Time, Love, and Tenderness

by Alton Cyphers

[COMPLETE; EDITED AND UPDATED] After a horrible accident, leaving Kim lonely, she finds help and comfort in the arms of the most unexpected person; an AU set after the series ends.

5. 05

Chapter 5

The semester had started without her, but Kim Possible didn't feel left out. She was taking some much needed time off to get back in touch with herself, per the suggestion made by Drew Lipsky. She wanted to call him her boyfriend, but somehow that term just seemed too silly to use on him, no matter how much of a goof he was. Instead, she referred to him as her partner, regardless of the implication the term can have. They worked well together, as friends especially, and she had a feeling that if they had come across the dynamic years ago, many things could have played out very differently. Although, there were many things she wouldn't want to change, seeing as then she may have never gotten with Ron, and spent all that wonderful time with him. She knew that if things had been different, Ron might not have died, but every time she found herself regretting his death, she could remember with absolute clarity the talk they had in the dreamscape, and the certainty he had given her on his actions, how he would do the same again, made her feel better. Even if, every so often, she felt guilty for it. Lately, however, she's been seeing the world in a new and brighter light since Ron's death, and she knew exactly who was responsible for it. Said person was currently bringing her a bowl of potato salad in one hand, while his was in the other hand. Sitting down beside her and handing her the bowl, he got cosy in place, setting the heels of his feet on the coffee table, and leaning into her a little bit. It was comforting to know that he had become so relaxed around her, enough that he dared to get into her personal bubble so nonchalantly. She leaned back into him, showing without words how accepting she was of the contact. For a while they just ate in silence, watching television together in peace. The film, a science fiction romp spoofing the Star Wars series, didn't make too much sense to her, but he seemed to enjoy it, and she was glad to have brought it over. She even understood most of the cultural references. Every-so-often he would mutter to himself about something going on in the film, one of the cute and endearing things she had learned about him in the past few weeks.

Kim was quickly learning that Drew was as much, if not more, of a goof than Ron had been, and that made her defences fall, the walls around her heart gave way. She was beginning to fall in love with him. Unlike with Ron, who she hadn't realised exactly how much she cared for until it was evidently love, she hadn't liked Drew for very long. The first time she tried to talk to him outside of the hero/villain barrier, after he helped save the world from aliens he unwittingly and unintentionally angered, she found that she already kind of like him. As long as he wasn't trying to take over the world, he was rather funny and witty. But that happened only twice before Ron died, so she hadn't really thought about it long. Now, however, she could see how valuable a friend, ally, and possible love interest he was and had always been.

Drew, on the other hand, couldn't compare Kim with the only other woman he'd ever been with; they were too different and it was what he liked most about her. Granted, there were things about him that she found odd, but she didn't ask him to hide anything from her, and was overall accepting of his interests, even if she didn't have the same. Which was how he was by nature, something he acknowledged that she was not, but was trying to be. It was something she had been working on with Ron as well, since by nature she wasn't entirely open-minded to most things that didn't fit into her image of the world. Since her high school graduation, however, she was beginning to see that it was truly time to change that, and he could tell she was trying her hardest at it too.

When the film finished, Kim got up, put it away, and rummaged through the other films she had brought from the library, wondering which one he would like to watch this time.

"How about we watch this one?" She held up another science fiction film, "Weird Science."

"Actually, I'm kind of tired."

"It's only two in the afternoon."

"And almost ninety degrees outside. makes a person tired you know."

"Well, what do you propose then?"

"I was going to go back to my bed and lie down. You can stay out here and do what you like, or you can join me." He sounded rather droll as he spoke, a sign of his tired state, and didn't catch the look of shock on her face at his invitation, even if it wasn't meant to be untoward.

"Join you?" She didn't know he had it in him to suggest something like that so early in their relationship. Granted, she wasn't a virgin, but it took her almost four years before she let Ron touch her, and even then, as kind, thoughtful, and patient as he was, she still took their activities rather slowly.

"Yeah, that's what I said. What are you thinking, that I'm suggesting we sleep together?"

"Well, I don't know what to expect from you sometimes..."

