Path to Home

Chapter 4 : Truths and Reunions

"Ron…?" Kim asked with wide eyes.

"Clint" stopped a few feet away from her, his back turned to her waiting to see what she would do next.

Kim turned around and looked at the muscular back of the man a few feet from her. Ever since she had first laid eyes on him he seemed so familiar, like she had known him all her life.

Tears began to pool in her emerald eyes as Clint turned around to look at her through his sunglasses…she gasped once again as she remembered what she had discovered a while ago about Ron. Clint…just like Ron…never removed his shades and she noticed he walked with a bit of a limp sometimes. All the pieces were beginning to fall into place.

"Ron…. Ron is that…you?" Kim asked shakily as if she feared the answer.

Ron sighed and looked at her. "Well…. it sure as hell took you long enough." He said.

Kim walked up to Ron hesitantly and placed her hand on his face, she searched for the once familiar contours of her best friends facial structure under her fingertips.

Ron remained in place and unmoving, Kim's hand felt soft and warm against his skin. She began to reach up for his sunglasses and an urge to pull away from her started but he squashed it ruthlessly, if she desired to see his eyes then he would let her.

As she gently removed the mirror tinted sunglasses from Ron's face she gasped. Soft yet haunted chocolate brown eyes gazed back into her shocked emerald ones. She knew without a doubt that it was Ron, she could never forget his eyes…they had always had a way of pulling her in and entrancing her.

"Ron…it…is you…" She whispered as a tear streaked down her cheek.

Her eyes widened as his eye began glowing and changing colors, it gave him an almost ethereal appearance. Ron put his shades back on so that the sight of his eyes changing colors wouldn't scare Kim too much.

"Y…your eyes…what…?" Kim asked in shock.

"Why don't we go into your apartment and I'll explain a few things." Ron said in monotone.

Kim nodded and unlocked her apartment door. She walked into her apartment with Ron coming in behind her. It shocked her to see him scan the room as if in search of anything that might be out of place. She could see his eyes glowing bright blue under his shades and heard a fizzling noise from under her coffee table. There on the floor were the burnt out remains of a bug.

"How did you…?" Kim asked in shock.

"Psionics…" Ron answered. "I've been at this game for to long to be caught so easily." Kim nodded not knowing what to say.

Some time later Ron found himself sitting on a lumpy old couch in Kim's apartment. Kim was currently in the kitchen making them some green tea. He looked around the area, several pictures of him when he was in high school were on the walls and a few pictures of her family were strewn about as well. He could tell that this was not where she really lived…it was just a temporary place until the mission was done.

He had done much the same over the years. He always kept most of his valuables stored in boxes for easy travel. He had a small storage unit in Denver that held a good deal of his stuff as well. All of his important things were kept with him inside of his Avalanche; the truck had a security system on it that made theft impossible…that is if anyone had the balls to try stealing from him.

Ron took off his trench coat and put his guns down on top of it. He was now clad in blue jeans, black leather chaps, combat boots and a black tank top. He had decided to wear his combat boots instead of his biker boots for a change.

Kim walked back over to Ron and handed him a steaming mug of tea, it had some lemon juice and a touch of honey, just the way Ron had always liked it.

"Thank you." Ron said and took a sip of tea. "This is quite good."

Kim blushed a bit. "Your…welcome." She said suddenly shy.

Ron arched his eyebrow at the shyness but shrugged it off. "Are you hungry? I could make some Garlic Pasta for dinner." Ron offered in his usual monotone.

"S…sure…if you want to…." Kim stuttered.

Ron sighed and nodded. "You know…just because you haven't seen me in so long you don't have to be nervous, I'm not mad at you anymore and I don't hate you." Ron said and walked over to the sink and grabbed a clean pot from the drying rack and filled it with water.

"But I thought that….." Kim trailed off.

Ron sighed as he started cooking the pasta. "Kim…KP…it was a very long time ago. We both made some mistakes back then. You didn't trust me and I…well I ran from my problems instead of facing them like I should have."

"After I left I went to Yamanochi and trained, I trained relentlessly and mastered the powers I was given when I was fourteen. As a result I am a master of Psionic, Chi and Ki powers and my eyes glow depending on my moods." Ron explained.

"I…. heard about Yori…. I…. I'm so sorry Ron…" Kim said sadly.

"So am I." Ron said softly. "After I left I was so bitter and heartbroken. Yori…she helped me get past that and taught me how to love again. After she was murdered…I lost all feeling…it was the second time in my life that someone I loved was taken from me and it hurt."

