Ch. 12

Even though Tara knew that Bonnie wasn't really like her behavior led people to believe, she was still stunned when she heard her speak. 'To fight for Ron.' The thought hadn't even crossed her mind. Now that she heard her best friend say it, Tara felt like giving it a try.

Thinking back on it, Tara herself was shocked, when she discovered that Bonnie's 'Queen B' persona, was an act that started to minimize her sisters bullying. Eventually, it became the behavior used around people she wasn't close with, leading people to assume it was her normal self. Although Tara hadn't told Bonnie this, she wanted to help her break free of her 'Queen B' persona.

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Tara looked to Bonnie and began asking her advice on how to go about fighting for Ron.

~~~~~

Stoppable Residence

After leaving the mall with Shego and Yori, Ron asked Shego if they could make two stops before going home. With her agreement, they stopped at the supermarket and Bueno Nacho. When he made food earlier, Ron noticed that they were low on groceries and he'd promised Rufus a Naco, Grande size. Upon ordering the cheesy goodness, Ron felt Rufus stirring in his pocket and smiled, he knew the little guy smelled the food.

When Shego pulled into his driveway, Ron passed Yori the keys and spoke. "Yori can you unlock the front door? I'll help Shego bring the bags in."

"Yes, Ron-san" Yori nodded.

After bringing in the bags with Shego, Ron put the groceries in their place before speaking to her. "So, I'll give you a tour of the house, Shego."

Ron was acutely aware, that he would be sleeping in the same place with two attractive young woman and was doing his best not to think about it. Sadly, Shego's teasing smile and Yori's calming presence made it hard for him to succeed.

"So, where am I gonna sleep?" Shego asked, when she noticed that Yori would be using the only guest room in the house. "Are we sharing a room?" She teased and noticed both Ron and Yori freeze for a moment.

"No, you will stay in my room while I take the couch." Ron answered and was about to go in to replace the sheets with fresh ones when Yori spoke.

"Ron-san, Shego-san can take the guest room and I'll use your..." blushing Yori couldn't finish her sentance.

"Thank you, Yori, but since you're going to be staying longer, it is easier for her to temporarily use my room." Ron explained and went about changing the sheets while Shego winked at Yori. "Shego, the bathroom is down the hall to the left. You'll find clean towels in the closet next to the bathroom. Yori, can you help me with dinner?" Ron instructed before asking Yori for assistance.

"Thanks Ron." Shego stated, already heading towards the bathroom with her suitcase in hand.

"How can I help, Ron-san?" Yori asked as she followed him downstairs.

~~~~~

Yori smiled as Ron brought Rufus out of his pocket and stood before the Naco. It did not take thirty seconds before Rufus squeaked cheese and woke up, diving into the Naco. She saw Ron's satisfied smile as he spoke. "Slow down, Rufus."

Afterwards, Yori assisted Ron with dinner preparations. As they went about making dinner, Yori paid attention to his demeanor. Although Yori had noticed when she saw Ron make food earlier, she still enjoyed the sight of Ron as he cooked. He was relaxed, confident and smiling. Ron was truly enjoying himself and Yori found herself watching him while smiling. This was another aspect of Ron that she learned of and it made her happy.

After Yori finished the prep work, Ron asked her help with, she went to the table where Rufus had finished eating. Seeing Rufus blissfully asleep, she picked him up and started caressing his back like she'd seen Ron do earlier. Watching Ron, Yori thought back to events at the mall. First, she wanted to get Ron's attention. Then, Ron kissed her! And finally, she kissed him!!

Although Yori was still confused and wasn't sure if what she wanted to do was right or wrong, for now she would put that aside. Since Ron had kissed her on his own, Yori was now sure that she had a chance and was determined to show Ron her feelings.

As she was lost in thought, Yori failed to noticed Shego come downstairs, until she sat next to her. Looking at Shego's undisguised appearance and free of make up, Yori had to admit she was a beauty. Shego was wearing black gym shorts and a blue top. Her hair was wet and her lips a slightly darker green than her skin. Yori was about to say a greeting when, Ron still focused on his cooking asked a question.

"Feeling better, Shego?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, what's for dinner?" Shego replied and asked back.

"Going for an Italian dish." Was all Ron said.

Thinking for a moment, Yori leans toward Shego and whispers a question she'd wanted to ask since the mall. "Shego-san, why did you kiss Ron-san earlier?"

Shego looked at Yori for a while, before answering with a smile. "Why? Hmmm, as thanks and to tease him?" She said, caressing her right cheek subconsciously and asked back. "So, why did you kiss him, Yori?"

"To show him I care for him as more than a friend." Yori replied instantly.

"Seeing as that's your answer I'll give you a heads up." Shego whispered. "Ron cares for princess, Kim, as more than a friend too." Shego said with a seriousness that surprised Yori.

Before her thoughts got anywhere, Ron spoke up. "Dinner is in five."

~~~~~

It took Ron, with Yori's help, over an hour to get dinner done. He made lasagna with ceaser salad and tiramisu for dessert. Seeing the satisfied smiles of Yori, Shego and Rufus after the dessert, Ron nodded to himself. One of the reasons he enjoyed cooking, was the reactions of those who ate his food.

"I must admit Ron, that meal was great." Shego complimented.

"Indeed Ron-san." Yori added.

"Yeah!" Said Rufus with a thumb up.

"Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it." Ron replied. "So, you up for an after meal workout, Shego?" Ron asked.

"Oh, what do you have in mind?" Shego asked, focusing her attention on Ron.

Swallowing, Ron looked from Yori to Shego before speaking. "I was thinking of a sparing match between you and me, Shego."

"Oh" Shego said still observing Ron.

"If you wish to spar, I can be your opponent, Ron-san." Yori said from the side, curious as to why he would request Shego to spar with him.

"I know, Yori, but sparing with Shego would allow you to observe my abilities and limits more closely." Ron stated and then added. "Plus, I've always wondered how I would fare against Shego, if I got the chance to fight her."

"I understand, Ron-san." Yori stated.

"Alright Ron, I'm in." Shego declared with a gleam in her eyes, that made Ron think she would have suggested sparing herself, had he not done so.

~~~~~

Nearly an hour later, Yori observed as both Shego and Ron stretched in the backyard. She became aware that Ron wanted to test himself. She permitted it, because it was a great opportunity to see his current abilities and limits as he had stated. Originally, Yori planned to have Akito spar with Ron while she observed. Now that the spar was about to commence, Yori spoke. "Shego-san, Ron-san."

"Yes?" Both simultaneously replied.

"I will be overseeing your spar, I hope you don't mind." Yori said looking at each in turn.

"No problem." Ron said and looked to Shego for her answer.

"That's fine with me." Shego stated.

"Thank you." Yori said with a slight bow. "There is one limitation that I would like both of you to agree to." Yori added.

"That is?" Shego asked and Ron looked to Yori for an explanation.

"Only use of martial arts is permitted, no use of abilities, from either of you." Yori said while looking closely at Ron till he nodded.

This reminded Shego that there was more to Ron than meets the eye, once again increasing her curiosity about him. Thinking a moment longer, Shego agreed. "Okay."

A few minutes later, Ron and Shego stood across from each other, waiting. Yori looked from one to the other before speaking. "Begin!"