AN: Don't own KP. Sorry about the long wait on this folks. Saturday will come in Chapter 3 (will be a bit shorter) and Sunday (race day, pure action and a bit more) in Chapter 4 which I will post as my muse allows. Might have a Chapter 5/Epilogue depending on the ending I choose to use. As for everyone guessing who the mystery rider is you may be right... But, if not for a few choice phrases I used in Chapter 1 it could have been another female that looks at Ron as the sidekick and a loser... eh, I flipped a coin and Bob Bon lost. But don't assume this is a triangle, squares are more fun than they seem. Thanks for the reads and reviews and please feel free to do it for this chapter as well!
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Chapter 2: A Ghost In The Night
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"Ron are you sure it was a female voice?" Kim asked in a slightly sharper voice than normal, not noticing the red colour forming in her cheeks.
"Yeah, it was female KP... I had this strange feeling like I had heard it before but you know these helmets, everything gets muffled, she sounded cute though." Ron failed to notice the rapid spread of red on Kim's face as he gathered his books for first class. He did notice her tone though... "Amp down, we'll find out who it is on Sunday at 11 am, I for one will forget about it until then." He gave her a trademark Stoppable devil-may-care grin.
Kim was flustered and unconvinced, "Given what our enemies have done in the past to get at us I don't think we should take this lightly... and Ron... she sounded cute!"
Ron turned to face Kim and proceeded to explain, "KP, when I was learning to ride challenges like this were offered and accepted everyday, kind of like a test of honour... don't go reading something else in that just isn't there. And as for the woman sounding cute, she did... had one of those cute voices."
Why does he have to be so... so... accepting! This is another woman we are talking about and he thinks she sounds CUTE! Kim's thought processes stopped cold at that point as her mind caught up with her internal rant. I'm jellin' on Ron... friend not boyfriend, friend not boyfriend.
Kim had a new mantra.
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The mantra was interrupted by the approach of Bonnie, "Loser! I still don't see how you got one of those Limited Edition Hayabusas, my cousin has been trying for 6 months and still can't, what makes a spaz like you so special?"
"Can't tell you Bon Bon, I just walked in and said I wanted a new Hayabusa... must have been a language barrier thing because I ended up with my Ghost." Ron couldn't tell her the full story. It seems that Yamanuchi is known of in the power circles of Japan in a slight way due to certain functions it performs. When the leaders of the conglomerate that controls Suzuki found out he wanted a Hayabusa to take home... and to this day Ron did not know how they found out about him or that specific information... he had been sold a Limited Edition Hayabusa. It's all in knowing the right people Bon Bon.
"Only a complete loser like you would give a bike like that the name Ghost." Bonnie huffed.
"I dunno Bon Bon, get behind me in that Merc of yours on the Interstate some day and I'll show you why I named it Ghost." Ron gave her an evil grin. For a moment even Kim was taken aback, after the discussion in her kitchen that morning she had an inkling of what Ron would do.
"Grrrrr... Loser, Kim you stay here any longer with this and you'll be looking for a new reputation!" Bonnie huffed again and took off.
Kim looked around and saw how Bonnie was far from the truth, a lot of the women were looking at Ron, he now had his leather jacket off and was in just a white T-shirt and his leather racing pants. That T-shirt looks painted on him, how dare they all stare at him, that's my job! Oh my goddd... friend not boyfriend, friend not boyfriend! Kim could not stop herself from blushing all shades of red.
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"Hey Ron, Kim. Sorry, but I couldn't help hearing earlier, what's going on Sunday at 11 am if I might ask?" Tara asked as she came up to the duo.
"Hi Tara," Kim greeted her fellow cheerleader, "Speedy here has track time rented at Lowerton Raceway and some woman on a big black sport bike came up and challenged him this morning." Kim always suspected that Tara King saw almost as much potential in Ron as she did, but she knew Tara also saw Ron as boyfriend material.
"Cool! Could I come too? I know my Yamaha FZ6 can't hold a candle to that rocket you ride but I'd like to get some pointers from you, if you are willing that is." Tara added with a blush.
"Tara, you ride?" Ron was astonished, he never knew that Tara even had an interest in such things.
"Yeah, I had just gotten into riding a bit back in my old home town when we moved, I finally convinced my folks to let me start again here. I had a bunch of money saved so I got the Yamaha because it was a good mid range bike and easy to handle, bought a good helmet and some leathers... although I must admit none are as nice as yours Ron... I'm going to start riding to school next week, my course just finished last night." Tara admitted proudly.
