Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers Ninja Steel.

Kelly was nervous. She couldn't pinpoint why exactly, but her nerves were playing up.

Summer Cove was hosting it's annual homecoming and as seniors, this was a big event for the Rangers. Not only that, but all the money raised from homecoming in ticket sales, raffles and fundraisers would go back to the school to help finish off some of the repairs that were still needed from the earthquake.

Essentially, this was a party to make their school better, so everyone was going. Kelly was no exception. Sarah had already asked to be her date, Kelly had a dress picked out, the night was going to be fun.

Still, Kelly was nervous.

Her old school also had homecoming dances. However, it was a much smaller school, where everyone knew everyone. Summer Cove was much bigger, and while Kelly was familiar with most of the faces in her grade, she hadn't really spoken to anyone except the Rangers unless it was school related.

In such a small school, everyone knew everyone's business. The year before, Kelly had to plan out her homecoming evening to be sure she wouldn't give herself away as a lesbian. She went with a group of friends and had pledged that she wasn't looking for a date, but rather, for a good time. She spent the whole night worried that people would start to talk, or that they would notice when her gaze lingered too long on a girl. She spent the night wondering if coming out would really be such a big deal and then imagining all the worst-case scenarios. By the time she came home that night, she was almost in tears, devastated that a night that was supposed to be about fun and letting go had become so consumed with self-hate and disgust.

Summer Cove was a much different school. Principal Hastings had fostered a much more inclusive environment. No one really cared who dated who, who brought who to dances, or who hung out with who. Though Sarah asking Kelly to homecoming hadn't been a big deal, other kids in the school knew she would be going with her girlfriend and no one bat an eye. And the Fosters had spoken to Kelly in the same way they spoke to Hayley about dates and about being safe.

"You look amazing," Hayley told her as she returned from the bathroom. Kelly looked down at her dress, smiled, and then returned the compliment to the white Ranger.

"Thanks. You look great too."

"I wore this dress to homecoming last year," Hayley said. "But Calvin loves it and I don't get many other chances to wear it."

"Well, you look hot," Kelly said and Hayley smiled. This also threw Kelly for a bit of a loop. Back at her old school, if she had ever muttered those words to another girl, they would tease her endlessly just for acting gay. And once they found out she was a lesbian, they avoided her entirely. She was no longer invited to sleep overs, and the girls would all force her to clothes her eyes whenever they were changing for gym class. They insisted that Kelly was looking at them and wanting them.

Here, Kelly slept in the same room as Hayley, they got ready for school together, and Kelly had just called Hayley hot, and the white Ranger didn't even blink.

"Calvin's going to be here any minute," Hayley said as she checked the time. "Are you ready?"

"I think so," Kelly started to leave. Hayley raced after her.

"The corsage," she said and put the gift for Sarah in Kelly's hands. The green Ranger smiled.

"Thanks."

"Nervous, huh? Is this your first homecoming?"

"Uh… first with a date," Kelly said. "First homecoming where I've… come out."

"It'll be fine," Hayley assured her. "No one cares about that. You know, in a good way."

"Takes a little getting used to," Kelly nodded and they made their way downstairs just as Calvin arrived. The Fosters fussed over all three of the Rangers for a few minutes, insisting they all looked good, saying how perfect Hayley and Calvin were as a couple, and telling Kelly that Sarah was a lucky girl. Pictures were taken, then retaken, before finally the three of them could leave. Kelly hopped into Nitro's back seat and gazed out the window until Calvin called for her attention.

"You nervous?" he asked her. Kelly answered honestly with a nod. Calvin smiled into the rear-view mirror. "Hey, it's a fun night. Summer Cove throws the best dances. Just don't fill up on snacks, don't expect much from your dinner, it's never good, and don't drink the punch."

"Don't even taste it," Hayley added. "Everyone always spikes it and by the end of the night, it's always pretty much just alcohol."

"Good advice," Kelly noted. "Anything I should do?"

"Dance," Calvin nodded. "Just dance, all night. The teachers aren't strict, everyone looks like a fool and it's a time to have fun."

"Sounds good," Kelly smiled.

When they arrived at Sarah's house, Kelly hopped out of the truck then took a deep breath. Calvin stood next to with a bright smile.

"I was nervous too tonight," he told her and Kelly gave him a strange look. He had been dating Hayley for a couple of years now and he was still nervous about taking her to a dance. "Just remind yourself that she loves you and this part of the night will be over with before you know it."

"By this part, you mean…"

"The pictures, the mother, more pictures, the awkward 'you look good', 'thanks so do you', want to kiss her but it's weird with everyone watching part," Calvin said which caused Kelly to chuckle.

"Oh. That part."

"It's just part of the package."

"You ready?" Hayley asked and she and Calvin let Sarah lead the way to the door. She knocked and smiled brightly as Jenny let her in.

It was the same show as with the Fosters, and it was exactly what Calvin said. Jenny gushed over how good Kelly looked, then insisted on getting pictures with her and Sarah. Then she got pictures with all three of the girls and then the two couples together. Kelly muttered an awkward, though sincere, you look good to Sarah, who responded in kind. Kelly desperately wanted to give Sarah a kiss, but thought it would be weird to do so in front of her mother.

"Okay, I think I've held you all up enough," Jenny finally said and there was a sigh of relief from the group. "Just, have fun, alright? Sarah, I trust you."

"Love you," Sarah called out and rushed out the door with her friends.