Kim Possible Porn Story: Birth and Rebirth 01 Will I Chapter 9

Birth, and Rebirth 01: Will I?

Disclaimer/Authors Notes: Kim Possible and all the characters of the show are owned by the Disney Company. The original lyrics to the songs referenced in this story and the music are the property of the respective authors, artists and labels. All other characters can be blamed on the author (he, however, is not responsible for all of their actions at all times, being barely responsible for himself most of the time).

This is a strictly not-for-profit, just-for-fun work.

Enjoy! Please read and review.

A/N Forward:

This is the tale of two individuals: how their lives wind and unwind as they twist and turn together, and how their lives both intertwine and fuse with the lives of others, creating relationships that last for…well, that last for a lifetime, and for more than eternity itself.

This is itthe end of this tale:

A Will Du tale…

—

Chapter 9: Enjoy fruits of labor

—

Will returned the rental car, paid the bill, and had put almost all of their bags on the airport rental cart before Lindsey came out of the restroom, carrying her small bag containing her change of clothes and makeup, grinning both inside and outside at the look on Wills face.

Lindsey, I still cannot believe you need makeup: you look beautiful, his heart skipped a beat as she stopped and twirled in response.

Did you actually apply anything? I cant see itwell, except for the lipstick, of course, he grinned and licked his lips.

Hes a keeper, honey, Lindsey turned quickly to see an older woman grinning at her. And, hes good-looking, too: not like Larry here, she pointed to an older man with a cane.

Good enough to keep you happy, Margaret, and get 5 kids, 15 grandkids, and 4 great-grandkids in the deal, Larry replied with a snort and a snarky lilt in his voice. Besides, you never wore makeup, eitherwell, except for that wonderful strawberry lipstick, he smacked his lips, and the people in the rental return all laughed as he and his wife left, arm in arm.

I wonder if Ill ever be that happy, Lindsey thought, then smiled her thanks when when Will took her remaining bags from her hands and placed them on the cart he was pushing. Hes such a gentleman. Maybeit could beif Im very, very lucky, she thought as they took the short hike to the Escape Airlines check-in counter.

They showed their Global Justice identification, checked their bags, received their boarding passes, and headed for the security check-in with their laptops over their shoulders and their weapons (including their GJ standard-issue stun watches; there were replaced on their wrists with non-functional copies), inside the bags, their boarding passes flagged from Bangor (BGR) to Middleton (MIDL) with a plane change in New York (JFK).

They barely paid attention to the two men who were traveling out with them; they had checked in just after Will and Lindsey left the counter.

They made it through security with no issues (other than the surprise from the attendants when they flashed their GJ ids and weapons permits underneath the id badges). They went down the gate stairs to the tarmac and boarded the Bombe-Escapa Regional Jet for the short hop (comparatively) to JFK.

The two gentlemen boarded the plane after they talked with the flight attendant and the pilots. The last passengers were seated, and the pilot called for seat belt check.

—

The flight was uneventful, and they actually landed on scheduleonly to be held up by the requirement to go back through Gate Security.

They boarded at the front of the plane, walking past the gentlemen from Bangor. One of them smiled and nodded at Lindsey, and the other simply nodded at Will as he walked by.

They found their seats, nodding as they walked by other uniformed individuals: two people from the Air Force that were obviously married by the huge smiles on their faces and holding hands, an Army Ranger, on his way back home with a huge smile on his face and a cell phone going strong, talking to his family, and others on the plane.

Will traded seats with Lindsey, allowing her to take the window seat while he took the middle seat in coach on the 767. He handed her a book from her bag and took out his notebook before putting both of their laptop bags in the overhead bin and taking his seat.

Lindsey had settled in for the ride, and Will was scribbling something in his notebook, when an Excuse me, sir, maam, interrupted them. They both looked up to see the flight attendant standing with the same two men from first class, both smiling and holding what were obviously their own bags. Im sorry, you are in the wrong seats, she explained.

Will pulled his boarding pass from his shirt pocket and looked at it. No, maam, were in the right place, he replied, wondering if their seats had been double-booked somehow.