Ron had a vision of Tara in racing leathers, Uma Thurman in 'Kill Bill' looked plain in comparison. His eyes glazed instantly. "Sure Tara, meet us at the track at 11 am on Sunday and I'll show you what I can. I have to say that I admire the fact that you bought a manageable bike, I tried a lot of bikes before I settled on my Ghost, most people just go out and buy the biggest baddest bike they can get and can't handle it."
Kim couldn't believe what she was hearing, it was like everyone was going two-wheel crazy around her. It must be the leathers, making all the girls want Ron, but why does that bother me so much?
"Thanks Ron, that means a lot to me coming from you," Tara smiled and looked into his soft brown eyes, "Will you be racing whomever this woman is on that black bike?"
"Yep, as soon as she shows up on Sunday we go at it, all out race." Ron admitted. He directed the two women to start walking towards class, his books now in his arms.
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"If I remember what I have read correctly your bike is limited to the mid 180 mph range, isn't it?" Tara asked as they walked.
"That's what it'll do at factory specs, before I brought mine home from Japan I had the limiter bypassed and some better exhaust and intake parts put on, she should do better than 200 flat out if I could find enough space on a calm enough day... crosswinds suck." Ron admitted and at once realized he may have said too much due to the grimace now forming on Kim's face. Why do I keep giving out all this info? All it seems to do is get me in trouble... except with Tara. Ron noticed Tara had a very happy look on her face.
"Woah, how fast have you had her so far?" Tara asked, she really enjoyed riding and having someone so in tune with it like Ron around was awesome.
"Yeah Speedy, how fast?" Kim said with a growl. I called him a maniacal crotch rocket jockey this morning, I may have been charitable!
Ron was caught. Tara deserved an answer, heck she was the only one there who could relate, but KP was gonna freak... Oh well, I've had a rich and full life... "Well just after I got back from Japan, I took her out on the interstate at around am on a Sunday and wound it all the way out... I didn't have time to look at the speedo much but the last glance I had showed 165 mph before I had to back down for a corner."
"Ron, what does that feel like?" Tara asked in complete shock, she had never known anyone who had been that fast on a bike.
At that moment though Ron Stoppable was not in any way concerned with Tara. Kim had growled and now wore a look that could smash foot thick steel armor plate.
"Umm, KP we have to get to class." Ron looked back at his friend as he scratched the back of his neck.
Kim could never remember being so mad at Ron before... That was just plain reckless! And judging by what he said this morning he does it almost every day! "Ron, I really did not need to hear that, I have saved your life as you have saved mine on countless missions and you are going out and risking your neck for a... a... THRILL?"
"It's not a thrill kind of thing, I always found it to be very spiritual, it's pure freedom. Since Ron is obviously good at it I don't see what the problem is." Tara jumped in glaring right back at Kim. How dare she attack Ron like that over something that brings him joy.
Kim promptly brushed between Ron and Tara and with another loud growl made her way to her first class.
Tara shrugged and turned to a stunned Ron, "I know it's supposed to rain most of the day tomorrow and clear off later, wanna get together and talk... riding I mean, I'd like to help you get your bike ready for Sunday. Maybe you could show me a few things on maintenance too?" And if I am lucky we'll talk about a lot more than bikes!
As they resumed moving down the hall Ron turned to Tara, "Sure, come over around 1 in the afternoon and we'll give the Ghost a going over, get your folks to drop you off and I'll give you a ride home in the truck. Here's my class, see you later in Chem?"
"You bet Ron! Hopefully Kim will have cooled by the time you meet up with her in English." Tara offered.
Ron shrugged and went on to History. "One can only hope."
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The rest of the morning passed relatively well for Ron, and as he made his way towards his English class he was feeling pretty good. The attention Tara had shown him had not gone unnoticed. Ron actually liked Tara quite a bit, she had always shown him kindness and affection and lately she seemed more willing to step around Bonnie to show it. He walked through the door and saw Kim sitting in her usual seat. Kim was another issue, Ron knew that she didn't approve of his new hobby at all, seemingly due to the danger factor involved... Isn't that MY decision to make? Concern is one thing but KP is acting like she doesn't trust my judgment. What is up with her, she's blushing like crazy every time she looks at me, suddenly more concerned about my safety than normal or even healthy... wait... is she crushing on me? ... naaw! Not KP.
