Conclusion [Next Evening]

[Nooni's Kitchen]

Ron felt satisfied with the day at hand. The morning and evening workouts were spanking. His meditations helped him to relax and clean up some spiritual refuse. Granted he'd still need to get stronger but that was a work in progress.

Zorpox still lurked somewhere within the recesses of his brain but that was a fight for another day. Right now he remained dormant.

And at the moment, Ron occupied himself with his latest gourmet creation. Beside himself, he eyed a bowl full of boiled white rice, the usual platter, its cover and three additional plates. He stirred a mixture of chicken and mixed Asian vegetables in a delicate ginger sauce. He inhaled deeply of the aromas therein. He imagined the surprise on his wife's face and anticipated her pleasure in her treat.

That thought sent warm pleasure up and down his spine. He allowed himself a big goofy grin as he gave the mixture one last stir. He sampled a bit of his piece de resistance and nodded with approval.

About twenty feet to his right, Nooni admired the peace and simplicity in his actions. "It is done?"

"Hai." He took another wooden spoon and ladled out a bit of the chicken. "How is it?"

She blew on the spoon to cool it before biting into it. She closed her eyes and admired the taste. "You will be fine ninja chef if not a warrior, Stoppable San."

"You honor me." He bowed to her reverently. "Can you make sure Hirotaka gets back here? I have a plate for him. It's a thank you for yesterday."

"Sensei has approved. I shall bring him back when it is time. Excuse me," she replied pleasantly before carrying her own pot out to the front for the meal service.

Just as she left, he spied the mists forming in the corner. "The Ron Meister's right on time! Bondiggity!"

Deirdre stepped out of the mists. "I followed the aroma from Althanor, Ron. Couldn't miss it." She took a deep whiff making sure not to let her emerald robes fall into the saucy dish. "You definitely have a future in this. It's great to see you feeling better and creative."

"BOO YEAH!" He pumped his fists. "Chez Ronald is in the house tonight!" He spread rice on two of the plates. "How's KP doin'?"

"She's still down over Will Du's comments concerning you. This is an awesome thing all the way around." She smiled at him. "Rick's arranged for the surprise."

"Awesome. I may be here but KP's still my BF." He spread a portion of the meat, veggies and rice over the two dishes. Then he covered them. "I can help you."

"Given the sentiments toward Zorpox at Global Justice, let me handle it." Deirdre picked up the two plates.

"Just a sec." He took a small envelope out. "That's for KP. It goes with the dinner."

"Absolutely." She set the plates down and tucked the envelope into her robes. Then she picked the plates up again. "This is going to knock their socks off. Nicely done, Ron. Very nicely done indeed. My best to Yori and your teacher." With that she disappeared into the mists.

Hearing her words reminded him of Kim's sitch. He'd heard from Rick and Wade about Du's comments. Rather than fume and burn with anger's flame, he spent time consoling the redheaded agent/BF. He expressed his appreciation for her support in his time of need. He affirmed that he and Yori were there for her.

The dinner was a cheer up. One to send a message to Du and the rest of GJ in the process.

I ain't Zorpox. Deal with that, Du! He took a breath while dismissing the thought of the irritating GJ agent from his brain. He covered his dish and let it simmer on very low heat.

At that moment, Hirotaka walked into the kitchen. "Stoppable San? Nooni said my meal is back here? What is this?"

Ron grinned. "Koniechiwa, Hiro. Dinner is served." He motioned to the rice dish beside him. Then he took the lid off of the simmering dish. "Part of trust is sharin' and carin'. Right?"

"Hai." As much as he liked to give the gaijin a hard time, Hirotaka admired the American's cooking skill. "That I trust is for Yori?"

"The bigger one is for Yori an' me." Ron spread meat and veggies over the rice. Then he handed the plate to his fellow student. "That's yours. You really gave me some bondiggity help yesterday. Figured I'd include you. Enjoy."

Hirotaka stopped cold for a second before resuming his normal suaveness. "I will enjoy this, Stoppable San. Of course you do understand that I will still beat you in the courtyard…just maybe a little less." He winked with his usual pretty boy demeanor before carrying his special meal out into the main cafeteria. "Domo arighato!"

