Disclaimer: I don't own Kim Possible; this is for fun. How many ways can I say it?

-

Ronald arrived at school with Justine at his side. His mood was not the best in the world. "I can't believe that I did not manage my supplies better than I did. It is truly embarrassing."

"It is not like the world is ending. You have been distracted by other matters, also. How many times have I told you to focus on one project at a time? You really do need to check your priorities, Ronald."

Ronald sighed, "You, perhaps, are correct. I do have a few more irons than normal in the fire. Things will settle down now some though. Negotiations have been concluded for my quantum computer. Your share will be deposited into your accounts."

"May I ask who purchased it?"

"Certainly, Global Justice offered the most comprehensive package. I am sure that they will share it with certain key allies of theirs with less than stellar security. Plans, if not working units will be stolen within the year and within seven years it should be in the hands, of if not the public, then a large number of enthusiasts."

Justine shook her head, "Your distribution method for disseminating new technology never ceases to amaze me in its complexity."

"I merely supply the product to stage one; the rest was already in place before we were born. It is a sad state of the world, but one that is fully accepted by those in control. So, now that the coffers are full again, what do I have to look forward from you, my dear?"

Justine smiled a very rare smile. "I think perhaps a vapor manipulation device, if not that, then a Tesliatic energy converter."

Ron nodded, "Both very worthwhile devices indeed." Ron stopped and looked at a specific table when he entered the cafeteria. "If you will excuse me?"

Justine nodded, "Yes, go continue your experiment, and stoke the fire that you are playing with."

Ron bowed to her and made his way to the Trio's table. "Good morning ladies, I hope that the evening treated you well, for it is hard to tell if any of you got beauty sleep, since all three of you started out so lovely to begin with."

All three girls blushed to some extent. Bonnie chided herself for allowing Ronald's words to get to her, but she couldn't help it. Kim found the former anger at the boy melt away with the increasing heat of her blush. Tara just blushed and looked away demurely.

"If you are ready, Miss Starling, then we shall away to your class."

Tara glanced around, and withered at the baleful glare of Kim. "Actually, Ronald, I need to make some changes to my homework, but I would appreciate it if you could escort Kim to her class."

"Not a problem at all, my dear, not a problem at all." Ronald turned to Kim and nodded his head, "Miss Possible, shall we away, to ensure prompt arrival at our designated places of learning."

Kim stood and nodded; she turned to Tara and smiled. It would be difficult to see to the casual observer, but Justine saw a vulpine smile appear on Ronald's face.

-

After classes, Ronald and Justine found Vinnie and Big Mike. Ron smiled as he approached the pair. "Mister Vincetti, Mister Mikowski, a pleasure to see you again. I trust that you are ready to proceed with our arrangement to ensure your scholastic achievement."

Big Mike looked around confusedly. Vinnie looked up at his friend, "What's the matter?"

"I'm looking for Dad. He said Mister Mikowski."

Vinnie grinned and fought a laugh, "He meant you. Mister Stoppable is a businessman and treats us with respect, just as we treat him with respect. We'se all gentlemen here, with the exception of Miss Flanners, whose is a lady of high regard."

Ron nodded, "Very well put Vincent, very well put. So have you gentlemen been doing well in your classes so far this scholastic year?"

"I have been doing okay, but it is early, and the teachers have yet to get to the hard stuff. Mainly we are just in review, and I get it pretty well," shrugged Vinnie.

"Yeah, even in math they haven't started the x equals stuff yet. That is when it gets hard."

Ron's hands were together, his thumbs under his chin and forefingers at his lips. "Yes, that can be difficult. I will endeavor to show you ways to simplify the procedures so that you can easily pass the classes that you have."

"That would be so cool."

"Yes, cool… That is never a word that I thought would coincide with any actions of mine. Something else that I would like to talk to you gentlemen about is your extra-curricular activities."

Vinnie and Big Mike nervously glanced at each other. "I assure you that what you have heard is stretched truth to out and out falsehoods…"

Ron chuckled, "I meant your school based extra-curricular activities, such as sports, chess, debate, science club, and the ilk."

"Oh, yeah, those… Well, we aren't really joiners."

"I understand, gentlemen. I myself am not a joiner either, but the connections provided can outweigh personal proclivities to the counter. Justine and myself are both active in the Science Club. I enjoy a good game of Chess from time to time also, thought I do prefer Go."

"So, you are saying that we should join something?"

Ron nodded, "Quite so, I do believe with your expert elocution that Speech or Debate would be a natural fit. It would also allow you to explore careers that use what you are good in. While, Michael, I believe that something more physical would be advantageous."

"I don't want to play Football."

Ron looked quizzically at the pair. Vinnie spoke up, "When we were younger, Mike played football in Pee Wee League. He had a problem with the plays and the coach kept yelling at him for it. I don't think that I have seen a full game on TV since then."

"Ah, understandable, there are other sports though that would make even better use of your size and help hone your abilities, while helping to curtail some of your more aggressive traits outside of it. Self-discipline can be of great use, my statuesque friend."