Ron walked in and took his usual seat next to Kim. She looked a bit more sociable than she had a few classes ago.
"Hi KP, still mad at me?" He asked as innocently as he could.
"Lets just say I'm not pleased with you right now, but Ron all of this stuff surrounding you riding that motorcycle is just hard to get my head around, I'm sorry for blowing up on you in front of Tara in the hall earlier."
"That's completely ok Kim, I know the past few months has been a bit much to digest, that's why I set up Sunday, so everyone I cherish in my life can see why I love it, why I do what I do now." Ron confided.
"I still feel bad about how I reacted... Bueno Nacho after school, my treat?" Kim offered.
"Sounds perfect KP, we can talk more about this then." Ron accepted with a smile as class began.
Kim sat beside her best friend and tried to concentrate on the class. She had ended her last relationship, with Josh Mankey, just a month ago as he was always so distant and unaffectionate, having Ron as her best friend allowed her to weather these personal storms with a minimum of drama. Ron was always open and caring with her, always there to cheer her up at the drop of a hat. Her mind sorted through what Ron had said... He loves riding that much? 'Why I do what I do now,' such a simple short phrase, but he said so much in that. Whatever he gets from riding must make him feel good, I never get that out of driving fast, it always makes me nervous... something to talk over with him later. Kim thought as she refocused on the class, everything could wait until later.
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Lunch was the usual test of intestinal fortitude to Ron, he ate alone enjoying the solitude as he thought of the actions of those around him. He had always felt a special bond with Kim, heck he had wanted to ask her out before but she was always with this or that guy. Could a relationship with Kim really work? Since his return from Japan and him introducing his new hobby to her Kim had been distant, he knew she suspected more had happened besides his new hobby, skills had slipped out during battles with various villains... but you swore on your honour to never tell another living soul! He hated keeping Kim out of the loop on part of his life, it had never happened before, even if she had dismissed what he said he had told her about everything. Tara King was another matter altogether... Even as dim as I am around women I realize Tara has a thing for me and she definitely wants to make a move. Ron knew that being in the garage with her all afternoon tomorrow would be interesting to say the least... I know we will be talking about more than motorcycles. He liked Tara, she treated him well and he liked her attitude, everyone else may have thought 'blonde ditz' but Ron knew there was a lot going on under that pretty exterior.
What about that woman this morning? All I know about her is that wonderful voice and yet something deep inside wants to know more.
Ron silenced these thoughts and returned to his meal. Kim would get her chance to talk this afternoon later, Tara tomorrow afternoon and the mystery woman would say her piece on Sunday.
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"How did things go earlier with Kim?" Tara asked with a hesitant voice as they chose a station together in Chemistry.
"I'm still in one piece, aren't I? She cooled down a lot, I kinda got her to understand during English and we are meeting at Bueno Nacho after school to talk it over more." Ron admitted, the stress evident in his voice. "After that I'm going for a ride, I want to decompress before the rain comes tomorrow morning."
As they began the lab assignment Tara looked thoughtfully at Ron. "Isn't it funny how riding, pushing it out there on the open road is so relaxing. I mean I take bubble baths and long, hot showers but nothing really makes me feel relaxed like I do when I ride my motorcycle."
"I've never looked at it quite like that Tara, but you are right... after missions Kim will go hang out in her hot tub, I tried it but it just doesn't do anything for me, seems useless just sitting there. When I go out and give the bike a good hard run though I feel refreshed and relaxed." Ron said and took up his own thoughtful pose. "Do you mind if I explain it to Kim this way later? She just might understand this better than anything I come up with."
"Sure Ron, if it helps go ahead. We still on for 1 pm tomorrow, your garage?" Tara asked hopefully with a seductive smile as she moved closer to him.
"Yea... yeah Tara, come dressed for some work though, I want to do a full check on the Ghost, Sunday will be hard on her." Ron stated as he gazed into her beautiful eyes.
Tara just nodded and smiled. "Lets get on with this lab work before we get in trouble."
Ron nodded and they got down to the assignment.
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After the end of classes Kim came out to the parking lot to find Ron leaning on her BMW with his shades on holding his helmet with a smile on his face, not one of his goofy grins but a true smile... Kim couldn't stop herself from admiring her best friend at that moment. He looks so carefree, so sure of his life and who he is right now... it suits him well. "Ready for some snackage, biker boy?" She asked affectionately.
