(Open) ♪ Doofenshmirtz's Day at the Hardware Store ♪

Ron took a moment to glance at the plans in Doctor Doofenshmirtz's hands, and then the result. His look went back and forth several times as he rubbed his chin in thought. Rufus posed in a similar manner from Ron's pocket. Finally, though, his face split into a wide grin, and he held up a finger, a proud expression on his face. "I think it's even better than what we'd planned," he declared, putting his hands up, thumbs and forefingers extended at right angles, and each thumb tip to opposite forefinger's tip to form a rectangle as if to view it through a camera lens. And then he put an arm around Doofenshmirtz's shoulders, giving him what could almost be considered a conspiratorial grin. "It's bold, it's new, it's us, ya dig what I'm sayin'?" Clearly, he had no problem with the way it turned out. Seemed like the Doctor's propensity to go overboard, played well with the young man.

And then with the enthusiasm and energy only youth could typically bring to a person, he let go and raced for the ladder to climb up to the first floor. Now that they were finished he wanted to thoroughly explore, and enjoy, their handiwork, and as he started climbing, Rufus jumped out of the pocket, perched on a ladder rung facing Doofenshmirtz and beckoned to him, inviting him to join them. The scientist/businessman had been a huge help, he should get to enjoy the benefits of his labor, too, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.

"There's no way you would have lost with THIS kind of treehouse!" Ron agreed, his voice almost squeaking in excitement that bubbled over into every quick movement. He remained completely oblivious to Doctor Doofenshmirtz's reminiscing and wishing for what might have been. He was too lost in the enthusiasm for the moment, exploring each room in nearly a frenzy before moving on to the next. Especially the little things that hadn't specifically been in the plans, like that Hot-drinkinator. "Ohhh, some of these look really nifty! Thanks Doctor Doof!" he said, already thinking to try that one out by making some hot chocolate--but first, inspecting the rest of the treehouse!

He turned a corner to head down the short hall to the next room, only to, before long, trip and fall over something he hadn't seen, ending up suspended in midair by a rope that caught him around the ankles and pulled him up. "Whoah! What's this doing here?" At least he didn't sound angry from having tripped an unexpected trap, more just surprised. "You put booby traps in it too? That's awesome! Just like a secret lair!"

"So you had your nemesis on the mind while we were building," Ron commented. He had his arms crossed over his chest as he slowly turned in midair (not voluntarily, mind you, the rope kind of controlled that). He tried to have a serious expression as he commented--right up until he was released from the trap, and he landed back on the floor with a small thud and an 'oof.' He rose back to his feet and brushed himself off, looking no worse for the wear. "Piranhas are cool but I think for a treehouse, they might have been a bit much." And that was saying something with Ron's enthusiasm. "Kim wouldn't like any lethal traps in here, anyway."

Still, that enthusiasm just kept bubbling back to the surface, nothing keeping it down long. "I really can't tell you how much I appreciate your help with this, Doctor Doof. You aren't such a bad guy even if you want to take over the tri-state area. if you ever wanna just take a break and come visit, you can stop by any time." He held his hand, his face back to that wide grin from before, no idea that his new friend was trying to remember something. Ron didn't even think to ask where all the other traps might be. He'd figure those out as they came.

Ahhh. Ron nodded, he knew all about habits. Plus, he still thought the booby traps were a cool feature. "Yeah! Plus if someone who isn't supposed to be here breaks in...we'll be able to subdue them while they're busy trying to climb out. WhaaaaaCHA!" He concluded his little enthusiastic speech with a pretend karate chop at a fake enemy. "They won't know what hit 'em!"

Still grinning, he took another look around, but something about what Doctor Doofenshmirtz was saying finally got through to him. Specifically, he heard the name Xanatos, though not much else, the man's muttering too quiet to pick up on most of it.

"Did you mention Xanatos?" he asked curiously. "You know, I probably shouldn't tell you this since it's supposed to be confidential before he makes the official announcement," he started, leaning in as if to whisper almost conspiratorially, or possibly sharing gossip. "But he's invited Kim to New York to some kind of convention he's planning, said he's invited several other heroes. Kinda weird I didn't get an invite, though, since Kim and I are usually a package deal, you'd think he would know that." He gave a shrug as if to say whatever. "I'll probably end up just going with her anyway, since we usually ride together for missions, and stuff." He had started scratching his head when he mentioned his lack of an invite, and his hand was still in his hair when he finished speaking, trying to no avail to tame a lock that had sprung free when he was scratching.