Disclaimer: I do not own Kim Possible or any of the show's characters (unfortunately). This fic is written solely to entertain; I do not earn anything (except reviews).
AN: This story ignores the events of StD, but includes all the episodes of the series.
Again, thanks so much for the reviews! I will (at last) answer them, but I really wanted to get the new chapter finished first. Admittedly, it's rather short, but I just couldn't continue past the cliffhanger this time. Anyway, I hope you like it (and find it review-worthy); it should definitely be able to surprise you. My last and very happy announcement: We've cracked the 15.000 hits! Yay! And now, as always, on with the show! Enjoy!
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After a very long shower and slowly changing back, Kim waited for Ron in front of the boys' locker room. When she heard a metallic noise and a moan from inside, she asked: "Ron? Are you ok?"
Only seconds later, the door opened and her best friend came out, rubbing the back of his head.
"Hey, KP, I'm fine; I just stumbled and hit my head against the lockers," he told her with a grin.
Kim had to smile. That was so typical! "One of these days, you'll get yourself into hospital with your clumsiness," she said while they started walking home.
"Oh, you mean Middleton General, where all these nice nurses work?" he asked jokingly.
Kim elbowed him lightly. "I think someone might have something against you going after the nurses," she said playfully.
Ron blushed. "Right! Man, I still can't believe I have a date!" he exclaimed euphorically. "Isn't that great, KP? Tara really asked me out!" Suddenly, he turned nervous. "I just hope I don't mess it up. I mean, she's so beautiful, and nice, and she has these beautilicious blue eyes, and she's a cheerleader, and she has this sweet voice, and she's beautiful…"
"You already mentioned that," Kim interjected through slightly clenched teeth.
"Oh, I did? Well, it's true… KP, what am I going to do? I don't wanna blow it!" He sounded positively panicky now and was breathing heavily.
Kim sighed. 'Be a good best friend,' she chided herself mentally before calmly talking to Ron. "Relax, Ron. Deep breaths. Just be yourself, and everything will be fine."
"But what if myself isn't good enough?"
"Ron, listen to me." Kim stopped, which prompted Ron to stop as well, put her hands on his shoulder and looked into his eyes. "Yourself is more than good enough for any girl in the world, okay? If she is too blind, too stupid, too full of herself or too whatever to see that, then it's her loss. You're a great guy, Ron."
He blinked. "Funny, that's the second time I've heard that today."
Kim let go of his shoulders. "That you're a great guy?"
"Yes," he confirmed. "Bonnie said that, too, when she apologized for the lunch thing."
The red-head was pretty surprised to hear that. "Wow, I wouldn't have thought Bonnie would apologize for anything…" She grinned. "And to think that the first thing we've ever agreed on is you being a great guy."
Ron nodded sagely with a trace of humour still visible while resuming the walk. "Well, if you two agree on that, it has to be true."
She elbowed him again. "Don't let it go to your head, oh great one."
He laughed. "I won't. Thanks, KP, I'm feeling much better now."
She just smiled. "No big."
"Very big," he replied, shaking his head. "You're always there when I need you. You're the best best friend I could imagine."
She swallowed a bit, touched by the sincerity in his voice, and hugged him. "That's so ferociously sweet, Ron, thanks." After a few seconds, she let go of him. With a sly grin, she mock-chided, "But you know, you should save the sweet-talk for your date, or Tara might get jealous."
He laughed. "Oh, we wouldn't want that!"
A few minutes later, they reached the Possible house.
Kim turned to her best friend. "Well, Ron, I wish you good luck for your date tonight. Remember: Just be yourself."
He grinned. "Can do, KP. Being myself is something I'm good at!"
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't I know? Now get going, or you won't get your homework done before the date!"
He sighed. "Aww, man, did you have to remind me?" At her stern gaze, he raised his hands defensively. "Hey, I was just kidding! Don't worry, I got it all covered. I'll call you later, KP!"
"Later, Ron!"
