April 2006 Kim Possible Short Fanfiction Contest

[taechunsa]

The April 2006 Kim Possible Short Fanfiction Contest Topic and Rules

Everyone have fun, be creative, and tell as many people as you know about this. The more the merrier.

Be sure and read the rules.

Topic
The Fun Starts When the Blackout Begins (Sorry for no vote this month but time was short.)

Deadline
Midnight of April 17th (date and time calculated by ronstoppable.net’s clock)

Rules

1) The story must be related to the topic given above.

2) The story must deal primarily with characters from the Kim Possible television series.

3) There is no age limit on the story, but it must not have been posted anywhere on the internet previously. (This does not preclude an author posting the story after the contest has started. In fact, I encourage it and ask that the authors reference the contest. Publicity is always good.)

4) Only one entry per author per monthly contest permitted.

5) The story must have the following format of header. (Words in italic are to be replaced with your entries.)

Title
by Author

Rated: Rating*
---
Story Text

6) The story text can be no longer then 25,000 characters, including spaces. (Microsoft Word has the ability to check this under Tools>Word Count…).

7) All submissions will have to be submitted by midnight of the deadline date to this thread. (The time will be calculated using the clock on rs.net).


* Ratings Guidelines:
Stories cannot be rated higher then

PG-13 (movie ratings)
www.filmratings.com/questions.htm#Q4
Wikipedia also has some good information on how movies are rated at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PG-13.

Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. This signifies that the film rated may be inappropriate for pre-teens. Parents should be especially careful about letting their younger children attend. Rough or persistent violence is absent; sexually-oriented nudity is generally absent; some scenes of drug use may be seen; one use of the harsher sexually derived words may be heard.

TV-PG (TV ratings)
www.tvguidelines.org/ratings.asp

This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. Many parents may want to watch it with their younger children. The theme itself may call for parental guidance and/or the program contains one or more of the following: moderate violence (V), some sexual situations (S), infrequent coarse language (L), or some suggestive dialogue (D).

T (fiction ratings)
www.fictionratings.com/guide.php

Suitable for teens, 13 years and older, with some violence, minor coarse language, and minor suggestive adult themes.

[Ashley Benlove]

I might try that. Of course... it'd definitely be hard. It sounds like I'd definitely push the T rating. Hehe!

[zaratan]

Yeah, I know. I wonder if it's just obvious where the mind goes with that kind of subject matter. That was my first thought too. ;D

[surforst]

Um...actually my first thought involved mobile suits and EMP. Just me I guess. ;D

Anyway I've got to figure out a story that doesn't involve romance this time after all the last few entries were all about that. I need to change it around a bit. Guess I'll get cracking on trying to figure out a topic soon.

[DrMike]

Cool beans. I'll work on one asap.

Thanks,
-drmike

[Ashley Benlove]

I'll have to think about it. I'm not sure about it right now.

[Ezbok58a]

Hmmm, blackout eh?

I might be able to come up with something. ;D Different.

[RavenStar]

Oh my...Now that's a topic I can work with.

[zaratan]

Well, I'm half done something that won't actually involve sex. Took me a while, what with the topic, but it should be pretty good.

[cloudmonet]

Hmm, first no gas, now no electricity? Or, at least, lots of darkness.

[Ashley Benlove]

It kinda reminds me of the fact that one of the first erotica stories I read had a blackout in it.

I'm gonna have to see what I come up with the coming days....

[zaratan]

Light in the Dark
by Zaratan

Rated: T
---

Light in the Dark

Ron pulled his coat tighter against him as he made his way over to the bank. Winter had hit with a vengeance quickly, and he could barely make out the light from the window through the blowing snow. In just an hour, the snow was already piling up, and it didn’t show any signs of stopping right away. He lamented briefly waiting this long to go pick up Christmas presents, but with school winding down for the holidays, and that last mission to stop Drakken and his army of mechanized poodles, for which he still wasn’t sure just how that plan was supposed to help him achieve world domination, he hadn’t had the time before now. Now, a few days before, and here he was trudging through a blizzard to get to the bank so he could get to the stores and by KP and the Possible clan gifts for Christmas.

As he crossed the street, his foot sank into a hidden puddle of slush, and he yelled in surprise as the cold water enveloped his foot before he could pull it free. For the fourth time, he wished his parents had lent him the car, so he could do this quicker and much warmer. Of course, only a few flakes had been falling then, and it wasn’t nearly as cold. Getting his own car would have been preferable though, but his folks wouldn’t even let him pull enough from his remaining naco royalties, which his parents had secured for him ahead of time to prevent another fiasco like last time, to do that. He and Kim had to be the only seniors that didn’t have their own car, or at least it seemed that way.

