"I thought romantic gestures weren't your thing." Ron teased Shego as the two of them ate. Fortunately, he was now allowed to his limited access of Naco funds in order to pay for dinner at the best restaurant in Middleton.

"It's not; I enjoyed our fight a lot more than this." Shego reminded, though indeed, she was having more fun than she thought she would. She hadn't been to any kind of fancy restaurant since the moodulator incident and assumed that it was merely a byproduct. Yet, here she was, eating dinner and gazing at a boy- no, he was a man now, that much was clear- that she would never even had glanced at a few months ago.

"I'll win one of these days." Ron promised.

"Yeah, keep dreaming, buffoon." Shego disagreed. He did well, but she still had superior experience and Ron was still untrained with his abilities. He wasn't at KP's level, at least not yet. Course, at this rate, he'll surpass her one day; I'd enjoy seeing the look on her face when she discovers that. That is, until she remembered the kind of state she was in.

"Least your disguise seems to be working," Ron remarked. Nobody there had given them the least bit of attention. In the past, Ron wanted nothing more to be as famous as his best friend and went to truly absurd lengths in order to do so. Now, however, he was perfectly content to be anonymous.

"Most of these idiots wouldn't recognize me even without the disguise." All Shego had done was wear brown-colored contacts, lighten her hair slightly, and was able to fit in perfectly with everyone else. "I know you don't want to hear this, Ron, but I'm kind of bored."

"I'm kind of playing it by ear here, remember?" Ron informed her. Kim loved this, but Ron knew he had to keep in mind that Shego was different.

"I know you mean well; I was just pointing it out." Shego replied, hoping that he could not detect her nervousness. Most of her doubt about Ron turning his back on her had disappeared, but even so, some parts of it still lingered. A lifetime of hurt and betrayal did not disappear easily. Besides... she was having fun, mostly because he was with her.

"So have you been doing anything with yourself lately?" Ron wondered in an effort to start a conversation.

"Actually, when I could get away with it, I snuck out of the lair to go out and have a bit of fun." Shego admitted. "I just went clubbing, danced, got into a couple of bar fights. Had a hell of a time and even Drakken scolding me like an overprotective father didn't ruin the moment."

"Should have guessed you were a clubbing type of girl," Ron teased. "So... why didn't you meet up with me earlier?" He hoped he didn't do anything wrong. He knew how often he messed up with girls, often ending in a bad position with whoever it was no interested in any explanations. "It's been about a month since I've seen you."

"I was nervous, ok?" Shego blurted out, wishing that she could take the words back. She hated looking vulnerable in front of anyone, although he had seen her in an even worse shape. "I'm not used to having a social life. You're not angry, are you?"

"I'm not mad... just worried that I might have said or done something." Ron admitted.

"Don't go there, ok?" Shego rolled her eyes. "You should know me better than that. I'm not one to keep my emotions a secret from others." They talked for a few more minutes before leaving, each of them nervous and excited at the same time.

When she climbed onto the back of his scooter, Shego remarked: "You were able to pay 250 dollars for dinner, and yet you can't buy yourself a new scooter. If you nice nicely, I may be able to get you... fifty bucks for this thing."

"Ha ha, very funny." Ron replied. "This was a special occasion. I was trying to make sure you had fun."

"How could you afford all this, anyway?" Shego wondered. "Was that Naco idea really worth that much?"

"Yep, get a nickel for each naco they sell." Ron smiled, barely remembering to keep his eyes on the road. Shego's body pressed against him interfered with his concentration. "Bueno Naco's one of the smaller national chains, but they sell around 15 million a year. That means I make about 300 grand each year from this, and they're expanding."

"You now have my undivided attention." Shego purred. Money did turn her on, something she was forced to admit, but it was never enough to keep her interest by itself.

"Maybe I should just take you clubbing next time." Ron remarked. "Nah, better scratch that."

"Come on, you might have more fun than you think." Shego smiled. "I'd have to blast those girls to keep them away from you."

"I just don't want to have to kill anyone." Ron explained. "After all, everyone would notice a girl as gorgeous as you and I happen to be quite jealous."

"You know, you sound like one of those bad romance novels I used to read." Shego pointed out. "No, no, that line was worse."

"Wait, you used to read those things?" Ron grinned, already seeing the possibilities. "I wonder what people would say if they knew that dirty little secret. I'd love to see the look on Drakken's face when he hears that."

