AN: Don't own Kim Possible, since Disney is making more they can keep her for now. Also don't own Suzuki, Yamaha, Dodge, Chrysler, Schuberth or the lyrics at the end.
Gawd I'm sorry for the delay, this chapter has been giving me pure fits... not really writers block but the fact that I had too many ways to work the scenes and characters within my outline (that and the odd way I write)! Many thanks to those who read and review, I think you will enjoy what I have planned. Oh, and a slight change in the name for this chapter.
Reading recommendations? Tian Cai, The Rook, and The Rook II: The Letter all by mkusenagi2! All I'm gonna say is one name... Col. Nicholas J. Fury!
I've kept you waiting long enough... On with the show, Grande Sized!
Hayabusa
Chapter 3: Romancing The Ghost (formerly: Hearts, Wrenches, and the Ghost)
Ron awoke feeling refreshed at around 7 AM Saturday morning. The morning after a good ride he always felt better, the thought of this reminded him of Tara and how she was coming over to learn and talk later that day as they got his Ghost ready for the track tomorrow.
Tara was a sweet young woman, very kind, caring and open... I can't wait to get to know her better. As he lay there in bed his mind wandered from Tara to Shego and why she seemed to have taken such an intense interest in him all of a sudden. He wasn't suprised she was a rider, working for Drakken would drive anyone to get some freedom and relaxation any way they could, and her choice of bike wasn't too far off the mark either. The Blackbird was a good all around Super Touring bike; agile, fast as the devil himself, but still practical enough for day to day use. In many ways it was a true Honda... exciting, but in a practical way. He knew his Hayabusa was a more rarefied beast, less rider-friendly but more hard hitting... oh well, he had his truck for the other driving he had to do. The kiss had thrown him majorly though, as had the way she groped him, Shego's lips were very soft and the way she kissed... well, Wow was an understatement. Kim's reaction to the kiss was something else altogether.
Kim was obviously jealous. Well that confirms Kim is interested in me in that way too even if she says otherwise. Ron just thanked his lucky stars Kim hadn't gotten a good enough look to tell the woman was Shego. Oh man that would have been bad in many horrible ways.
Maybe Shego just needs something other than fighting and it figures being a villainess doesn't give her many opportunities to meet guys so I've become an obvious target... that makes some sense. I'll just keep my eyes and ears wide open and see what happens tomorrow, not much else I can do.
With that decided Ron got out of bed and looked out his window to see the rain had indeed started, with a shrug and a chuckle at his random thoughts he made his way to the bathroom to start the day. He had Temple and a few errands to run before Tara arrived.
-RS-
In a lair on the far side of Mt. Middleton Shego awoke to the rain hammering on her bedroom window. As she went about her morning rituals her mind drifted to thoughts of a particular blonde haired boy... no Man.
As she lay in a warm bath her mind ran through all her encounters with Ronald Stoppable, she realized even when he played the buffoon there was something about him. He would always find a way to ruin the most airtight plan even if Princess took all the glory. He has always been so supportive of Kimmie, I'd enjoy having that in my life. I wonder why she and him never hooked up... maybe she doesn't do the guy/girl thing... whatever, I want Ron all to myself. He's become very well put together lately, and always the gentleman... I bet he'd feel good in bed next to me. Shego pondered what her next move would be. He said to stay away from him on the road until Sunday, but I bet he's home prepping his bike for tomorrow. Maybe I'll go see if he needs an assistant, then I can get to know him better. With that decided she stepped from the bath and proceeded to dress casually for the day in her usual colours, then grabbing her jacket she headed for the hanger and her hovercar.
-RS-
In the shadow of Mt. Middleton another young woman also awoke to the rain crashing down. She awoke early as was her custom, her mind still troubled with thoughts of the night before and her tangled auburn hair lending evidence to the fact her nights sleep had not been peaceful. She regretted her words to her best friend the night before. She had told Ron she wasn't jealous of him in a like-like him way... but it was all a lie, I couldn't do anything I do without him and hearing him talk about Tara and this 'Mystery Woman' is tearing me apart. Kim knew that sometimes you had to risk some things to get ahead, she didn't want to think of her relationship with Ron as something to gamble with, but there it was. She could play it safe and be miserable, or roll the dice and maybe walk away with the amazing boyfriend she knew Ron could be.
She knew that today was Ron's day with Tara, she knew Tara saw Ron in the same way she did... As a kind, caring, loving man whom any girl would be lucky to be involved with. I have to know what Tara does, she's my friend too, but I can't let Ron slip away like this!
As she lay in bed she rolled to one side and saw her mission pack sitting in the corner with some equipment splayed out of it and a plan formed. She sprang from her bed, there was a lot to be done before 1 PM.
-RS-
Tara arrived promptly at one to find Ron placing his bike on a lift, her father had said he wanted to see this bike for himself being as interested in them as much as his daughter was and so had driven her over in the family Toyota. They parked in front of the open Stoppable garage next to Ron's pickup. Ron looked at the new arrivals and waved hello.
"Hi Ron," Tara called as they exited the car and ran into the open doorway.
"Hi Tara," Ron called to the platinum blonde walking into his garage. She was dressed in a simple pair of blue jeans and a well worn blue Yamaha T-shirt with her hair back in a ponytail but to Ron she had never looked more beautiful.
"This is my father Richard, Daddy this is Ron." Tara made her introductions as Ron took off his mechanics gloves and approached Tara's father.
"Nice to meet you Mr. King," Ron said as he extended his hand to her father who accepted it in a firm grasp.
"Please call me Richard, Tara has said so many good things about you Ron so it's nice to finally meet you face to face." He gazed over at the bike on the lift, "So this is a Hayabusa Limited Edition?"
"Yep, the most bon-diggity bike in the Tri-City area is right in front of you." Ron grinned massively, still blushing from the compliment.
After looking the bike over and asking Ron a few questions Richard decided to leave the two kids at it, with a hug for his daughter and another handshake for Ron he left, but not before accepting an invitation for the whole King family to come the track the next day with their daughter.
-RS-
As her father drove away Tara looked around at the Stoppable garage, taking in everything. A large rolling tool chest was on the far wall with a few drawers opened next to a work bench with some bags from the local Pep Boys and the Suzuki dealership. An old couch and a fridge filled the rest of the space along the back wall. The lift was in the middle of the right bay, his folks Chrysler 300 was in the left bay. There was a stack of clean rags on the bench with a slight snoring sound coming from them, Tara guessed that was Rufus. Some music was playing softly, she couldn't recognize the songs or the bands though, but it sounded good. Something to talk about with him so I can get to know him better.
"Are we ready to get started Ron?" Tara asked seeing Ron putting on a pair of gloves.
"Yeah, almost but there's one thing first and this will begin the lessons," Ron smiled as he walked over to the bags on the bench, "I have a little gift for you."
As Ron handed her a pair of mechanics gloves Tara squealed, "For me? Ron that's so nice, you shouldn't have!"
"You have such soft and pretty hands Tara, couldn't let them be damaged working around all of this, they are yours to keep. A gift from one rider to another." Ron said with a smile. "I hope a small won't be too small."
Tara pulled them onto her hands, they fit perfectly. She looked at Ron standing there in his cargo pants and a black T-shirt advertising something in Japanese wearing gloves like hers, his blonde hair its normal unruly self, and felt comfortable. She felt like this was the way life was meant to be... Saturday, with Ron, working on his bike. She couldn't help but feel warm inside at the thought. "Thank you Ron." Tara gave him a quick peck on the cheek and a light hug in thanks.
He blushed brightly, then regained his Ronness.
"Lesson one is protect yourself, time for the next lesson cadet." Ron channeled Mr. Barking for a moment causing Tara to burst into laughter.
"OK, so what's next? What all needs to be done to the Ghost for tomorrow? And how did your ride go last night?" Tara inquired in her rapid fire style as she settled down to work.