Snapped out of his reverie Ron strapped on his backpack and turned to Kim with a smile, "Ready to roll KP, lets jet."
Ron walked over to his silver and white missile as he put on his helmet and reached to start the machine. He heard the purr of his bike in concert with the rip rumble of the straight six in Kim's BMW, it made a beautiful symphony. He mounted the bike and took her off the stand, rolling to the nearest exit with Kim on his taillights.
Ron made the corner out of the school parking lot towards Bueno Nacho and opened the bike up in 1st leaving a 6 foot rubber strip and placing a huge grin on his face as he let up and sped off for the promised snackage... unaware his fun was observed by more than Kim.
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Took long enough getting out of school. Standing around waiting for that hussy! I wonder if he will ride tonight before the rain comes? Thought the woman as she sat astride her black Honda.
Only one way to find out, lets play follow the cheerleader... she thought with a grin as she gunned her bike after the green Bimmer.
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Kim walked towards the booth that her and Ron claimed as their own with the normal order... 2 Nacos Grande Size with Coke and a salad with water. Ron was discussing something with Wade on her Kimmunicator.
"Wade, I think it's time for you to make me a Kimmunicator of my own, I can self deploy with the Ghost when I am out on rides depending on the location." Ron commented, Kim nodded in agreement.
Wade looked thoughtful for a moment, "Perhaps I can do one better, I'll get you a Communicator of your own that will wirelessly connect to a special helmet I have been working on for you, it's based on the one you use now. Full heads up display on the inside of the visor and voice activated comm links, would that be good enough?"
"Badical! Wade you hurricane rock... one addition though, can you make it link to my Zen Micro for voice commands too?" Ron asked hopefully.
"No problem, I'll have it dropped off at your place tomorrow afternoon with a control module for your Zen too, most of the parts I have here in front of me, won't take long to assemble." Wade replied.
"Thanks a bunch and a half, KP is here with the food, talk to you later Wade." Ron brightened further as he saw the snackage assembled before him.
"Later Ron, have fun with the ride after too." Wade said before braking the connection.
Kim grabbed her salad and water off the tray as she pushed the rest to Ron and took her Kimmunicator back and flipped it into her pocket.
"Hitting Wade up for some upgrades, are we?" Kim inquired as she started in on her salad.
After polishing off half the first Naco Ron looked up, "Yeah, since my rides take me out of town a ways I thought I should have a way for you to get in touch with me if a mission were to pop up."
"That's a great idea Ron," Kim said around a mouthful of salad.
Seconds later as Ron polished off the last of the Nacos and took a long pull on his coke he sighed and looked at Kim.
"I think we need to clear the air between us Kim, about my new skills, about me riding and how you feel about it." Ron led off.
Kim nodded for Ron to continue.
"I know you are curious about some of the combat moves I have been using on missions and the fact that I have improved my physique, both come from my trip to Japan but as to the where and how as I have said before I made a promise on my honour to not reveal where these lessons took place. You know I take my oaths seriously, I ask that you not only respect that but accept my newfound skills and stature without question as a personal favor, please KP can you do this?" Ron asked and then waited for his best friend to respond.
"O.K., I can try to do that for you Ron, you know how hard it is for me to be out of the loop though so give me some patience," Kim asked pulling a partial pout to make it stick, "But, what we have to talk about is you riding. I care deeply about you and it's driving me crazy that you are out risking your neck just riding that motorcycle." Kim gestured to the Ghost. "Ron you know how skittish I get at high speeds, that time we went out and pushed my car I took an hour to come down and stop shaking from that near miss we had, you seem to be able to suppress that and push even harder... you did 165 plus mph on that bike, I can't even imagine that!" Kim finished with a worried look at her one true friend. I wonder if he even sees how much I care about him, I think about him every day, is this a crush or more?
"I am not risking my neck KP, Tara and I were discussing this in Chemistry today and she explained it better than I ever could. Riding for me is like a dip in the hot tub for you... pure relaxation. Remember how calm and relaxed I was this morning at your place? I woke up this morning with a pounding headache worried over that test in math today... by the time I finished my ride I was fine and I think I did really well on the test. I don't know if that makes sense but it's how I feel about it and its why I do it. It's fun and it relaxes me, what else does a person need in a hobby?" Ron said reasonably, looking hopefully at Kim with a grin hoping she would understand.