Let me explain, the first man spoke. I travel all over, making business deals, and I ride first class. You helped save the world, and youre in coach? Somethings wrong-sick about that, he laughed, and Will smiled at the use of one of Ron Stoppables phrases. So, this time, we swap: I ride back here, and you two ride where you belong.

Sir, I dont think thats right, Will started.

The man held up his hand to stop Will from speaking. Its simple: you take the seats, or we get off the plane and the seats go unused, and his partner nodded his agreement.

Will looked at Lindsey, and she looked back at him with a why not? look. He stood and extended his hand to the gentleman. I wouldnt want you to miss your meeting, sir, so I accept your very generous offer, he shook the gentlemans hand. I am curious, though: why us?

I heard the counter agent say that you both were Global Justice: between the Diablos and the Lowardians, the gentleman replied, placing his bag on the floor and pulling the two laptop bags from the overhead compartment, youve had a busy last few years, sir. Allow us to say thank you for taking the risks so the rest of us dont have to. Between the supervillians and the aliens, Im surprised you havent gone crazy. He handed Will his bag and Lindsey hers, then bowed slightly as he stepped aside to allow Will, and then Lindsey, to step into the aisle.

One request, sir? Lindsey asked, and he nodded. May I have each of your business cards? I was raised to always thank a person in writing for something like this, she explained, and the gentlemen smiled and each produced a business card, handing them to Lindsey. She looked at them, let loose a smile, and said Thank you, taking the cards and ushering Will, led by the flight attendant, to their new seats.

Only after they sat down did Lindsey let loose a soft laugh. Will turned and looked at her, confused. She handed him the business cards of the two gentlemen, and Will looked at them:

Henry Point

Product Marketing Manager – NACO

Bueno Nacho Corporation

And

N. David Black

Product Marketing Manager Mexi-Mushroom Wrap

Bueno Nacho Corporation

Why am I not surprised? Will laughed.

Lindsey tapped his shoulder and pointed behind them, and Will turned around to see the First-Class section, now completely populated by service-men and -women and their families.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your Captain, Jackson Oveur, speaking to you from the cockpit. We had a bit of a delay in boarding, and I do not apologize for it: our entire contingent of First-Class passengers has, to a person, given up their seats to those who serve and protect: 18 individuals in the U. S and Canadian armed forces, and two individuals in Global Justice, and the applause from Business Class and the front of Coach was deafening.

We do however, regret that we have had to suspend our new Safety is not a Bare Essential video, Captain Oveur announced, and there were several boos from both Business Class and Coach. It seems that one of our co-workers didnt use enough body paint, and the extra exposure was not appreciated by some passengers, he laughed, and several voices booed in the background. Were remaking all of the versions with ‘more paint’, he chuckled, and laughter could be heard in the cockpit, and the new and improved versions will be available on all out flights by this time next week, and cheers could be heard throughout the cabin.

—

Ron, Will will be there, too? Kim was sitting in their rebuilt booth in the restored Middleton Bueno Nacho.

Yes, KP: Slim said Betty invited him and Lindsey along with your parents, Dr. Adams, Nurse Jackie, and us. And Joss invited Wade and his parents, so they flew out earlier today, he replied, enjoying a freshly-made Naco.

Kims cell chose that moment to ring. Just a minute, Ron: Its Mom, Kim flipped open her cell and began to speak. Ron could hear her talking but could not get both ends of the conversation, although he had a pretty good idea based on Kims facial expression.

Kim disconnected the call and held her phone next to her face where it had been. Well, I told Mom that Will was going to be there, and I could tell she was smiling she told me to behave! Can you believe that? Kim reached for her bottle of water and took a giant gulp from it.

Ron had two thoughts:

I want to be that bottle of water on Kims lips, came with a wicked internal grin.

Oh boy: time for So the Confrontation to air: tonight, at the Bunker in Montana, came with the look on Kims face as she commented on Wills attendance and her moms response.

Kim, youve seen him around Lindsey: maybe shes getting him to move away from the Dark Side with her promises of sugar and macadamia nut cookies, Ron offered, and Kim shot water into Ron, the phone, and over the top of the booth behind him, showering the couple sitting there.

Hey! the young man shouted, looking over the booth top.

Oops, Kim giggled. Sorry, Reger, she smiled, and Ron Reger just laughed and returned to his conversation with the young lady.