-RS-
As they began stripping the cowlings from his 'busa Ron began to explain the previous nights events to his rapt audience, Rufus hadn't heard it all either.
His buddy had gone along on one of the first rides when Ron got home in a backpack as leathers didn't allow for naked mole rat friendly pockets but the experience had left him green instead of his usual glowing pink. So Rufus, being the good friend he is, had decided that riding time was Ron time.
As he showed Tara how to go about removing the cladding on a sport bike and what he checked as he did it Ron explained how the conversation with Kim had gone at Bueno Nacho and then moved on to what had happened with the game of 'Follow The Leader', including who the 'Mysterious Woman' turned out to be.
"So the other rider is Shego? That pale woman who has the fixation on green and black? The one that tries to off you and Kim every time you go after her?" Tara was shocked at the revelation.
"Yep, after I called her out she proceeded to kiss me and grab my backside and hair." Ron said in a casual manner as he removed the ram air ducts.
"Lemme get this right... she kissed and groped you?" The platinum blonde asked, slightly awestruck.
"Yeah, just out of the blue pulled me in and started snogging me... she's a very strong woman." Ron admitted, a little red in the face at the memory.
Tara couldn't help but feel jealous, Shego had the will to grab what she wanted herself. I wonder what it felt like? He does have the cutest butt and his lips always look sooo soft... and that hair! I just want to run my hands through it over and over! Tara soon became lost in space, her mind stuck in a daydream with Ron until the object of her fantasy waved his hand in front of her.
"Ron to Tara, come in!" He said loudly as he tried to rouse her from her thoughts.
She had to shake herself to clear the images from her mind, opening her eyes to find the object of those images nose to nose with her. "Sorry Ron, got caught up in my thoughts there... does Kim know it was Shego?"
"No, and it's going to stay that way until we get to the track tomorrow. If Kim found out she wouldn't let any of this happen and I'm not doing all this just to have some stupid rivalry break it up." Ron stated as he pulled the old spark plugs, checking each one before handing them to Tara to place on a nearby cart.
"If she doesn't know, she must still be tweaked... right? Oh, and what are you looking for on the plugs?" She asked as he removed that last one.
"To see if any coolant is getting into the combustion chambers... it shows as a white deposit, they're all clean... and KP was tweaked, I think she knows I lied about who the rider was. Then again she lied about something last night too." Ron admitted, some edge on the last words.
She lied to him? Her friend of over 12 years? I shouldn't ask, but I have to know... "What do you mean, she lied too?"
Ron scratched the back of his neck and let his head drop to one side, "Weeell... oh yeah, can't forget to check the steering damper oil." He quickly changed topics.
"Ron... spill. Now!" Tara prompted, bringing a deep sigh from the male blonde.
'Well to start," He said as he placed the new plugs in the motor, being careful not to cross the threads, "I spent the whole of lunch yesterday thinking about Kim and yourself and the extra attention you both have been showing me... yes I noticed." He smiled brightly.
Tara was caught, she felt her face get VERY warm suddenly. He knows, and he looks happy... that's good, but he said he noticed Kim doing the same thing I am... oh no, this might not be good. "What does this all have to do with Kim lying to you?" She said, struggling, and failing, to keep her voice even.
"Well last night after we got to her place, " He paused to plug in the new plug wires, tongue hanging out the side of his mouth, "those are always hard on the knuckles... where was I. Oh yeah... after we got to her place she was pitching a fit about the 'Mystery Woman' and you paying all that attention to me. I called her on it and asked if she was jellin' in a more that friends way."
Tara was very afraid of the answer at this point, but she had to know, her voice trembled slightly. "What did she say?"
"She said she was only jellin' over missing me in a friends kinda way... but I know KP, she was lying through her teeth." Ron spoke in a near neutral voice, not knowing what emotion to feel about the situation.
"Ron, be honest with me, do you want to be with Kim?" It took everything she had to ask that one question, now she waited, biting her lower lip.
He thought for a minute, hands on the air filter of the bike, before he spoke... looking over at his blonde companion, "I don't know. There's a lot of history there, I do love Kim but I'm not sure if its romantic or friend/family. I care a lot about you and Shego too ... I guess I'm too new at this to just make up my mind right here and now... but I will say one thing. Tara you are a kind and caring soul, no matter what happens I want you as a friend first." He finished with a smile and a warm look for his female assistant before speaking again. "Hand me that new air filter, would you? This old one is gorchy." He said before throwing the old one in the trash for an easy three.
Glowing at the praise he had given her and excited that she was on his mind she happily replied, "You got it!"
Over the next half hour Ron showed Tara how to do the regular maintenance on a bike, how to lubricate and check the tension on the drive chain... and except for a short laughing fit brought on by repeated use of the word 'lube', all went very well. He was happy that she was so attentive and was so willing to learn. Even if I don't end up in a relationship with her I'll still have a great friend, who as a bonus is also into bikes. That's not a bad thing at all.
"What about the tires? Do they have to be changed?" Tara asked as they worked along.
"No, I just put these on less than two weeks ago, Pirelli Diablos... they're better for my aggressive driving style. When your factory tires wear out I'll help you choose your next set, ok?"
Tara smiled, "Thanks Ron. How did you get so smart on everything two-wheeled?"
Ron returned the smile and pointed a thumb at his back, "Well some of the students at our sister school, Yamunuchi, are big into riding... they showed me. This T-shirt is from the school riding club. They call themselves the 'Asphalt Spirits'. Supposedly the guy that came over here... Hara...Hito..."
"... Hirotaka?" Tara offered.
"Yeah, Hirotaka was the club president, by the sounds of it he had his own bike shipped over here so he could use it during his stay." Ron explained.
"Oh yeah, he definitely did, everyone went gaga over him and that bike, well except me," She admitted, "I was thinking about a badical local boy with the looks to put Hirotaka in the weeds." Tara had to smile at the effect her words had on her teacher of the day... grease on his gloves and a blush on his cheeks.
-RS-
It's funny the things that exist just across the street that you never notice when you have the right incentive to not bother looking.
Kimberly Anne Possible was pondering this with a quiet smile as she made her way over the fences and through the hedges that made up the backyards on the opposite side of the street. The opposite side from the one she always took, back and forth, to Ron's house. Today she couldn't follow the sidewalks, today she had her own little mission. It wasn't a mission she was used to either, no jumping down to fight the goons, no item to retrieve from the hands of a world wanting screwball.
No, today was a pure intelligence mission, observe and listen, gather information... and most important... Don't. Get. Caught.
-RS-
The hovercraft was hidden behind a corpse of trees across the street from her target, Shego made her way through the trees up to the line of bushes that marked the edge of the roadway at a slow stealthy pace, she knew that the rain would dampen any sharp noises and the wet scrub underfoot would not betray her but now was not a time to take chances. Her plan was set, observe what Ron was up to, walk up and see if she could talk with him, get to know him and let things develop from there. As she approached a particular patch of bushes she had used before to observe the Stoppables she paused... someone was already there, someone with red hair and what her trained fashion sense noted as a Club Banana rain coat... Possible! Snap, am I gonna have to fight her for EVERYTHING! Shego looked beyond Kimmie and the bushes to the garage and saw Ron getting close with a platinum blonde girl. Now there's THREE of us after him! So much for my plan. Always gotta be the hard way.
-RS-
"Wanna get me the 10 mm stubby wrench, buddy?" Ron called to Rufus who was watching the activity from the pile of clean rags on the bench.
Rufus flashed a quick salute and dove into the top cabinet of the tool chest, soon emerging triumphant with the requested tool before skittering across the floor to deliver it to Ron's waiting hand.
Tara observed all this with a wistful smile. I'd like to do this much more often.
