Disclaimer: The Power Rangers name, concept, characters, zords (and pretty much everything else) in this work of fiction are the creation of another's genius. They are in no way owned by this author. (which is probably why there's never been a penny from these stories, nor is there expected any)

Author's notes: This isn't my best work, but I found it recently and thought to give it a touch up. Any constructive reviews would be greatly appreciated. This takes place following a random puttie attack shortly after 'Mirror of Regret'. No pink ranger features in this.

'Like I was Supposed to? So next time you want me to check with you, before I stop a puttie from shoving you through a brick wall?'

'I had everything well under control!'

'That's not supposed to include your teammates!'

Rocky turned his back on the pair of rangers squabbling like children. And they said he was the immature one! He knew he really ought to step in, but he figured since he had gotten the last one, it should be Billy or Aisha who separated them this time.

Adam and Tommy's behaviour had gone drastically downhill in the last couple of days. They kept it in check when engaging with whichever superbad was announcing its presence in Angel Grove; but the minute they morphed outta their suits, there was barely a civil word passed between them. At least it was better than the sullen silences, which would go on for hours.

At the same time, he was getting concerned. It hadn't started affecting their ability to perform their duties as rangers yet, but how long would that last? And why were they always bickering anyway? He had known Adam for years, and was frankly surprised at how the shy, sensitive youth was speaking to their leader. And Tommy? How on earth he had allowed a conflict with a teammate to go on this long was anybody's guess.

Behind him suddenly came a resounding thud.

He turned around, in time to see Adam teleport out; leaving Tommy, who was sitting stunned on the floor where he had landed, glaring at the vacant spot the black ranger had been standing in.

Ok. This could be bad.

(One hour later, Angel Grove youth centre)

Entering the youth centre, with his gym bag slung over his shoulder, Rocky stood for a moment considering his options.

Billy and Aisha stood watching Tommy demonstrating a defensive move to his martial arts students over on the mats. They were surrounded by a group of impressed teens, who were obviously considering signing up for Tommy's next beginner's class.

At the juice bar, Adam sat nonchalantly reading a textbook. Or maybe that's what he hoped people would think he was doing. Rocky could tell from the tension in his shoulders and the firm set of his mouth, that Adam's attention was focused more on the tall, athletic teen on the training floor, than on the formation of French verbs-he knew that stuff anyway, had aced the test last week

Deciding to approach their leader first, recognising the danger signs of Adam's temper sitting just below the surface, Rocky walked down to greet the others just as Tommy dismissed his students.

'Hey guys, what's up?' He asked, dropping his bag beside the bench, before sitting down. He glanced over towards Adam, knowing that while he had not been acknowledged by the other youth as he walked in, it would be noted where he was now, and that would probably sting.



'Just enjoying the end to another day that's featured way too much clayhead action' Tommy responded good naturedly. At least he'd cooled off since returning from the command centre. Up until Rocky had left them to collect his workout clothes from home, the white ranger had been absolutely livid. But then, Tommy was always cool and collected by the time he'd finished preparing for his classes.

'Billy and I were just getting ready to go to the library. We've got a test we need to study for' Aisha said, picking up her satchel. 'We were thinking of going to the movies for some much needed R & R. Wanna come?' She beamed at Rocky, knowing that as long as there was a bucket of popcorn, he was there.

'Sure. Tommy an' me are workin' out this afternoon, how about we call you and meet up at the picture house later, yeah?'

They agreed, and separated with promises to call as soon as they'd finished their afternoon's activities. Rocky and Tommy started their workout session, and continued for a period with companionable conversation, before taking a well earned break to refresh and re-hydrate.

Thanking Ernie for the fresh juice, they carried their glasses over to a table and sat down. The youth centre was almost deserted. Rocky had noticed Adam leaving shortly after they had started a circuit of the gym equipment; he sighed and looked into his glass, as if the way to begin this awkward conversation was written somewhere at the bottom.

Tommy, much more attuned to the subtle mannerisms of his team members than most others realised, knew that Rocky had something on his mind. He wondered briefly if the other teen realised he had a tell; any time there was something that he wanted or needed to say, he'd sit chewing on his lip, the way he was now. Thinking that he didn't want to give this tip away before their next friendly game of cards-loser makes dinner-he figured he could wait until Rocky decided to say what he was searching to put into words. Patiently he took another sip of his juice.

'Tommy?' Bingo!

'Yeah?'