"No big!" Ron called before emptying out the remainder of the meat dish into its usual carrying dish and sealing the top over it. "The wife awaits." He placed the wok into the sinkful of soap water Nooni had waiting.

Even Mistress Lunch Lady wanted a role. For that night, she volunteered to clean up so that the artist could spend more time with his Lotus Maiden.

Spanking! Ron made his way across the courtyard toward his destination. As he did, his thoughts drifted toward Amsterdam. Enjoy, KP and Rick! You rock as buds!

[Amsterdam—Rick's Room—11 AM Local Time]

Kim walked through the GJ hallways wondering what her boyfriend's sitch was. Just as she was ready to go to lunch, Rick had messaged her on her palm. What's he up to? Her mind was swimming with possibilities.

She felt better after Dr. Director had reassigned her to another trainer for the foreseeable future. Watching him getting harshed on made her feel better still….

Even so the surprise ate at her.

What's the ish, Rick? She could almost feel the cameras watching her progress. Yet she didn't give any ground while retracing the familiar steps toward her other half's quarters. For some reason, she could almost feel his anticipation. Okay. Gotta get the 411! Not for the last time she wished she could have some device to contact Wade discreetly.

Unfortunately the Kimmunicator was still back in the room per GJ directives.

She hustled the last few steps toward the desired door. There she knocked. "Rick? You there?"

He opened the door with a big smile on his face. "Hey, Kim. It's a day to celebrate, isn't it?"

"Watching Will getting harshed on was a major big. Yeah. What's the 411 on the summons though? Don't we have training to go to after lunch?" she pointed out.

"Next training session's at 2. Agent Parks told me. I cleared the next hour and a half with her. She's way cooler than Du is," he replied. "Close your eyes."

"What?"

"Part of the surprise," he noted cryptically.

"Rick!"

He rolled his eyes. "It's right on the other side. Trust me? Close your eyes and just walk forward. I'm right behind you." He placed his hands on her shoulders and guided her through the door. They took a dozen steps forward.

As she did, she could smell the sweet and delicate aromas of freshly cooked chicken in front of herself. She wanted to open her eyes to confirm what was teasing her nostrils and making her mouth water. Somehow she knew he really wanted to wow her.

Finally he stopped her. "It's okay, Kim. Go ahead. You can look now."

She opened her eyes and stared. Her jaw dropped in Ron-like fashion at the surprise there.

A circular table sat in the corner covered in a white tablecloth. Two matching tapered candles flickered gently in its center. Two covered plates held court on the formal surface opposite to each other. Water bobbed inside of two matched finely carved crystal water glasses.

And on her chair, a bouquet of freshly cut red roses awaited her sniffing pleasure.

"I called out for room service. New place in town," he joked.

"Spanking!" She managed to regain her composure before turning to him. "How'd you do this and train this morning too? Spill!" She smiled.

"As I said, I called out." He grinned while gently tugging her chair out. "Those are for you too."

She silently picked her roses and sniffed deeply of the blooms. "And where's this? Do tell all."

He shrugged almost mischievously and took the covers off the plates. "Best in Asian cooking at great prices. Let's eat."

She sat down and set the roses on the table beside herself. She sampled the goods and felt overwhelmed by the culinary art form there. For a brief second, her heart missed Ron and his cooking. He could do this. I gotta get the 411 on the recipe for him! Later though!

"You like?" he supposed while digging in even if he knew he'd hit the mark with the plan. "The restaurant sends its regards." He motioned to the envelope. "Open it."

"Regards?" She opened the envelope and read the paper inside. As she did she chuckled affectionately. Her eyes watered. She wiped happy tears from her cheeks. "Smashing!"

"Chez Ronald scores another hit," Rick interjected. He let the moment develop for a while before adding, "What did he say? Care to share?"

Her eyes sparkled at him. "Yeah sure," she replied dreamily before starting in….

"Hey, KP!

A big howdy from Yamanuchi! Hope things are shakin' better for you. Thanks for sticking up for me with Will Du the other day. Hey it's awesome that we still have each other's back! That's so cool!

I wanted you and Rick to have what Yori and I have: one of my candlelit surprises. Hope this meal rocks for ya!

Thanks for bein' an awesome BF! Everyone says hi. Hope to see ya soon. Sorry but Yori's waitin' for her treat now.