He finally reached the door to the bank, and he swiped his bankcard to get in, having to take several attempts with his hands shaking as they were. He pulled on the door quickly, almost throwing himself through to get out of the weather. He pulled the door shut behind him, shaking himself to divest himself of the snow that covered him completely. He was glad he had left Rufus at home, the little guy would have been as blue as Drakken in this weather.

“What are you doing here?”

Ron paused in his shaking, glancing up in surprise as he recognized the voice. He was a little surprised, but considering how his night was going so far, not that much. “Hey BonBon, I take it you aren’t done your Christmas shopping either?”

Bonnie just sneered back, turning quickly to the ATM machine. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no I’m not. I take it you’re not either? Planning on getting Kim more Beuno Nacho bucks again? I hear she loved those last time.”

Ron just ignored the sarcasm in her tone, leaning up against the wall behind her. “Naww, I thought it might be best if I got her something better this year, now that we’re going out. I have no idea what yet, but I’m sure I’ll find something.”

Bonnie just chuckled softly. “I wish I knew what was so special that Kim would waste all this time on you to ruin her own standing. Course, that just makes it easier on me to be number one, with her throwing it all away on a loser like you.”

Ron just gasped, bringing his hand to his chest in mock pain. “BonBon, that hurts!”

Bonnie just rolled her eyes. “Whatever. At least I won’t have to deal with you a moment longer. I just have to grab my money, and I’ll be…”

The lights suddenly cut off, bathing the entire bank in darkness, and Bonnie screamed.

Ron rushed over to where he last saw her, trying to find her in the dark. He had managed to suppress his own shriek of terror, but he had to make sure Bonnie was all right. “Bonnie, it’s all right, it’s just a blackout. Nothing to be scared of.”

He found her arm, but she jerked it away quickly. “I’m not scared you loser, the stupid machine still has my bankcard!”

Ron just groaned, and he reached for his Kimmunicator. Kim had given it to him during the summer, and now he was very glad he had it. He pushed the button, and the screen lit up, bathing the room in a gentle glow. “Hey Wade, what’s the sitch?”

He saw Wade sticking his head up and back in front of the screen. “Hey Ron. Looks like we’ve got a transformer out thanks to the weather. Fortunately, my backup generator kicked in quickly.” Wade frowned briefly, as he took in the scene behind Ron. “Where are you?”

“I’m at the bank, I was going to do some Christmas shopping. Do you know how long it will take to get power back?”

Wade worked on the computer in front of him for a moment. “It looks like it will be a couple hours. Ron… which bank are you at?”

“First Middleton, why?”

“Have you tried to get out yet?”

Ron stared at the screen a moment longer, before turning to the doors. He gave them a push, but they wouldn’t budge. He threw all his weight at them, but it was no good.

“I was afraid of that. The banks doors lock down automatically when the power goes out.”

Bonnie grabbed Ron’s hand to look at the Kimmunicator. “I can’t be stuck in here, not with him! You have to get us out of here!”

Wade glanced between the two he could see on his screen. “Ron, is that…”

Ron sighed, smiling lightly. “Yeah, that’s Bonnie. Anything you can do to get us out of here?”

Wade worked a moment more, but there was no smile on his face. “Sorry Ron, without power, I can’t get the doors open. Plus, there’s no one who can come get you, emergency personnel are dealing with accidents all over, and they can’t spare anyone for a minor problem.”

Bonnie ripped the Kimmunicator right from Ron’s hand, glaring at the screen. “MINOR? We’re trapped in here!”

Ron placed a hand on Bonnie’s shoulder. “We’ll be fine Wade, we’ll ride it out here. Keep us updated if anything changes.” Ron grabbed the Kimmunicator back, and Wade signed off, though Ron did leave the light on the screen so that they could see.

Bonnie just glared back at him. “You mean to tell me I’m going to be stuck in here for two hours… with you?”

Ron just grinned. “Oh come on BonBon, it will be fine. Maybe we might even have fun!”

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron stared across the lobby at Bonnie, where they had been sitting for the last half hour. The Kimmunicator sat in the middle of the room between them, the light emanating from it steady. The temperature was quickly dropping without any heat from the vents, and he had his legs held close to retain heat. “Yeah, real fun,” he mumbled.