—

Thank you, Will smiled at the grinning man and woman that had asked for his autograph. They were the last in the line that had come up from Coach to get autographs from the people now sitting in First Class. He shook Wills hand and, with his wife, left smiling.

That was amazing, Lindsey said, and Will turned to look at her.

She was, literally, glowing with excitement.

I cant believe that people wanted my autograph! she laughed.

Why would you be surprised?

I dont knowI never considered that I was famous or anything. Im just doing my job, Will.

And, thats why they want your autograph, Lins, Will smiled. Youre doing what they cant do, and they admire you for it. Besides, he grinned, you make that uniform look good, he continued with a laugh.

She punched him in the shoulder and giggled.

Thank goodness for that giggle, he thought to himself as he rubbed his arm where she punched him, or Id be so dead right now. Love is soooo complicated, he pondered as she punched him again and gave him a second giggle.

They enjoyed a wonderful late lunch, and all of their fellow first class members joined in their toast to their benefactorsand, to those not coming home.

Will reached down, took Lindseys hand, and kissed it gently.

Wha-? she looked at him, and he smiled.

Thank you for loving me, he explained. I know Im no catch, but-

Hold it right there, mister, she said.

Seriously, Lins: Im a scrawny brass-and-buttons military man with a stick up my rear all the way to my throat, she laughed at the image. And you he paused, trying to gather his words, youre a vision in uniform. Im surprised that the Navy hasnt used your picture for recruiting photos: there would be a surge in recruits, both men and women, he grinned, and Lindsey blushed.

Im not that pretty, she countered.

Oh, yes, you are, came from the others sitting behind them, almost in chorus, and Lindsey blushed as they laughed.

So, Lindsey finally was able to speak after the laughter died down and her blush, as well, whatcha gonna do, Mr. Du? she asked, and she was surprised when his only response was a Godiva-like smile, followed up by a kiss that got cheers from first class, the flight attendants, and the front part of business class seating.

Lindsey enjoyed the attention, and she smiled as he kissed her.

—

After the aircraft landed, they all remained on board, standing and thanking the coach passengers as they left the plane. Lindsey especially enjoyed the look on their benefactors faces when she gave both of them a peck on the cheek.

—

Im glad were not going home right now, David laughed as they walked off the plane. My wife would kill me if she saw the lipstick.

I wish we were going home right now, Henry countered. She gave me some feelings that I need to have resolved, he laughed.

You ol horn dog, David said with a chuckle.

Hey, Im not dead yet, Henry replied with a smile.

—

Lindsey and Will headed to baggage claim and picked up their duffels, and then they headed down the walkway to the unmarked door. Opening it, they were stopped by the GJ agent on duty.

Good afternoon, he smiled as they placed their badges underneath the scanners.

Hi, Jack, Lindsey smiled as he handed her back her badge.

Boss make it back home, yet? he asked.

Will nodded. Were heading up to Montana to see her and Dr. Possible now, he replied.

Tell her I said congratulations, will you?

Sure thing, Will replied as they headed to the door. Standing in front of it, they each in turn had their eyes scanned for identification. Upon confirmation, the door swooshed open to the traveling pair, and the lights came on, revealing the tube room.

Will took their bags and placed them on the platform, and they disappeared. He then stepped onto the tube platform and waved as he dropped.

Lindsey took a look at the platform, shuddered a tiny bit, and stepped onto it.

She disappeared with nary a trace or sound.

—

Will landed.

Hey, there, Du-Duh, a young voice laughed.

He turned to face the room and grinned.

Hey there, Sweet Tea, he laughed as he stepped off the platform and received a hug from Joss Possible.

Ready for some steaks? she asked.

Ahm a-ready, little missy, he replied as Lindsey landed on the platform, laughing as she watched Joss blow Will a huge raspberry and then give him a big hug.

Wanna rematch on the range, Will? Joss looked up at him and grinned.

No way, Will sounded shocked. I know who the better shooter is, even if youre not legal yet, he laughed.

And, dont you forgit it none, either, she laughed in reply. Then, she turned and held out her arms for Lindsey. Hey, there, Mrs. Du, she smirked.

Lindsey hugged Joss and grinned. Lindsey Du, she turned and looked at Will, that has a nice ring to it; dont you think so, Will? she smiled.

