Music filled Ernie's Juice Bar as Adam Park, the Green Zeo Ranger, practiced a partner dance with his now girlfriend, Jesse Oliver, who they had recently discovered was Tommy's little sister. Jesse's black skirt flowed with each crisp movement. It was obvious that they had practiced this dance for a while. The dance ended with Adam spinning Jesse into a deep dip. However, they were so focused on each other and their dance that they failed to notice the crowd of their peers, karate students, Ernie, and the other rangers that had gathered to watch them.
They held the pose as the music faded and the crowd applauded. They stood up and Jesse played up the crowd and bowed. Adam had a different reaction. He was used to others watching him while he taught martial arts or competed, but dancing was a different story. As much as he liked dancing with Jesse, it wasn't something he was too confident doing in front of others.
The rest of the team walked up to Jesse and Adam.
"That was incredible!" Tanya said.
"Really was. I should recruit you too to dance in one of my ballets," Kat said.
Adam's eyes went wide and he quickly shook his head "no."
"Yeah, Adam is a real twinkle toes," Rocky joked.
"Well, thanks guys," Jesse said.
"What are you practicing for?" Billy asked.
"A performance for our creative studies class," Jesse started. "Ms. Appleby gave us presentations that would show our strengths and weaknesses."
"So, what did she say your strengths and weaknesses are?" Billy asked.
"Well, she said Adam normally does martial arts or a research presentation. This is different for him. And for me, it's doing a partner presentation, along with having to choreograph a dance. We've been practicing together after school in the gym. But Adam needs to get used to dancing in front of a crowd. Although, we didn't know it was going to be this big this early in the morning."
"Well, I don't mean to disrupt your practice, but I need Adam to help teach class so I can go out to the reservation to see David," Tommy said.
"Right, that's why I already have my gear on," Adam wore a long sleeve green shirt with his karate uniform pants and his black kung fu sash around his waist. "I'll see you after class," Adam put his hand on Jesse's shoulder and slowly leaned his face towards her.
"Adam! Come on!" Rocky yelled across the room. Adam sighed.
"It's okay. Go teach," Jesse said. Adam walked towards Rocky and they began their class.
"What was that?" Kat asked when Jesse sat down at her, Tanya and Billy's table.
"Nothing… really," Jesse said.
"Adam has kissed her yet," Tanya said. Jesse blushed. "He told me. He's nervous about it. He really likes you,"
"I know. He's so sweet and adorable. I really like him," she said smiling as she looked over at the karate class the boys were teaching. Adam and Rocky were showing their students some sparing combinations.
"How long have you two been an item?" Kat asked.
"A few months," Jesse responded.
"How did it happen?" Tanya asked.
"Well…"
After school one Friday afternoon the Power Rangers and Jesse met up to talk about weekend plans. As for that Friday night, everyone had things to do, so they all went their separate ways. Jesse walked down to the Japanese garden out by the pond to reflect on a few things going through her mind. Adam showed up a bit later looking for her. He figured this is where she would be.
"Hey Jesse," he said walking up to her. She had a stone in her left hand and was aiming it at the water. As she heard his voice she looked over her left shoulder and smiled.
"Hey Adam, just give me a sec," she carefully flicked the stone in an attempt to skip it across the pond. "one… two… I can't get past two skips," she giggled. "So, what's up?"
"I actually wanted to talk to you," Adam started. "Let's take a walk out to the beach," the pair left the garden and headed towards Adam's favorite spot to train, a cliff overlooking the beach. They sat down on the edge and looked out over the water. It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun shined bright in the sky, the water on the lake rocked with the blow of the cool wind.
"It's a really pretty day, huh?" Jesse said enjoying the view.
"It's the most beautiful place in Angel Grove… and I'm lucky enough to share it with the most beautiful girl in Angel Grove," Jesse looked over at Adam and smiled.
"You're sweet. But I don't know about that…"
"I do," he said gently holding her hand. "You're really special. Since you came to Angel Grove it's been different here. You light up every room you're in and warm the hearts of everyone around you… including me," Jesse blushed as Adam continued. "Jesse, we've gone on a few dates… and I realized that I really like you and I don't want to let this slip away. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is…" Adam palms got sweaty and his heart started to race. "Jesse, would you be my girlfriend?" Adam finally asked nervously. He bit the inside of his lip and looked away. Jesse smiled.
"Adam," he slowly looked back over towards Jesse who was smiling. "I've had a crush on you since we met… well, officially met anyway. So, yes. I'd love to be your girlfriend." Adam let out a breath and a sigh of relief as they smiled and giggled.
"That's adorable," Kat said.
"It was perfect. Adam is very special. I'm lucky. We're taking it slow, I'm fine with that. Anyway, I need to study for the test in AP Anatomy," Jesse said.
"Do you want some help?" Tanya asked.