Later!

Ron"

"This is so awesome!" she sighed. "You two planned this."

Rick smiled. "Ron mentioned that he was planning tonight's dinner for Yori when we spoke day before yesterday. I mentioned that you were depressed after what Agent Du said. He insisted on making extra. Deirdre poofed these across the world for us." He took her hands in his. "See how many people care about you, Kim?"

"Wow." She savored a mouthful of chicken, sauce and rice. Her taste buds imbibed deeply of the spices and vegetables before allowing the mix to coat her throat in the goodness. "He's getting better."

"Yeah he is." He leaned across the table and kissed her. "So are you. You like?"

She smiled dreamily at him. "I love. It and you." She took another bite. "Thanks."

"For you, I'd move the world," he vowed while taking a swig from his water glass.

"Back at you," she concurred with a sip of her own. "Ron and Yori too."

"They're our family. They want us to be happy. We support their happiness." He ate another forkful of meat and rice. "Now eat. We don't want this great stuff wasted."

Thanks, guys, for this! This is spanking! She went back to her BF's creation.

Maybe they weren't together every day anymore but they were still family….count on that sitch….

Count on it no matter what…..

[Ron and Yori's Room—Yamanuchi]

Yori meditated in a corner of her bedroom while trying to clear her mind. She'd spent time in the dojo practicing with her fans and boomerangs. She'd also sparred with a couple of the newest recruits. Still she worried about Ron. She didn't know what to think when he asked her for some time to talk about things.

Rufus sat on top of the dresser contentedly eating his chips. While the surprise was in motion, he readily

kept his human's mate company. "s'okay."

She smiled for his benefit. "Of course, Rufus San. Ron San will be so." She stood and walked over to the window where she glanced toward the west. "I hope whatever Sensei has him doing, it will be over soon. I do wish to eat. Perhaps Nooni has something?"

"Food," Rufus agreed while munching on a chip. He pushed the bowl toward her.

"Domo. I am all right," she declined but managed a smile for his benefit.

"You betcha!" Ron cheered from the door. "We're all ready for good times!"

"Uh huh!" Rufus concurred.

"We can have a good time after we've eaten, Ron San. I am sure Nooni has something left if we hurry," she supposed…until she sniffed the air. She eyed him curiously. "What have you been doing?"

"Nooni watched while I did this." He carried in the rice bowl and the chicken/veggie container. "Figured the hottest ninja babe needed a treat." He set the bowls on the desk in the far corner.

She chastised herself internally for doubting him. Why did I not believe he worked at something for me? She frowned as she helped him set up the table.

"My bad for keeping you waiting. I should have given you the 411," he apologized.

"No, Ron San. Please do not apologize. I am the one who should do so. I should have more faith," she countered.

He smiled gently at her. "Please no. It's all good. Just be happy for me. Okay?" He kissed her forehead. "An' I got a bondiggity surprise!" He walked over to the dresser. "Been working on this for days!" He opened the bottom drawer and pulled out a folded white tablecloth, a candle holder and a single white candle. "I know what my lady likes!"

She grinned while enjoying him work his magic on the table and set each piece in place. Her heart warmed at his care and preparation of the latest artistic masterpiece….

…a masterpiece made exquisitely for her…..

He lit the candle in the center. He ladled out the rice and chicken dishes for each plate before setting the serving bowls aside. He filled each glass with water from the sink down the hall before returning to her side.

In the meantime she'd pushed two folding chairs into their usual positions. Her mouth watered in anticipation of what would happen next. "We are ready."

"Then dig in!" he urged as they sat down and started into the meal. "Whatcha think?"

She nodded in approval. "It is delicious. Domo, Ron San. And it is a fitting celebration for the understandings we have achieved this week."

"You betcha," he concurred while taking her hands in his. He looked deeply into her eyes. "I can just look all night."

She giggled. "Oh, Ron San…Your food would get cold." She of course knew what he meant. "We can look as we eat."

"Sounds awesome." He sipped on his water while doing so.

And so the healing from Zorpox's rage began. Both school and GJ moved on. Understandings increased. And four special hearts connected further over great food….

….processes that would continue shortly….

THE END (for now)