A Long Road Home
Summary: Four years post Dino Thunder. An unexpected encounter at a Ranger wedding changes the dynamic between Zordon's rangers forever. Betrayal, heartache, and shocking surprises has Tommy Oliver reevaluating the choices he's made. Mostly cannon compliant.
Parings: Tommy/Kat, Tommy/Kim (main), Jason/Kim (Past), Jason/Trini (past)
Rating: M
AN/Warnings: This is kind of a dark one. Inspired by AJJ's comments on the future of Tommy and Kimberly. "They ran off together and ruined each other's marriages." This one is not for Kat fans. Our beloved Rangers are a far cry from the innocent teens we know and love. They're adults who make adult mistakes. If you're not okay with seeing a darker version of them, maybe don't read this. And I'll say this again in case anyone missed it. THIS IS NOT FOR KAT FANS! I'm a Tommy/Kim shipper all the way. Sorry, not sorry.
Disclaimer: Does anyone care about these anymore? I don't own them. If I did, Kim would have been recast when AJJ wanted to leave, instead of the train wreck that was the whole Kat thing. Didn't work and 80% of us hate her guts.
Hope you enjoy guys. Read and review.
…..
Chapter 1
The former original Pink Ranger smiled tightly as she entered the extravagant banquet hall the wedding reception was held in. The tables were decorated in reds and pinks to commemorate the couple's Ranger colors. Kim frowned slightly in distaste. Despite her own Ranger and romantic history, she couldn't bring herself to like the sight of red and pink together.
After many years and countless obstacles, Carter Grayson and Dana Mitchell finally tied the knot. Kimberly couldn't be happier for them. She'd met the couple at her own wedding three years earlier and formed a friendship with the Lightspeed Red and Pink, though she was closer to the Lightspeed Yellow, Kelsey. Most of the former Rangers had close bonds with their color mates, but Kim always seemed to click best with the yellows. Maybe because she couldn't help but see a bit of Trini Kwan in each of them.
Thinking of her deceased best friend, Kim sighed. What would Trini think of her life now? She'd made such a mess of things since the tragic death of the original Yellow. In losing Trini, she'd lost a part of herself.
Kim shook herself from her thoughts. If she didn't stop, she'd ruin her makeup. She was at a wedding, this was supposed to be a happy day. She forced a smile on her face and headed for her table. Her name was neatly printed on a card in front of an elegant place setting. She grimaced as another place card caught her eye. Tommy Oliver. She'd seen him earlier in the church, but they hadn't been sitting near each other. It's not that she didn't want to see him, they'd put their past and the infamous letter behind them years ago, it's just that in her current mood she wasn't sure she could deal with hearing about his perfect, happy life. His life with Katherine.
As if conjured by her thoughts, the former leader of the Power Rangers appeared next to her.
"Kimberly?"
Kimberly looked up and was surprised that the smile that lit her face was genuine. Tommy was as handsome as ever, his short hair perfectly spiked and warm chocolate eyes staring right into her soul.
"Tommy!" She stood up and pulled him into a hug. She hadn't seen him since before she got married.
She pulled back and they took their seats.
"You look good. How have you been?"
"I've been good. And you look… amazing." Tommy wasn't lying. The years had certainly been good to his former girlfriend. He'd been surprised by his reaction to her. When she'd smiled at him, he'd had to remind himself to breathe. Some things never changed, no matter how many years had gone by.
Kim blushed slightly and grinned. "Thanks. How's Kat?"
"She's good. She wanted to come but she has the flu. How's Jason?"
Kimberly swallowed and looked away. Tommy's eyes widened as he realized his mistake. He covered her hand with his.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to… I mean I heard that you two… but I didn't- "
Kimberly smiled gently. "It's okay, Tommy. Jason's good. He's in Seattle."
In the years following Trini's death, Kim and Jason had leaned heavily on each other, as they were the ones closest to her and felt her loss the strongest. After High School, Trini had returned to the States and attended Stanford University. After much prodding from Kimberly, Jason had driven up to Trini's dorm and finally confessed the feelings he'd had for the first Yellow Ranger since they hit puberty. Trini had been shocked but happily admitted her own feelings for the former Red Ranger and they'd been together ever since. Until that fateful day. Trini had been on her way to Angel Grove to visit her parents. It was raining, and she lost control of the car. She was dead before the ambulance could even get there.