"Kimberly," he looked her in the eye, "I'm suggesting, if you want, that we go lay down, clothes and all, and take a nap."

"Oh."

"Sometimes," he got up and began his trek to the master bedroom down the hallway, "You really make me laugh, you know that?"

When he entered the room, he left the door opened behind him, like his invitation still was. For a long moment, she pondered whether she should follow. It was a big step they would be taking, although not as big as she first thought it was, there was still the boundary they were crossing. Becoming intimate, in any sense of the word, was something she didn't take lightly. It was something that she never had to deal with in this sense with Ron that she could remember, because they had been friends for so long. So after deliberate stalling, she walked back into his bedroom, a place she'd never ventured before.

Like the rest of the house, the walls were white, with pictures in strategic places. The difference was that only one picture wasn't artistic, but of his mother. Taking professionally, it looked like, and sitting on, in the centre of, his dresser. Everything on the bed was in a shade of blue, and the rug as well. Were it not for the vinyl blinds, she thought he'd also have blue drapes. She wondered idly, while taking off her shoes, if he like the colour because of his own skin, or if that was what inspired him to change himself the way he had. Instead of wondering long, she asked him.

"Drew?" Kim was standing on the empty side, facing him as he faced her. His eyes were closed, however. So, very slowly and carefully, she got onto the bed and laid down, facing him. The way he was, however, meant that she was laying with one of his arms under her neck, which wasn't as uncomfortable as it would seem, and to counter the off effect it gave her, she kept her arm somewhat close to him between them. Her other arm, like his, stayed on their upturned side, cradling the body. She tried again to get his attention, maybe even wake him up, though she hadn't thought she had taken so long to come into the room that he'd already be sleeping.

"Drew?" His eyes fluttered, and Kim said his name again.

"Yes?" He used a little voice, and barely opened his eyes to look at her.

"I have a strange question for you."

"What?" He was beginning to pay her more mind, but she could tell he wanted to go back to sleep.

"Why are you blue?" That, apparently, woke him completely up.

"Why do you want to know that?"

"I saw your room with all these shades of blue and couldn't help but wonder if you like the colour because of your own skin, or for other reasons."

"Oh, well..." He was taken aback. No one had asked him the question so unabashedly, and for the first time in his life, he didn't lie about the story.

"It was an accident really. You know the Wicked Witch of the West, how she had green skin? I thought if I did too, people would think I was a truly evil, wicked villain. But there is no condition that causes the skin pigmentation to be green without injury, so I experimented with the only known form of pigmentation alteration called argyria which causes the skin to turn blue. Although darker than what my skin is and not so solid a tone over the body, the condition is caused by silver poisoning. I thought I had it, a way to make my skin green that is, didn't test the compound beforehand, and just took what I mixed together. The next morning, I woke up like this. I don't feel any different, just look it."

"Did every inch of skin change?"

"Yes. I saw a doctor that day, and when he asked what I was took, he had to stop me from rambling on the ingredients. Told me that like argyria, this was permanent."

"Wow." While he had been talking, her arm between them had moved closer to him as she leaned her body toward his. When they noticed this, she giggled nervously. "Sorry about that."

"Don't be. Do you want to get more comfortable?" He looked sincere, and her trust in him increased. moving around to fix their positions was fairly simple, and soon they laid not only on the bed, but in each other's arms. A blush rapid reddened her face.

"What?"

"Doesn't this seem rather intimate to you?"

"Haven't you ever just cuddled with someone before?"

"Well, yeah—"

"This is my kind of cuddling. It's innocent, I promise."

"Oh-kay..." She watched him for a moment longer, finding the peaceful look on his face sweet, watching him fall back to sleep, and soon enough, she too fell asleep.

