everyone thinks I'm shallow, even deep down, and no one even tries to get to know the real me. My grades are starting to fall, and my mom is giving me Hell for it. And just now, Kim told me she got me off the cheerleading team. I can't believe she could and would do that to me. I guess that's just because everyone, including coach, likes her so much. And worst of all, I have to face this all alone; I don't have any true friends who will stick by me. I'll be honest with you, Stoppable; I've always been most jealous of Kim because no matter what happened, at least she had you." Wow, I really wasn't expecting this emotional outpour. She must be really down. You have to help her Ron; put the past insults behind you.

"Well, I'm not really talking with Kim anymore." Stunned look. "In fact, I don't even want anything to do with her right now. But listen Bonnie, don't do this to yourself. You have a lot to live for; you're talented and…beautiful. You can be the best in the world. Don't do this to yourself; half the girls in this school would do anything to switch places with you."

"Do you really think so?"

"I know so, and I also know that you have no deep reason to kill yourself. I want you to know that—"

"Ronald, uh, what are you doing in the girls restroom?" a voice interrupted. It was Monique. 'Oh God, you've really done it now Ron.' "And with Bonnie nonetheless?" She spat out the word Bonnie like it was virulent. "I, um, uh, came in here on accident. Sorry about that ladies," I said, abashed and started to leave before Bonnie grabbed my hand. She made it seem accidental, but I felt a piece of paper there. As I walked out, I opened it up.

Ron, can I talk to you after school? I really think it's helping my depression. Here's my home and cell number.

--Bonnie

True to her word, her cell and home number were on the bottom of the paper. I didn't know why I was going to do it, except that I felt like that I too could benefit from this.

I called Bonnie at six that night, and we talked for three hours. The time just flew by, and I started feeling better about my situation, even though it still felt pretty dreary. I realized I had to go and told her.

"Ron, can you pick me up tomorrow and take me to school? I want to talk to you in person."

"Sure thing, Bonnie, see you then," I said, hanging up the phone. I went to bed that night and, like I've been doing the past few days, relived Kim's confession in my nightmares.

The next day

I woke up extra early, not that I got much relaxation in my sleep nowadays anyway. When I arrived at Bonnie's house, I realized I was a full ten minutes early. To my surprise, she was already fully dressed and waiting outside. I helped her get into my car, and we sped off towards school, on track to being quite early for once.

"Ron, did you tell Kim about…us?"

"I-I'm really not talking to her anymore," I said with extreme sadness.

"Oh, you still haven't made up with her?"

"It's really not something I'm ready to talk about yet," She quickly changed the subject; I never realized how perceptive she was. I guess that's what made her so good at manipulation, the fact that she could read people and really push their buttons.

"You're a really great guy, you know that?" Did Bonnie just call me a great guy?

"Th-th-thanks. You're a good person too."

"And I just want to tell you that I'm sorry about…everything. All of the insults, the humiliation I've caused you. If I could take them back I would in an instant. I'm really sorry. It's just that, I never knew you nor ever took the time to know you because…" It's because you're a loser. "…because I was a shallow idiot. Thank you for opening my eyes, and showing me the things that really matter." I sat there, stunned. Was this really Bonnie? "I know sorry isn't going to take back anything, but…I have to at least try, after all you've done for me."

"I really think you're giving me too much credit. All I did was give you comfort and someone to talk to; you have plenty of people willing to do that." She was so popular, that it had to be true right?

"No, that's where you're wrong. Like I said yesterday, I really don't have any real friends, just people who hang around with me for popularity. Now I see why Kim's so good at everything; she had you behind her, and, with your support, she truly did believe she could do anything." She never even thanked you for it before did she? Bonnie's definitely perceptive.

"Wow, I really want to accept all your praise but…I don't think I deserve it. I haven't really done anything that amazing for you…" Not anything you haven't done for her on a daily basis since preschool eh?

"Don't you understand? You saved my life! I was going to kill myself that day in the girl's restroom. Your presence alone prevented me from committing suicide right there and then, and I had planned to go home and do it, but you called me, and you talked to me and listened to me. That's more than anyone's done for me my entire life. You saved my life, Ronald Stoppable, twice, but even more than that you gave it new meaning." Did you really do all that? Was it really that valuable? Those were things that she would take for granted weren't they? I had been wrong about Bonnie; she wasn't shallow, just insecure and confused about life. I knew I was going to stand by her right there and then.