"No, I'll be fine," Jesse said walking over to the lockers and opening her and Adam's shared locker getting her backpack out. Jesse turned back around and watched the class for a second from the locker. Adam looked over and quickly winked at her. Jesse smiled and walked to a free table.
The rest of the rangers went off to start their weekend. Billy went to work in the Power Chamber with Alpha and Zordon, Kat and Tanya went shopping, Rocky finished his and Adam's class and went to get rest for a date he had later, but Adam had to take over Tommy's three hours of classes while he went and spent the weekend with David.
After all the classes Adam showered and changed into clean clothes. He wore jeans and a green t-shirt with a green sweater that was a tad too big for him to match Jesse's green shirt and black skirt. He walked out of the locker room and saw Jesse still studying.
"Man, she's going to overdo it again."
Adam walked up to Jesse's table and playfully covered her eyes with his hands.
"Guess who!" he laughed.
"Who could it be?" she responded sarcastically, then removed his hands and turned around. "Just who I was hoping for," she stood up and hugged him.
"Sorry about earlier. It slipped my mind that I had to teach today," Adam said.
"Don't worry about it. I needed to study anyway," she said with her arms hanging around his neck. Adam had his arms resting around her waist.
"How is it going?"
"I need a break. I feel like I'm dying," Adam giggled.
"Why don't you put your books away, let me take you out for a while, then we'll come back here and I'll help you study. You really do need a break."
"That sounds great," Jesse said. Adam helped Jesse pack her study materials into her backpack and put it in their shared locker.
They walked for the door smiling and laughing. They walked to downtown Angel Grove, which wasn't too far from the school.
"Let's go see your pieces on display at the art show at the museum," Adam said.
"I hope people liked them," Jesse said nervous.
"Don't worry about it. The pieces are great. I'm sure they went over well,"
"Hope so… so, how is your piano piece going by the way?"
"Getting better, but I'm no Skull. What about your violin?"
"I love the violin," she smiled.
"You were great the other day during class. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch you," Jesse blushed.
"Have you learned our duet yet?"
"The Mozart Sonata? I'm working on it," he said nervously.
"We'll work on it this week after school," Jesse and Adam walked into the museum, it was full of art work by students of Angel Grove and Stone Canyon. Jesse submitted a couple pieces of her own for the student contests. Jesse and Adam spent hours in the art room at school and back at Jesse and Tommy's place going over her different pieces.
They decided to submit the drawing of the Power Rangers she had shown them when they first met for the 2D competition and a life-sized model bust of the Green Zeo Ranger helmet made of coper wire and paper mache then painted for the 3D competition. Adam and Jesse had spent hours working on the bust. Adam was great with the coper wiring. He helped her mold it to the right shape, using his helmet for comparison.
Jesse and Adam walked around the art show looking at the other student's art work. A lot of it was Power Ranger themed. It made Jesse nervous. While Jesse was talking to a classmate, Adam slipped away to check out the helmet.
"First place!" Adam thought. "Jesse has to see this."
Adam walked back over to Jesse, who was talking to another guy. He was tall like her brother and had short blonde hair and wore jeans and a black hoodie. Adam tapped her on the shoulder.
"There you are. Adam, this is my classmate, Edward. And Edward, this is my boyfriend, Adam," the two boys shook hands.
"So, I finally meet the famous Adam I hear so much about," Edward said. "Jesse and I have art together. She's probably better than anyone else in class."
"It's nice to meet you. Yeah, Jesse is talented. My parent's house is full of her paintings, drawings, and photography. They even asked her to commission a few pieces," Jesse blushed.
Adam's family decided it was time that he introduce them to Jesse. Something that he had never done before. But he knew his family would love Jesse just as much as he did.
"Hey Jesse," he said as he walked up to her in the park. Jesse was working on another one of her paintings while looking out over the lake.
"Hey, Adam. What do you think of my work?" she was painting the lake with the hills of Angel Grove looking over it.
"It's beautiful. Can we talk?" he asked.
"Sure," Jesse set her brush down, took off her painting apron, hung it on the back of her easel, and walked over to the edge of the lake with Adam. "What's up?" she smiled.
"I showed my family that picture of me you drew. They loved it."
"That's so great!"
"Yeah, they framed it and hung it above the mantel. Then they said they wanted to meet you. They want to have you over for dinner tonight. I would love it if you came," Adam flashed his smile he knew Jesse couldn't say no to.
"I would love to… I'm a little nervous though. I hope they like me…"
"I know they will," he softly held her hands and smiled as he looked into her bright shiny eyes.
"I have to go help get the house ready. I'll pick you up at 6:00," he said and softly kissed her on the cheek.
"I'll make sure to wear something nice," Jesse said. Adam smiled and walked back to his car. Jesse sighed and started packing up her painting supplies.
6:00 came faster than Jesse wanted it to. Jesse had gone home, showered and got all the paint off her hands, changed into a black knee length halter top style dress with a kelly green cardigan over it and black dress shoes. She straightened and parted her hair to the left. She had her communicator on one wrist and a simple silver bracelet Adam gave her on the other. Jesse finished getting ready right before Adam arrived to pick her up.