Will looked shocked, and Joss laughed. Inside, however, not yet, Will thought as Joss and Lindsey hugged, but very, very soon, dear lady, he said to himself.

Your dads in the kitchen? Will asked as he picked up the bags and headed for the elevators.

Indeed, Joss replied with a giggle, eliciting one from Lindsey, as well.

Will was in front of them as they walked toward the elevators. He had stopped punched the buttons, and Joss reached out and grabbed Lindseys arm.

Whatcha been feeding him, Lindsey? Joss asked.

Why?

Well, hes behaving like a real-live person, and those buns of his are filling out maghty fine, she replied with a wink.

Neither of them could see Will both smile and blush as Lindsey and Joss both laughed.

—

Cuz! Joss shouted as Kim and Ron walked into the main house living room.

Joss! Kim laughed and held her arms open for a flying Possible, hugging her tightly.

Joss let her go, turned, and bowed to Ron. Sensei, she said.

Ron bowed in return, then came up with a grin. Joss, I told you not to call me that, he reminded her, but he was laughing as she came up with her tongue stuck out at him. She launched herself at him, and he grabbed her, hugged her, and twirled her in the air.

Wheres the Ruf-i-nator? Joss laughed as Ron put her down.

I left him at home: I reminded him of what he did the last time he was here, Ron replied.

And, you didnt leave the lil varmit home to starve to death, didya? she asked.

Nope: wheel of Cheddar, Ron replied.

Joss laughed. Well, thatll take care of lunch what about dinner and snacks?

Wheel of Gouda, and a round of Swiss, he replied.

Kim grinned. So, Rufus is on Wheel of Cheeses, now? she smirked.

Joss groaned, and Ron chose that moment to kiss Kim silent.

—

Good day, Dr. Possible, Will entered the kitchen and smiled: Slim was wearing his trademark hat and whistling while he stirred a huge pot on the stove. Judging from the sounds and smells, might I assume that your honeymoon went well?

Son, Slim laughed as he jabbed the spoon into the pot, and it stood up on its own. Words cannot describe the three weeks I spent with Elizabeth. Lets just say we didnt leave the room much, he smiled under the moustache.

I hope you didnt tell Jocelyn that little tidbit, Will replied.

Oh, its no tidbit, Dr. Elizabeth Director-Possible entered the room in a one-piece bathing suit, and Will was happy about three things:

1. Dr. Director-Possible was already married;

2. she was his boss; and

3. he was already so totally smitten by Lindsey and had plans for her for tonight that he could keep his mind somewhat focused on his goal.

Dr. Director, Will began with a smile, first, my congratulations on your marriage, and she broke out an almost-blinding smile. Second, however, he continued, generating a questioning look from her, I dont think Ill be able to report on what you need to know, he continued, and she raised an eyebrow. I fear I will be far too distracted to think clearly if I attempted to provide status to you with you are dressed like that, he added in a calm voice.

Lindsey, just entering the room with Joss, let out a long whistle. Trust the Midas touch, she sang, and Joss let out a whoop.

Betty just smiled. Why, Mr. Du, I do believe you just slipped up, big time, and gave me a compliment, she replied, and Will nodded.

Betty, hes just restating the obvious, Slim said, walking over to her and wrapping an arm around her waist.

Ladies, I believe we should leave the men to cook while we lounge right proper, Betty cocked her head in the direction of the swimming hole, and Joss nodded vigorously.

Right proper? Lindsey chuckled as the three ladies headed upstairs. Betty, I do believe youve been corrupted, she added with a laugh.

MTB, came with a laugh from the hallway from a young male voice.

Hey, Aggie, Joss said, and laughter came from the other room.

Betty! came from a female voice. Love the suit, GF.

Thanks, Rachel, Betty responded. We were just heading up to get Lindsey and Joss dressed for lounging.

Im with you, girlfriend, Rachel laughed. Hello, Jackie: long time, no see, she added as GJ Lieutenant Jackie Capperson came into the room, and Jackie laughed as she headed up the stairs with them.

Its a dirty job, Dad, but someone has to do it, Wade laughed as he and Ryan entered the kitchen with a grinning C. P. Adams.