"You tell him anything of the sort, I'll fry you!" Shego screamed, jumping out of his lap and glaring at him furiously. It took her several moments to realize that Ron was merely teasing her. Once that information dawned on her, she winced. Am I trying to push him away? How could she have reacted that way? Shego scanned his face, bracing herself for whatever he said.

"I'm sorry, Shego; I was only teasing you." Ron sighed, the romantic moment ruined. Truth be told, he was beginning to become comfortable enough around her to where he overlooked that she still had major trust issues and while she stated otherwise, Ron knew she was still worried that one day he would turn his back on her. Those fears would likely take a long time to go away, being that she had issues that made his seem trivial by comparison. "I... should have known better."

"Don't say that kind of thing, damn it!" Shego's anger had not entirely faded, and snide comments was her method of protecting herself. "Have you forgotten everything I told you, buffoon? Don't joke about that, all right?"

Ron hugged her from behind, trying to comfort her. "I'm just joking around; I didn't realize you'd get so angry. Can you forgive me?" He ran a finger up and down her arm to make a point.

"Yeah, I can forgive you." Shego sighed. "It's just hard to forget the past sometimes." Trying to rekindle the mood, she turned around and kissed him soundly, pressing him into the couch.

XXXXXXXXXX

Kim knew that she shouldn't be nervous as she walked up to Ron's house. She'd been there literally thousands of times before; it had become almost like a second home to her. She had many fond memories of the place, and even despite the situation, she couldn't help but chuckle at what kind of trouble the two of them managed to get themselves into over the years.

How did it come to this? Kim asked herself. Had they really grown so far apart that a simple visit was this difficult? The answer appeared to be yes, at least on her part, and it was all because of her. Ron had done everything he could to help her and she had done nothing but push him away out of fear. Now she was crawling back; could she really expect him to accept her back as if nothing had ever happened?

That was the real reason she hovered outside his doorstep, hesitant to walk in or knock on the door. Taking a deep breath, she steadied her nerves, but after more than a minute, Kim had yet to move from her current spot. After two more attempts, she finally opened the door, looking forward to seeing her old friend, and yet dreading it at the same time.

"He shouldn't be hard to find." Kim muttered. She had chosen a time when she knew his parents would not be home. Kim was well aware what they thought of her after everything that had happened and after dealing with the constant hate mail, threats on the phone, curses on the street, it was more than she could take. As it was, it was extremely difficult to control her temper. At least now she knew what was partially responsible for her change in behavior.

She spotted him, all right, but the sight was completely unexpected. Kim had walked in on Shego as well, who was currently holding Ron's arms behind his back, lips near his ear. Kim was transfixed by the sight, but not for long.

Letting instinct take over, she charged into action, kicking Shego across the jaw and sending her to a heap on the ground. Kim stood behind Ron, unwilling to let him suffer any more than he already had, preparing herself for Shego's counter-attack. It was going to be difficult fighting her without giving into her hatred, but for the sake of everyone she loved, it had to be done.

"Oh, my God, are you all right, Ron?" Kim worried, not daring to look back at him in case a moment's distraction was enough for Shego to take advantage. Shego was pushing herself back onto her feet, Kim warily watching her and only barely restraining herself from attacking.

"KP, what are you doing?" Ron asked in astonishment, stepping between the two women before any bloodshed occurred. Shego wiped her lip, murder in her eyes.

"What are you doing in here?" Kim demanded. She knew Shego was low, but attacking her best friend in her own home? Yes, she should pay for this. Her internal voice whispered. Killing her would be a simple task.

"Maybe you should mind your own business, Princess!" Shego shouted, trying to sound braver than she was. She was afraid of her nemesis now, truly afraid. The instant she spotted Kim, Ambrose's words came back to haunt her. "Strike! Strike now! Kill her!" From the way she appeared, Kim looked like she wanted to do just that.

"KP, calm down, please." Ron pleaded with her. He desperately wanted to see Kim, but really, it was hard to think of worse timing than this. She and Shego were volatile at the best of times, but now... it'd be a small miracle to keep blood off the walls. "Shego isn't here to attack me. She was just... visiting."

"You're telling me this was a social call?" Kim asked skeptically. She couldn't imagine it of Shego. It was hard to think of a more unlikely duo. What could Ron possibly see in a criminal like her? You're a murderer and yet he's tried to stay connected to you. She reminded herself.