"Huh?"

"I thinks that he wants to see if you would fight."

"Not just fight, but engage in a tradition so ancient that it is arguably the oldest of sports, wrestling."

"Wrestling? COOL! Steel Toe rocks hard!"

Ron chuckled, "While I too appreciate the endeavors of the costumed characters of the GWA, I mean true wrestling. From what I have heard the schools program is trying to rebuild, and even as a seventh grader I am sure that with your natural acumen you would be a clinch for a spot on the team."

"I guess so; Dad would love it if I am in a sport."

"And star athletes are given some leeway in their behavior. Plus the fact that I am your tutor and they will not have to worry about any failure of classes should raise your stock."

"Can Vinnie be my manager?"

"Mike, this type of wrestling doesn't have managers. This is like Olympic stuff. But, I will be in the front row of all of the matches."

"Alright, I guess that would be okay."

"Plus, Vincent, the Speech Club also does the announcement at the matches. If you were to join it, then I am sure that at least some time you would be even closer than the front row."

Vinnie's eyes grew in size. "I think that I have a club to join."

"They meet tomorrow and wrestling practice is tomorrow as well. So, gentlemen, if you need no assistance in the school area, I will see you tomorrow to help facilitate your entry into your chosen activities."

-

Upon leaving the two boys, Ronald and Justine headed towards the doors of the school. "Ronald, I know that you see those two as valuable pieces to a plan, but why take so much interest in them?"

"Everyone with visions of grandeur needs minions. I am ensuring that I use homegrown talents that are thankful to me for what they have. Loyalty begins as thanks and then grows. By the time that I have true use for their services, they will trust me unconditionally."

"And is that how you see me?"

"Not at all, we are equals. You and I are a combined pair; I trust you and you have my loyalty. If not for you, I shudder to think of what I would be like today. Plus you keep me grounded and point out all problems that you see in my plans, thereby making them better." Ronald stopped and turned Justine to face him. "Know that I would sacrifice all that I have and am, but for one thing."

"And that thing is me? Dear, sweet Ronald, you hold sentimentality in too high of a regard. I am nothing special. Do not…"

Ron clamped his hand over her mouth. "Do not repeat to me anything that loathsome base cur said to you. Do you hear me? He is a liar and reprobate and has yet to suffer for his actions, much less their effects. The more that you believe what he said the more I lose the only friend that I have known. You know that I will never allow that to happen. You are a beautiful woman, Justine, plus intelligent, insightful, and kind."

Justine slowly removed Ronald's hand from her mouth. "And you will keep telling me that until I believe it, correct?"

"A hundred times more than the lies that he told you. What he did…" Ronald shuddered and hit the wall next to him.

Justine lightly touched Ron's chest over his heart. "Ronald, it will take time, how long I do now know. Now, if you will excuse me, Aunt Sarah will be waiting for me."

Ron nodded slowly, "Call me when you get through with your appointment."

"I will Ronald. I will see you tomorrow."

Ron watched as she walked through the doors and to the waiting truck of her aunt. Ron sighed and shook his head slowly as he turned and headed for his locker. As he rounded the corner, he came upon a surprised redhead.

"Miss Possible, you surprised me, though I think it may have been mutual."

Kim had a chagrined smile on her face. "Yeah, I was looking for you. Tara said that you were tutoring someone on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I checked the library and the cafeteria, but you weren't there. I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your convo with her, but I didn't want to lose you since I found you, and…"

"It is quite alright, Miss Possible, Justine and I always watch what we say in public. I am sure that you have drawn some conjectures from what you have heard, but you are probably no where near being close enough to understand the complete situation." Ron paused and looked into her emerald green eyes. "May I inquire to why you were looking for me?"

Kim had to forcibly force herself from looking into those chocolate brown eyes. With a shake of her hair she said, "Oh, about the mall crawl on Saturday. I know that you are going because of Tara, but I would like to make sure that you know that you are not supposed to spend all of your time with her."

Ronald smiled at her, "Do not worry, Miss Possible, I understand that in a group, one spends time with all that are interested. I will not monopolize Miss Starling's time; that is the reason that I asked for Justine to come along. I will not prevent you from you proclivities."

"That's good… Wait, I mean, well, I wouldn't mind if we spent some time together," Kim mumbled.

"Excuse me, I don't believe that I heard that," Ron said.

"I wouldn't mind spending time with you at the Mall."

"Then I shall do that, Miss Possible. Though right now, I am afraid that I must leave, or keep my mother waiting longer than I should." Ron nodded to her and walked around her to his locker.

Kim just watched him at his locker and smiled dreamily. As he passed her again, he nodded and spoke, "Good day, Miss Possible."

As Kim watched him approach the door, she heard herself shout out, "Call me Kim!"

She saw Ronald turn and smile, "And call me, Ronald." He walked out into the light of the day and was entering into a late model mini-van when she left the building.