She reflected on why she was there that day as she observed the interplay between the two friends. It had all been under the context of learning about motorcycles and how to keep them running in tip top shape, but Tara had to admit that important as learning that was more important to her was just interacting with Ron to see if she had a chance with the object of her crush. She had noticed all the good qualities in him... how respectful he was of women, how he always tried to avoid a confrontation and break any tension with a joke... even if the joke wasn't appropriate! Then came the incident at Wannaweep, no one had ever seen the 'mission' side of Ron before except for Kim and because of that it was like seeing a completely different person. Constant fear became utter determination, he had saved them all and then went back to plain old Ron, cracking jokes and stepping back into the shadows. But Tara remembered what he had done, the inner strength he had displayed that day, she had watched him, wanting to make a move and held back by Bonnie. Tara hated the fact that she hadn't had the strength to defy Queen B, her best friend... no, not really, if she's my best friend why does Bonnie hold me back from someone that might make me happy? Unable and unwilling to answer that question she returned her thoughts to her host for the day. In truth though, what really made Ron so appealing and attractive to her heart was his kindness and caring, as she watched Rufus lug the requested tool across the floor she had to smile about that.
His friendship with the naked mole rat openly pronounced his 'never be normal' attitude and his big heart... both qualities Tara loved about him.
Most people found Rufus, and by association Ron's relationship with the little naked mole rat, extremely odd. Tara however realized what was going on. Rufus was an unconditional friend, even Kim didn't share that with Ron and besides she actually found the little guy cute. As Rufus handed his friend the wrench Tara reached over to the little pink rodent and gave him a friendly rub on the head.
Rufus responded by running up her arm and hugging her cheek as he squeaked, "Tara nice!"
"I completely agree Rufus," Ron stated with a wink and grin at the now blushing Tara, "and I'll add the fact she's beautiful any day." Tara responded by blushing hard enough to make her hair look strawberry blonde.
-RS-
"Who knew Ron was that smooth?" Kim wondered aloud as she crouched behind some bushes across the street from the Stoppable residence listening in on the conversation on a large microphone Wade had provided for her missions.
"If the action I got last night was any indication Kimmie, I'd say its natural talent."
Kim whirled around dropping to a fighting stance as she faced the owner of that voice she knew oh so well, "So it was you kissing Ron last night? That cheese addled sneak did lie to me!"
"So you do like guys... and you can the combat Kimmie I'm here for the same reason... scouting the competition." Shego admitted with a hint of snark as she dropped down to a hole in the bushes, crouching next to Kim.
To say Kim was stunned was a severe understatement... she thought I was a LESBIAN! And she kissed MY RON! "For the record I DO like guys and I am so giving you a whuppin' next time we get into it for kissing him."
"It was worth it, Ron nearly melted my socks last night once he got into it." Shego admitted leaving Kim's mouth working like a fish out of water. "So Princess who is the blonde chick in there getting close with Ronnie? And do you got another set of ear buds for that microphone?"
In a complete haze Kim handed her the second set of ear buds, only one thought percolated through her mind... Speedy is gonna get his sweet butt burned for this!
-RS-
As Tara regained her normal skin tone she began stroking the naked mole rat's back, leading him to fall asleep on her thigh. She looked up at Ron, "Rufus is your one true friend isn't he?" She saw him begin to object, "I'm not dissing Kim at all, what I mean is that Rufus is closer to you than anyone isn't he? He doesn't judge or argue, he just supports you." Rufus was now snoring in a deep blissful sleep as Tara gazed at his owner with a warm look. I want that with you too Ron, you admitted you noticed my signals, now it's time to step it up.
He stopped working on the bike and turned to face Tara, looking into her inviting blue eyes, "Yeah, Rufus knows things KP will never know, let alone my parents. Ever since I got my lil' buddy years ago that's the way its been, people like Bon Bon claim they can't hear it but he speaks to me."
"Well I hear him, and I hear you, and what I hear is a very sweet and caring pair of voices." As she spoke her gloved hand reached over and captured Ron's.
He was suprised by the touch, even through the gloves it felt electric, his mind stumbled as it tried to respond, "T-t-thanks Tara, that means a lot to me... normally most girls get kind of freaked by Rufus. No one but Kim usually appreciates him and what he can do. Dogs aren't man's best friend, it's naked mole rats." Ron reached over and rubbed the top of the snoring pink rodent, a smile spread across his face.
Savoring the moment of closeness with Ron, one hand on his, her other hand keeping Rufus from sliding off her leg, Tara smiled brightly at the young man beside her.
Slowly moving his hand from beneath hers Ron moved back to the motorcycle, working the wrench on the drain plug for the crankcase before grabbing the bucket he had nearby for the waste oil. "I'll start this draining then we can relax for a while before putting everything back, ok?" He spoke with a smile.
"Sounds perfect Ron, we don't get to sit and talk enough, just the two of us." Do I make a move? What will he do? I just know I want more Saturdays like this, a lot more.
-RS-
Kim had kept some things from Ron over the years, after all he was a guy as well as her friend and some things would just be awkweird for him to know as a guy, she never wanted him to be uncomfortable around her, but for some reason knowing Ron had done something similar made her feel disappointed. Maybe we aren't as good a friends as I thought... but then again maybe its just guy stuff that he knows would embarrass me. Maybe this was a bad idea. Her face took on a slightly sad look without her even realizing it.
Shego saw the frown form on the red haired heroine's lips and knew Ron's admission had stung her. Some things are better never known. Princess doesn't seem to understand that even the best of friends don't know EVERYTHING about each other. Yeesh, having twin brothers you'd think she'd have realized that by now. I could use this, get her down more, but she isn't the goal, Ron is. Time to get more information, especially who that blonde girl is. "Again I ask, who is the blonde chick with the blue eyes?"
"Tara Annette King," Kim said, snapping out of her funk as she concentrated on the action inside the garage, "one of my fellow cheerleaders, a bit of a goody-goody, seems to embarrass easy, kind to a fault, seems to be pure as the driven snow. Biggest thing though is that she just about screams 'I like-like Ron' with everything she does. Also owns a bike herself, Yamaha FZsomething. Supposedly the reason she's here today is to learn about maintenance from Ron and talk about motorcycles." Kim snorted as she finished.
"I'm judging by your reaction that's not all you think she's here for." Shego said with an arched eyebrow..
"Yeah... I don't like spying on friends but I won't see Ron hurt." Kim fibbed, hoping Shego wouldn't catch it.
Shego caught the fib, but decided to let it slide. She didn't react to my comment about competition earlier and now she's obviously hiding how she really feels. Oh the fun I could have with this... but I have a more serious threat to worry about who's in the garage hand in hand with Ron right now!
Moments passed in silence as the two listened to the conversations from within the garage, both women experiencing a sense of wanting to be in there themselves.
"I have to ask, do you really care about Ron? Or is this some kind of game?" Kim finally asked the question that had been nagging inside her mind.
"Yes, I do care about Ron, as hard as that is for you to believe I really do care. In my line of work I don't meet many good men... don't even get started on the choices. Drakken? He's your fathers age... and that's just creepy. Junior? Oy! He's more high maintenance than I am... metrosexual richboy! Jack Hench? I need to wash my hands even if I just talk with the guy he's so greasy."
"What about Ed?" Kim asked, not thinking.
"Princess I said we wouldn't fight and then you go and say something to insult me... I'd never, EVER give even a first thought to Ed... I don't like metal music, I don't like being called a 'green babe' and I DON'T LIKE MULLETS!" Shego finished with a harsh rasp in Kim's ear.
"Ok, I get the point. Ron must look really good to you." Kim admitted reluctantly.
"Yep," Shego said casually, her eyes locked on the activity in the garage, "he cooks, he's kind, his kisses are like a gift from the gods..."
"... he has the eating habits of a wild boar, can't keep his room clean to save his life, no fashion sense outside his riding gear... he's not perfect you know." Kim put forth, both to make sure Shego didn't see everything about Ron with rose coloured glasses and to possibly put her off the Ron Train.