"Are you really as stupid as you sound?" Shego sneered. "Never thought it was possible, but apparently it's true." Ron made a gesture telling her to shut up. Her comments were not going to help matters any.

"Look, KP, me and Shego kind of... connected when you were gone." Ron tried to break it to her gently. He didn't think it was a good idea to tell her that they were in a relationship just yet. "Once it was over, we found that we had quite a bit in common."

"How many times has she come over?" Kim wondered, angry but beginning to see sense.

"This is the first time, actually, but we've been talking and texting on the phone." Ron explained. "Wade can verify it; I'm sure he's been tapping every piece of electronic equipment I have." The fact irritated him, but he was also aware that there was little he could do about it, so he put up with it as best he could.

"You can't trust her!" Kim warned. "You think that pardon you received changed anything about who she is?!"

"You know nothing about me, you bitch!" Shego shouted, her hands igniting with plasma. "Shut up!" She was nearly as angry with Ron as she was with Kim. How could he not have told her the truth? Was he ashamed of their relationship? Was this just a fling to him? It never crossed her mind that he might be doing this in order to protect her.

Ron stood between them, blue energy crackling from his body. He did not wish to make such a show of his powers, but it was evident that if he did not, Kim would likely end up killing Shego. Yes, she'd feel great remorse after it, but it wouldn't be enough to stop her. "Shut up, both of you." He demanded. "KP, Shego and I are friends. I know you two hate one another..."

"Because she tried to kill me," Shego reminded.

"And you have a long history of being enemies," Ron finished as though Shego had not spoken. It was best to ignore her words. "However, I'm not throwing her out of my life just because you two have issues with one another. The same goes for you, Shego."

"So now you're taking her side?" Shego groaned. "Your so-called best friend just tried to kill me, in case you're forgotten. Oh, wait, you're just excusing it, saying she wasn't in her right mind. What a load of bullshit! She's always wanted to kill me; her brother just gave her permission!"

"Shego, you know that isn't true..." Ron tried to soothe, but her emotions were too far gone to settle.

"I'm done listening to this!" Shego snarled, heading for the door. "Let me know when you're done making excuses for her!"

"Well... that could have gone better." Kim sighed, collapsing onto the couch. She felt tears coming on, but she had cried far too often for her taste lately and she refused to do so again.

"So what is it?" Ron asked, more harshly than he had intended. The stress of keeping Kim and Shego from killing each other, not to mention everything else, was beginning to take its toll on him.

"I don't blame you for being angry." Kim sighed. "I... know I haven't been a good friend lately. If you want me to leave, I will."

"No, Kim, don't go." Ron asked her, trying to keep the pleading out of his voice and not entirely succeeding. "You had bad timing, that's all. It's good to see you. What made you decide to come over?"

"Mom helped me realize how foolish I was being." Kim admitted. "I'm... I'm sorry I treated you that way. You were just trying to help and I was using you as an emotional punching bag."

"Kim, I understand; you've been through a lot." Ron shrugged, what little anger he had with her fading. "I've really missed you, you know. I haven't been to Bueno Nacho is weeks."

"Does that mean I have to run any tests on you?" Kim teased. "This can't be the real Ron Stoppable! You must be a synthrodone!"

"Ha ha, very funny, KP." Ron rolled his eyes, relieved that she was slowly getting back to normal. "So have you been doing anything?"

"Not really; haven't had the heart to leave my house." Kim informed him. "I'm getting tired of being stared at on the street like I might go berserk at any second. I know I deserve it, but it's still not easy to deal with."

"KP, don't say that, don't ever." Ron admonished her, folding both of her hands in his. "If they judge you based on who your family is, then they're worth nothing, all right? At least that's what you always told me, anyway."

"Doesn't make it hurt any less," Kim replied, her heart sinking. "I know I might be asking too much, but... do you want to go out and do something tomorrow?"

"What did you have in mind?" Ron wondered. He knew Kim's tastes and it likely wasn't going to be something he liked, but if it meant he got to spend time with her again, he could put up with almost anything.

"I didn't think that far ahead; I wasn't sure you'd agree to it." Kim admitted. "How about just Bueno Nacho? I still can't believe you haven't been to that place."

"People change," Ron shrugged. "Speaking of which, I have a little trick I want to demonstrate to you." He raised his hand, focused with all his might, and telekinetically lifted up a nearby glass, having it float right in front of her. Kim could hardly believe her eyes. Was she seeing what she thought she was, or was this her imagination? She knew Ambrose could do that, but didn't realize Ron had advanced that far.