Hours later, night had fallen, and Drew was the first to wake up. He dared not move, afraid of waking Kim from slumber, her face calm and a smile tugging one end of her lips. He wanted to kiss her, but refrained, taking the time to analyse and possibly memorise her face. Somehow, he was still having trouble coming to terms with their relationship, why she would choose him of all people. Granted, over the last few months, he had come to understand some of her reasons, but they were all good reasons to remain friends. Instead, she wanted to pursue this with him, dates and everything that included. He gave it a go, although only because he had this strange need to please her, and found himself enjoying the experiences as well. When he had been with Shego, everything was the way she wanted, and sometimes with Kim, things were best her way. Only due to what happened to her, whereas his ex-assistant was just demanding in that way. When it was Kim's idea, he would lead, but he never purposely did. She was still healing, still recovering, and needed to take this at her own pace. Which was why he had left the invite to what was now a warm embrace that started as a simple cuddle and a nap. He didn't force her, or guilt her, but simply left it out there to be taken if wanted. Granted, he gave the extra incentive by coming back to his room, wondering if playing off her curiosity would help, but he didn't actually think it would work. Like the saying went, he wasn't going to 'look a gift-horse in the mouth.'

She moved slightly in his arms, bringing her body closer to his. As she moved her head so that it was under his chin, her arms tightening around him, she whimpered softly and he heard her voice very distinctly.

"Drew... Think I... Might... Love him..."

For a moment, he forgot how to breath, the shock stopping all thoughts. Six little words, five if you don't count his name, were his emotional undoing. Other than his mother, no one had ever said that phrase to him, in any way shape or form, before this redhead vixen. She came into his life years ago on the tail of her ideals and after everything that both of them had been through, she ended up in his arms uttering those words. In all likelihood, he was dreaming, and if he could pinch himself he would to check, but for the time being, he left himself believe it was all real, and he knew he was smiling like the fool he was.

Her dream, however, wasn't a normal dream; it was another dreamscape. She was surprised that Ron was visiting her again, but the look on his face told her that this was special, their last time. She went to hug him, but couldn't, and he radiated the sadness she felt back to her, mirroring her like old times.

"Kim, good to see you."

"Ron, what are you doing here? I thought after last time, I'd never see you like this again."

"Well, I was granted this one last time to tell you something."

"And?"

"We were soulmates, you and I." She couldn't respond to that, and just stared at him dumbfounded. "Yeah, I know. Not what you expected to hear."

"Ron, I..."

"It's okay if you're with Dr. D, really. He's a good guy, always has been, and he's helped you. I know this sounds cheesy, but I think you two are good for each other."

"You think we're good for each other?"

"Yeah, why not? I mean, he's been the only one to know what you're going through, even remotely, and he's always been open and willing to let you cry on his shoulder. We've been through alot together, him included, and I guess I'm here to say that I approve. I know it's been bugging you about what I would think." Suddenly he's corporal and she can touch him. Her first instinct is to hug him tightly, hoping to express her emotions with the contact.

"You're right, Ron, I have worried."

"You shouldn't."

"I like Drew a lot. I think I might even love him."

"Kim, this is our final goodbye."

"I know."

"You've got a new soulmate now."

"I know."

"I'll always love you."

"I know, and I'll always love you too." instead of the kind of kiss he left her with last time, his lips touched her cheek delicately, and then he was gone.

With that, Kim woke up, her arms instinctively tightening their grip. Startled, Drew cried out, causing the woman in his arms to jump, a small yelp escaping her lips. Starting at one another, not knowing what to say, they just stayed that way, their arms clinging to each other. She was the first to move, angling her head up to his and letting her lips rest softly on his chin, then moving up to his lips. Taken somewhat aback by this sudden display of affection, he hesitated somewhat on returning the kiss, but once he did, they battled for control. There was a fire, a heat, that neither could explain, fuelling their movements and passion. One of his hands went down to the small of her back, while the other tangled in her hair. One of her hands was gripping his shoulder, while the other was on his hip, moving slowly toward his backside.

It wasn't long before they were both breathless, chests heaving, arms and legs akimbo. In the almost darkness, he could see the smile that beamed at him, and she could see the astonishment in his coloured features. caressing her face delicately, as if she would break, he brought her face back to his, this kiss one of promises. The tenderness, the caring that he had for her was evident, his hands having remained still and neutral through the whole affair. She could feel all of this, and was touched. While they began their exchange of kisses again, she started turning onto her back, and he dutifully followed, not fully aware of the action. Once he was on top of her, however, it was hard to avoid.