"I learned in time to move on but I kept my emotions to myself, only letting people see a cold, emotionless façade to protect myself and others as well. I began taking more and more dangerous missions, it was my hope that I would finally die on one of them and my suffering would end." Kim gasped as tears flowed anew, what happened to the gentle, sweet guy Ron once was? "Unfortunately my powers make it very difficult for me to die, so even then my release wasn't granted to me."

"Eventually I managed to get myself pulled together, well, mostly anyways. I do still get depressed and lonely but that is after all…human nature." Ron said in a lighter tone. "I learned to have a broad outlook on life, taking in the positive and the negative and finally making my own path no matter what other paths lay before me. Eventually I gained a measure of inner peace and now along with my missions for GJ, I go around and help as many people as I can in whatever way that I can…it helps me to feel human again…rather than the cold killing machine that I had become."

"Oh Ron!" Kim sobbed out. "I'm so, so sorry, can you ever forgive me…it was all my fault you left in the first place…how…how could I have done that to you…why do you not hate me!" She cried out.

Ron turned off the stove and walked over to Kim softly, her head buried in her arms as her body shook with violent sobs. She jerked as if frightened as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

She looked up to see Ron's soft chocolate brown eyes. Within his eyes she could see all of his past suffering and pain. They had a haunted look from a person whom had seen more death than they wished to. Yet also swirling within those same eyes was the very emotions and characteristics that she had fallen for in him all those years ago. She could see compassion, kindness, gentleness, loyalty, courage and even love swirling behind a thin layer of ice. She gasped as a single tear pooled within and fell down his cheek.

"I….haven't been able to shed tears in so long." Ron said in almost a whisper. "I had almost forgotten what it felt like." A small sad smile graced his lips.

"Why…?" Kim asked softly. "Why don't you hate me?"

Ron gently cupped her cheek with his hand and brushed away some of her tears. He sighed softly and let a small yet true smile grace his features. "How can you hate someone you love KP?" He asked.

Kim speechless could only look at him with wide pleading eyes. Emerald pools that begged for forgiveness and acceptance.

"To answer your question, I never stopped loving you KP." Ron said softly. "Through out all the years I was gone there wasn't a day that passed that I didn't think about or miss you horribly. When I left…I lost a part of my soul and only recently has it felt somewhat whole again." Ron stated.

"I will admit…I was angry with you for a very long time…but that never stopped my feelings for you. I never thought that you would return them so I decided to move on with my life and even then your memory was always there in the deepest recesses of my mind…haunting me." Ron leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers, they were salty from her tears but warm and soft as fine silk.

Kim let out a gasp as Ron kissed her. She had wanted this for so long and it only ever happened in her dreams. But even within her dreams she never felt the electrical surge that shot up and down her spine or the fire that ignited within her soul.

Kim let out a soft moan as the kiss deepened and grew with passion. Years of pent up feelings and emotions poured out of them and into their kiss and their tongues dueled one another in a passionate dance.

The kiss broke and they looked into each other's eyes, Kim's emerald eyes glistening with tears and Ron's glowing multi-colored eyes, which oddly enough still held a soft and gentle nature to them.

"What we lost can never be taken back KP, but we can always have a new beginning." Ron said softly. "I'm tired, KP, very tired…I don't want to have to go on assassination missions anymore, I'm tired of killing…I just want a normal life now, going on missions with you like when we were teens, perhaps even opening a restaurant of my own. But most of all….I just want you back in my life…I need you and I know you need me…so….you ready to give things a second chance KP?"

Kim sobbed and nodded as she buried her face into his shoulder and cried. Ron held her and rubbed her back, for the first time in years some peace finally settled into his soul. For Kim it felt like a light had been switched on in the darkness that had surrounded her, she clutched tightly at that light and vowed never to let it go again.

After a short while Ron cooked them some dinner and they spent time catching up with each other. Kim hadn't felt so happy since before Ron vanished and Ron was wearing a true smile.

Both were tired of the extraordinarily dangerous work they did for Global Justice. They didn't want to quit working and doing missions though so after talking about it they decided to talk it over with Betty and see if they could work freelance for them.

Ron still had a rather substantial fortune; it had grown over the years from royalties and mission fees. So they decided to open a place in Middleton where the old Bueno Nacho used to be, a type of Bar and Grill but with a nice environment for families to come and dine. Kim could work the bar area while Ron cooked in the kitchen.