Ron stretched his legs a bit, and earned a glare from Bonnie. “You j-j-just stay r-r-right on your side.”

Ron paused, looking closer at Bonnie. She seemed to be shivering. “Bonnie, are you all right?”

“I’m j-j-just fine, thank you v-very much!”

Ron stood up, moving closer. “You’re not all right, you’re freezing!”

Bonnie just turned her eyes away, looking at the floor instead. “I’m fine!”

“You are not fine.” Ron unzipped his coat, lowering himself to sit beside her and tried to wrap her in his much larger coat while keeping himself in it as well. She just pulled away. “Come on Bonnie, you’re cold, and it’s just you and me here. No one here to see you sitting with the loser. Besides, if we’re here for another hour, you’ll be a popsicle.”

Bonnie turned to glare at him, but slid one arm into the vacated coat arm, sidling closer to Ron. Ron pulled her tighter with his free arm, and Bonnie winced. “You will NEVER tell anyone about this, you hear me?”

They wrapped the coat tighter about them, a small gap allowing some cold air in, but the two just squeezed closer, and Bonnie took a breath as she felt herself starting to warm up.

Ron was noticing Bonnie’s jacket for the first time, now that he was close enough to feel the material. “Geez, this coat is pretty light for winter, isn’t it?”

“It’s the latest fashion, not that you’d know that.”

“I’m just saying…”

“Can we not talk… please?”

Ron looked down at Bonnie, her arms wrapped tightly around him, and smiled. Just a year ago, this situation would have been a dream come true, holding tight to the beautiful brunette. Of course, that was before he realized how he felt about Kim. Now, he just found it amusing. “Sure thing BonBon.”

“And stop calling me BonBon!”

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron was bored out of his mind. The Kimmunicator still sat in the middle of the room, and he really wanted to find out how much longer they’d be stuck there. But Bonnie seemed to be dozing against him, at least if her even breathing was to be believed, though he had been expecting some of the snores that Kim had mentioned when they had been forced to room together on occasion, and he didn’t want to disturb her. He stuck out his leg, hoping he could reach it to pull it closer. When the first attempt failed, he stretched out further, trying vainly to pull it closer.

“Ron.”

Ron sat back up quickly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t touch anything did I? I was just trying to reach the Kimmunicator, and…”

“Eww, no!” Bonnie shifted slightly, turning her head to look up at him a bit. “Ron… why are you doing this?”

Ron just looked at her confused. “Doing what?”

“This! Helping me, keeping me warm.”

Ron just looked at her like she was crazy. “Because you were cold. Am I missing something here?”

Bonnie just groaned, turning to look at him full on, their faces scant inches apart. “But don’t you hate me?”

Ron just grinned. “I don’t hate you.”

Now it was Bonnie who looked confused. “But I’ve been nothing but mean to you. I call you a loser, I make fun of you, I tried to break you and Kim up… you can’t tell me you don’t hate me.”

Ron just shrugged. “I don’t. Why, do you want me to hate you?”

Bonnie seemed taken aback by the question. “No… I mean… yes, you should. I’d hate me.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I don't hate you then, or you’d be pretty cold right now.”

The pair were silent for a time, as Bonnie tucked her head back down against Ron. He just looked down at the top of her head. “Bonnie… do you hate me?”

She was silent, and Ron wondered if she had gone back to sleep, until he heard a quiet little whisper. “No… I don’t.”

“Do you hate Kim?”

He felt her tighten against him, tensing up. “Yes… no… I don’t know.”

“Then why…”

“Because she just gets everything handed to her, that’s why! She’s little miss perfect. Grades come to her easily, she’s always asked to head everything before I am, everyone loves her. Meanwhile, I have to work twice as hard just to come in second. She can even get away with dating you and still win, it’s not fair!”

Ron could feel her shaking against him slightly, and knew she had to be crying, but he didn’t want to draw attention to it. “It doesn’t exactly come to Kim that easy you know.”

“Sure it does, just look at the talent show. Twelve years of ballet, training constantly, and what do I have to show for it? Third place! Meanwhile, Kim can’t sing a high note if her life depended on it. Two days later, suddenly she can, and beats me. And when my sisters found out about that…”

“Why do you even care what they think? Why do you care what anyone thinks?”

“Because… because… I mean…”

“Why don’t you want to do what you want? Why don’t you try to make yourself happy instead of trying to make everyone else happy?”