"Kim..."

"It's okay, really."

"No, I can't."

He pulled himself from her grasp, which he underestimated and found rather difficult. Once her succeeded, he got off the bed and began pacing back and forth at the end of the bed. She stayed in the same place, watching him, her arms above and hands behind her head. He started mumbling to himself, the words to low toned for her to hear. After five minutes of this, she got impatient, sat up, and started calling out to him. Trying to get his attention didn't seem to be working, so she chose another tactic—throwing and hitting him with a pillow, which he caught before it fell to the floor. At first, he didn't know how to react, and just stood there, staring at her, the pillow held to the side in one hand. Slowly, she moved her hand behind her to grab another pillow, wondering if he understood the game. What stopped her from getting a hole of the pillow was how he just stood there, doing nothing.

"Ever had a pillow fight?" it took him a moment to answer.

"Never." She smiled kindly.

"Well, do you want to?"

"No." Her smile faded a bit, and he sat down on the bed. She crept over to him and sat on the edge beside him, taking the pillow from his hand and throwing it behind them.

"Something is really bothering you."

"Glad you noticed."

"Want to tell me what it is?"

"You have enough bothering you."

"Just tell me, please." He turned to look at her, noticing the honest open expression she had, and he couldn't lie to her, again.

"I heard you talking in your sleep."

"Okay. What did I say?"

"That you think you love me." He waited for her to get upset, expected it even.

"That's a relief, now I don't have to worry how to tell you." She was calm, relaxed.

"And then, when I was... You almost seemed like you..."

"Drew, it's okay. I got carried away, I'm sorry."

"But I let you Kim."

"You were kind of preoccupied." She took hold of his hand, and gripped it tightly, reassuringly.

"Doesn't mean i..."

"Are you worried because of the age difference?" He wasn't surprised that she knew, somehow it thought it would be her problem, not his. Her hand squeezed his again, and she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"That's part of it."

Switching the hand holding his, she put an arm around his waist, and held him, not replying. He didn't know how to react, and just tried relaxing in her arms. They sat that way for some time, his mind working out how to tell her the truth without offending or scaring her, while she just kept rubbing the side of her thumb on the top of his hand in a comforting gesture.

"Kimberly." He wanted to make sure he had her attention. "What bothered me the most was what I wanted to do to you."

"Do to me?"

"You were putting me in a compromising position, and I wanted to ravish you."

"Ravish?" He got his face closer to hers, his lips by her ears.

"I wanted to take you... make you mine..." He was truly afraid of scaring her, and just barely stopped himself from saying 'sex'. But his fears were unfounded once she replied.

"You wanted to have sex?" She found it strange that he couldn't say it, wondering idly what was going on in his head.

"I don't want to rush you-"

"You aren't. You stopped yourself, didn't you?" for everything he had done for her, now was her turn to comfort him, her big blue teddy bear.

"Yes..."

"Then it's all right. No matter what you wanted to do, you didn't. And that's what's important."

"But—"

"No buts. You controlled yourself, which says that you care very much how I feel. And I'm touched by that. Now, let's put this behind us. I'm hungry, what about you?"

For a moment, they just stared at each other, her proud and sure gaze penetrating his worried and troubled look. He knew there was a lot he had to struggle with, mostly himself, and that she did too. She could tell he was having difficulties, not really knowing how to talk to her, his embarrassment quite evident, she knew now was the time to be soft on him, and do everything possible to make him understand that she was in this relationship for the long haul, that what he heard she meant. So to be helpful, she decided to get them something to eat, getting up to go to the kitchen. He just sat there dumbfounded and a bit angry at himself, not realising he was muttering out loud what he was thinking.

"I wish I wasn't so weak, unable to control myself from feeling these feelings. I wish there was a way I could express myself without feeling inadequate. And I just wish, without any problems in my way that I could get the girl."

"You did Drew, I'm right here." Kim walked back in as he said the last part, a plate in her hands. They were simple tomato sandwiches, but she wasn't much of a cook, and didn't want to make anything that she could screw up.