"Maybe in a few years we should retire from hero work all together." Ron said. "I know I'd like to settle down and start a family."

Kim blushed. "I'd like that too." She said in nearly a whisper.

Ron smiled at her. "I do have one request though." He said and grinned. "To get you pregnant this time…we use old fashioned methods." He chuckled when Kim blushed deeper.

"Are…you proposing to me Ron…?" She asked with meek curiosity.

"I guess I am." Ron stated. "I think we've both wasted enough of our lives waiting and being apart."

Kim got a sly grin. "True…or maybe you just want to get it on with a stripper."

Ron snorted. "I've had chances, but I have to admit…you are the only one who has ever made me lose my concentration." Ron chuckled but turned serious. "I wasn't joking KP, I would really like to marry you, I don't have a ring for you yet but we can take care of that after this mission. So what do you say…will you be my wife?"

Kim got up and went over to him and planted a very passionate kiss on him. "I would love to be your wife, Ron." She said softly and hugged him.

"Booyah!" Ron cheered softly, unable to resist.

Kim giggled. "I've missed hearing you say that."

"I haven't had a reason to say it in a very long time KP, but now I do." Ron answered.

"I can't wait to tell Mom and Daddy about this, they are going to be so happy. They really missed you." Kim sighed.

"I missed them too, they are the only other people on earth that I have ever considered as parents." Ron let out a yawn; it was nearly six in the morning.

"Getting sleepy?" Kim asked.

Ron nodded. "Yeah…you mind if I crash on the couch for a while KP?"

An impish grin crossed her lips. "Well…you could if you wanted to…" She paused for a moment and pressed herself into Ron. "Or you could join me in bed, we are going to get married after all and I've known you long enough that there is no need to wait." She said softly into his ear.

Ron suddenly didn't feel quite as tired as he did a little bit ago. "If that is what my lady wishes." He breathed into her ear, she shuddered in delight.

Ron picked her up effortlessly and the two of them walked into her bedroom, kicking the door shut behind them.

Kim woke the next morning feeling very refreshed, happy and a little sore in a certain area. A smile came to her lips as she remembered the reason for the discomfort...a price happily paid in her opinion. She glanced to her side and noticed that Ron was not in bed anymore, figuring that he got up to use the restroom or something, Kim got out of bed and tossed a robe over her nude form.

She found Ron standing on her balcony looking over the alley behind the apartments. He was clad in only a pair of jeans and combat boots. She admired his muscular form and scanned over the various scars littering his body. She knew that there was nothing that she could do to take those horrible marks away...but she could help them heal.

"Good morning KP." Ron said without turning around.

"Morning Ron, did you sleep well last night?" She asked as she cuddled up next to him.

Ron put his arm around her. "Yeah…it's the best sleep I've had in a very long time."

Kim looked at her watch. "Damn…we're going to have to go into work in about seven hours. Paul wants us all in early tonight to help prep for the shows and do our monthly checkups and such."

"That's fine…so…what do you want to do in the mean time?" Ron asked.

A slight glint glistened in Kim's eyes as an impish grin crossed her features. Ron almost laughed at her expression.

"Later KP, mystical powers or not I'm still a bit tired from last night."

Kim pouted. "Oh alright…can't blame a girl for trying though."

Ron gave her a quick kiss. "Tonight then…I promise."

Kim smiled and sighed contentedly. "I guess we could go visit my rents." She offered.

Ron shook his head. "A nice idea but not until the mission is over, you never know who might be watching us."

"Hmmm…point taken." Kim said as she recalled the bugs that Ron had cleared out the night before.

Ron's com-phone rang from his pocket. He removed the special device that was a cross between a G.P.S., Kimmunicator, Cell phone, P.D.A. and a lap top computer. It was his own design and operated on an untraceable and un-jamible frequency. Only three people had the line and frequency to this device…Dr Director, Paul and Wade.

"Stoppable here…. Yeah…no, the mission is going as planned although it is slow moving at the moment…I see…alright then, I'll be in ASAP, Stoppable out." Ron closed the com-phone and looked at Kim.

"Sorry KP, but I just got a call from HQ, they need me to come in for an emergency briefing about the mission." Ron said.

"You want me to come too?" She asked curiously.

"Wish you could but Dr Director told me to come alone, I'll fill you in on what I can when I get back alright."

Kim looked a bit sad about being left out but conceded in the end. Ron quickly got dressed and grabbed his gear and gave Kim another kiss before leaving her apartment.