“I… I… can we just drop this?”

Ron felt her press in, holding him tight as she sobbed quietly. “Sure, no problem.” He laid his head on hers, holding her close as the night moved on.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron awoke from his dozing as the lights suddenly came back on, blinding him momentarily. He rubbed his eyes, and felt Bonnie shifting against him. When she saw that the lights were on, she bolted to her feet as quickly as she could, pulling Ron up with her as she forgot her arm was still in one of the coat sleeves. Ron fell back to the floor, off-balance, and Bonnie came tumbling after him, landing on top of him in a mishmash of limbs.

As Bonnie struggled to get free, Ron just grinned. “I wonder what Kim would think if he saw us rolling around on the floor together?”

Bonnie whirled on him quickly, her eyes wide. “You will NOT tell anyone about what happened tonight, have you got me?”

Ron raised his hands defensively, as Bonnie pulled herself free of his coat. “I won’t tell a soul.”

“You better not!” Bonnie rushed over to the ATM, and breathed a sigh of relief as her card and the cash she had withdrawn popped out of the machine. “Oh, am I so glad to see this.”

Ron struggled back into his coat, noting it seemed just a bit larger from having been stretched for the last couple hours. “Got everything all right?”

Bonnie tucked everything away, smiling. “Not that it matters, the mall’s closed by now, but at least I don’t have to worry about it.”

“Good, then maybe it will work for me.” Ron dodged past her quickly, and within seconds had everything he needed. “Guess I should be heading home. Later Bonnie!”

He opened the door, catching a face full of snow as the blizzard continued to rage outside. He started to push hard on the door, to open it enough to slip out past the snow that was piling up, when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Ron… do you… you want me to drive you home?”

Ron turned back and grinned. “Sure, thanks. I really didn’t want to have to walk home in this.”

Together, the two of them pushed open the door, and made the mad dash to her car. It took a few moments to unbury it, but soon they were off, carefully making their way out from downtown. They rode in silence, until Bonnie pulled up in front of Ron’s house.

“Thanks for the lift, catch you later!”

Ron opened the door, stepping out into the snow.

“Ron.”

Ron ducked his head back down, looking over at Bonnie.

“I… I just wanted to say… thanks, for everything you know… and keeping quiet.”

Ron smiled warmly. “What are friends for? Just… remember what we talked about, okay?”

Ron shut the door quickly, before she could respond, and headed in quickly out of the snow. Bonnie could only stare after him, shocked at what he had said. It took a moment before she realized he was already out of sight, and then she pulled out, carefully making her way home.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bonnie sat among the wrappers of the presents she had opened already. It was the same assortment of gifts as always. Clothing that she would never wear from her parents, gag gifts from her sisters. Connie had got her a dieting book while Lonnie had gotten her a t-shirt that said ‘third place isn’t that bad’. Her own gifts to everyone else had been tossed to the side, just as every Christmas, the watch she had gotten her father trumped by the gifts her sisters had gotten him. It was like that every Christmas, in the bidding war for attention, and yet again, Bonnie was on the outside. She didn’t even know why she tried anymore.

A knock at the door interrupted them, and Bonnie quickly rose to answer it, more than happy to get away from her parents fawning over her sisters. She was surprised to see a deliveryman standing there, holding a fairly large package.

“Is there a Bonnie Rockwaller here?”

“I’m Bonnie.”

“Sign here.”

He handed her a pad, and she quickly signed. He handed her the package. “Thanks.”

The deliveryman just nodded, mumbling under his breath as he left. “Why do I always get stuck working Christmas?”

Bonnie walked back into the living room, package in hand, and found she was the center of attention.
“Who was that dear?”

“A deliveryman, dropping this off for me?” She sat back down on the couch, eyeing the box.

Her mother smiled, as she sipped her tea. “Well, are you going to open it or just look at it? And who is it from? Does my little BonBon have a gentleman caller? You’ve been so lonely since your boyfriend Brick went to college.”

“Only gentlemen calling on Bonnie are from the dog pound.”

Bonnie glared at her sisters, as they laughed at their joke, but she opened the box anyways. Inside was a light blue, polar fleece sweater, incredibly soft and warm to the touch, but she noticed it was thin enough to hide under her jacket without making it look bulky.
Lonnie just sneered. “That is ugly, who would send you such an awful thing?”

Bonnie noticed a card as she lifted the sweater out, opening it.