"Oh, I know he's far from perfect, this isn't the first time I've watched him. But ever since he returned from Japan... and no, I don't know anything about what happened over there either and yes it bugs me too... the rough edges have gotten smoother. He's just a good all 'round guy, and that's special to me."
"Honest question time then, is what you are feeling for Ron love or loneliness?" Kim asked her opposite number as she listened in on two of her friends.
"Just pay attention to what's going on inside Princess!" Shego growled as she returned her attention to the activities in the Stoppable garage. Her mind was a different story, she'd never admit it, even on her deathbed, but Kimmie's question had struck a nerve. Is it just a lack of decent options?
-RS-
Ron removed his gloves and gently lifted Rufus from Tara's thigh carrying him over to the pile of clean rags so that he could get another part of his 20 hours of daily sleep. Behind him Tara took off her gloves and moved to the couch, curling up next to the armrest facing the rest of the couch and a particular spot she hoped would soon be occupied with the blonde gentleman that was her host. Moving back to the old sofa Ron grabbed a pair of Dr. Peppers from the fridge and gave one to his lady companion, "I don't have any diet, I hope that's ok." He said as he dropped into the worn cushions beside her.
Tara's mind squealed with joy as Ron sat right next to her, his legs touching her own, his body turned to almost face her, his body language showing he was totally open to her. I hope I'm not moving too fast! I don't want to mess this up!
"Not a problem, I really don't like diet any ways." Tara said with a smile. Time for him to get to know the real me, even if it starts out small.
Ron got a very curious look on his face right away, "Umm, correct me if I'm wrong but every time the cheer squad goes out you always order diet."
"That's right, but it's only because the other cheerleaders would give me the devil for ordering anything BUT diet!" Tara said through a giggle.
Ron had to laugh at that, "Well I'm glad you can be honest with me Tara, that means a lot."
"You have no idea what it means to me Ron, knowing you won't judge everything I do." Tara said softy as she leaned over and let her head rest on his shoulder.
Booyah! I was right about how she feels! Do I do the arm thing though? This isn't a movie... go with your gut! Ron gave in to the moment and dropped his arm around Tara in a hug, giving her a gentle squeeze. He was rewarded with Tara snuggling closer to him and letting out a contented sigh.
-RS-
As the two blonde teens settled into each other Tara found herself humming along with the music between sips of the soda. "I've never heard this song before Ron, what is it?"
"A group called Blue Rodeo," he listened for a moment, catching the tune, "this is English Bay. Good song, I like nice peaceful music like this when I'm out here working."
"Ron?" Tara wanted his attention. She was nervous, but she wanted to know how he felt about her.
"Yes Tara?" He said as he gazed down into her sparkling blue eyes.
"I... Well I..." She began but was cut off by the arrival of a robot of some sort. Turning in frustration she saw it was a box about 2 foot square with treads underneath of it and a view screen on top along with two manipulator arms.
"Hey Ron, Tara, nice to see you!" Came a voice Tara recognized as Wade Load.
"Hi Wade." They both called to the image on the screen.
One of the mechanical arms reached back into the body of the unit and came out with a good sized box which was placed in Ron's lap. "As promised some new equipment for the other half of Team Possible!"
"Booyah! You are the man Wade!" Ron said as he opened the box and dug through the newspaper the boy genius had used as packing.
Tara couldn't help but smile despite the interruption as bits of paper flew everywhere and Rufus scampered around to collect them, chittering angrily at his master's bad habits.
Ron realized the only thing in the box was a large black bag marked with the name 'Schuberth'. Opening the bag he found a jet black C2 flip up helmet emblazoned with a falcon that clutched a glowing blue katana in it's claw with a great snow capped mountain as a backdrop. Hefting the helmet and examining it he marveled at the work his friend had done.
Tara was stunned, she knew of the headgear made by Schuberth, she had lusted over this very model herself but found the 500 dollar price tag far too much. I guess the boy genius works only with the best. "That is one amazing helmet, and the design is so stunning... does it signify anything?"
To her surprise it was Ron that answered in a hushed tone, "It portrays a weapon of great power, an ancient sword forged from a metal not seen in many centuries. It can only be wielded by the true master of the ancient mystical powers of light..." Ron paused, shook his head and continued in his usual goofy tone, "and the bird is a peregrine falcon, which in Japanese is a Hayabusa! Wade, buddy this is far too much!"
"No it isn't Ron, you deserved all this good stuff a long time ago. Besides you haven't seen the enhancements I've made or the rest of the goodies yet, put the helmet on and Tara dig around in the side pocket of the carry bag, there is another special gift in there." Wade spoke with a chuckle in his voice, happy that his inventions could bring people such enjoyment.
Flipping up the front of the helmet Ron proceeded to plunk it on his head, adjusting the chin strap and working the release a few times to insure it was working well. He wasn't suprised to find the fit perfect, Wade was a perfectionist after all.
"Is this what I'm looking for?" Tara held up a metallic object about four inches wide by three long and only three quarters of an inch thick, it was jet black to match the helmet with a set of glowing blue buttons on the one side. Wow, snazzy! It looks better than the one Kim totes around! She couldn't help but think.
Wade nodded over the vidlink on the robot, "That's the Communicator Mark 2, flip-phone style design, high speed datalinks, full voice commands via your helmet and a built in music player with twice the capacity of your Zen, so you don't have to carry both."
"Coolio! Again this is far and away too much Wade!" Ron said with a massive grin.
"Nope it isn't, final word... and as the saying goes 'But wait, there's more!'... flip down the front of the helmet and press the button marked 'sync' on the side of the Communicator." Wade commanded, as he reached for his soda.
Ron did as asked, after locking down the front of the helmet he took the offered device from Tara and pressed the glowing button. Instantly the image of Wade sucking on the straw of a giant bladder buster cup was visible on the inside of the visor, he could hear the teen genius clicking with his mouse in his ears.
"This is sooo badical! Tara I can see and hear Wade inside the helmet!" Ron cried out, the amazement and joy evident in his voice.
The blonde haired young woman was taken slightly aback, she knew that Wade was good with technology, but this was beyond the cutting edge. People say Ron doesn't get the cool gear Kim does? Yeah, ri-i-ight! Her mind offered sarcastically.
"It gets better Ron! I wanted to be able to see where you went or was if you were on a mission using the Ghost, so I placed a small video camera in with the top vent of the helmet. It's something I just finished and it only added ounces to the weight, which I cut down even more by replacing some bits with advanced synthetics and composites. That helmet you have on is probably the most advanced in the world... I only hope it can handle the 'Ron-factor'!"
"So there's a really small video camera in there?" Tara asked, shock in her voice as she looked at the top of the helmet.
"It's more than just a small video camera, it's a small High Definition video camera... and tomorrow at the track we are going to give it a real test. You know those insane vids from all over the web of people blasting through towns on sportbikes?" Seeing the two teens nod he continued. "Tomorrow at the track we are going to make some movies that will make them all seem slow in comparison!" Wade was so happy he was practically dancing in his chair, his soda momentarily forgotten.
"BOOYAH! I can't wait to do that tomorrow... how do the voice commands work buddy?" Ron was seriously pumped at this point and Tara could feel the excitement in the air.
"Basically anything you say that's prefaced by 'C3' will be a command, and it's linked to your speech so nobody else can gain control. 'C3 Music' will take you into the music player commands for example." Wade explained.
"Sounds simple enough, can I test it?' Ron asked, Tara just looked on excitedly.
"Sure can! Try calling Kim, it's number two on the auto call. I'm one, your unit is now number three." Wade offered with a smile.
"Ok... C3, Call Unit Two." Ron spoke aloud into the voice command system.
-RS-
Both Shego and Kim were amazed at the technology being displayed in the garage across from them. It distracted them enough they did not see the logical conclusion of Wade's demonstration until it was far too late.
Kim felt her Kimmunicator vibrate in its pouch on her hip. "Uh Oh!"
"Turn it off, pull the batteries, do something!" Shego cried.