Kim was shocked... He's right, he walked in this morning, heck every morning since he got the bike, relaxed and ready to hit the day hard. How did I not notice that about him? "Ron, I am sorry for giving you a hard time over this... I never noticed, I mean I saw the other changes but this one never even occurred to me and it was the most important one. I understand the riding now, the speed and stunts will still make me very nervous but that's something I have to deal with."
"That's ok KP, I'm glad we are square again, it was really bothering me that you were upset about my riding." Ron said with a relieved look on his face.
"I can't believe Tara is riding too, I never imagined that, she seems so timid when we do our routines." Kim admitted to her friend.
"Yeah, I know, but it is nice to have someone else that understands riding like I do around... and helping her learn will be fun, I know it was for the people I learned from in Japan. Tara is coming over to my place tomorrow afternoon around one so we can get my bike all prepped for Sunday, she wants to know more about maintenance and I said I'd teach her all I know." Ron stated.
"You do know Tara like-likes you Ron, right?" Kim told him with a grimace she tried to hide... and you know I like you that way too, right? Kim thought.
"Yeah, when I was sitting at lunch I realized it, she is a nice person Kim... we'll see what happens tomorrow." Ron admitted to his friend as she ate her salad in silence
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After what seemed like an eternity Ron noticed Kim was done with her salad and his eyes sparkled with pleasure... time to ride.
"I know you said no racing today... but do you want to play 'follow the leader' with me?" Ron asked with a grin.
Kim looked at that grin, the freckles and the unkempt blonde hair and couldn't resist... she had to be near him, "Ok, we can do that... where are we going?"
"Oh no, that's not the way it works," Ron stated as he got up grabbed his helmet, flipping on his shades, "In follow the leader you go where I go and try and keep up." Ron was in full grin mode at that point and Kim was entranced by it.
"Ok, lets get it on then Ronnie." Kim said with a sexy smile she hoped he would catch.
The two walked out to their vehicles parked side by side.
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I know it doesn't take that boy that long to eat! I wonder what they were up to? She isn't going to get her hooks into him before I do! The thoughts of the mysterious rider were completely random and obsessive as she observed the teens from across the road, astride her black Honda CBR.
He better be going for a ride, I want some fun with him NOW!
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As Ron walked to his Ghost in the dimming daylight he reached into the top pocket of his leathers and pulled out one of the earpieces for his Zen Micro, he had loaded it with good riding music including some j-pop, techno and rap with a scattering of pop and oldies. The music brought him up to the edge while he was riding, gave that little burst to his adrenaline rush that let him push the bike faster and harder. He setup his favorite play list and pressed play and pause. He put on his helmet and looked over to Kim, "Are you sure about this? I know you don't do the speed thing."
Kim looked over at him standing astride his bike, her knees felt weak but she couldn't say no to him now, her adrenaline rush combined with her hormonal reaction to Ron was viscous, "Bring it!"
With that Ron slapped down his visor and turned on the bike, Kim already had her car revving and ready to go, Ron slipped his Ghost into gear and made for the exit, Kim on his taillights once again, but this time she wouldn't be there long.
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So they are both going out for some fun tonight? I get to screw around with her and bag that hunk of a man, after I show him how good I am. The CBR leapt forward with a will towards the motorbike and coupe as they moved out of town.
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Ron took the quickest route out to the back roads that surrounded Middleton that he knew, every now and then turning to make sure Kim was still there behind him, she seemed to fall back sometimes, nothing could out accelerate a motorbike like the Hayabusa. After a while Ron noticed a familiar black form working its way up behind Kim's BMW... I thought I told her to wait until Sunday!
He shook off the thought and returned to thinking about where he wanted to take this ride, Mt. Middleton was at his left, the low rolling hills to his right. Tight twisties with bursts of speed or long flowing roads with big sweeping corners? The intersection was coming up in front of him, left and right the only two choices... decisions, decisions. I need to clear out the cobwebs... the right it is. Ron put on his blinker for a right turn and glanced in his mirrors to find that Kim had followed his lead... and that the black sportbike was coming up fast with a right blinker on too.
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As Kim checked her mirrors she saw a black flash go by her left side... the mysterious female had returned it seemed, it looked like the same bike and she stopped right beside Ron, she hit her power window switch fast so she could listen.
Ron could now see the bike she rode was a Honda CBR1100XX, a direct competitor to his own Hayabusa... they called the CBR the Blackbird. Her bike was obviously customized... green lettering, green stripes... that voice... Ron suddenly realized who it had to be and got a wide smile on his face. Dangerous, but fun, if I am right I can't wait for Sunday! Ron decided to push things as he turned towards her.