Figured you could use something to keep you warm with no one the wiser. Should make things easier next time something like that happens.

Bonnie smiled, fighting back the small tear that threatened to come free. “A friend.”

[Ashley Benlove]

That is so cute! Even if it is Ron/BonBon...

[zaratan]

It isn't Ron/Bon, that's the thing, Ron's dating Kim. It's more about reaching an understanding than any relationship type story.

[taechunsa]

Zaratan, I loved the story. Good job.

[Ashley Benlove]

Well yeah, but it was still kind of Ron/Bon ish.

I might start mine tonight, but I'm also planning to watch Alien for the first time tonight as well, so yeah.

[JuPMod]

I have to say that thanks to this challenge, I have developed an idea for a three-part story arc for my Reflections Universe fanfic series. And yes, it's that series where Ron/Yori are together, so once again, if you don't like the concept of R/Y, don't read the following story posted in the post after this one.

[JuPMod]

Noble Commitment
By JuPMod

Rating: PG (aka K+)

Summery: During a blackout, Ron tells Yori about the future, and both make a commitment from that point onward.
---------------------------------

Rain. That was what was pouring down outside the balcony as nearly 24-year-old Ron Stoppable typed on his laptop computer on a table inside his second-floor hotel room. He has some reports to finish for the Japanese Bueno Nacho branch to send back to BN HQ in California, and now was a good a time as any to get them done. This way he could spend more time with his steady girlfriend and enjoyed the sun and beach when the weather clears.

A warm smile creased his lips upon thinking about the woman who currently held his heart. She was smart, beautiful, and strong. After all, as a ninja, she certainly did not need to be dependent on anyone to live. Yet for all her strengths, she was human like anyone else. She too sought companionship in others, and particularly she wanted to love deeply with all her soul. Ron felt his heart constricted, like many times before, when he thought how fortunate he was to have earned her love and affections. Yori Tanaka was a free-spirited woman who didn’t give her love so freely he knew.

Looking out at the pouring rain, Ron, wearing shorts and a red t-shirt, shook his head and frowned. He hoped this rain would cease by tomorrow, for he wanted to go swimming again in the ocean with Yori before they have to return to Yamanouchi two days from now.

It was near the end of July, and the first semester of the school year was over. The month-long summer vacation began for everyone all over Japan, and since there were hardly any students to teach at Yamanouchi, Yori and Ron had decided to take a week long vacation together at the beach. They figured it would be good to rest before resuming their work – she as a Yamanouchi instructor and he helping out the Japanese Bueno Nacho Branch. So they rented two beachside hotel rooms, side by side to each other, and spent most of the week enjoying the sand and surf.

Well, that was until today. A mild storm swept through the area, and the beach was currently deserted as no one in his/her right mind would want to go outside in such weather. Dangerous tides were generated by the winds, thus swimming was forbidden. So the boardwalk and other businesses that rely on the beach crowds no doubt have slow business today.

Returning his gaze to his computer, the blonde man was glad for the lights in his room. Despite that it was 4 PM and should still be light outside, the thick clouds made it almost look like it was night instead. He had experienced such storms like this and knew it would be many hours before it passed over or died out.

A bolt of lightning streaked through the sky followed immediately by the roaring thunder, and soon after, the lights in the room blinked off as the power was cut.

“Aw, man!” Ron cried out in the dark as he sat there, fuming a bit over the blackout.

“Ron-kun?” Yori’s voice called out through the door that separated his room from hers. She has been in her room reading a book, while he was doing his computer work.

Hearing the concern in her voice, Ron replied to reassure her. “I’m fine, Yori. Just surprised by the blackout.” He looked at his notebook computer. “Least the computer’s battery made good back-up power to prevent any lost of data.”

As he worked on his computer, Ron saw the light of a flashlight came on from Yori’s room, before Yori appeared in the door that divided their rooms, flashlight in hand. His mind made him grinned at her, for he couldn’t help but think she looked beautiful in that sundress with her waist-length raven hair falling freely down her back.

The worry in her eyes, made him grinned soothingly at her. “I said I was fine, Yori.”

A giggle escaped her lips as she walked toward him with the flashlight pointed up. “I understand, Ron-kun. Yet do you blame me for worrying? If our situations were reverse, I know you would worry about me.”

“Point taken,” he said, conceding to her reasoning, which made her smile.

Looking down at him, Yori gestured to his computer. “What are you doing?”