Kim entered her home and sighed. Being supportive of her best friend proved to be more difficult than she thought. But why? It wasn't that she didn't like Tara, but the way she was acting around Ron… It was just annoying! And now she hadn't even been able to talk to Ron about everything that had happened since Friday! She decided to talk to her mother when she returned from work and went upstairs to start on her homework.
When Ron came home, he was in high spirits, even though he knew he'd have to do his homework quickly if he wanted to be ready for his date in time. His date! He could hardly believe he actually had one! He sat down in front of his desk with a huge smile plastered on his face. This day had been quite a boost for his self-confidence! Bonnie and Kim had each told him that he was a great guy, and Tara had asked him out. Could it get any better? He sighed. It would get a little worse now, as he had to complete his homework, but at least he had something to look forward to, something to keep him motivated. "Rufus, the pen please."
The naked mole-rat hurried over, grabbed a pen and carried it to Ron, who had taken out his books and other material by now.
"Thanks, buddy," the blonde said when he took his pen from Rufus' tiny paws. "Now I have to get all that stuff done, so I must not be distracted, okay?"
The little fellow nodded hi head. "Uh-huh, uh-huh!" He then scurried to Ron's nightstand and went to sleep.
Ron smiled at his little buddy. Rufus truly was the greatest friend anyone could have in a pet. When no one believed in him, Rufus did. When no one supported him, Rufus did. When no one cheered him on, Rufus did. The little mole-rat could well be one of the reasons that Ron still was the way he was, and Ron was very grateful for that. He finally turned to his desk and started working.
It was almost six o'clock when Ron was finished. He closed his history book and took a deep breath. "Boo-ya! All done!" He jumped from his chair and did a little dance. "Ok, Rufus, let's do the checklist!"
The little mole-rat saluted with his paw.
"I need to shower, get dressed and drive over to Tara's. Am I missing anything?" Ron asked
Rufus jumped up and down. "Flowers!"
The blonde boy slapped his hand against his forehead. "Of course! Thanks, buddy! I owe you!"
The pink rodent smiled. "Cheese!"
A grin spread over Ron's face as well. "What else! When I return, I'll bring you an extra helping of cheese, deal?"
Rufus looked at him with questioning eyes, and Ron slapped his forehead again. "Aw, shoot! I forgot!" He looked at his best buddy very seriously. "Rufus, I need to do this alone, you see? This is a date-date, and date-dates are for two only, so I can't take you with me this time. I'm really sorry."
Rufus sighed. "Okay."
Ron patted him on the head. "Thanks a million, buddy. Look, I'll talk to Tara, and I'm sure she won't mind if you come along next time. It's just… this is not just a date-date, it's a first date-date."
Rufus sensed the guilty conscience of his owner, so, being the supportive mole-rat that he was, he put on a smile. "Okay, okay." This seemed to reassure Ron, for he nodded.
"You're the best!" He then left for the shower.
Half an hour later, Ron was ready to leave. He was wearing what he liked to call "date clothes" and, feeling that he was growing nervous again, took a couple of deep breaths to calm down. Rufus gave him the thumbs-up with a big smile, and Ron squared his shoulders. "Alright, I can do this! There's nothing to worry about!"
"Boo-ya!" Rufus chimed in.
Ron smiled. "You're right, buddy! Boo-ya for the Ronster! Okay, I'll go now. You have a good time."
Rufus nodded and scurried over to the computer. He would first play Everlot, then have a nice nap.
Ron went downstairs, and since his parents weren't home, he switched off the lights before he left.
Proverbial wisdom has it that things seldom work out as planned.
Ron Stoppable had to make this experience soon after he left the house. He was just about to start his scooter, when a female voice addressed him in a mocking and intimidating tone.
"Look at this. The buffoon's made an effort to look nice for his capture. How sweet."
Ron froze in place and turned round, his face as white as chalk.
"Hello there, Stoppable. I'm afraid your date is with me now."
'At least she remembered my name,' was the last thought Ron had before a green plasma blast knocked him unconscious.