Kim smiled as she stepped out of the terminal, even despite the hustle and bustle all around her. It had been a few months since she had last seen Ron, and she was really looking forward to spending the spring break with him. Despite all the hardships and awkwardness of the last little bit they were a couple, they still were the best of friends, and Kim was glad for that. She didn't know what she would do if she didn't have Ron in her life.
She hailed the taxi, and had to step back as it pulled deftly in between two other cars without pause, almost smacking her in his haste to get to her. She could have rented a car, but she had heard from Ron just how impossible it was to drive in this city, and despite her proficiency, she figured she'd follow her friend's advice and just take a cab. She loaded her bags into the trunk, and slid into the back seat.
The cabbie looked up at her, his eyes widening in surprise. “Ain't youse Kim Possible? Whats ya doin ridin in my cab? Ain't ya gots some fancy jet?”
Kim just smiled back. “I do, but I'm on vacation and didn't want to use it for personal reasons.”
The cabbie nodded appreciatively. “That's whats I likes about you Ms. Possible, youse never gains for your own benefits. I's wish more peoples followed yer example. Wheres can I takes ya?”
“Central Park West and West 74th.”
“Youse gots it Ms. Possible.”
Kim sat back, relaxing after her flight. It always seemed so different to ride commercial after all the ways she normally traveled. It was almost strange not having to get herself pumped up for a freefall, or get ready to battle the latest enemy. Of course, those were few and far between right now.
Shego had almost been missing in action the last couple of years, not long after the Diablo incident. Oh, she had been there for a little bit, helping Drakken in his attempts to take over the world, but it was almost as if she wasn't all that into the fights when they happened. Then, one day, she and Ron had gotten the call to stop Drakken, and Shego had just been gone. Without his trusty muscle, he had been no problem, and had been safely locked up for the past two and a half years. She still wondered where Shego had disappeared to, but didn't let that bother her that much. Duff Killigan was also locked up securely without too much hassle before the end of senior year as well. As for the Senors, once Junior got his big break in Germany, Senior seemed to lose all interest in villainy, not being able to share it with his son. Oh sure, Dementor was still around, causing trouble every so often, but he was much more methodical in his planning, it was sometimes months in-between hearing from him. There was also Monkey Fist, but he had always been more Ron's enemy, and Ron always picked up the slack when he showed up. They still teamed up when they could, but with both their class schedules and both of their own lives, they basically both went out as seperate teams most of the time, handling what was needed. Of course, that might also be because of Ron's new partner in training. Kim just smirked at that.
Of course, with all these thoughts of missions and Ron, she couldn't help thinking back on the last few years as she took in the sights passing by. She really thought they could have made a go of it as a couple. After that magical prom, it was like they were both floating on air. Everyone at school was just jealous of them as a couple, the benchmark for every other couple in the school. Well, except for Bonnie, but she doubted the brunette even gave them a passing thought once she graduated.
That first summer was almost magical for them, and the start of the school year was the same. Nothing came between them and their love. Christmas brought their families together as never before, even though Ron's folks never celebrated the season. They were just happy for the two of them. She and Ron had even lost their virginity together after an amazing and romantic Valentine's Day, making love under the stars on the shores of Lake Middleton. But it wasn't long after that things began to go wrong.
Kim wasn't even sure what it was that started it, but they began arguing. Nothing major mind you, just little things. They were still close, but it wasn't quite so magical after that. The physical closeness was slowly dissipating, and Kim wondered what could be the problem. Ron could feel it as well, and he didn't know what the problem was either. They knew they still loved each other, but it just didn't seem as if they were in love like they were before. They tried everything they could to restart things, to get them back to that same level of passion, but it never seemed to work. Finally, that fateful day came to pass, just before the end of their senior year. She could remember that conversation as if it was yesterday.
“Ron, I… I think we need to talk”
Ron looked up from his textbook and sighed. They both knew what was coming, and niether had been looking forward to it. “KP, I think I know what this is about.”
Kim cast her eyes downward, unable to meet his eyes. “Ron, I don't think we're working out that way anymore. I don't… I don't…”
Ron placed a finger on her lips, halting her stuttering speech. “Yeah, I've been feeling that too KP. I just… we tried everything, didn't we?”
“Yeah Ron, we did. I don't know what happened. I mean, I love you, and I don't want to lose you, but I just…”
“I don't want to lose you either KP. I love you too, but we just… I don't think we love each other that way that a boyfriend and girlfriend should anymore. It's like…”
“We're just going through the motions?”
