I do not own Kim Possible.

Edited February 20, 2020.

Sweet Freedom

Kim's father was due to pick them up after breakfast, so the two teens spent one more meal in the dining hall. Shego stole Drakken's bacon, ignoring his frustrated growl, and asked, "Are you sure you don't want to stay, Kimmie?"

"Absolutely," said Kim feelingly.

"You know what, I kind of want to stay," spoke Ron, spooning some eggs into his mouth. "While we're in here none of you tried to fight us."

"We're not stupid," said Drakken with a roll of his eyes.

"Not all of us," corrected Shego with a smirk.

Drakken narrowed his eyes. "Is that a dig at me?"

"Maybe."

"This whole experience is not as bad as I thought it would be," admitted Kim. "You guys actually kind of made it easier. Thanks."

Shego experienced a full-body shudder. "Do not get sentimental with me. We might not have been at each other's throats, but this doesn't change anything between us, Princess."

"Of course not," said Kim with a serious nod. "I'm so going to kick your butt the next time we meet outside these walls. But still. You deserve a little gratitude."

"Honestly, you did better than I expected," said Shego. She raised her fork to jab at Ron and added, "Especially him. He only had one meltdown. This is probably the best prison you two could have chosen to stay in. Take it from someone who's been in their fair share."

Drakken snorted. "You don't stick around long enough to determine which prison is the 'best'."

He made air quotations around the word and Shego swatted at his fingers. "That's because I have friends on the outside who get me out. And when I'm out, I get you out. Sometimes. When I feel like it."

"Nnrrgg."

Ron leaned towards Kim and whispered, "Lover's spat."

Kim elbowed his side and hid a giggle behind her hand. They were halfway through breakfast when a guard came over and informed them that James Possible had arrived to collect them. Kim and Ron stood, their trays in hand, and the redhead said knowingly, "I'd say goodbye, but I have a feeling I'm going to be seeing you in about a week."

"Oh, you can count on it," said Shego with a sharp grin. "And about that butt kicking? Yeah, it's going to be me kicking yours."

"And next time we meet, I will be victorious!" declared Drakken, slamming his palm against the tabletop.

"So not," said Kim in amusement.

They dropped off their trays and departed out of the dining hall. Jeers and threats sounded after them, but Kim expected nothing less, and she gave a grandiose wave over her shoulder.

The second they were outside Ron dropped to the ground and extended his arms, drinking in the sunlight. "I'm free!"

"You were always free," said Kim in amusement. She hauled him back to his feet and wrapped her arms around him an embrace. "Thank you," she said against his shoulder. "For sticking with me."

"I'll always have your back, KP." Ron rested his chin against the top of her head. "You so owe me all the Bueno Nacho."

"Oh, natch."

…

Their spring break was mostly wasted, but they managed to squeeze a few precious hours at the mall and Bueno Nacho. They returned to Middleton High to an abundance of stares and whispers. Although she had been tempted, Kim didn't bother to browse Middleton High's website for the unflattering picture Bonnie had taken her first day at prison. She was already going to have to deal with Bonnie. Why put herself through further, unnecessary, torture?

Rufus was huddled in Ron's pocket. Ron continuously stroked his head, both of them missing the comforting contact over the week. Kim swung open her locker door and her computer pinged to life. "Hey guys," greeted Wade. "I see you survived."

Kim smiled. "It was no big. It's great to see you. So, tell me the ugly truth. How much gossip have I had to endure behind my back?"

"Oh, Bonnie's plan super backfired."

"No way!" exclaimed Kim, leaning closer to the screen, her eyes going wide.

"Way. When Bonnie posted that picture, all everyone could say was how tough you were for willingly spending a week in a prison with all your foes."

"What about me?" demanded Ron.

"I don't think anyone realized you were there," said Wade sheepishly.

Ron kicked at the floor with an irritated scowl. "Typical! No respect for the Ron Man!"

"As for Bonnie, she tanked on her cheer duties. She was so determined to make up a new return for the Spring Fling Cheer Off. She only half-finished it, and the squad completely bombed."

"Oh. My. Gosh."

"Kim!"

The redhead found herself enveloped in a hug by an eager Tara. "Tara!"

"Did you hear about the Spring Fling Cheer Off?" asked Tara.

"I did," said Kim, sneaking a glance with Wade. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Tara shrugged. "I do feel bad for Bonnie, though. I know she can be super stubborn, but she felt so bad for not getting her routine finished in time."

"We'll show them at the next cheer off," said Kim confidentially. "Maybe Bonnie will be willing to work with me this time instead of against me."

"I don't know," said Tara dubiously. "She kinda never learns."

"Oh, understatement of the year," said Ron with a scoff.

"Well, if Bonnie wasn't Bonnie, it would be real weird."

"We'll see you at practice after school?" asked Tara hopefully.

"You know it."

Tara gave a happy squeal and hugged Kim one more time before hurrying down the hall. Ron crossed his arms and said, "I guess making that bet with Bonnie wasn't the worst thing after all."

"Not the worst," agreed Kim. "But I can tell you one thing."

"What?"

"I am so not making a stupid bet like that ever again."