Well, its a full Load, Will quipped, and Wade stopped dead in his tracks.

Will Du .NEQ. humor, so this must be either an imposter or that dang syntho-drones back, was his single thought.

Who are you, and what have you done with Will Du? he asked.

Lindsey, was his single worded reply, and Wade grinned.

Son, youre doomed, Ryan began, and they all finished in chorus:

But, what a way to go! and the laughter was loud.

Dr. Possible, I know youre supplied, but might I make a suggestion on the buffalo steaks? Will asked, and he then explained his idea, eliciting smiles from Slim and Ryan both and a perplexed look from Wade.

—

Im glad I reinforced the floor in the Fire Pit room, Slim thought with a laugh as the last two diners, Ron and James, pushed back from the table with groans of satisfaction and laughs from Kim and Anne.

Slim, those steaks were your best, ever, his brother stood, stretched, and rubbed his stomach. That was an incredible dining experience: what did you do differently? he asked.

Yeah, Daddy, what did you do? Joss smiled as she sat next to Wade and got her hair stroked gently.

Well, I didnt do anything, but Du did, he smiled.

What did Du do? came from Joss mouth, and she immediately covered her mouth as the laughs responded.

Number 2, potty mouth, Wade grinned, generating a nasty look from Joss to him.

I suggested to Slim that he try a different marinade, thats all, Will replied, one Id used on wild boar, before, he smiled, and Lindsey made a mental note to get that piece of information from Will later.

They had dined in the 3:00 oclock quadrant of the Fire Pit, and they retired to the Noon quadrant to relax and allow the food to digest.

Did you like the tomato-basil soup? Ron asked, and moans of appreciation were his reply.

Im glad, he replied with a grin, and Kim winced: she knew what this next comment would be. Both the tomatoes and the basil are from a new venture that Jim, Tim, a silent partner, and I have formed: Middletons Own, a supplier of unique produce, he added.

Whats unique about tomatoes and basil? Joss asked.

Just the growers and harvesters, Ron replied, and Joss looked confused.

Why? she pushed, and Kim grinned inside as she squeezed Rons hand.

Theyre all friends of Roachie, the giant cockroach that that Chester Yapsky, that bugman we ran into, created over a year ago in his attempt to take over Middleton with an army of bugs, he explained, and Joss turned way greener than the basil.

Relax, Joss, Ron laughed: all the produce is washed and cleaned thoroughly before it hits the warehouses and then the stores.

Ah jus don lak the ide of giant bugs touching mah food, Joss began to re-pink.

Ron grinned. Maybe theyre more alike than either wants to admit, he thought.

Speaking of things that bug me, Will stood and stated in a straight tone of voice, generating a small chuckle. Miss Possible, he turned and faced Kim, there is one thing about our first meeting that has been vexing me for the last several months, and Id like to get it off my chest.

Oh, really, Will? Kim replied, and Ron felt her squeeze his hand until she almost cut off the circulation. And, pray tell, just what would that be?

My use of the word amateur, he replied, and several events occurred at once:

Betty dug her nails into Slims arm, generating a look at her from him. Her response look at him was not love in the least.

Anne grabbed James arm and squeezed, hard. Oh, snap: Kimmies gonna be ticked, she thought. Bad choice of opening line, Will, entered her mind as she saw her daughter move.

Ron heard the growl, reached for, and missed grabbing Kims arm to hold her back.

Kim leapt to her feet and stuck her face in Wills.

AmateurAMATEUR? she shouted, and she took an attack pose.

We just saved the whole flippin’ world, she swung a foot at Wills face, and he bent back to avoid it, and where were you professionals when we were getting hammered, Mister? she snarled as she fired off a series of sidekicks at Will.

He avoided all of them but the last, and he doubled over in shock as her foot struck his stomach.

Miss Possible, if I may explain-

I was GOINGTO DIE, she shouted as she threw several hand chops at his head and neck, and Warhok didnt ask if I was an AMATEUR! she yelled as her last chop struck the back of his neck, and he fell to his knees.

He lifted his head in time to see her sneer at him as he struggled to his feet.

Miss Possible, please let me explain, he began, but her laughed truly frightened him.