Kim was the first person Jason called after he received the news and she immediately left Florida and didn't leave Jason's side for weeks after Trini's funeral. Kim decided to leave Florida for good and moved back to Angel Grove where Jason was staying with his parents. She and Jason saw the others often for about a year, before gradually everyone drifted apart. At first, Kim had been hopeful that she and Tommy might get a second chance, as he and Kat had broken up shortly after they graduated High School, but then he got offered an internship with Dr. Anton Mercer, and Kim felt she would only hold him back. So, she'd kept her feelings to herself and let him go.
About 2 years after Trini's death, Kim and Jason got drunk one night and ended up in bed together. Kim had never considered a relationship with Jason before. He'd always been more of a brother than a potential boyfriend. But she was lonely, and so was he. What started as a one night stand became a full blown fling that went on for several weeks before Jason confessed that he was falling for Kimberly. Despite her reservations, the two began a relationship, to the shock of their friends. Aisha had been especially skeptical because she knew just how deep Kim's feelings for Tommy still ran, but she'd done her best to be happy for her friends. Tommy on the other hand, hadn't taken the news well. Oh, he pretended to be fine with it, but inside he'd felt betrayed. Not by Kimberly. He hadn't been able to bring himself to blame her. He was the one who'd been too much of a coward to fight for her. No, his anger had been at Jason. His best friend. Jason knew of Tommy's lingering feelings for the original Pink Ranger and Tommy hadn't understood why he pursued a romantic relationship with her. The truth was, once he was done with his internship with Anton Mercer, Tommy had fully intended to try and rekindle things with Kim. But he was too late. Tommy and Jason's friendship had been strained ever since.
A few months after Tommy's stint as the Black Dino Thunder Ranger, Tommy ran into Katherine at Adam and Tanya's wedding. Seeing Kim and Jason there together had made Tommy realize it was time to move on. He'd missed his chance with the love of his life, but he'd try to find happiness with someone he cared about. He and Kat started dating again shortly after that. When Kimberly heard about the couple, she'd been surprised at how much it hurt. She had no right to be jealous, she was with Jason after all, but she couldn't help it. When Jason proposed a few months later, Kimberly accepted, hoping that making such a commitment to Jason would help her bury the last of her feelings for Tommy. She did love Jason, but it was never the same, never as strong. A part of Kimberly would always belong to the Falcon.
Tommy didn't go to the wedding. Kat did though, and had explained that Tommy had some sort of family emergency, but Katherine's smile never reached her eyes. Jason had always had his suspicions on the real reason Tommy hadn't come, suspicions that shifted to Kimberly a year later when Tommy married Katherine and Kimberly had 'accidentally' gotten delayed in Paris, missing the ceremony.
Kimberly Hart-Scott's marriage became rocky after the first year. Jason developed a drinking problem, something Kim had no tolerance for given her father's sometimes violent history. Something Jason knew about all too well. Kim had emotionally withdrawn from him, throwing herself into her work. Kim had majored in Art in college. After they got married, they moved to Surfside and Kim opened up her own art gallery which became very successful. Jason worked as an EMT. The couple had a good life until Jason started drinking heavily. They fought often, and Kim would sometimes sleep at the gallery to avoid her husband. Finally one day, after more than 2 years of marriage, she and Jason decided to separate. Jason packed his things and left, deciding to travel the country and deal with his issues in solitude.
That was 8 months ago. It was still a bit of a sore spot for Kimberly. She never wanted to end up like her parents. She'd always promised herself that if she got married, it would be forever. But it didn't look like that was a promise she'd be able to keep.
Tommy looked at Kim sympathetically, feeling bad for bringing up bad memories. He'd been shocked when he heard about her and Jason's separation. And as usual, he was more than a little angry at his former best friend. Jason knew better than anyone how much Kimberly's father's alcoholism had affected her. Back in High School, Kimberly had told Tommy about what life had been like before her parents divorced. She told him how, on many occasions, she'd snuck out her window and ran the two blocks to Jason's house to sleep, to avoid the beatings her father often dished out when he was drunk. Many nights Jason had held Kimberly while she cried over her father's actions. After Tommy returned as the White Ranger and his relationship with Kim got serious, Kim began turning to him instead on nights when she had nightmares. He was always moved by just how much the memories shook her. Jason had been there when it was actually happening. How could he put her through that again?
Kim quickly flagged down a waiter and ordered a long island iced tea. Tommy ordered scotch. Their drinks arrived, and Kimberly quickly finished her before ordering another.
Feeling a little better, Kim quickly shifted the conversation to Tommy's life, then the gallery, and other lighter topics. They were joined at the table by Rocky and Aisha and the rest of the evening was spent catching up and laughing, reminiscing about their Ranger days.