"I thought I told you Sunday, if you think you are getting at me today you are outta your mind, my friend and I are out here playing some follow the leader, no racing." Ron growled, letting his anger show in his tone.
The woman on the Blackbird was shocked, this was the young man that always seemed so timid? "No race today sidekick, I just want to play too... lead on hot stuff." She said in a sultry voice as she readied herself for what was to come.
Kim for her part was tweaked, the woman was definitely hitting on Ron and... she called him sidekick! Green and black bike... Could it be... naw, that's impossible.
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Ron tapped the play button on his Zen Micro and let the music begin as he took off and made the corner, the speed limit out here was always treated with contempt and tonight would be no different. As the opening bars of Meteor began Ron's mind remembered hearing it on that show Gundam SEED while he was in Japan, the song fit perfectly. His Ghost surged forward as he came into the first of many sweepers, it was late spring and the daylight lasted well into the evening, it would not be wasted.
He let his mind drift into that state of pure concentration and bliss he found only when he was on the open road, the bike stayed within the lines but the apexes were always taken as close as possible leaning hard into the curves, the throttle open as he brought the bike over 80 mph for a straight stretch, hugging his body down onto the bodywork of the Hayabusa feeling the air flow over him, draining the stress from his body. As he slowed for one of the few tight corners on the road he looked back to find the Blackbird tucked a respectful distance behind him and Kim's BMW behind that, struggling to keep up.
I guess I better back it down a bit so Kim can enjoy it a little more rather than fight to keep up with me, hopefully Miss Blackbird won't mind too much.
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Kim was shaken as she pushed her BMW to keep up with the white, silver and black blur that was Ron Stoppable... I knew I should have made Dad spring for the M3! She had been doing well enough through the first sweeper following the black bike in front of her, but when Ron had reached the straight bit he had flown away like one of her father's rockets. She knew her car was no slouch, the brakes and suspension had been upgraded but even taking things right to the edge she could barely maintain the distance to the woman in front of her. I didn't realize how good Ron really is at this, when he rides it's like a dance, graceful and flowing.
That admission made Kim think, Ron didn't really excel at much in life but on that bike he seemed like a savant, all his energy and skill just flowed to the front.
As she braked for the sharp corner Kim realized that Ron had found his calling.
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Woah, his skills are better than I imagined, the way he clips the corners, almost never uses his brakes but shifts and uses the power to ride. It's like watching water flow... it's like he's been riding and racing for years. I'm in trouble on Sunday. The rider in black knew her CBR was a wickedly fast bike, but she also knew that speed and handling were worth nothing without skill, and it seemed that Ron Stoppable had skill to spare. She looked back to see if Kimme was still hanging on behind her, finding that she was but only barely, obviously her BMW couldn't keep up... and that explained why he was now backing off as they entered another wide open corner. Just like the Princess to ruin my fun! Time to step this up a bit...
The distance between her Blackbird and his Hayabusa rapidly decreased as she poured on the power, leaning into the curve to come alongside the blonde haired target of her affection.
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Over the strains of Cheap Trick he heard the whine of the Blackbird increase behind him... I guess Miss Blackbird does mind slowing down a bit, oh well...
As the curve ended and laid out into a long straight run with a few rolling hills Ron decided to shut her down. Tucking closely to the bike Ron twisted the throttle savagely feeling the bike respond, the fuel and air rushing into the engine as his Ghost leapt forward and the speedo needle raced for the far side of the gauge.
Kim can catch up after I put Shego in her place.
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Shego was shocked, she was just about even with Stoppable when he tucked down and took off like a shot. His bike was pulling away at an amazing rate, as she quickly began to give chase she knew his reaction time had cost her any chance of catching him and trying too hard would be reckless because he was easily able to run at those high speeds much better than she was. Shego found herself backing down for the first time in her life. Handsome, strong, heart the size of the world, and rides like a demon... Ok, I think this merits more than a roll in the hay.
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He's gone completely insane! Kim watched in shock as his bike came out of the corner and just took off... just like a shot. She knew she couldn't match that, just doing what she was she was nervous as she had ever been. Kim for the first time in her life had to back down, she decided to keep moving along, having realized that Ron probably did his Road Runner impression to shut down the woman on the black motorcycle. Ron will stop and wait for me up the road when she is dealt with. At that thought Kim's face broke into a smile picturing the unknown woman humiliated by her Ron.