Let you explain? she snarled. Letyouexplain? she snarked, sounding to Ron like Shego in a very, very bad Drakken index-card day. Why? So you can make up some cockamamie story about why you were deprived as a child? Well, Will, that dogs a vegan: it wont hunt, she laughed and pulled him to his feet with his shirt collar.

Say goodnight, William, she drew back her right hand, closed her fist, and used her other hand to expose Wills neck.

KIMMIE! NO! came from both James and Anne.

MISS POSSIBLE! came from Dr. Director.

CUZ! came from Joss.

KIM! came from Wade, C. P, Jackie, and Lindsey.

KP! came from Ron as he almost levitated to her side and grabbed at her right arm.

I deserve it, was Wills final whisper.

—

Kim realized that something was terribly wrong:

Her right fist was only inches from Will Dus exposed Adams apple, and her blow would have slammed it into his trachea and killed him.

Ron had managed to grab her arm and prevented her from striking the final blow.

Everyone in the room was standing and seemed to be frozen in time, heading toward her and Will.

She processed Wills last statement, I deserve it, and she knew that there was something wrong-sick about his tone of voice: it was the voice of resignation, of acceptance of ones sitch, not the voice of a pompous GJ Agent with a stick up his rump.

She looked at Ron, and his eyes were burning blue. KP, no, he whispered.

—

It seemed like years, but it was only moments before she nodded. Ron loosened the grip on her arm, and Kims fist uncurled-

And, two fingers turned upward and locked into Wills nostrils, pulling him toward her face.

Now, Agent Du, tell me why you said I deserve it, Kim smiled. She glanced at Ron: his eyes had returned to their chocolate brown, and he had regained his smile

Because, Miss Possible, I made the same mistake that another person made before: I assumed the credentials of a person. In that other case, however, I lost my love to a bullet because of an amateur bank guard who lied to get his job, Will said, gently reaching up and removing Kims fingers from his nostrils.

If I may explain, he continued and began simultaneously, walking to the fireplace mantle and retrieving the remote. He clicked, and the monitor lowered from the ceiling, and it clicked on to reveal a concert venue, one recognized by all in the room the main stage for the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, and the conductor, Sir Daniel Baxter. The soloist was a young woman, and her surprise instrument was a double-bass.

Kim sat, mesmerized by the young womans sounds, and then by Wills story of Keri Innes Jacobson. She squeezed Rons hand when Will told how they had met in kindergarten; how she pushed and pulled others, including Will, to be more than they thought that they could be; how she herself had learned both Taekwondo and archery; and how she was sought after by major music schools, both high school and college.

How they had planned their lives, and how those plans had died with her in that bank lobby.

Before I first met you, I read your folder, and I was scared, Will admitted. You were Keri, in a different body, and I was being asked to work with you in harms way.

I couldnt lose another, he finally admitted out loud, and Kim was shocked to see tears in both his and Lindseys eyes.

So, you see, Miss Possible, I owe you an apology, on behalf of myself, my sister, and Keri: neither of them would have wanted me to treat you the way I did, but I was still hurting so bad, and you remind me so much of Keri that it scares me, Will finished, and Kims jaw, already open to its widest point, opened even wider.

I couldnt lose another person, he repeated, bowing his head, and Joss stared at Lindsey and Wade in amazement.

Kim, he whispered, and Kim was surprised: hed never called her anything other than Miss Possible or Kimberly Ann except under extreme duress, I beg you: please, forgive this young fool.

Kim looked at Lindsey: tear were flowing down her face, and she nodded at her as if to confirm Wills confession. She looked at Ron, and he was smiling at her and encouraging her to do the right thing.

She did.

She stood, walked over to where Will was now leaning forward in his chair, lifted his head so she could see his eyes

and tweaked his nose with her first two fingers from her right hand and a huge smile on her face, releasing the anger that had overtaken it earlier.

OWW! came from Will, and he quickly lifted his hand and rubbed his sore nose. Whatd you do that for? he asked.

Turnabout, Kim replied with a smile. And, a little payback, Willie Du, she laughed, and Joss let out s spurt of laughter.

I understand, Will smiled. I hurt you, so you had to hurt me. We square?

Were square, Kim replied, and Will stood and stuck out his hand-

And Kim pulled him into a hug, surprising Will, James, Anne, and Betty.