"I-I-I don't know what to say. I've never seen you…so open before."

"Well, I don't think I've ever opened up this much to…anyone before. All the relationships and friendships I've been in were superficial, and never went any deeper."

"I'm really sorry. I know how it feels to be alone in this world, to feel helpless. When you're called a loser everyday, it gets to you."

"Oh God, I'm so sorry…I never truly realized just how much of a bitch I've been to you until now. It goes deep, doesn't it?" I could only nod. "You know, I could learn a lot from you. Do you mind if we could, you know, hang out after school and stuff more often? I mean, you're apparently having troubles with Kim right now, and I could be around until you mend them. Please, I really want to know you. I know we probably can't ever be friends, not after all that I've done, but at least let me get to know you?" Yea, she has caused you a lot of grief Ronny. Everyone deserves a second chance though.

"S-s-sure, of—of course. Everyone wants to learn from the Ron-master." She giggled at the goofy grin I gave her right as we arrived at school.

"By the way, you definitely have buffed up," she said, winking. I blushed and did my best to hide it, but I'm sure she saw it. "Walk me to class?"

"Sure thing, Bonbon," I said as we started towards her first period class, which was ironically the same class as mine.

"So…can I talk to you after school?"

"Sure thing."

"In person?" Was she just asking me to do something with her in person outside of school? Man, I never knew Bonnie could be so…friendly.

"Yea, of, of course. We'll go to Bueno Nacho." The words stung me; that's where she betrayed you. It was too late to take it back now though.

"Thanks, I'll meet you by your car after school." You can learn from her too, Ron. She's a lot smarter than she lets on. Maybe she can help me work out some of my own issues. Keep faith, Ron. It's all you have left.

After School

I went straight to my car at the final bell and waited. Five minutes later I saw Bonnie walk out with a bunch of her buddies. When she saw me, she kind of hesitated before sending her friends on. Of course, I mean the word "friends" here quite loosely. There are so many levels of friendship, that anywhere from acquaintance to love is considered friendship to me. As her friends climbed out of view, she walked over. I guess she's still really insecure about hanging with you Ronny. Oh well, I shouldn't have expected too much anyway.

"Hey, Ron," she said cheerily to me.

"Hey, Bon," I replied, opening the door for her and then getting into my car myself. "Today, I'm going to show you the Ron Stoppable special Naco," I said to her, flashing her a shy smile.

"Thanks for doing this," she said quietly. "I'm really sorry about avoiding you when my friends were around." Wow, she was very perceptive. I can't believe she recognized that so quickly; she probably would have never recognized it.

"It's okay. I mean, it's not like we're best friends all of a sudden." We went on talking about random topics after that before arriving at Bueno Nacho. God, it hurt just looking at this place; this is where my heart shattered, where sixteen years of friendship ended. I wasn't going to show this though, not with Bonnie around. I was here to comfort and listen to her, not the other way around. We went inside and ordered our food, and took a booth. I, of course, being my charming self showed her the Naco, which she just chuckled at.

"Bonnie, why do you care about what other people think about you?" You had to ask that question didn't you Ronny? Instead of seeming indignant, Bonnie just lifted her head and looked into my eyes.

"I don't…know really. I guess it's the way I was raised. My mom's incredibly rich, and I guess she just sort of gave off the vibe that image was everything. I've stuck with it for so long and it just…seemed so right." Yes, lots of things that seem right are wrong aren't they?

"You know what I think? I'd bet you'd be happier if you didn't try so hard. I mean, when you put on all that makeup and act so superior, it just makes you seem…well, fake. I think it scares people at times. You shouldn't really care what strangers and fair-weathered friends think about you; you should care about what your true and loyal friends think of you because it's they who will stand by your side in the darkest hours. I'm sure you'd have a lot of good friends if you'd only act more down-to-earth and stopped trying so hard."

"Really? Do you really think people would like me more?"

"Of course, I mean, I don't know why you even need to try so hard. You're beautiful, probably the prettiest girl in this whole entire school. Hell, maybe even all of Middleton." I saw her smile at that. "Not only that, but you're smart and perceptive. I would have never known that if you hadn't acted more down-to-earth. It's not too late to change; it's never too late to change for the better."