A song came on and Rocky and Aisha left the table for the dance floor. Feeling daring, no doubt due to the two glasses of scotch he'd consumed, Tommy stood and held out his hand.
"Would the lady care to dance?"
Kim recognized the song and knew it was probably a bad idea, but in that moment she couldn't bring herself to care.
"Sure." She took his hand and they made their way to the dance floor. Kim draped her arms around Tommy's shoulders as he gently held her waist. Tommy watched her intently as they swayed to the music and she blushed under his scrutiny. Her doe eyes gazed into his chocolate ones as the words of the song washed over her.
I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath, truly madly deeply do
I will be strong, I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on a new beginning.
A reason for living. A deeper meaning.
I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me
Kim couldn't help but notice how perfectly they still fit together, and how right it felt to be in Tommy's arms. Tommy's thoughts were along the same lines. He loved Kat, and they had a good life together, but Kimberly Hart had always been his biggest regret. No woman had ever come close to making him feel the way she did.
And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish send it to heaven then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty.
That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of
The highest power, in lonely hours, the tears devour you
I want to stand with you on a mountain,
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me
Oh can you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cause it's standing right before you.
All that you need will surely come
"You're seeing this, right?" Aisha whispered, nudging her husband. She subtly cocked her head to the side in the direction of Tommy and Kim.
Rocky shook his head. "Sha', they're just two friends dancing. Don't make it out to be something it isn't."
Aisha rolled her eyes. "Boy, if you ever look at one of your friends the way Tommy is looking at Kim, we're gonna have a problem."
Rocky just laughed. "Woman, you're imagining things. They're married. To other people. It's just a dance."
She shook her said but said nothing. She knew what she saw. She also knew that neither Kim nor Tommy was as over each other as they wanted people to believe.
I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need.
I'll love you more with every breath, truly madly deeply do
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to live like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me
Kim forced herself to step back from Tommy as the song ended. She was more affected by his closeness than she wanted to admit. It was crazy that he still had this much power over her.
Kim swallowed thickly. "Um, I think I need something to drink."
Tommy nodded and followed her to the bar. The evening went on smoothly. They congratulated Carter and Dana and Kimberly danced with Aisha and Kelsey. By the time the newlyweds left for their honeymoon, Tommy and Kimberly were in high spirits and more than a little drunk. Rocky and Aisha left shortly after that and the Falcon and Crane sat alone outside on the terrace.
They sat in comfortable silence gazing up at the stars. Kim looked at Tommy and grinned.
"This was fun. I haven't had this much fun is so long."
Tommy returned the grin, his eyes bright and playful. "Me either. It almost felt like old times."
"Yeah." Kim's smile faltered slightly. "I should probably head to my room though. It's getting pretty late. I'm sure you have to go…" Though leaving was the last thing she wanted to do.
Tommy sighed. He really didn't want this night to end, but Kim was right. "Yeah. Are you staying in this hotel?"
Kim nodded. "Yeah it was just easier than trying to go somewhere else."
Tommy stood and offered Kim his hand. "Here. Come on, I'll walk you to your room."
Kim blinked in surprise but took his hand. They made their way out of the banquet hall and into the elevators. For a moment, Kim couldn't remember what floor she was on and snorted with laughter.
Tommy nudged her with his hip. "You're so drunk."
Kim stuck her tongue out at him. "No! You're drunk!" The elevator opened, and Kim stumbled out, glaring at Tommy when he laughed at her. The made their way down the hall and stopped in front of Kim's door.
Kim slid her card key in the lock and opened the door. She bit her lips nervously, gazing at Tommy under hooded eyelids. "Do you wanna come in?"
Somewhere in the back of Tommy's mind, he knew he should say no. He'd done what he set out to do. He walked her to her room. He should go. But as he stood there watching her as she leaned against the door frame, her hair in slight disarray, he realized he really didn't want to be away from her. She smelled amazing, light strawberries and vanilla, and her eyes were full of laughter. She was enchanting, and he was powerless to deny her anything.
"Sure." He followed Kim into the room, laughing as she stumbled and fell onto the couch. She sat up and tucked her legs under her. Tommy sat next to her, his body turned toward her.
"That was fun. I'm happy for Carter and Dana. I hope they work out." Kim said with a smile.
Tommy raised an eyebrow at her. "Why wouldn't they?"
Kim shrugged. "Just something about Reds and Pinks. I always thought Reds went better with Yellows. Like Andros and Ashley, and Rocky and Sha', and Conner and Kira, even Jason and Trini."