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Ron kept pushing it, he flew through two long sweeping corners popped over a small rise the bike screaming a high note as the Blackbird grew smaller behind him and soon faded from view. Time to put a stop to this for tonight. He pulled into an abandoned gas station along the road and shut the Ghost and his Zen off, putting the bike up on it's stand and taking off his helmet as he heard the Honda approach.
Shego saw him standing on the side of the road, arms crossed waiting for her. She slowed and pulled in beside him, killing her engine and looking at him through her dark visor, "So was that a taste of what I can expect on Sunday?" She said with a sarcastic snap. He looks damned fine standing there like that.
"Yeah, it is Shego... take off that helmet, no sense hiding anymore 'cause I know it's you." Ron glared at the woman beside him.
She was stunned, he had figured it out, she expected to shock him with it on Sunday, she managed to pull the helmet from her head and look shyly at him. "What gave me away?"
"Well between calling me sidekick and the colour scheme on your Blackbird it was obvious. The question I have though is why... what scheme is this a part of?" Ron looked at her intensely.
"No scheme Stoppable, just blowing off steam like you do I assume." Shego placed her helmet on the tank of her bike, put it up on the stand and walked over to Ron. Inside she was a mess of emotions, for someone who put forth such a tough image she often suprised even herself at how some things could affect her so thoroughly. Standing there looking at Ron was doing it again and the adrenaline rush wasn't helping either... Here goes nothing... She walked to Ron and kissed him solidly on the lips, she placed a hand on his leather clad butt and another on the back of his head running through that beautiful blonde hair.
Ron's mind was in total shock, no thoughts or actions could be made, he just went on instinct and returned the kiss.
She broke the kiss but still held him, she leaned to his ear and whispered, "That was the best kiss I ever had, too bad we don't have time for a lot more."
The sudden approach of a green BMW cut her short, she let go of a completely stunned Ron and flipped back on her helmet, started her bike and removed it from the stand. She looked over to him, "After we race on Sunday we are gonna have a long talk Stoppable." With that she dropped her visor and roared off down the road.
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Kim couldn't believe her own eyes as she approached, the woman on the black bike was kissing her Ron! It looked like she had her arms around her Ron! As she moved closer, slowing as she came to the abandoned gas station she saw the outline of the other rider pull away from Ron and ride away. She growled as she hauled her car into the parking lot, spraying gravel as she skidded to a stop. She quickly undid her seat belt and ran over to Ron who was still in a daze, black lipstick on his lips and a smile that spoke volumes. He enjoyed it! Who was this woman?
"Ron... Ron," Kim spoke to the man before her, he didn't respond in any way, just looked down the road after a bike and rider that were no longer there. Ok time to snap him out of this.
"RONALD DEAN STOPPABLE, eyes to me this instant!" Kim hated screaming at Ron like his mother did but sometimes it was just too effective to not use.
"Waaah!" Ron was instantly alert and looking around as if surrounded by a thousand rabid monkeys. After a few moments of panic he finally noticed Kim standing in front of him. "Oh KP, it was only you, I thought I had done something again." Ron said with a huge sigh as he moved into his normal posture.
"Who was that?" Kim said in a voice that left no room for argument.
"No clue KP, she had long silky dark hair, soft lips and that voice was way cuter without the helmet on." Ron smiled wistfully hoping these revelations would distract her from noticing the lie, something he knew he did poorly. No way Kim'll let me go to the track Sunday if she knows it's Shego on that bike!
Kim didn't know what to do... get it over with and be sick on the spot or scream bloody blue murder at him! She wanted to get her hands on that woman and show her a thing or three, a nagging voice in the back of her head told her that Ron had already shown them both a thing or three already.
"I'll deal with her on Sunday, I'm going to get a bike and shut her down myself!" Kim growled.
Inwardly Ron laughed at the statement Kim had just made... Hmmm, KP with no racing experience against Shego on a bike capable of 190+mph, that's rich! He knew that she didn't stand a chance but knew that saying that meant he didn't stand a chance... of breathing again.
"Ahhh KP? It's getting dark so maybe we should continue this conversation at your place? This time you can lead, OK?" Ron looked at her, she was massively tweaked, Ron couldn't tell if it was directed at him, the "mysterious" rider or both.