When Kim released him, he turned and grinned at Ron. Sir, you are a very, very lucky man, he stated and saluted, and Ron stood and returned the salute, much to the embarrassment of Kim and the delight of everyone else in attendance.

Besides, Kim, I had to apologize before I did this, he grinned, walking to the 5:00 quadrant and returning with a medium-size box. Lindsey, I believe that this is for you, he announced, handing the 3-foot-square box to a surprised Lindsey.

She took it and realized that it was heavy for its size, so she gently placed it on the floor in front of her. Slim handed her an open pocket knife, business-end facing him, and she took it, smiling, and sliced through the tape that covered every possible separation of box and lid. She opened the op and found-

You got me a box of packing peanuts and a red ribbon? she laughed, lifting the end of the ribbon from the top of the mass of packing peanuts, and Will smiled and motioned for her to dig.

She moved the peanuts to the side and followed the ribbon to the center of the box, where she found a glass. She pulled, and the wine glass revealed itself.

Do you remember your first night at my place? Will smiled. It didnt end well, but I remember how you liked the wine, and I remember your lipstick, he pointed at the glass, and Lindsey was shocked to see her own lip print. I couldnt wash it, Lindsey; I was afraid I would lose you if I did, he continued, watching her try not to tear up as she realized that he had, indeed, saved her wine glass, complete with her lipstick imprint, for all these months.

She realized, however, that the ribbon did not end at the glass but was tied in a bow. The end of the bow burrowed itself in more peanuts.

She continued to pull, and Will continued to smile. He looked up and caught Annes eye.

He winked, and Anne put her hand over her mouth, hiding her huge smile from Lindsey.

That evil, evil man, she giggled inside. He deserves just what hes going to get when she finds it.

Lindsey kept pulling, and pulling, and pullingthe ribbon seemed to go on forever, wrapping around the edges of the box, until she pulled once and the end of the ribbon emerged from the packing peanuts

securely taped to a small plastic bag

and said bag contained a ring.

—

Lindsey screamed.

Will grabbed the bag and removed the ring before Lindsey could wave the ribbon around in the air, any more. He then deftly removed the ring from the bag and knelt in front of a still-screaming Lindsey.

Lins, he started, and Lindsey smiled, I had this great speech all planned out: how you had literally pulled me from the levels of Faustian Hell in which I had buried myself. I wanted to tell you how your strength grabbed me and pulled my cranium from my rectum so I could see out, he smiled, and Joss and Kim both laughed. I wanted to tell you how, until you, I was convinced that no one would ever love me.

You taught me that none of that mattered, Lindsey, because I didnt love or respect myself.

I was still convinced that I was always right, even when someone, he glanced over at Kim and smiled, and Kim smiled and winked back, tried to convince me otherwise.

Then, you came in that tube, and I fell in love with your eyes, your lips, your smile, and I wanted to learn as much about you as I could.

What I didnt know was what you were going to teach me about me, Miss Peterson, he smiled and took her hand, kissing it.

You taking notes, Aggie? Joss stage-whispered, and Anne and James both gave her a glare followed by a smile.

If you only knew, Wade thought and squeezed her hand.

You taught me the most important thing: height doesnt matter in affairs of the heart, he winked, and Lindsey choked back a laugh.

You showed me life, love, and, most importantly, that I had to forgive myself before I could be forgiven by others. Only then could I move forward.

Well, thats happened, and I have only one question, Miss Peterson, he slid the diamond-and-emerald engagement ring onto her finger, and Lindsey realized that it fit perfectly.

That crazy man got my ring size, somehow, she thought.

Will you do me the honor of letting me spend the rest of my live with you, together forever? Lindsey Peterson, he looked up into her eyes, filled with tears and joy, and spoke the magic words:

Will you marry me?

She pulled him to his feet, placed her hands on his face, and captured her prize: his lips.

—

After the applause, the lip-smackin goodness (according to Joss), and the congratulations were passed all around, the entire group found themselves in the 7:30 quadrant, sitting on chairs and loveseats pulled from here and there.

Wade, Joss smiled, and Wade stared at her for a moment, then looked at Will and Lindsey, then back at Joss.