"Too late." Kim said, hearing the conversation in the garage through her earpiece. I am soooo busted.
-RS-
It's beeping but she's not picking up... I might be paranoid, but better safe than sorry. "Wade, run a location for Kim, she's not picking up."
As the young genius quickly ran the trace Ron took off the helmet and flipped the Communicator off 'sync' mode, snapping it open to find Wade's image waiting on it's screen with an odd look on his face. "Ron, the signal is coming from right across the street from you."
"Huh? Are you sure of that buddy? I mean her house is right down the street you could be off by a bit." Ron said, sounding doubtful.
Wade snorted, "When have I ever been wrong about something like this Ron? Besides I used your Communicator and the Wadebot to triangulate, she's behind that hedge on the other side of the road... I even have her biosigns from the Kimmunicator."
Never doubt Wade... but if she is over there, why? She wouldn't... come on Ron, she is a bit of a control freak. A frown formed on his usually happy face, a frown that soon turned to a scowl. Tara's face matched his as she reached the same conclusions he had.
"KIM, get out of that hedge and get over here!" Came the suddenly very loud bellow from the throat of Ron Stoppable.
-RS-
"Snap! Didn't you think to leave that at home?" Shego snarled as she got to her knees.
"No, and where are you going?" Kim said, her voice revealing only a bit of the panic she felt.
"To face the music Princess. What else can we do if we want him to talk to us again?" With that Shego stood and made to leap over the hedge.
Kim sighed heavily and realized Shego was right, quickly gathering her gear and standing she jumped the hedge just before Shego could.
-RS-
Tara, Rufus, Ron and the observing Wade were suprised when the expected flash of red hair was accompanied by a flash of jet black hair as the two women vaulted the hedge and stood on the opposite curb.
Seeing the two women Ron's anger flared, he felt the power within him grow, feeding off the emotions. His voice became a loud feral growl. "SHEGO, KIM! Get over here this instant!"
-RS-
Kim wasn't feeling too good as she checked both ways and proceeded across the street with Shego on her heels. She hadn't seen Ron angry-angry many times before but she knew when pushed he had a fierce temper and was capable of reaming someone worse than a stereotypical Drill Instructor. By the stone serious look on his face Sgt. Stoppable was in charge, and Tara didn't look to happy either. She only hoped she could count the two of them as friends after all was said and done.
Shego could see her co-spy was on edge, and truth be told she was as well... Stoppable looked furious, she decided she most definitely liked goofy better. By a long shot. He stood in the middle of the open garage door, his arms crossed in front of his chest and a look of menace across his face, Shego could also swear she saw a blue sheen in his eyes. The girl she now knew as Tara wasn't much better. Why did I think spying on him was such a good idea?
Ron watched the two of them march in step up his short driveway, as they made the entrance of the garage he moved aside and pointed with a harsh jab at the back of the space, "Both of you, on the couch!"
Definitely a blue tinge to those brown eyes. I didn't know he had it in him to get this mad. Shego thought she moved quickly to comply with his command.
As the two sat back stiffly on the old couch they saw Ron stalk back towards them taking deep breaths, his arms crossed in front of his chest with Tara a step behind looking just as menacing.
"Ron, Tara I just want to say..." Kim began...
"... Kimberly, this redefines wrongsick! I'm trying to have a relaxing day here with Tara and I can't even have that without some kind of weirdness? I can't believe you'd snoop on your best friend!" Ron cut her off, not really wanting to hear what she had to say at that moment. I know things have to go her way but this is pushing it a bit much.
The teen heroine could only sit in shock as her possibly once best friend continued to rant at her. Ron's using my full first name... that never happens, Kim sometimes when he's annoyed or wants my attention... but never the full Kimberly. What possessed me to spy on him, I feel like I violated his trust.
Shego decided she had to say something, "Don't get your boxers in a knot Ronnie, Princess and I were just looking in on you and Blondie there... how many times has 'Team Possible' looked in on me over the years... I dunno... hundreds of times!"
"That's business Shego, you know if you do something we'll be there, different sitch altogether." Kim huffed.
"Blondie!" Tara growled, clearly not pleased with her new pet name.
"No big Tara, Shego gives them to everyone... I'm Princess or Kimmie, Ron's Buffoon or Stoppable and..." Shego and Ron now had her fixed with withering gazes, "... I'll just be quiet for now." Kim finished, meekly sitting back on the couch.
"Shego, I thought I made it clear last night. No touchy the Ronnie til tomorrow!" He growled at the green skinned woman.
"I know, but I wanted to come see if you needed help, then I found Princess over there in the hedge and found out you already had help and well when in the hedge do as the hedgehog." Shego threw a wicked smirk at Kim.
"Why you green witch!" Kim roared and made to come off the couch, but surprisingly a blue-eyed blonde stopped her.
"Kim, this is neither the time nor the place... chill!" Spoke Tara in a tone that allowed no room for argument.
Shocked at the outburst from her normally timid fellow cheerleader Kim took a moment to compose herself before speaking to Ron, "I know now what I did was wrong. Tara, Ron I'm sorry about what I did to you both. I should have had more faith in the two of you and I should have spoken up sooner to you Ron about how I feel." I need to make him see, understand how much I want to be the one for him. I've got no beef with Tara but I know Ron and I could be good together.
Shego didn't quite understand the meaning of Kim's words and only responded with a cocked eyebrow. Tara on the other hand knew full well what Kim had on her mind when she spoke those words and responded with a frown.
Ron stood back and glared at the two women, his anger had abated slightly, but he was still tweaked that they'd both violate his privacy like that. Kim and Shego are both so controlling they just don't see it like that I guess. To them it's looking out for something they have interest in, making sure it's... I'm... safe. Thinking about it in that perspective bled off more of his lingering anger.
Kim knew that if she wanted to salvage this day and still walk away with Ron as more than her best friend forever she had to get him alone, even if all he did was completely ream her. Take the punishment and move on with the mission, you know he can't stay mad at you long, he always comes around. I have to move quickly though, he won't keep us here much longer.
"Ron, can I talk to you with a bit more privacy?" Kim asked with a sheepish expression on her face.
Ok Kim, walk with me." He said in a stern tone as he walked towards the front of the garage leaving the redhead to follow and Shego and Tara looking at each other nervously.
-RS-
As Ron spoke to Kim about her actions at the front of the garage Tara took the opportunity to sit next to the green hued villainess, "So, you grabbed some of Ron last night and snuck a kiss."
"Yeah, what about it Blondie?" Shego asked in her usual abrupt manner.
Tara took a deep breath before speaking in a confident voice, "Well, what was it like? How good is he and how tight is that butt?"
Shego was shocked. I thought Kimmie said this one was all angelic and pure... guess Princess doesn't know it all! Not allowing her surprise to show she decided to dish back and see how the young lady handled herself. "It's tight enough, and well shaped too. As for the kiss? Ron's got guys twice his age beat already. The things that man did with his tongue once he got going..." Shego's mental control slipped as she allowed the memory of the kiss to flood her mind, her normally mint coloured cheeks took on a scarlet tone, causing the girl next to her to giggle.
"Sounds like you had fun... hopefully I get a chance to do the same." Tara delivered the words in a cool voice, realizing that Shego was trying to play her.
Shego for once in her life didn't have a quip to answer with. Was Kimmie ever off base on this one!
She was saved from the embarrassing silence by a loud yell from Ron, "Shego! Time for you and Kim to leave, my guest and I would like to enjoy the rest of the afternoon together. Isn't that right Tara?"
"Sounds bon-diggety Ron!" Tara chirped, much to the chagrin of Kim and Shego.
Quickly standing and moving to the front of the garage Shego heard Kim promise to call Ron later and then apologize to both him and Tara again before moving out of the garage and down the street.