"You heard all that?"

"Only that you want to get the girl without any problems. What sort of problems do you think we're having?"

"This isn't a normal relationship."

"So not the drama!"

"That's where you're wrong."

"What's really bothering you?"

"That I'm not good enough for you." He did everything to not look at her.

"Honestly?" Her hand sat on his shoulder, hoping to be encouraging.

"Yes." It was barely a whisper.

"That is the same thing Ron said to me once he got over our first kiss."

"When was that?"

"During that moodulator incident."

"Ah, I remember that well..."

"But he was wrong. And so are you now."

"How can you be so sure? you lost the love of your life."

"And I got myself someone just as amazing in his stead."

"A meagre replacement."

"A perfect replacement, if you want to call yourself that."

"What else would I be?"

"My saving grace in a time of great despair."

Pushing the now empty plate over on the bed, she moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling her head into his. She kissed his cheek, and he froze. She gently guided his head toward hers, and their lips met. It was a tender exchange, and she didn't push it further, he did. His arms slipped around her, holding her to him as if she would leave at any moment. Her leg moved up onto the bed, kicking the plate off, and she pulled him with her. He landed on his back, and she laid almost completely on top of him. Her hand made it's way under shirt, feeling the smooth skin of his stomach. In the efforts of getting into the positions they were in, her shirt had bunched up, and his hand was unconsciously stroking her bare back. Suddenly, she pulled her face away to look at him.

"Are you really not ready for this?"

"No, no I don't think I am." Her head rested on his shoulder.

"You're not a virgin are you?" She didn't know why she asked.

"Nope. But I'm afraid you are."

"Then let me elevate your fear and tell you a certain blonde got there first."

"Well, at least I have less to worry about."

"You could have asked."

"I told you, I'm not good with women."

"You're good with me."

"Try telling my weak constitution that."

"You really are that insecure about being with me?"

"very much so."

"What will it take to help you feel better about this?"

"You don't give up, do you?"

"Not usually, no."

"I'm still not sure about this."

"You're not sure about a lot of things. Were you like this with Shego?"

"She did controlled the relationship."

"Sounds like her."

"So you're sure you want to spend the night."

"Yes."

"I've got some clothes you can use, if you want."

"That would be wonderful."

They both got up, Kim picking the plate up on her way over to his closet. She waited patiently while he found one that was dark coloured enough for him, and when he found one of his large black tee shirts, he handed it to her, taking the plate. He left the room, shutting the door behind him, and she had time to change. Taking off her own shirt, bra, and sweatpants, she pulled the shirt over her head, letting it fall down her body and set itself into place. It came to her knees, and smelled like him, a comforting factor. She opened the door to find him tinkering in the kitchen, and decided to see what he was doing. When she entered, she saw he was dishing up chocolate ice cream for them, and she sat at the island counter. He didn't see if she was still wearing her sweats, but he could see she was content in his old shirt. It was one he wore regularly under his lab coat when he was a villain, and it was somehow fitting that she wore it now. Setting the bowls where they were sitting, he walked around the island to his seat to be greeted with a view of her legs, below the knees. It was a bit shocking, as he didn't actually expect her to take off her sweats, but he tried keeping his cool and sat beside her. They ate in silence, and she took the bowls once both finished to the sink, rinsing them out.

Wordlessly, they both walked back to his bedroom, hand in hand. She helped him turn down the bed, and he dressed in the bathroom. She was surprised to see him in only pyjama bottoms, a blue plaid theme. Handing her an extra toothbrush, they took care of the habitual trend, and then went back to the bed, one on each side. Like was normal for him, he was at the right side, and strangely her normal was the left side. Getting in, and covering themselves, they laid there on their backs, neither knowing what to do now. Sighing, she turned onto her side and put her arms around him. In response, his wrapped around her, and they held one another like they had earlier, with a few key differences. Kim kissed the tip of Drew's nose, then cornered her head under his, her eyes closed.

"Good night Drew."

"Good night Kim."

To Be Continued...