"OK Ron, remember what you said abut this being relaxing? I wish it were true for me. And yes we are continuing this discussion at my house." Kim pivoted on her heels and stomped back to her car, threw open the door and flopped inside.
Ron quickly grabbed his helmet and put it on, starting the music once more as he brought his Ghost to life.
The BMW started with a growl, Kim shoved it into first and rammed her foot down on the accelerator, the tires fought for traction flinging gravel in twin tails as she reached the asphalt and left twin marks of fresh rubber as she moved hard through the gears.
As Ron brought his motorcycle onto the road and sprinted after her one thought was on his mind... tweaked may be an understatement.
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"So are you interested in this woman?" Kim was sitting on edge of her bed, staring at the target of her question who sat across from her on her desk chair, she had calmed down on the ride home, the last few miles had been done at legal speeds, and hadn't violated any major traffic laws. Kim had gotten the full story on what the woman had done to Ron, but she still felt off about the whole thing... He's not telling me everything, but why would he lie?
"KP I don't know her, I don't know her intentions, that kiss could have just been to throw me off my game for Sunday. How could I be interested in something I know nothing about!" Ron stated. The fact that its Shego is doing nothing at all to throw me all by itself. His mind popped in sarcastically.
"Ok, I'll give you that but I care about you Ron, you have Tara almost throwing herself at you and now this woman grabbing your butt and kissing you! I'm worried for you." She allowed herself to say only that, but inside her mind was screaming at her to tell him they were both unnecessary... Tell him you care about him, he looks so perfect sitting there in that T-shirt. He's RON, been there for you since pre-k, said you looked pretty when you had braces, would trade his life for yours RON! Kim forced the thoughts down, remembering that this was her best friend in the world, not something to be risked, friends like Ron were rare.
"Woah there KP, I did not see Tara throwing herself at me, she likes street bikes like I do, she may like-like me, we are getting together to discuss motorcycle maintenance tomorrow, nothing like throwing herself at me... Kim, are you jealous?" Ron had finally asked the one question that had bugged him since the confrontation in the hall that morning. I don't know if I am ready for this answer, but I need to know why everything today is bothering you so badly.
Kim was stunned, he asked if she was jealous, but it wasn't done with a laugh or a goofy grin... his face was dead serious. I'm crushing, I love him as a friend but is it more than that? Can I take that risk with Ron, can I do everything I do without him if things go horribly wrong?
"Yes, in a way I am jealous, I'm used to having all the attention of my best friend and now I don't, you have two women after you now and I know if either one of them succeeds we'll be spending less time together... I feel bad too because this is how you must have felt when I was going out with Josh." It felt wrong as she was saying it but she couldn't risk the truth, Kim Possible did feel more than a crush for her best friend Ron Stoppable.
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As Ron started his bike and rode away from the Possible residence a short while later he decided to take the long way home, he needed to remove the stress that was instantly there after having to first lie to Kim and then have her deny any feelings towards him. He knew her confession about being jealous just because she would lose time with him was pure bunk. Having time to think about the relationships in his life he knew Kim had to be feeling something more than friendship for him, the signs were all there now. He knew there was something in his heart for Kim but if she would not acknowledge what she felt inside all hope was lost.
With the Ghost screaming beneath him he pushed into the moonlight, racing the dark clouds intruding on a perfect night to ride.
Kim, Tara, and Shego all floated through his mind, all perfect women in their own ways... he had always wanted someone to love him for him, nothing more, could one of these women do that? Now he had three women wanting his attention and that weighed heavy on his mind, but over these thoughts one old saw came to him... It never rains it pours.
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Next: Chapter 3: Hearts, Wrenches, and the Ghost
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Tara as a rider? Heck yeah!
That bit about a good fast drive being relaxing is something I know first hand. I used to live a ways away from work, and I worked til 1-2 am most days so I'd love cranking up the tunes and just flying home back those long flowing country roads. Nothing better after a long frustrating shift. My muse is being difficult so the updates are coming hard right now. Sorry 'bout that.
I know the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird isn't available for sale in North America (check out the UK Honda web site for details on it), but do you honestly think that would stop Shego from having one!
And as for Kim getting skittish driving at speed I had a friend who could bungee jump and waterski but put her in a car and punch it and she'd freak out, different sensation to some people.
Songs Ron was listening to:
T.M. Revolution - Meteor - "Gundam SEED: Complete Best"
Cheap Trick - Mighty Wings - "Top Gun Soundtrack: Special Extended Edition"