Ron nodded, turning his head away. “I wanted to say something, but… I just… I wasn't sure how you felt and… Kim, promise me we'll always be tight, even with all this?”
“Always Ron, always.”
It was only a couple days later that Ron got the all expense paid admission to the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, and it seemed as though fate were helping them to make the decision. The two of them had talked about it for hours, until Kim had finally told him he needed to accept it, if that's what he really wanted. They had both gotten into Upperton, but with Ron wanting to open his own restaurant, this was the best opportunity he'd ever have to get the training he needed.
With their futures decided, they tried to resume their friendship, but there was a tension there between them that hadn't been present before. Kim feared that it might be more damaging, but after a few talks, they settled down, and resumed the closeness they both shared before, that comfortable, easy-going friendship they had always enjoyed. It was even a tearful goodbye when Ron boarded his plane for New York, and they promised to talk to each other as often as they could. Kim smiled as she found that, even many miles and several years since they could just walk down the street and visit each other, they never went more than two days without talking to each other, gabbing about their day and laughing and sharing. Well, except for that one week, just before Christmas their first year apart.
Kim had started to become frantic. It had been five days since she had heard from Ron, and she was getting worried. Ron had never been this long in getting in touch with her. Only Wade's assurances that he was all right quelled her desire to head straight for New York and find him. She was practically bouncing off the walls of her dorm room, wondering why Ron wasn't talking to her. When she heard the unmistakable tone of the Kimmunicator, in Ron's special ring tone, her eyes widened, and she dove for the device on her bed.
“Ron, where the hell have you been, I've been worried sick!”
“Sorry KP, I… I just…”
Kim paused in her anger as she saw his face. He was upset, and it looked like he hadn't slept well. “Ron, what's wrong?”
“Nothing's wrong persay. I just… I wasn't sure how you would take this.”
“Take what?”
“KP… I've… I've started seeing someone.”
Kim froze, her eyes widening slightly. Ron had never told her about anyone before, and she was a little surprised. Not that she should have been, Ron was a great guy, but she never stopped to think how she would feel when he did. Now she knew why he was so worried about calling her. Not that she had lived the life of a hermit, she had been out on a few dates, just nothing that ever got past a second date.
“Ron, that's… that's great. So how long have you two been going out? Have you two gone out?”
“KP…” Kim noticed that pensiveness in his tone, his refusal to look her in the eyes, “we've been going out for almost a month.”
Now Kim was in shock. “A month? Why didn't you tell me Ron? I would've been all right with that. I mean, I've told you about a few of my dates.”
“I know KP, I just… I didn't think it was a big deal. But now…”
“Now?”
“I didn't plan it KP, it just happened, and then it just felt right and… and… KP, I think I'm in love with her.”
The Kimmunicator fell from her grasp, landing on the bed. Ron had actually moved on. She knew they both had to, but it was still a shock to hear it.
“KP? KP? Please answer me. Oh man, I knew I shouldn't have done this. Why couldn't I have just done the right thing… whatever that is. KP, I'm sorry, I just…”
“Ron.” Kim picked up the Kimmunicator again, smiling slightly for his benefit. “Ron, I'm not mad. I'm a little upset you didn't tell me earlier, but I'm not mad. Ron, I'm happy for you.”
“Do you mean that Kim? I'm serious, I don't want anything to come between us as friends, and if something I did upset that…”
“Really Ron, I'm serious. I'm surprised and a little shocked, but I am happy for you.”
Ron smiled back just a bit, as he looked up to meet her in the eyes. “Thanks KP, that really means a lot.”
Kim's smile widened. “Now that all that is out of the way, you have to tell me about her. No getting out of this, or I'll just head right over to New York and have a talk with this girl myself.”
Ron laughed, and it seemed to ease all the tension between the two of them. “All right, all right. Her name's Michelle, and she's in a lot of the same classes I'm in, and it was her who made the first move. She's actually a lot like Bonnie was, you know, bossy, demanding, aggressive, but she's sweet too. You wouldn't believe how sweet she can be. Anyways, I'm bringing her to meet my parents for Christmas, since her folks are going away and… well, I hope you'll meet her KP. She knows all about us and she's anxious to meet you.”
“I'd like that Ron.”