“Saving my work,” Ron replied as he typed and move the mouse pointer via the touch pad. “The battery will not last long for the work I need to do, so I might as well save it and shut off the computer.” Another bolt of lightning flashed, followed by the thunder.

Putting the flashlight down on the table pointing up, Yori moved toward the phone resting on the dresser nearby. “I’ll call the front desk. Maybe they can tell how long power will be off.”

So as Ron saved his computer work, Yori called the front desk, and a few minutes later, as Ron was finishing saving his work and began shutting down the computer, Yori hung up the phone before turning to her boyfriend.

“The front desk have no idea how long power will be out, Ron-kun,” she said. “It might be minutes or hours.”

Ron nodded. “Thus why I decided to save my work and shut off the computer,” he mentioned as the notebook computer finally powered off and he shut closed the screen. Afterward, the young man smiled up at the woman he loved. “Now we just have to wait.” She smiled in return.

After many minutes of silent watching the rain and the lightning & thunder, with him still in his chair and her sitting at the edge of his bed, Ron turned his head to look at the lovely ninja woman he had first met so long ago. The illumination from the flashlight alone was enough to make her hair shine in the semi-darken room.

He heavily sighed, which made Yori’s eyes centered on him. “Ron?” she asked, and he knew he was caught. She would not ever say his name alone without an honorary unless she knew he was deeply unease about something.

Sighing again, he gave a feeble grin. “You’re aware that my training is almost complete. Soon, I will no longer be a student.”

Yori smiled proudly at him. “Hai. You’ve achieved master status greatly for someone who only spent two years training. You should be proud for achieving it.”

Giving a proud chuckle, Ron smiled at her. “I know. I am proud.” His smile waned a bit. “Yet I know that Sensei said that I am welcome to stay at Yamanouchi as long as my job helping the Japanese Bueno Nacho branch lasts.”

Her smiled faltered, for Yori read in his words what he was really referring. He would not have brought out Sensei’s offer if there weren’t going to be a contradiction. “Ron-kun, I have a feeling you are about to give bad news.”

Closing his eyes, he frowned while nodding his head in confirmation. “Hai,” he replied before opening his eyes. “Two days ago, while you were taking a shower, I received a cell phone call from Bueno Nacho HQ in California. They said that my work here in Japan is nearly over. By mid-September, my work here will be complete, and I am to return to the States to start working at Bueno Nacho HQ.”

Blinking, Yori continued to stare at him dumbfounded. “You’re leaving Japan?”

“Hai, I am,” he answered with some sadness in his voice.

He rose from his chair and took the few steps to sit besides her on the edge of the bed. His hands reached over to grasped hers before he continued. “Yori… I love you very much.” His words made her grin as her dark eyes became moist. “Ever since you’ve reentered my life two years ago, I’ve grown to love and admire you deeply. I just can’t imagine living without you.” His lips trembled as a single tear rolled down his cheek. “In September, I have to return to the States, and I just don’t want to part your side. Your work is here in Japan, and since they said I can’t stay here to work for the Japanese Bueno Nacho branch, it means I have to leave you.” He closed his eyes as a few more tears escaped. “I don’t want us to be separated,” he softly finished as he opened his shining, tear-full eyes to look into hers.

As Ron watched, a tear rolled down her cheek as Yori’s lips slowly curled up into a knowing smile. Before he could say anything, she quickly latched her lips to his and deeply kissed him. Caught off guard, he closed his eyes and just melted into the kiss, his mind reeling on why she was not upset as he was.

After a long minute, Yori parted from him to continue smiling up at his handsome face. “You silly baka,” she lovingly whispered.

Ron blinked at her words in bewilderment. “Okay, I’m confused. Why are you not upset over this?”

“Ron-san,” she began to explain, “I understand you have to leave Japan. I feared you were going to break up with me.”

He shook his head. “No, I don’t want us to be separated. I love you.”

Yori squeezed his hands as she continued to smile. “I love you as well. I want to be by your side always, thus I will go to the United States with you.”

Taken by surprised, Ron began sputtering. “But… But… Your life is here in Japan!”

Her lips formed a smirk. “Did I ever say I have to stay, Ron-san?” He blinked as he shook his head. “Did I ever say I couldn’t have a life outside of Japan?”

His mind whirling, Ron couldn’t believe what she was saying. “Yori… You’re an instructor at Yamanouchi. Your work is here,” he said while freeing a hand to point down to indicate the entire country.