"So you think people would like…me...for who I am?"

"Listen, even after all your insults I still feel drawn to you because now I know who you truly are. And you know what? You're great." She gave the biggest smile I've ever seen her give.

"I-I-I don't know what to say. You've made me feel so much better. I can't believe I even contemplated suicide now. God, thank you so much Ron. You've given me a new meaning to life."

"I'm just glad you recognized it Bonnie, before it was too late." Well, one case solved. Now all I need to do is find a way to alleviate my own pain, though I have to admit talking to Bonnie has taken my mind off of her pretty well. But since she didn't need me anymore, I guess it wouldn't really matter.

"Ummm…can you take me to school tomorrow again? I…really enjoy talking to you. I understand if you don't want to, since I'm not in danger of anything now but—"

"I'll be there at seven; I enjoyed talking to you too." Wow, she has changed.

"Really? Thank you so much. By the way, when you and Kim get back together…can we still hang out and stuff?" That name sent shivers through me.

"To be honest, I don't think Kim and I will get back together." She gave me a stunned look.

"Oh God, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize—I'm just so sorry. How, how could anything destroy you two? You've been together for years, inseparable." Yes, we were inseparable, but relationships can't work if they only go one way.

"Sometimes, some wounds go too deep to ever truly heal." She didn't pry any further, which I was thankful for.

"It's her loss, Ron. Anyone who loses someone as loyal as you…"

"Thanks Bonnie. I really needed to hear appreciation from someone."

"Oh man, I have to go, but I'll take everything you said to heart. You're a really nice guy, and I feel like crap when I think of the things I said and did to you. I'm just glad you forgave me enough to talk to me. Thanks," she said, standing up, and to my surprise, giving me a hug. It felt so nice in her embrace, which lasted for around ten seconds before she stopped, looking embarrassed. We returned to my car, and she turned on the radio, probably looking for some respite from talking.

Bonnie's POV

I got into Ron's car and turned on the radio, deciding that I needed some time to gather my thoughts. He was such a good person; I can't believe Kim would do anything to endanger their relationship. Didn't she realize just how much she was losing? 'Guess not,' I told myself. I can't believe I've been so much of a bitch to him these past few years. If he hadn't been so nice, I would have never met him, nor even have the chance to have lived another day. There's something about him that sets him apart from everyone else, and I really want to find out what it is. I hope we can be friends and put the past behind us because I want to get to know the real Ronald Stoppable, and to repay his kindness if I can. A song began to play in the car on the soft rock station I was listening to; it seemed so fitting and maybe a sign of things to come.

Ohhhh, oh, oh, oh, ohhh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.

Now that I think about it, Ron never walked in front of or side by side with Kim. He was always seemingly behind her, as if making sure she'd be all right. Not only that, but I don't think anyone ever remembered Ron the way they'd remember Kim. She had always been the hero, the one who got all the glory. I knew she couldn't do it without Ron though; just talking to him has made me feel better. Just imagine how nice he made Kim, his best friend, feel.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strain.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

'That's another thing about Ron,' I said to myself. He always seemed to have a smile for the darkest of situations; he even had a smile for a bitch like me, despite all I've done.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the Wind Beneath My Wings.

Yes, Ron, you are my hero. In the past two days of talking with you, I've felt like I could do anything now. It's as if all the burdens laid on me over the years have just flown away, as if all my bottled up anger and resentment melted.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

God, Ron, I don't know how I can tell you just how much you've helped me. I told you that you saved my life, but it went far deeper than that. You gave me meaning to my new one, and without you I would have been nothing.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the Wind Beneath My Wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the Wind Beneath My Wings,
'cause you are the Wind Beneath My Wings.

Ron, I just wish I could be like you: kind, caring, and loyal. You're the best friend any person could have, and I want people thinking that I can be a great friend too.

Oh, the Wind Beneath My Wings.
You, you, you, you are the Wind Beneath My Wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the Wind Beneath My Wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the Wind Beneath My Wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the Wind Beneath My Wings...

Thank God for you, Ronald Stoppable. I felt a little teardrop fall from my eyes.

Additional A/N—This is a revised version of my Chapter 9. I decided to read my own fic and I discovered that Ron said Bon and Bon said Ron a lot, which might have annoyed a lot of you.