"I'm sorry about how all this went down too Ron," Shego said as she stopped in front of him. The blue glow was gone from his eyes but he still looked angry, even betrayed. "It seemed like a good idea at the time but it was wrong to violate your privacy, we still on for tomorrow?"
Ron sighed and nodded his head, "Everyone makes mistakes, and not racing you tomorrow would be punishing me as much as you, we're still on. I'll probably be getting there early to make sure everything is worked out."
"Ok, see you tomorrow... nice meeting you Tara, wish it could have been under better circumstances." Shego said as she left the garage.
"Likewise!" Tara called to the green skinned woman, earning a wave before the form leapt the hedge and disappeared.
"Once again you live up to your motto, 'Never Be Normal'!" Came the voice of Wade from his mechanical avatar. All Ron, Tara and Rufus could do was laugh.
-RS-
With the departure of the two snoops and the Wadebot Ron decided it was time to start putting everything back together and Tara agreed. She had learned a lot from Ron on how a bike is put together and how to keep one running safely. He was so patient and kind, I know I can be a klutz sometimes but that never seems to matter to him, he just enjoys my company and being able to share his hobby. I can't wait to get out riding with Ron.
"Well aside from the interruption I hope I've been educational today." Ron said with a goofy grin as he finished pouring fresh synthetic oil in the crankcase of his bike.
"You definitely were, maybe we can make this a regular thing, we could do the maintenance on our bikes together?" Tara suggested, trying and failing not to sound too hopeful. Please say yes, I had too much of a good time today even with Kim and Shego dropping by.
Ron smiled, he had been thinking the same thing for a while now, but afraid of what her reaction would be, "That sounds like a bon-diggety idea Tara, we can work on 'em then go out for a ride after when the weather agrees."
Tara couldn't help herself, as soon as he had put down the bottle of oil she was on him delivering a crushing hug and then following it up with a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Ron!"
"B-b-Booyah!" Ron mumbled as his mind slipped into neutral. His trademark goody grin at it's goofiest plastered across his visage.
She was overjoyed she could have that kind of effect on him and giggled at the look on his freckled face. "Oh Rooon! what do we have to do next?"
Ron shook his head, coming back to reality in the process, "All we have left is to put the panels and cowlings back on and we're done!"
"Well lets hurry up then, I'd enjoy spending some more time with you on that couch this afternoon." Tara said as she let her half lidded eyes gaze into the brown orbs of her host. Whoops, might have overdone it there... I didn't mean it quite that way... well not now... maybe a few months? Bad girl Tara!
Completely missing her unintended meaning Ron smiled, "I'd enjoy that too Tara... hand me that cowling, would you?"
Breathing a hidden sigh of relief she handed over the body panel, holding it in place for him to fasten as she smiled at her good fortune. Good thing he's still a bit oblivious around us girls, I didn't want to put him in hormone overload... yet.
-RS-
Looking at the clock on the wall Ron realized it was quickly approaching 6 PM. Funny that my stomach hasn't spoken up, I just feel so at peace here talking with Tara. Shifting on the couch slightly he turned to face her, "So when are you expected back home, I just noticed how late it is."
"I told my folks to expect me when they see me tonight, but my curfew is 10." Just then she heard the rumble of her own stomach joined by a matching rumble from his.
Ron had to laugh at this, "Two great minds... well stomachs... think alike, may I treat you to some fine Bueno Nacho?" He stood up and extended his hand to her in a gallant manner.
Taking his hand she let him pull her from the worn leather of the couch, "That sounds spankin' Ron, but can we do drive thru and eat in your truck? I think we got a little dirty to be sitting down anywhere." Tara giggled.
Looking at the grease and oil smudges on her shirt and then pulling his own shirt up in front of his face to see similar marks he nodded agreement. "Yeah that's a good idea. Won't be the first time."
As he pulled up his shirt to look at it Tara caught a glimpse of his toned torso. Wow! I want to cuddle up with him sooo bad right now, he'd be so much better than one of my stuffed animals. A deep blush covered Tara's face as her blue eyes glossed over.
"C'mon buddy, Naco's await!" Ron called. Rufus needed no further prompting, coming like a pink blur from the bench where he had been resting and diving into his usual mobile home in a cargo pocket.
First locking up the garage Ron then led her to the passenger door of the big Dodge, opened it for her and helped her inside. She hadn't expected that, wasn't used to it, but wanted it more often now that she had a taste. Ron has always had such good manners, even though everyone treats him badly he still will hold the door or offer a hand up, how did I not notice all this earlier?
As she settled into the leather she noticed the armrest in the center of the seat could be flipped up.
Ron hustled around the nose of the big half ton trying to stay as dry as possible and failing as he flung the door open and hopped behind the wheel and was surprised to find Tara sitting in the middle, right up against him. Well booyah for bench seats!
"Comfy?" He asked as he brought his seat belt down from the side of the seat, brushing his hand along her upper leg in the process. He felt an electric jolt at the contact, to him the jeans were just the right amount of tight on her shapely legs. Again visions of Tara in racing leathers surged through his mind. Tomorrow, I'll get to see that tomorrow, calm down!
Blushing at his touch Tara responded in an uneven voice, "Yes... I hope you don't mind me taking the middle."
"Not at all, in fact I'm glad you did." He said with a warm smile. "I couldn't think of anyone else I'd want sitting next to me right now."
Again Tara felt her face warm and she knew she was blushing again. If this keeps up it'll be permanent! She put her head over onto his shoulder, duplicating their positions from the couch. She saw Rufus scamper from his pocket and smile up at his master before looking at her and hopping to her leg and settling in much like he had earlier. "I guess all three of us are comfortable then!" She said with a giggle.
With a rumble the hemispherical head V-8 came to life and Ron guided the truck out towards the much needed Naco's, a blonde haired angel snuggled into his free arm.
-RS-
Tara suprised Ron by also wanting her Naco Grande sized, something she also admitted never happened due to peer pressure. I guess I never realized how hard my 'Never Be Normal' motto is to live up to. I do it everyday and take my lumps for it but some people 'go along to get along' and end up not enjoying life near as much as they could.
"You know I'll never judge anything you do as long as it makes you happy, right?" He said between bites of his Naco.
"Yeah, it made today special... I enjoy Nacos sooo much but if I go to order them when I'm out with Bonnie or the squad it's like I committed a cardinal sin. The worst thing is I have a metabolism that's a lot like yours, I can eat this stuff all day and not gain a pound." Tara smiled as she admitted that, not even Bonnie knew she could eat enough for a family and still look slim. Her smile broadened as she watched Rufus sitting on the dash devour a Naco in three huge bites. "But in terms of eating speed I don't think I can keep up with you and Rufus!" This is so much like one of my dreams it's like having deja vu... I wonder if the kiss will be as good? Wait, who says he's going to kiss me!
"Not many can." Ron said before polishing off his second Naco. "I'm glad you were able to come over today Tara, I really enjoyed being able to share my hobby with you. Just being able to sit back and talk, just be myself, was badical." Leaning back in the seat he took a long pull on his soda.
Tossing the last wrapper in the now empty bag Tara settled back against Ron as she wiped her hands with a wet nap, "I feel the same, I hope you know how much I like being around you."
"Like I said earlier, I spent the whole lunch period yesterday thinking about nothing but. More than anything though the fact that you're defying Bonnie and the 'Food Chain' to show me how you feel really proves how deep the emotions run." Ron admitted as he placed an arm around her and felt her snuggle into his side in response.
Tara frowned as she thought about her 'best friend', "I wonder how good a friend Bonnie really is to me. You know when I started looking at you differently?"
Ron shook his head in the negative.
"Just after the incident at Wannaweep. In the end you stood up for all of us and won. After that I started watching you, catching how good your manners are, enjoying your bon-diggety cooking and more than anything else just watching you be you. But I let Bonnie hold down what I feel for you." She admitted, feeling a bit ashamed.
"What changed?" A very curious Ron asked.