And she did. Kim couldn't believe how close Ron was in that first initial assessment. When Kim first met her, she had gotten a hug before she had even gotten through the door of Ron's parent's place. After that, it was impossible to hate the girl. And the way she obviously made Ron happy made her happy for the both of them. Now, just over a year and a bit since then, they had only grown closer, even moving into an apartment together when Ron got a few more naco checks, though his father made sure to keep that money tightly under lock and key to prevent a repeat of what happened last time. And of course, the news that Ron gave her just a few days before…
“We're here Ms. Possible.”
Kim looked up, and noticed that they had indeed stopped, right where she wanted to be. “Thanks Mr…”
“Ciccerelli, Ms. Possible. Gino Ciccerelli.”
“Thank you Mr. Ciccerelli. How much do I owe you?”
Gino Ciccerelli just smiled. “On the house for youse miss.”
“Oh, I couldn't…”
“Youse can and youse will. Though an autograph for ma little girl would be ‘preciated. My little Sandy idolizes you.”
Kim chuckled at that. “No problem.”
Kim signed an autograph for him, and then quickly grabbed her bags from the trunk, pausing to wave goodbye as he pulled back into traffic. Kim looked up at the apartment, grabbing her bags in hand. Kim just loved Ron's new apartment, sitting on the top floor of the building, with a balcony looking out over Central Park and The Lake below. She entered quickly, and headed straight for the elevator, pusing the button for the top floor.
When she finally arrived, she rapped quickly on the door, her excitement building. She had barely finished knocking when the door flew open, and she found herself wrapped up tight in a huge hug by an equally excited brunette. “Oh God Kim, I'm so glad you're here!”
“It's good to see you too Michelle. Now let's see that rock that Ron got you.”
Kim couldn't help smiling brightly as Michelle held up her hand, and the lights in the hallway caused the diamond to sparkle brightly. “Oh my God, don't you just love it?”
Kim practically squealed as she took Michelle's hand, giving the ring a closer look. “Oh, that's just amazing! I hope Ron didn't blow too much of your guys budget on this, this must have cost a fortune.”
“Ron talked his dad into giving him a bit extra for it. Oh man, I can't believe we're actually going to get married!” Michelle grabbed Kim into anouther hug, giggling all the while.
“I'm so happy for both of you.”
Michelle pulled away, grabbing for Kim's bags and dragging them into the apartment. “Honey, your wife is here.”
Kim just chuckled at the standard welcome. “You won't be able to use that joke for much longer.”
“Sure I can, I'll just have to change it to girlfriend. At least, once we say our I do's.”
Ron came barreling out of the kitchen at that moment. “KP!”
Kim moved quickly to embrace her closest friend. “Hey Ron. I'm so happy for both of you.”
The hug continued for a few moments more, before Ron pulled back. “Thanks KP, that means a lot to me.”
Ron grabbed Kim's bags. “Let's get you settled in the guest room, dinner will be ready in just a few minutes.”
“Thanks Ron. Hey, where's Rufus, I expected him to be happy to see me too.”
“Oh, he is, Rufus is just…” Ron's eyes widened, and the bags dropped from his grasp, “in the kitchen. Oh man…”
Michelle and Kim just laughed as Ron bolted back to the kitchen. Kim and Michelle just grabbed a bag each, and pushed their way into the spare bedroom. “I'm so glad you're here Kim, it means so much to both of us that you'd spend the break with us.”
“Yeah, well, when Ron told me…”
“RUFUS!”
Kim and Michelle couldn't help laughing even louder.
“That was amazing Ron.”
Ron smiled as he picked up the empty plates. “Glad you enjoyed KP. Just something I wanted to try out for class.”
Kim sat back, rubbing her stomach. “I don't know how you can stay so thin Michelle, if this man cooks like this all the time.”
Michelle just grinned slyly. “Oh, we get plenty of exercise.”
Kim just winced, shaking her head. “Just a little too much info there.”
“So anyways Kim, please say you'll be our maid of honour. Ron wanted to make you best man, well woman, but I thought this would be a better fit.”
“I just wouldn't want to put one of your friends out.”
“Don't worry about it Kim.” Michelle reached out across the table and clasping Kim's hands in hers. “This is both our decision, and we won't have it any other way.”
“All right, but I have the right to change my mind if I don't like the bridemaid dresses. I've seen what those can look like.”
Michelle just laughed. “Don't worry, we've already talked to Monique about designing something for us. I can't believe that you two are friends with Monique Jenkins, fashion diva, and you didn't tell me.”
“Ron didn't tell you?”
“Did someone call my name?” Ron walked back to the table, taking his seat close to Michelle.