'I know it's none of my business,' he started, focusing carefully on his glass 'but I've noticed that you and Adam haven't been getting along recently.' He saw the way Tommy's body tensed up as he heard Adam's name, and how his leader's eyes narrowed. He knew that scowl, and had learned to mind it very quickly. He thought about taking the easy way out and changing the subject, but he knew that wasn't the answer. Against all common sense, he mentally battened down the hatches and prepared to sit out the storm. 'Actually, everyone's noticed it. They're just too scared of the big, bad tiger to say anything. I'm only telling you this so that you can appreciate what it's taken me to come here and talk to you, so just hear me out, okay?'

Still glowering, Tommy nonetheless nodded. Hardly daring to believe his luck, Rocky ploughed on.

'I don't know what's gone on between you two, Adam's one of my closest friends and he still hasn't told me, but you've seen more than once what can happen when rangers are at odds.' He was referencing the spells used previously by Rita Repulsa, their nemesis, to turn the rangers against each other. He hadn't been there, but he'd heard the stories from his predecessor, Jason. 'It hasn't happened yet, but sooner or later it could end up getting someone hurt. Will you please at least talk to each other, and figure out your differences?' He finished with the question hanging.

'As if I could figure out how!' Tommy mumbled sarcastically.

Rocky paused for a moment, his brow creased in consternation. Was that an admission he wanted to? Surely if that was the case, then the determined white ranger would have tried by now. That could only mean the one keeping this going was Adam. Knowing he was going to have to prod a little more to get any details before he could piece this together, Rocky sat back to seem less threatening and began again.

'So...Do you want to talk about it? Maybe I can help. I am after all - an Expert in all things 'Adam' !' He proclaimed, throwing his arms wide in a dramatic gesture. Pleased with himself when he managed to get a smile from his friend, Rocky was surprised to hear the rejoinder.

'Perhaps not as much of an expert as you think.' Tommy stated wryly. Then, after a moment's consideration 'Do you know, for example, who he's dating?'

Rocky thought for a moment. He knew Adam had started seeing someone new recently. Since moving to Angel Grove in fact. And he knew Adam's tastes ran to men who liked to work out, so it was likely someone they knew from the youth centre who used the...he looked at Tommy.

'Yeah.' Tommy affirmed as soon as he saw his friend reach the appropriate conclusion.

'oh' Was all Rocky could say at that moment.

Feeling that he should expand on this a little, but nervous deciding how to start, Tommy looked at Rocky carefully. They weren't as close as most of the others were. Whilst the gang had swiftly moved to make the newcomers welcome, and comfortable in their new roles; for a time Rocky had always seemed to be too busy watching how shy, gentle Adam was accepted, before making any moves of his own. There was no doubt whose man he was. Figuratively speaking. The two had just never clicked the way Tommy had with Jason. That's not his fault! Tommy reminded himself. Deciding that now would be the right time to start creating a closer bond with his friend and team mate, Tommy began.

'Adam and I have been dating for a while now. Neither of us has said anything, because I only found out that I was Bi shortly after I met him.' Tommy smiled fondly at the memory of the occasion.

'I was scared you see, of the reactions I'd get when I told anyone. Adam was supportive. Said he'd never force me into taking such a huge step before I felt ready. But I guess it became a habit. I was too concerned about the way I'm seen, to notice I was neglecting the attention Adam was due.'

He stopped, to give Rocky a moment to digest what he'd said. As he thought about how he could ask for advice from Adam's best friend, he didn't catch what Rocky had said until he repeated it.

'He loves you, you know!'

Tommy paused a moment. They were dating, but Adam had never said the 'L' word.

Sighing, Rocky figured if they were going to have this talk, it might as well be spelled out for the poor, clueless dear

'Adam doesn't let guys in easily. You might have noticed that he's not especially forthcoming about himself, unless he feels it can serve some higher purpose. He's quite a private person. You're not the only one acting out here. If he's acting the way he is, then he's trying to scare you off. I admit, I didn't see it before because I wasn't looking for it. But now I know, I can see he's fallen for you, a lot harder than I've seen him with most guys.'

Tommy sat, contemplating this new information. Could it be true? But if that was the case, why were they falling apart? Was there any way to possibly help Adam get over this, and let him in?

Seeing where the white ranger's thoughts had taken him, and confident now he knew what ground they were walking on, he stepped in.

' He's a smart guy most of the time, but when it comes to matters of the heart...he's just as lost as the rest of us. Don't worry though, 'cos there's nobody knows Adam better than I do...Now, what you gotta do is-'

To Be Continued