"Well, when you left for Japan I realized that you could leave at anytime and it might not be temporary. I spent the whole time you were gone going over how I felt and I decided I wouldn't let anything stand in my way. I just had to let you know how I felt... since all the rest of the girls were swooning over Hirotaka I got to have a lot of time to myself. I hope you understand how I feel about you Ron." Tara explained as she looked away from him.
Turning her face towards his own and pulling her chin up he locked eyes with her, "I understand completely Tara, and you're one of the bravest women I know to say that."
As his words washed over her in a warm wave Tara decided she would never have a better chance, she leaned in and captured his lips with her own. After a split second of something approaching panic from Ron she felt him relax and begin to return her affection. She had dreamt of kissing him so many times and none of them felt as good as the real thing, his lips were softer, the taste of the Tex-Mex on his lips was even spicier... it all added up to make a kiss Tara King would never forget. Both pulled back at the same time, breathless.
"Booooyaaaah." Came the soft whisper from both blonde teens.
"We should be getting home, I remember something about Kim calling you later and you need a good nights sleep to be in the right shape for racing tomorrow." Tara said after a moment, her voice sounding a little sore at the mention of her cheerleading captain.
"Yeah, I'm not looking forward to that conversation." Ron said, a sad look on his face.
Seeing that look almost broke Tara's heart, "Don't worry, it'll work out in the end, she can't resist the Ron." And neither can I.
He chuckled and leaned towards her, the arm he had around her tightening slightly in an affectionate squeeze.
-RS-
Two different sets of green eyes noticed the truck, both recognized the occupants. One set watched from a familiar booth, wanting to be close to a part of him if she couldn't have him to herself. The other set watched from across the street enjoying his creation also wanting to be a bit closer to him. Both saw the two blondes embrace, they saw the lips of one meet the other and the male of the two accept. Both sets of green eyes soon shimmered with unshed tears.
-RS-
After dropping Tara off at her place with a hug and another short kiss Ron arrived home in the middle of a cloudburst. The run from the truck to his front door had left him soaked to the bone, he could feel Rufus shivering in his pocket from the cold rain. He had wanted to tell his folks about the extra people due to arrive at the track tomorrow but once she saw him dripping across the floor his mother ordered him up to his room to change. Stripping out of his wet clothes he changed into a pair of board shorts and collapsed onto his bed as Rufus made a flying dive for his nest, seeking the warmth of his blankets. Raising his head to his night stand he saw that he had a few missed calls... all from the house of one James T. Possible. Hmmm, tweaked or worried?
After assuring his mother that he wouldn't catch his death from a cold and informing her about the additions for the next day he settled in and tried to relax before he called Kim. He caught himself almost falling asleep. Better make this call before I meet the sandman, I'd never hear the end of it if I drift off.
Picking up the portable he made his way back to the bed and as he flopped down he pressed the first speedial.
"Ron?" The voice on the other end answered after only one ring. Nice to know she cares that much.
"Hey KP." He replied, trying not to let the fatigue show in his voice.
"Where have you been? I've called like four times, I figured you'd be home about an hour ago." Came the reply from the redhead.
Hold up... she sounds worried, not tweaked. That's not what I expected. Maybe I scared her a bit too much earlier. I didn't want to lean on her that hard when I got her semi-alone like that but snooping around on me like that is wrong, all she would've had to do is show up. Sure Tara wouldn't have liked it, but it would have been the right thing to do. Is that what I wanted to happen though? If she'd have come by I never would have learned how Tara felt... there's no perfect version of what happened today. Better play this cool.
"Sha, no worries. Tara and I lost track of time chattin' it up and then we hit BN for some badical snackage. Sat out in the truck and ate due to the grease and oil spillage on the clothes." Came the Ronnish reply.
I know you did Ron, but somehow me admitting that wouldn't help things right now no matter how accidental it was. All that Naco did was make me think of you even more and now the thought that I may have lost you... no, don't buy trouble, you only saw a little peck... on the lips, nothing more.
"If you don't mind me asking, where are things between you and Tara?" Kim asked with a tremble in her tone betraying the effort it took to ask the seemingly simple question.
Ron realized what that hitch in her voice meant, he had heard it earlier with Tara and only knew what it meant after she had asked a question about himself and Kim. She's afraid of the answer, I never saw her hesitate once whenever we go into a lair but this one question has her scared. I was right last night, she didn't speak the truth. Calling it a lie wasn't right though, more than likely she just doesn't want to risk what we took so long to build. Do I want to take that risk? Another question I don't have an answer for. "First and foremost she's my friend, just like you are, and just like you she holds a place in my heart. You know that no matter what I've got your back." Ron spoke with determination, he did not want her to get any ideas, he knew she could be quick to jump to conclusions.
The answer stilled her fears, but the kiss nagged at her. Am I too late? "What about beyond friends?"
She could hear his sigh over the phone at her question, "In that area it's pure confusion, I have Tara, Shego and you mixed in that area KP. I want you to know Tara kissed me earlier this evening. I returned the kiss but I'm not sure if that means that I want to be with her... all I could think about right after was three of you again. You probably didn't want to hear that but I have to say it to someone."
Kim had to chuckle at that statement, "Well as your best friend forever I have to admire the sitch you've managed to get yourself into... but as someone that cares about you as more than a friend I'm feeling worried. I do want to be more than friends with you Ron, I know what I said last night was a lie and I know what I did today was wrong but I did both out of fear. First fear of losing what we have now, second in fear of losing what we could have." She took a deep breath, it had come out all in one burst.
"I know, that's why I'm not really mad about what happened today. Tara you might need to do some apologizing to though. I knew you were avoiding the truth last night in your room too. We've been around each other too much to hide much, I'm sorry I didn't tell you that the 'mystery woman' was Shego. That was wrong of me."
"We both made mistakes in the last 24 hours Ron, best we can do is learn from them." He heard her flop back onto her bed over the phone line. "So where do we go from here? Do you have any idea what you're gonna do?" Or who you'll go out with? Kim had left that part out, but Ron heard it clear as if she were right there with him.
"Tomorrow I'm going to ride, and I'm going to race and it will clear my mind. Then I'll start thinking about where to go next. You'll always be my best friend KP, I want to make sure you know that. I feel bad about harshing on you earlier. I wouldn't be who I am without you." Ron spoke into the phone, wishing that he was there so he could hold her soft hands and look into her emerald orbs, to let her feel the meaning in his words.
If he could have seen the face on the other end of the phone line he would have known it just wasn't necessary, small tears shimmered in those emerald orbs as she let his words embrace her. At that moment she knew everything would be ok even if she wasn't the one he held in his arms because he would always be there for her and always want her to be there for him. No matter where we go, what we do, or even who we are with, there will always be an 'us', somehow that makes me happy. For the first time since the day before a smile graced the facial features of Kim Possible.
They spoke for a while longer, discussing details of the day to come. Kim said that she might be delayed a bit by heading to church but that her family would be there and that they were all looking forward to it, her mother was almost giddy to get on a motorcycle again. Hearing this Ron couldn't help but laugh. He understood why they might be late and said he'd hold off his race with Shego until after everyone was there.
Soon they both decided the time had come to end the call.
"G'night KP, sweet dreams." Said Ron, stretching in anticipation of sleep.
"I'll dream of your arms Ron, I have before but it always made me scared to lose you, it won't tonight. I want you to know that." Kim said in a soft voice, not wanting to hide the truth from him.
"You could never lose me KP, not even in your wildest dreams." Ron spoke just above a whisper.
Kim let out a contented sigh as she let his words sink in, "Goodnight Ron, see you tomorrow." He's soo lucky he isn't here, I might have given Daddy a reason to send him to that black hole.
-RS-
As he heard the line disconnect Ron got up from his bed and placed the phone back in the cradle before beginning to pace the length of his room.
"All I wished for is one woman to understand me, to care about me and I ended up with all this." Ron moaned, not liking his situation one bit because he knew that he couldn't have all three and two would walk away hurting, something that he found weighed heavy on his conscience.