Giving a caring grin, the young Japanese woman sighed before cupping his cheek to gently stroke it. “Ron-kun… Listen to me.” Seeing she has his undivided attention, she lowered her hand. “Yamanouchi has trained ninjas for many centuries. Teachers come and go. Students come and go. The school will continue without me as it has in the past. There are those willing to take my post if I resign in order to go to America with you.

“Also you should know that many students, after they completed their training, opted to have a normal life. Some stay in Japan, while others travel aboard and settle in other countries. They mingle in with the general population, and when they are needed to help in any way, whether to provide a safe-haven for our operatives or to provide assistance when needed, they would be there.

“By being in America, I, as well as you, will be able to assist Yamanouchi when we are needed.” She softly snorted a chuckle, her eyes shining into his. “Besides, we make a good team together, you and I. I think even Sensei would agree with me that we are much stronger together than each of us is alone.” Her expression became warm as she gripped his hands. “I will not part your side, Ron-kun.”

Feeling the apprehension drained away from the fact that she would be joining him when he returns to America; Ron gave a sigh and felt his heart ache with adoration for Yori even more. Yet he was curious about one thing though. “Yori, I’m happy that you want to join me, but knowing you, what would you do with your life? I can’t see you being the type to stay home, waiting for the call of assistance from Yamanouchi.”

Yori nodded to his insight. “True. I will not be staying at home waiting for the call for help. I do have secretarial and administration skills, so it will not be hard for me to find a job working in any company that has large book keeping.” She slyly grinned. “I might not have a higher education as you had, Ron-san, but even Yamanouchi has paper work, and I had learned much how to manage it during my years as both student and teacher.”

“Oh,” Ron said, relieved that Yori would least do something with her life. A thought made him grinned slyly at her. “Don’t mind working for Bueno Nacho? I might find you a job at HQ.”

Her eyes narrowed with a small grin. “I will not mind at all, Ron-san,” she touched his nose affectionately with a finger, “although I think it’s best for us that I do not work under you.”

He nodded in agreement as she lowered her finger. Ron has read and even seen in-person the dangers that office romance could do to co-workers, especially if the boss happened to date someone he/she commanded in his/her department. Disagreements over work might strain any romantic relationship. However, co-workers, who worked in two different departments not working together, were more likely to have a romantic relationship that was more solid. It was best that Yori would work in a different department than his if she were to work at Bueno Nacho HQ.

Taking a look into those twin dark pools showing love at him, Ron couldn’t help but mold his lips to hers to show his deep gratitude and love that she would not ever part his side. She returned the kiss just as deeply and warmly. After they parted with a smooch, they smiled at each other.

“Least that settles that,” Ron said as he hugged her and felt her arms return the embrace. His eyes gazed at the flashlight and the soft light it provided in the dark room, while his nose took in the wonderful flowery scent of her hair. “I was afraid that we would not be together. I already suffered one broken heart. It would be difficult for me to suffer another.”

Yori tighten her arms a bit upon hearing his sad words, wanting to give him comfort. Despite four years and all her love, the wound Possible-san has left upon him still has not fully healed. The wound eventually one day would heal, but not completely. “I am here, my warrior who holds my heart,” she whispered in his ear. “I’m here.” She felt his slight nod and smiled as his arms hugged her tightly to him.

After a few minutes of basking in the softness and warmth of each other, Ron pulled away and kissed her forehead, which made her softly giggled. “Well,” he grinned at her, “I guess we’re committed to each other.”

“Hai,” she agreed still grinning. “We’re bonded by our hearts. I do not ever want to leave you.” His grin broadened.

After a moment, his expression became thoughtful, and it piqued Yori’s curiosity. “Ron-kun?” she asked, wondering what her boyfriend was thinking.

Giving a small lopsided grin, Ron shrugged and gotten up to rummage through his suitcase, which sat on the floor besides the dresser. Finding what he sought, he stood up and faced Yori with a small velvet box in one palm. His face showed he was a bit nervous.

“Yori,” he began. “Before two days ago, I thought I could stay and live here in Japan, knowing how much I love you.” His words made her smile. “Yet when I was told I had to return to the States, I thought I lost you, thinking you would stay here.” He gave a snort of laugh. “I’m glad you’re willing to come back with me.