Tommy blinked in surprise. "That doesn't bother you? Thinking about Jase and Trini?"
Kim shook her head. "They were meant to be. I think I've always known that. If Trini was alive, everything would be better. I would never have married Jason and maybe…" Kim stopped herself. The alcohol was making her a bit more honest than she intended.
Tommy swallowed, licking his suddenly dry lips. "Maybe what, Kim?"
Kim looked at Tommy, regret and longing shining in her big brown orbs. "M-maybe we would have gotten our happily ever after." She whispered.
Tommy wasn't sure what made him do what he did next. Maybe it was the scotch in his system, maybe it was the sadness in Kimberly's eyes, or maybe it was his own unresolved feelings for the brunette. Whatever it was, the next moment he was kissing her with a passion he hadn't felt in over a decade. He groaned softly finding her sweet taste as intoxicating as he remembered, and he wondered how he'd ever gone so long without having her like this. Kimberly returned the kiss with every ounce of heat she possessed. She wound her fingers up into his short spiky locks, moaning as his tongue slipped into her mouth.
Kim shifted on the couch, moving so she straddled his lap, her dress riding up to her hips, exposing her creamy thighs to Tommy's wandering hands. Tommy hardened instantly. No woman had ever affected him the way Kimberly did. She was addicting. Tommy slipped his hand up the inside of her thigh, gently caressing her skin until he was at her lace covered center. She was already soaking wet as she bucked her hips against his hand.
"Tommy!"
Tommy pulled back and looked into her large doe eyes, glazed with lust. His own chocolate orbs darkened with desire. He grabbed her by her waist and stood up. Her legs instinctively wrapped around him as he carried her to the bed. He placed her down gently on the edge of the bed and gazed at her hungrily as he dropped to his knees. His cheek brushed against the inside of her thigh, inhaling her delectable scent. He slid his fingers under the waistband of her lacy tanga and pulled it down her toned legs, dropping it on the floor. Her breath hitched as his hot breath caressed her center. He slid his finger along her wet folds before dipping it inside. He added a second finger eliciting a soft moan from Kim's lips. After a minute his fingers were replaced by his tongue and she cried out, gripping at the sheets beneath her. Tommy held her thighs apart has he devoured her, savoring the nectar he hadn't tasted in more than 10 years. Kimberly was perfection.
Kimberly tensed and her back arched off the bed as her orgasm washed over her and Tommy greedily tongue fucked her until she collapsed back onto the bed. Unable to help himself any longer, Tommy quickly rose and flipped Kim over onto her stomach and pulled down the zipper on her dress. A second later it joined her panties on the floor now completely forgotten. He quickly pulled off his shirt, popping a few buttons in his hurry and shoved his pants and boxers to the floor in one smooth motion. He cock sprang free as he stared at the gorgeous sight before him. Kim lay sprawled out on her stomach, the round, golden globes of her ass begging for his attention. He climbed up on the bed and spread her thighs. He hovered over her, holding himself up on one arm and placed a hand on the small of her back. With one smooth stroke he buried himself inside her.
"Oh fuck! Tommy!" Kim clenched around him, rolling her hips back against him.
"Damn!" He remained still for a second, fighting for control. She was still so fucking tight. This was far from his first time with her. They'd become lovers in high school the night they defeated Ivan Ooze, and naturally, as teenagers in love, they'd had a hard time keeping their hands off each other.
Tommy pulled back until only the head of his cock remained inside then thrust forward, burying himself to the hilt. Kimberly's cries of pleasure spurred him on as he set a steady pace. Kim fisted the blankets, her eyes rolling back in her head as Tommy pounded into her. No one else could ever make her feel this good. Tommy's cock filled her so deliciously and their position allowed her clit to press against the bed under their weight, creating friction that sent powerful jolts of pleasure through her body. Tommy groaned as he felt Kim's walls flutter around him before squeezing him like a vice as she came. That was his undoing. He buried his face in her hair as he emptied himself deep inside her. "Kim!"
