Bonnie smiled as she let the wind play through her hair. She sat in front of the school, just enjoying the sun as the day let out. She had already gotten the word that Ron and Kim were on their way back and shouldn't be much longer. Then, after Ron took a few more people for a spin on his new motorcycle, they'd head off to do something together before dinner. It was definitely a good idea to have some fun now, because Bonnie had no idea how her father was going to react after dinner when Ron stopped by and told him that he wasn't interested in having her father manage his money.

"They on they're way back now?"

Bonnie turned to see Josh behind her, bookbag over one shoulder. "Yeah, Wade called me about ten minutes ago, after class let out."

Josh frowned, looking a bit awkward. "Kim never has Wade call me to tell me when they're done."

Bonnie shrugged, trying to figure out where he was going with this. "Wade didn't for me either. I just told him to tell me, unless it was really late. He'd do it for you as well if you asked him."

The walkway was filling up now with students passing by on their way home, so Josh moved a bit closer to Bonnie. He appeared uncomfortable and uncertain. "Bonnie... how do you do it?"

Bonnie frowned slightly, looking up at the blond teen. "Do what?"

"Just wait. Act like everything will be fine when Ron is on a mission. I mean, it has to scare you, he's not exactly trained as well as Kim is."

Bonnie finally understood a bit of what the looks she had been seeing were about and rose to her feet. "You wouldn't think it, especially with the way he acts, but Ron is a lot better at it than you would think. I've been on a mission with him before, and I've seen him in action. Sure, I've never seen him fight, but I've seen him bungee jump, rock climb, swim... I'm pretty athletic, but even I couldn't keep up with him. I think the biggest thing is he doesn't have the confidence in himself that Kim does." Bonnie paused, glancing around for anyone she knew, but didn't see anyone. Satisfied, she pressed on. "I do get scared for him on occasion though, but I know why he's doing it. I just have to trust that he's going to be all right."

Josh seemed to consider her words for a moment, running them through his head. "Bonnie... what if he didn't come back?"

Bonnie felt a sharp chill in her chest as the thought crossed her mind. "Honestly... I don't know. I mean, this is the first time I've ever been in love. I just don't know what I would do if he didn't come back. I try not to think about it."

Josh nodded and it was obvious he was busy thinking of what they had talked about. "Thanks Bonnie." Looking extremely upset, Josh walked off, leaving Bonnie to watch him, his shoulders slumped and his gait slow.

Monique moved up beside Bonnie, her eyes on Josh as well. "Girl, I saw the two of you talking. It looked pretty serious. What was that all about."

Bonnie's previous good mood was shattered, and even the brilliant sun in the sky could cheer her up now. "I don't know if he is Tara's secret admirer or not, but I don't think he and Kim will be going out much longer."

Ron pulled up to a stop in front of the Rockwaller house, eying it warily. He knew what he had to do, but he definitely wasn't looking forward to it. The first time he had met Bonnie's father, the man had been cruel and vindictive and vicious. Then, after the royalty check came in, the man was one of the nicest guys he had ever met. The contrast was so great, it set his wig meter to maximum. He hadn't felt such bad roadedness since he and Kim first met Monkey Fist, and Ron knew how that had turned out.

As much as he hated to say it, he didn't trust Bonnie's father. Neither did his parents who, after Ron told them all about the offer John Rockwaller had proposed to increase his money, flatly told Ron there was no way they were letting John Rockwaller get his hands on his money. Not that Ron ever intended to, but it was good to have the parents as back-up, or an excuse, to say no to the man. The problem though was that he held control over Bonnie's life, and that included her dating life, and therefore his as well.

He felt Bonnie behind him giving him a comforting squeeze, not having moved even after the motorcycle had stopped. She seemed to know exactly what he was feeling, and had been trying to keep his spirits up all night. However, there was something bothering her as well beyond the sitch with her father, and she refused to talk about it yet until she knew for sure. She didn't want to say anything until then she had said, and that was fine by him.

Bonnie finally pulled herself off the bike, trying to smile for him as she pulled her helmet off. "Don't worry Ron, it will be all right, you'll see."

Ron pulled his helmet off, placing it on the handlebars but not getting off the bike just yet. "How can you be sure? I mean, you saw how he reacted on Friday when I first met him. What if he does something like that again?"

Bonnie lifted Ron's chin, kissing him. "Then we'll figure something out. Besides, this is the longest he's been in town in years. I doubt he'll stick around much longer anyways and then it's back to the occasional visit every other week. We'll get through this."

Ron sighed, finally lifting himself up and off the bike. Taking Bonnie's hand, the pair made their way up to the front door, intent on finding John Rockwaller.

It didn't take long to find him, as he was in his office. At first, he looked upset at being disturbed, but as soon as he saw Ron, he smiled brightly. "Hello Ronald, how nice to see you. Have you given my proposal some thought?"

Ron glanced at Bonnie for support and she quickly squeezed his hand. "Well sir... you see..."

John Rockwaller's face visibly darkened, though he fought to keep it from showing too much. "Yes Ronald, what is it."