“A couple months ago, I knew I wanted to be by your side always, so I bought this just in case. Until you, I never thought I could experience such love since I broke up with Kim.” His lips formed a small loving grin. “Now that I know we’re both committed to each other, I thought that now is a good a time as any to ask the question to you. I was hoping for a more romantic setting,” he gestured to the darken room, “but I don’t think it matters regarding the setting.”

“What question is that, Ron-san?” Yori asked, confused.

In response, Ron took a few steps and dropped to one knee before her. His actions caused her to take a deep breath, for she has seen in Western movies what this meant. She eagerly waited with a beating heart for what was to happen next.

Chocolate eyes locked onto dark ones, the blonde man smiled up at her. “The question is this. We’ve made a commitment to be at each other’s side always, so why not take it to the next step? Yori Takana,” he opened the box, causing her to gasp, “will you marry me?”

Despite the low illumination, Yori saw what was inside the box. A gold ring capped by a sparkling diamond. It was easy to see that it was real and not a cheap imitation.

With watery, shining eyes, the young Japanese woman smiled widely down at the American man kneeling before her. “Hai,” she answered in a soft voice, “I will marry you, Ronald Stoppable. We are committed as you said.”

Face full of joy, Ron removed the ring out of the box and placed it on Yori’s left ring finger. A tear escaped her eye as she looked at the glittering ring as her new fiancé sat besides her again on the bed. Ever since she knew in her heart that she has fallen in love with him, the nimble ninja thought what it might be like to be his wife, to become Yori Stoppable. Now with this ring on her finger, those thoughts were closer to becoming reality.

Tilting her head up to look into that joyous face she loved, Yori once again threw her arms around him and kissed him deeply, which he returned the favor with an arm around her waist and the other hand in her hair as he cupped her head. Both moaned into each other’s mouths, savoring each other and feeling they did not want to ever let go.

Feeling the need to breath, their lips broke apart and they breathed heavily for a few moments as they smiled delightfully at each other, their hearts bursting with love.

Wanting to cuddle, Yori gently pushed Ron to lie on his back on the bed before she straddled over him and lay on top of him, her right cheek on his chest. His left arm tenderly went around her back while his right hand gently combed through her hair, making her purr in contentment.

Yes, this was right, she mused to herself. For the first time in her life, she fully understood what it felt to be spiritually tied soul & heart to another. The setting did not need to be romantic at all for Ron to propose to her. They were already at that step in their hearts, so it was so easy to say yes.

With a happy grin on her face, the young woman studied the gorgeous engagement ring resting on her left ring finger. Yori knew that she would not ever take this ring off, unless she took a bath or shower or engaged in a mission, where she vowed to place the ring on a chain around her neck for safe keeping yet to keep it always on her person. “This ring cost you quite some money, Ron-kun.”

Ron knew it was not a question, but he answered it nevertheless. “Yeah. You know I have a lot stashed from my naco royalties. The few thousand I spent on this ring is just a drop in a bucket for me.”

Yori giggled, making him chuckled. There was no doubt that her fiancé could afford to pay for an elaborate wedding, given his fortune.

Suddenly, catching the couple off guard, the lights in the room came on. Both blinked in puzzlement as they gazed through the balcony glass door to see the rain was still pouring. Yet soft thunder was heard close to a minute after seeing a distance lightning bolt. It was proof that the center of the storm was now far away from them.

Relaxing again, knowing everything was okay, they settled back to their cuddling positions, and after a few moments, Yori raised her head to look at him, her chin resting on his chest. “I presume you want to continue finishing your work?”

Grinning, Ron gave a mock thoughtful look before shaking his head. “Nah. I can finish it later. I like to just stay here and snuggle with my new fiancée. She’s quite a badical kisser.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

“Really?” Yori narrowed her eyes and grinned as she raised herself until she was looking down at his twinkling handsome face. “I know someone who is a badical kisser.” She lowered her head, her lips moving closer to his. “I like to kiss him again,” she whispered.

“Booyah,” he just as softly replied before they once again locked lips deeply. Neither of them would ever grow tire of kissing each other this way as they moaned together, feeling their love poured into each other through the kiss.

After awhile, they parted and resumed their snuggling spots with her on his chest while he gently stroke her hair and back. Both were satisfied to just hold each other this way and quietly celebrate their engagement without any fanfare.

So a noble commitment was made that day between two honorable people who deeply loved each other, and both Ron and Yori knew they would not ever forget this day as long as they live.

The End

[Ashley Benlove]

That's so sweet and cute. Ron/Yori is cute.

[zaratan]

Nicely done.