Dont even go there, Jocelyn, he said sweetly with venom in his voice.

Rachel laughed. They are similar, all three of them, she smiled, and Wade looked at his mother in total confusion.

Three? he asked, and she nodded.

You, Ron, and Will, she explained, and Ron, Wade, and Will all began to object. Kim looked at Lindsey, then and Joss, and all three ladies burst into laughter.

Cuz, you told me about how you and Ron met in Pre-K, Joss started.

And, Joss, you told me about Wade and Stephanie, Lindsey added with a smirk in her voice. Still going after older women, huh, Wade, she asked innocently, and Wade was strangely silent as he tried to burrow into the love seat.

And, now, we have Will and Keri, Kim concluded. Ladies, how does it feel to be raising your boyz-2-men? Kim laughed.

Its never over, Anne replied dryly, and James laughed harder than anyone else.

And, you forgot something, Lindsey, Will grinned as he placed his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

And, what would that be, Du-man? she replied sweetly, fluttering here eyelashes at him.

You never gave ma a verbal answer to my proposal of marriage, Will replied, straight-faced, and Joss and Kim joined Betty, Jackie, and Anne in their laughter.

Well? Will continued.

Yes, you fool, Ill marry you, she laughed.

Thats all I wanted to hear, Will replied and kissed his fianc.

I dont know about you, Cuz, Joss concluded, but, even with Du-man, the Naco-meister, and Aggie that much alike, ahm keeping my dark chocolate, she smiled, and Wade kissed his future fianc.

So am I, Jackie laughed. My hubby is a smokin chocolate hunk, too, Joss: you should meet him and my son one day.

And, who knows, Joss: one day I might get to see my daughter again, C. P. laughed, but there was a sound in that laugh that made Jackie get up, walk over to C. P, pull him to his feet, and give him a hug.

Doc, how to you do that? Wade asked when Jackie released him.

Clean living, C. P. replied dryly, and the laughter threatened to shake the Bunker.

Will looked at Lindsey, but all he could see was a vision in a white wedding dress, a veil barely covering her face. Oh, yeah, Will, youve def got it bad, he laughed inside.

Its about time, too, William, he heard Keris voice in his mind, her laughter still bringing him joy.

Yeah, brother, Willa added, and Will smiled inside even bigger. What took you so long?

Finding my soul-mate after you, Keri, took forever, but she is it, he replied, and the warmth that he felt from both Keri and Willa brought something to him that he was beginning to embrace and enjoy even more, now that he had found Lindsey:

There was now a resident smile on the face of William Du.

—

Story now completed.

—

07/04/2009

Thanks to ja, kt and Star-Eva01 for wonderful rapid-fire beta work. jas ideas brought life to the story in so very many ways (particularly in the crucial confrontation scene), and Star and kt did their usual magic in betawork.

The flight safety video is real: Air New Zealand has created this video and is airing it currently on flights. I can’t make this up: truth is so much better than fiction….

Friendships wed all like to have, possess, and nurture forever that stand the test of time, and are unconditional: that describes both Lindsey and Will, and it describes my feelings for my wonderful betas.

—

The chapter outline for the story of one Global Justice Supervising Agent Will Du, and Navy Commander Lindsey Peterson: someone who thinks he’s special, in a weird sort of way.

Chapter 1: Find seed

Chapter 2: Prepare soil

Chapter 3: Plant seed

Chapter 4: Water plant

Chapter 5: Nurture plant

Chapter 6: Weed plant

Chapter 7: Prune plant

Chapter 8: Harvest plant

Chapter 9: Enjoy fruits of labor

From your friendly neighborhood ‘nebster.

—

For Commander Argus…Calm seas, and prosperous voyages, my friend. May you dance with the angels, sir.

For readers who honor me by naming Joss Possible Best Minor Character from my JadeKimVerse: thank you, and I hope to live up to your honors.

Congratulations to the other winners, as well:

Repeat winners (from previous years) JAKT, MrDrP and Slyrr; and

First-time winners MaceEcam, Neo the Saiyan angel, NoobFish, Ran Hakubi, Star-Eva01, and whitem.

And, for someone special: you know how I feel about you. Congratulations on your new oportunity, and I know that the E-Ring will never be the same.

—