"By the sounds of that I'm probably the last person you want to hear from right now." Came the slightly sad voice from his window.
Ron's head spun around in surprise to find Shego perched on the sill, her head down.
He sighed and ran his hand through his unruly hair before collapsing into his desk chair. "I don't know what I want right now Shego, I have to admit I am more confused than I've ever been in my life. I wish, I wish..."
"...You could go for a ride?" Shego questioned, trying to complete his thought.
"Yeah, that would help, but I have it all ready for tomorrow. Need it in tip top shape to go against a Blackbird driven by this beautiful woman I know." Ron smirked with closed eyes. In his mind though he felt bad for flirting with the dark haired beauty before him.
"Flattery will get you a lot of places with me Ronnie." Shego spoke in a throaty near purr as she sauntered over to him and sat on the foot of his bed, turning him to face her. She let her eyes wander over his shirtless torso for a minute, as if in a trance. He wasn't the cut, over muscled bronze god that she usually found herself attracted to every time she went on a man hunt, but for some reason that simply didn't matter. Ron was... Ron, nothing showy or overbuilt, just simple and honest. Shego admitted to herself that this wasn't simple lust anymore, she cared for Ron deeply... and that scared her. Unfortunately Kim's voice picked that time to pop up in her memory... is it love, or loneliness? As this flashed through her head she didn't register Ron's eyes opening and settling on her own.
"Don't even think it Shego, I'm too worn out to make a go at anything right now and to be frank my mind isn't in a good place for that." He stated in a serious tone, snapping the green-skinned woman from her trance.
"Tara and Kim." It wasn't a question, Shego knew it to be fact after overhearing his conversation with Possible.
Ron just nodded in agreement, "Add yourself in there too. If you want to fry me for being indecisive, have at me."
Shego sighed, "I won't fry you, any other guy would try to play the three of us... that never crossed your mind, I can tell. That in itself means a lot to me." She paused, face screwed up in thought, "I don't envy your decision, we're all strong women and I know you don't want to hurt any of us, but a little hurt is inevitable for some no matter what you do."
Ron contemplated this for a moment before speaking in a hesitant voice, now fully alert. "That's about the size of it, but if you don't mind me asking, why me in the first place? There must be lots of guys out there that have more to offer you than I do."
"I had this same conversation with Kimmie earlier today. There's not really that much choice in my life, then I realize that you are there... I guess I noticed the new physique first, but that's just the way I am." She noticed the blush forming rapidly on Ron's face as he looked down at his uncovered upper body.
"Not much new there really, I just hid it more with baggy clothing," he admitted, "but there has to be more to it that that."
"There is... your manners, the way you care about everyone, even people like me, no matter what that person does. I mean you didn't cancel the day at the track even though you know it's me you'll be racing, your whole family and most of your friends will be there. That's a big risk to take. Heck, you even cook!"
Ron's face twisted into his 'how the devil do you know that' look.
"Well, I snuck into 'Chez Ron' before it got shut down. What a pain avoiding Kimmie, Rufus and yourself while not getting caught by the nerdling. It was worth it though, best meal I've ever had." She said with a smile at the memory of that day.
"Thanks, and I'm flattered but I still don't see what makes me so special." Ron said, his face turning slightly crimson at the praise.
"The fact you said that does, you aren't always on an ego trip, even when you are its not so much bad as cute. You're a better MAN than you give yourself credit for." She said, staring at him intensely. But is it just a case of being the only choice in town? I wish that would stop nagging at me!
There was a silence between them as Shego considered her next move and Ron drifted in and out of a semiconscious state, a blush spread across his face.
"By the way, how much of my talk with Kim did you hear?" Curiosity finally got the better of him.
"I heard about bringing food tomorrow so we can all relax and enjoy the day... am I invited for that too?" Shego asked, hoping to divert attention from his question.
"Of course you are, why wouldn't you be? Tara liked talking to you... wouldn't say what you two discussed... but she did like talking to you." Ron admitted with a perplexed look. If Tara wouldn't admit what they were talking about it's probably no good to ask Shego!
"That's actually kinda nice, it'd be fun to have someone to talk to about girl things besides DNAmy." She finished the statement with a shudder.
Ron couldn't resist the opening, "What, she wanted to make Drew into a life-sized cuddle buddy for you?"
Shego almost collapsed in laughter at the image in her mind, "Another reason to like you, making me laugh."
Ron smiled for a moment, his face then lost all expression, "Shego I know you probably heard all I said to Kim, including how her, Tara and yourself are all very special women. I want to know that no matter what happens, what I decide, that you'll be my friend. Tara has already made that commitment and Kim reaffirmed hers... I'd like to have that from you too."
The raven haired woman was rocked by the request. She had no true friends, people whom she could count on without fail but here she knew she had someone who would do just about anything for her. Just to have someone that she could call to go catch a movie with would be nice even if he wasn't her boyfriend. She knew it was a stupid thing to do but she couldn't help but think what could have been if someone like Ron had been close to her after the comet had changed her. All her 'friends' then had slowly disappeared, kept away by their fears or the fears of their parents. She knew, deep down it was obvious, that something like that wouldn't have kept Ron away. He would have been there, he would have held her after the mishaps when she couldn't control her powers, he would have laughed with her, and made her laugh when she needed it. Maybe it's not too late to have a friend like that.
"How can I say no to an offer like that... but it does include home cooked meals now and then, right?" Shego asked with a smile.
"Of course! I have to try out my new culinary creations on someone, might as well be my friends." Ron said with his trademark goofy grin before he stifled a yawn.
"I've kept you up and I need to get going too. Ron I just want you to know that you and I being friends if nothing else means a lot to me." Shego said as she took his hands in her own.
"I feel the same Shego... I'm glad to have you as a friend. Good night, sweet dreams." Ron spoke in a wandering tone as she released his hands and headed for the window.
"If you're in them they're bound to be sweet Ron, now you get a good nights sleep. I want a challenge tomorrow!" Came the happy reply from Shego as she hopped to the sill and then disappeared out the open window. I have a friend! Maybe two, have to talk to that Tara girl more tomorrow.
Ron watched the beautiful form of the villainess move across the street and disappear into the woods before closing the window and moving back to his bed, collapsing in physical and emotional exhaustion.
-RS-
Rufus looked over at his boy, seeing the confused look on his face from the night stand. No one, save Ron, ever considered how intelligent the naked mole rat really was. Having been there for all the events of this day Rufus had the whole picture and the bonus of a detached position unlike his troubled human. He knew each of the three potential mates had advantages and disadvantages, heck he even had a favorite, but in the end he knew it was Ron's decision to make. Rufus could only shake his head at the situation as Ron drifted off to sleep. As he switched off the lights and made his way back to his nest Rufus hoped the coming day at the track would help his boy find peace.
I'll dream of her arms
And though they're not real
Just like she's still there
The way that I feel
My love's like the warmth of the sun
(Warmth of the sun)
It won't ever die
(It won't ever die)
"The Warmth Of The Sun" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - The Beach Boys - Shut Down Volume Two
AN: I know this was a long time coming, I just hope everyone enjoyed it! Next up we go to the races and something important happens... ok, so more than one important thing happens. Ron's romantic quandary may be solved by the end of the next chapter, it may not be, but I think it wouldn't be Ron if all three ladies didn't come out of this as his friends. The partial song at the end? That was part of my inspiration, anyone wanna guess which 'The Beach Boys' song inspired the next chapter? Some may have noticed I sacrificed technical accuracy for storytelling reasons. Sorry 'bout that but I don't think we need the repair manual for a Hayabusa in the middle of a fanfic. But you can get the full maintenance manual online!
The Stoppable's car being a Chrysler? There's a small, obscure Simpsons joke there.
Read and review, please and thank you!
Next: Chapter 4: Have Ghost, Will Race