Ron scratched the back of his neck with his free hand, unable to meet Bonnie's father's gaze. "Well see... my father already had an investment plan worked out... and I really don't..."

John Rockwaller sank back into his seat, looking contemplatively at the teens in front of him. "I see. So... your father has already made arrangements for the money. Do you think that if I spoke with him he might be inclined to change his mind?"

Ron seemed to visibly shrink a little under the older man's attentions. "I don't think so. I mean, I talked to him last night and everything but..." Ron was practically wheezing now as a hundred horrible scenarios came to mind and he panicked, "please Mr. Rockwaller sir, don't stop me and Bonnie from seeing each other. She's the most important thing in the world to me and I don't think I could stand it if I lost her. Please, don't punish her for my decision."

John Rockwaller frowned slightly, his fingers steepled in front of him. He studied Ron for a moment then smiled. "Ronald, breath easier. I have no intention on breaking the two of you up."

Two heads shot up quickly, stunned. Bonnie appeared almost hopeful as she could hardly believe her ears. "Really?"

"Of course not." John rose to his feet, his fingers now trailing over various items on his desk. "I made a mistake on Friday when I acted that way, but I was just trying to protect my daughter. I'm sure you understand, don't you?"

Ron nodded quickly, liking where this conversation was going. "Oh yes sir, I understand completely."

John nodded, his smile widening. "It's rare to see real and true love in people your age. It's refreshing to see actually. Combine that with the protection you can provide for her as a world-renowned hero..."

"Well... I wouldn't say WORLD-renowned. I mean, it's KP who gets most of the press..."

"Yes, that's true, but that's because of your nature." John sat down on the edge of his desk, pushing a few papers back to make room. "You're a giver Ronald, I can see that, and that's something my youngest girl needs. You work hard to make her happy. Finally, with the financial resources at your disposal, you have the means to provide my little girl everything she could want or need in her life. That's something that's very important to a father."

John Rockwaller stood and approached the two teens, still smiling. "Now, I can't say that I'm not disappointed that you would not allow me to help you further those goals, but I understand. We need to build a bit of a rapport before you can trust me." At Ron's guilty look, John tried to appear concerned. "I told you Ronald, there is no reason to feel guilty. I understand. You've only met me a couple of times before tonight and the first time wasn't exactly my most shining moment. Perhaps, in time, we can work together to help provide for my little girl. Does that sound like a possibility we can look forward to for the future?"

Ron nodded, finally able to meet the man's eyes. "I guess... I mean, yes sir."

John smiled, patting Ron on the shoulder. "Good man. I hope between the two of us, all our dreams can come to fruition."

It was a cryptic remark, but Ron ignored it, smiling. "Sounds good sir."

"Call me John."

When Ron and Bonnie left John's office, Ron let out a huge sigh of relief. "Wow... that went SOO much better than I thought it would."

Bonnie was frowning slightly though, glancing back at her father's office. "Yeah... I guess so."

As soon as the door closed to his office, John Rockwaller was seething. "Who does that little worm think he is, denying me?" With a quiet roar, he swept the papers from his desk onto the floor before planting his palms on the desk, trying to control his temper. "That little pissant will NOT deny me what I have worked so long and hard for. I WILL get his money, I will... but how?"

John breathed deeply, trying to focus his mind. He considered everything he had at his disposal. There was no way he could steal the money, not if it was already with anouther financial institution. The boy's parents obviously were not as forgiving as their son and it would take time to work on them, time he really didn't want to spend. He could have threatened the boy's relationship with his daughter but they had already proven stubborn enough to defy him once, and only the first day after his declaration.

No, John Rockwaller realized he'd have to take a completely different tactic to get what he wanted. The answer was already there, in what Ronald had said to him. It wasn't the money that was the most important thing to him, it was John Rockwaller's own daughter. Maybe it was time to use that love to further his own ends. John Rockwaller sat back down, far more composed, as he began to work out in his mind just what he'd have to do to accomplish his goals.

Ron was humming as he made his way down the street. Everything was finally going his way. He was dating the most beautiful girl in school, he had millions of dollars in the bank, and a couple of new rides that were the coolest ever. Even Bonnie's father was fully supporting them now, even after having to turn down his offer of help. He didn't think anything could spoil the great mood he was in.

Of course, that's when a large explosion tore up the street in front of him and Ron had to swerve to miss the brand new pothole in the street. His front tire caught the edge of it and the motorcycle bounced under him. Struggling to regain control, he ran into the curb and flew off his bike as it flipped on him. He landed on the ground with a thud.

Ron groaned as he picked himself up onto his hands and knees. The motorcycle lay nearby, it's wheels still spinning, but it seemed to be intact. He checked himself over quickly, making sure everything was all right, and thankfully it was. He breathed a short sigh of relief.

His relief was short lived though when he heard a familiar sound behind him, and saw a green glow that was unmistakable. He turned, fearing the worst.

Shego stood not two feet away, smiling down at him, hands ablaze and by her sides. "Hello sidekick. I had a hell of a time trying to track you down."

Author's Notes - Next... Ron versus Shego, and John reacts to the bad news by having a talk with Bonnie. This ain't gonna be pretty.