“You didn't tell Michelle that we knew Monique? She must really love you if she didn't kill you for that.”
Michelle just smiled, taking hold of Ron's arm. “Oh believe me, he was punished. He has to go out shopping with me for a whole month as his punishment. And believe me, I feel like shoe shopping tomorrow.”
Kim couldn't help laughing at the look of panic on Ron's face. “Oh no, you're not…”
“That's right Sweetie, Kim and me are taking you shoe shopping with us, bright and early.”
“But… but… I love you!”
“And I love you too Hon, but that doesn't get you out of your punishment.”
“Aww man.”
Now both Kim and Michelle were laughing, when a familiar beeping interrupted them. Kim glanced down, plucking the Kimmunicator out of her pocket. “What's the sitch Wade?”
Wade appeared apologetic as he responded. “Sorry to interrupt your dinner guys, but I just got a report of a break in at the American Museum of Natural History.”
Ron's head perked up at that. “That's only a few blocks away.”
Wade nodded. “That's why I called. I figured you guys could check it out, see what's up.”
Kim stood, up, heading for the guest room as she talked. “Who do you think it is? Monkey Fist? It seems like his style.”
Wade just shrugged. “No idea. Nothing is showing up on cameras, but someone triggered an alarm.”
Kim just nodded at that. “All right Wade, I'll suit up. Ron, feel like helping out?”
“You know it KP.” Ron and Michelle were already on their feet, heading for the bedroom. “Just give us a couple minutes to get changed, and Team Possible will ride. Well… most of us anyways.”
Three sets of eyes settled on a slumbering Rufus, who had worked very hard to ensure there were no leftovers, and was now passed out comfortably on the table, looking more like a little pink ball than a naked mole rat. Kim just chuckled. “Well, I think he can sit this one out.” Kim quickly headed into the room and opened her bag, quickly pulling out her mission gear. It felt good to put the gear on, to ride once more into the good fight with Ron at her side. It almost felt like old times.
“Are you sure about this KP?”
“I'm sure Ron.” Kim looked back down at the Kimmunicator, checking the map. “This is a big place, and we have no idea where this thief or thieves are. If we split up, we have the best chance of catching them. You and Michelle head west, and I'll go east. Just stay in touch, and we'll wrap this one up quick.”
Ron and Michelle nodded, and headed down the hallway. Kim watched them go, noticed how in synch they seemed, and felt just the littlest pang of jealousy. Not so much for their relationship, she was happy for them, but for the closeness they seemed to display together, the closeness that only her and Ron used to share.
Kim put those thoughts aside, heading the other way. The first two exibits were a bust, nothing seemed amiss, and she was about ready to pass the third when she heard a quiet noise, barely audible. Kim cast a quick glance at which exibit it was, and nodded when she noticed it was the Egyptian exibition. Plenty of valuable relics lay within there, and Kim figured that must have been the target.
Kim approached the area quietly, peeking around corners to see if she could catch her target off guard. She couldn't see anything, but that didn't mean anything. The person or persons had managed to elude the cameras as well, so she didn't expect to see anything right away anyways. She crept through the hall, keeping her footfalls silent as she made her way through the exibit, looking for any clues. Nothing seemed amiss, but she knew she had heard something.
Finally, she found something. She was in the jewelry exibit, and noticed the open case against the back wall. Kim tensed, her eyes darting around in hopes of spotting someone. As Kim inched closer, she saw that nothing seemed to be missing, and that piqued her curiosity. Had she interrupted the thieves before they could grab anything? It seemed doubtful, the case was wide open. Whoever had done this could have grabbed what they wanted and bolted, but they hadn't. Now Kim was confused.
That is, until she saw the distinctive mark at the base of the case. It was a mark she hadn't seen in some time, but she would recognize it anywhere. Deep, finger-sized furrows, buried into the metal casing, the faintest bit of green glow still remaining along the edges. That meant…
“Hello Princess, it's been awhile, hasn't it?”
Kim whirled, and saw the distinctive uniform, the casual posture, the half smile half smirk as she just stood there, waiting for a response.
“Shego.”
Don't worry folks, I'm getting back to Darkness, but this was just screaming to be written now, and I had to go with it. Believe me, I had just planned to kick back and read tonight, even putting the Fannie Awards on the back burner, but I just had to do this. The plot bunnies had weapons, and it only took a couple hours to put this together! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the first chapter, even if I don't start the Kigo goodness for a few chapters yet. I like to set everything up first, especially with a project like this. Later folks!