Kim sighed and went about starting her day. She had a few things to do and some paperwork to fill out. That would help pass the time until Ron came back home. A small smile crossed her lips, as soon as this awful mission was over she and Ron could get a place of their own together or he could move in with her at her condo near her parent's house.

A while later Ron found himself once again at GJ central HQ. This time he was in a room with not only Betty Director but also Paul and Wade. Each of them had looks that bordered on upset and serious.

"Betty, Wade, Paulo…. what's the emergency?" Ron asked in his usual emotionless tone.

Betty was the first to speak. "First I want to say that as a friend, it's about damned time you fixed things with Ms Possible. But as your commanding officer I am ashamed that you would compromise the mission by ignoring your orders to keep your distance and cover."

Ron shrugged. "What…you gonna court marshal me?" Ron snorted. "Try it if you want, I'll just finish the damn mission on my own terms."

"Now Ronnie, there's no need to get hostile." Paul said. "These rules were made not only for your protection but for Kim's as well."

"I can protect Kim, none of you need to worry about that." Ron said stubbornly.

"Like you protected Yori?" Betty asked with an arched brow, Wade gulped and backed away from Ron. "Had you listened to orders then she would still be alive. Ron…you are our best but you cannot go around making your own rules, it's just not how the game is played."

Ron was seething. "Fuck your god damned rules and fuck your stupid little games!" Ron roared as his power levels surged. "Don't you think I don't regret what happened?"

"There hasn't been a damn day that hasn't gone by since then that I haven't wanted to just die, to finally get my release. But if I hadn't disobeyed your friggin orders back then, then all those civilians I saved would have died in the explosion and Yori would have as well. I did the best I fucking could dammit but it will not happen again…I will not sacrifice KP like that!"

"Ron…you didn't sacrifice her." Wade said softly. "She chose to stay behind to try and help where she could. Stop blaming yourself for something you had no control over."

"Oh shut the fuck up Wade, you don't have any idea what it's like to lose someone you love and then get berated for it!" Ron growled.

Wade looked hurt for a moment but then stiffened. "I may not know what that feels like Ron but I was the one who was on the com-phone with her before she died or have you forgotten that? Stop being such an asshole and listen to what we have to say."

Ron smirked. "Nice to see you finally grow some balls Wade." His face returned to its stoic look. "The past aside, what is going on that needs my attention so bad?" Wade flipped him off but returned the smirk, this time there were no hard feelings.

Betty regained her composure slightly; meetings with Ron were always nerve wracking. Pauly found the whole thing slightly entertaining. "Well Ronnie my boy…the mission is about to become a bit personal." Pauly stated.

"How so?" Ron asked as his eyes narrowed.

"Your targets have marked a target of their own." Betty answered. "It would seem that they have discovered Ms Possible's true identity and are planning to make an example of her."

Ron bristled as his muscles tightened, you could hear his skin straining from it. "And just how do they plan on doing that?" Ron asked through gritted teeth.

Betty gulped and Wade backed away a bit…she really wasn't paid enough for this kind of thing. "By Group beating, Group Rape and then she is to be lynched nude in the park." Now even Pauly was backing down as Ron's powers flared angrily.

"Over my FUCKING dead body." Ron snarled and slammed his fist into and through the wall. "Those assholes have just signed their death warrants."

"That will be fine Ronald." Betty stated. "But only after they have played their hand…until then you cannot strike. As you well enough know…we need the proper evidence for such a maneuver."

"Fine." Ron growled. "Then this has turned into a termination mission…correct?"

"Yes." Betty answered.

"Good…the second those pricks make their move I'll make mine." Ron said calming a little. "Paul…I want you to cover KP, make sure she is safe if I can't directly protect her."

"Sure thing Ron, you have my promise." Paul said with a nod.

"We will have Club X under constant surveillance and several other agents will be waiting under cover in case you need any assistance." Wade said. "We however do not know when this will happen…our informant was not able to get that information…only that it will happen within the next week."

Ron nodded. "Alright…now if you'll excuse me, I have some catching up to do."

They watched Ron walk out of the room, after he left each of them let out the breath they had been holding. In a way they almost pitied anyone who was going to try to hurt Kim…it would cause Ron to reach his breaking point. A collective shudder went through them as they thought about just what might happen if Kim was ever killed…bloodbath would be a very light way of putting it.

Disclaimer : We do not own Kim Possible

Authors : DragonMaster & Doug4422 aka Epic Quest INC