"That's... that's amazing." Kim stammered out. "How did you manage that?"

"I've spent a lot of time practicing my abilities." Ron replied. "Even if we're not saving the world anymore, it doesn't seem wise to be unprepared. I'm sure we've got enemies that want us dead."

"Apart from the reminder that people want to kill us, that was amazingly mature for you." Kim complimented.

"Hey, I'm full of surprises." Ron grinned, a weight lifting off of his chest now that Kim was back in his life.

"Ron, I think I owe you an explanation." Kim sighed, her serious face returning. She sat down on the couch, preparing herself for what she was about to say. "Mom... found something. Don't interrupt; this is difficult enough to blurt out."

Ron sat down next to her, listening in silence as she told her tale, her horror when she learned that her abilities were affecting her brain. From there, the conversation turned to her captivity, talking about the circumstances they were activated, how it was the first time she had ever truly wanted to kill someone. With each word, she leaned closer to him, her head against his chest with his arms wrapped around her.

It was much easier to tell her story the second time around. While both of them knew Kim had barely scratched the surface of her ordeal, it was at least an important first step to recovering from it. Ron was lost for words; what could he possibly say to that? What could make it better? He knew there was no magic cure, that Kim was not going to instantly bounce back from this the way she did with everything else.

"I... I can barely imagine what you went through." Ron gasped out. He had in fact been imagining countless nightmare scenarios from the very moment she was abducted to now. "Maybe you should talk to a shrink."

"Now you sound like my parents; they've been dragging me to one every week." Kim groaned. "I've had quite enough of them."

"It was just a suggestion, KP." Ron told her. Both of them knew that they had hurt each other badly, and that the wounds would take time to heal. For now, however, Kim focused on the fact that for the first time since all of this began, she was actually feeling happy.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Director, do you really believe moving these idols is considered ideal?" Tristan Douglas wondered. He was a relatively new agent, but from what little Director had seen of him, he had the potential to go far. She only barely managed to persuade him to join, when both the CIA and FBI were interested in recruiting him as well.

"You know as well as I do that our security is not fool-proof and this base is an open secret." Director informed. The base was in the Rocky Mountain and technically a government secret, although everyone knew of its existence. Keeping people from getting inside was a major problem and more than once, they had conspiracy theorists break in, trying to prove that they had alien technology.

"Yes, but during transfer is when it'll be most vulnerable and with respect, I'm sure others know of their existence." Tristan tried to warn, albeit carefully, knowing that she was his boss.

"It's an acceptable risk; I'll hear no more of it." Director dismissed him. She didn't like being reminded of what she was doing, especially since they had still yet to figure out just what those idols were supposed to do. For all she knew, they could be a massive bomb that would go off when tampered with.

I just hope Miss Possible is getting herself together. Director thought to herself. She had every intention of asking her to return to Global Justice once she was positive that she posed no threat to herself or others. As far as she was concerned, that day could not come soon enough, even if some of her agents had reservations about her. There was nothing she could do about their opinions, however.

"They are quite impressive, aren't they?" Tristan looked at them with a smile. Unlike some, he was unafraid to go near them, a point that Director considered in his favor.

"Just don't touch them with your bare hands." Director warned. It was amazing how often she had to repeat such elementary advice.

"Yeah, the last person I saw do that drove the lesson home." Tristan remarked. Before Director could reply to him, red lights began to flash. Everyone inside knew that could only mean one thing.

"Director, we have an intruder!" One of the agents screamed into their comlink.

"Do you have any idea what it is?" Director asked. There were many possibilities as to who it was, but she knew that there was only one reason why someone would dare break into the place.

"I don't know; some kind of creature." The agent responded frantically. "Two of our agents are already down, and it's got no heat signature, so our night vision goggles are useless!"

"I'll help them out, even if field work is not my area of expertise." Tristan offered.

"No, you stay here and guard the idols." Director ignored his suggestion. He didn't have the experience to face a threat of this magnitude. I have a very bad feeling about this.

XXXXXXXXXX

You didn't think Ron and Shego were going to get through this relationship smoothly, did you? At least Kim and Ron seem to be making up, although they've got many more dangers to go through. I think I've only got 2-3 chapters left, being that this is mainly an interlude before the sequel. Hopefully, the next update won't take as long.