He collapsed against her back, panting. He went to move off of her when Kim giggled and wiggled her ass against him. Tommy smirked. Apparently Kim wasn't done yet, and neither was he. He pushed her further up on the bed and she turned over, resting her head on the fluffy pillows. The smile she gave him was pure sin and honey and he leaned down and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. He trailed his lips down her neck, his tongue darting out to taste the salt of her skin before moving lower, down to her chest. He captured a rosy nipple in his mouth and his right hand came up to massage her other breast, squeezing it gently. He switched a few minutes later, making sure to pay equal attention to both her beautiful breasts. Kimberly moaned and writhed beneath him. Tommy played her body like a finely tuned instrument. She slipped a hand between them and wrapped her fingers around his impressive length and stroked him slowly, his cock still wet from their activities. Tommy lifted his head and made his way back up to her lips and kissed her again, pulling her bottom lip between his teeth. He let go and gasped when she gave his cock a squeeze. He pulled her hand away and parted her thighs, positioning himself at her entrance once more.
Kim looked deep into his soulful eyes and she wrapped her legs around his waist. "Make love to me, Tommy." She whispered.
He captured her lips in another searing kiss and thrust himself deep inside her. They were a mindless blur of lips, tongues and hands as they rocked together in a rhythm as old as time, exploring territory that once upon a time they believed would only ever belong to each other. Time and mistakes had caused their paths to diverge but their passion, among other things they were unwilling to name, still remained.
Tommy held her tightly as he lost himself in the feel of her, fire racing through his veins. Kimberly raked her nails down his back as she cried out in ecstasy. Tommy growled, his thrusts unrelenting as he pounded into her. His balls clenched as she tightened around him, pulling his hair as she rode out the waves of her orgasm. He buried his face in her neck, biting down on the smooth flesh as his climax hit him. He slammed his hips into her, cumming harder than he ever had in his life, his vision blurring from the force of his orgasm. He collapsed on her trembling form as the darkness claimed them.
…
Tommy took a deep breath as he stuck his key in the door. Could he really do this? Could he really lie to Katherine's face and act like nothing happened? Kimberly had told him she wouldn't say a word, not wanting his marriage to suffer like hers. He'd argued with her, of course, unwilling to pretend nothing happened between them, but in the end, his reluctance to hurt Kat won out. But that didn't mean he didn't see the tears in Kimberly's eyes when he left.
He sighed and ran a hand through his damp hair. He'd showered back at the hotel and put back on his clothes from the night before. He'd have to remember to avoid letting Kat see his back for a couple of days until the scratches healed.
He was the worst husband ever.
Tommy walked into the house and saw Katherine lying on the sofa under a blanket, reading a book.
"Hey. There you are. Must have been some reception. I expected you last night." Kat said with a smile.
Tommy swallowed thickly. "Uh yeah. Sorry I didn't call. I drank a little too much. I just crashed at the hotel." Tommy dropped a quick kiss on her forehead. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better."
Tommy forced a smile. "Good. I'm gonna go change." Tommy climbed the stairs and entered the room he shared with his wife. He shut the door and leaned his forehead against it. It would be a long time before he could look Katherine in the eyes again. He still couldn't believe he'd actually cheated on her. With Kimberly no less. Kim had always been the elephant in the room between them. Kat had always known he still cared about her and it was still a sensitive subject for them. If Kat knew what happened the night before… Kim was right. His marriage would be over.
Things between he and Kat were tense enough as it was. A year ago Kat decide she was ready to be a mother. Being adopted, having children of his own had always been important to Tommy, especially now that both his biological grandfather and brother David passed away. Tommy was the last member of his biological family. If he didn't have kids, his bloodline would die with him.
He'd been excited when Kat told him she wanted to start trying for a baby and they hadn't wasted any time. But after 6 months, Kat still wasn't pregnant. They'd tried all sorts of things. Vitamins, home remedies, anything they could think of. They'd started tracking Kat's ovulation cycle and had intercourse like clockwork on all her most fertile days. Nothing. Finally, they'd gone to a fertility clinic and gotten tested. Tommy's results came back fine. Kat on the other hand, was told that it would be very difficult for her to conceive. They'd tried different fertility treatments the clinic recommended but still nothing worked. Now, after almost of year of trying, Tommy was beginning to lose hope, and their relationship was a bit strained.
It wasn't Katherine's fault. He'd never hold something like that against her. It wasn't so much the fact that they might not have children that was causing the tension in their marriage, but the emotional toll of constant disappointment, and the way sex had become more like a chore than something he enjoyed.
Last night he'd been able to let go and give in to his passion without pressure, and he felt more than a little guilty for just how much he'd enjoyed himself.
Tommy moved away from the door and shook his head. He needed to put his night with Kimberly behind him. He had to, for the sake of his marriage, no matter how difficult that might be.
….
This chapter ended up way longer than I meant for it to be, but I couldn't think of a better place to stop this. Reviews get you faster updates. Flames will be used to toast marshmallows.