Adam knocked on the door as she was looking in the mirror. Jesse ran to the door and opened it.
"Wow, you look beautiful," he said.
"You look great yourself," Adam had changed into black slacks and a forest green button up dress shirt.
"Ready?"
"As I'll ever be I guess," Jesse responded as they walked out to the car. Jesse was still nervous to meet Adam's family. She wanted to make a good impression on them. They arrived at his house a few minutes later.
"Hello, Jesse, welcome to our home," Mrs. Park said as they walked inside.
"Thank you, Mrs. Park," she was a short Korean woman with a heavy accent and had a green button-down shirt and black pants on. Mr. Park was standing behind her. He was a tall American man and was matching with his wife.
"If only they knew why we wear these colors," Jesse thought.
"So, Jesse, Adam tells us you were the one who is behind this masterpiece," she said pointing to the drawing of her son above the mantel. Jesse walked over to it.
"Yes… that was me. I wouldn't call it a masterpiece though," Jesse said.
"You did an excellent job, miss Jesse," Mr. Park said. "And we've heard nothing but good things from our son about you. We're very impressed with your work."
"Well, thank you so much," she blushed.
"In fact, the house is looking a little... what's the word you young people use? Drab? Yes, drab. Do you think you could make us some artwork for the house? We would pay you for your work,"
"Oh! Umm… Adam, what do you think?"
"You should do it," he said encouraging her.
"Then I would love to. But you don't have to pay me."
"I insist. Just do whatever you comes to mind. No pressure. Just have fun with it," Jesse looked around the house.
"Well… maybe over here in the hallway I could do a painting, something like the Japanese garden… I think that would be perfect. And I'll talk with Adam on some other ideas," she said getting excited.
"Sounds perfect."
"Wow," Edward said, "No one else is getting commissions."
"Well, I don't want to brag about it. And some people would just say it's just my boyfriend's family and it doesn't count. So, I just don't talk about it. But it doesn't make it any less special. Adam's family is great."
"Yeah, they are," Adam cut in. "But, there's something I wanted to show you."
"Oh, ok. Edward we'll catch you around," he nodded and walked away. "What did you want to show me, Adam?"
"You'll see," he smiled and led her to the 3D competition. "Look," he said pointing to the helmet with a blue first place ribbon placed on the name card.
"Oh my gosh…" Jesse placed her hand over her mouth. "It got first place!" she said excited as she turned to Adam and hugged him.
"Congratulations," he said smiling and hugging her. They looked into each other's eyes. Adam's heart pounded faster than it ever had before, even more than when they lose their Dino powers and the Command Center blew up.
"It's now or never, Adam," he thought. Adam moved his arms down to Jesse's waist and pulled her in close and slowly leaned his head close to her. He closed his eyes and placed his lips against hers and slowly kissed her and pulled away a few seconds later. The both smiled and leaned back in for a second kiss. This time moving their lips together in a sweet lip lock for a few seconds before pulling away.
"Perfect," Jesse giggled.
"Woo! Alright, get it, Adam!" A boy's voice said. Jesse and Adam turned around.
"Hey!" he said walking over to the guy and high-fived him. He was Adam's height, had lighter hair and wore a Stone Canyon High School shirt and shorts. "Come here," Adam said. Jesse joined them.
"Never thought you'd have the guts to finally kiss a girl, Park. A cute girl at that. What are you doing with this guy?" he asked.
"Very funny, Tyler. This is my girlfriend. And this is Tyler. He's a friend from Stone Canyon."
"A friend who came in second to some guy named Jesse in the 3D competition. That helmet isn't even original. Everyone did Power Rangers…" he said jealous. "I'd like to meet Jesse. Find out how much he paid the judges."
"Well, uh, we've met. Hi, I'm Jesse. And that's my green Zeo Ranger helmet. Actually, Adam helped."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm just upset. I worked hard on my model," Tyler had created a model of an old timey car.
"And it looks awesome!" Jesse said. "Second place is nothing to be ashamed of. You'll get it next time."
"Well, thanks. So, what are you guys going to do after this?" Tyler asked.
"I promised Jesse I would help her study at the Youth Center," Adam responded.
"On a Saturday? Well, you always were studying whenever you got a chance…"
"Yeah, I was," Adam said rubbing his neck.
"Well, catch up with me some time, you still owe me a soccer rematch."
"Alright, you're on," he laughed. Tyler waved good bye and walked back to his project. "He was on my soccer team. We were always practicing against each other."
"I guess you won the last one?"
"Yeah. He's still sore about it," Adam laughed. The couple left the art museum and walked back to the Youth Center. Adam grabbed a table as Jesse got her study materials from their locker and sat down with Adam to start studying.
Late that night after hours of studying they finished going over everything Jesse needed.
"Alright, that was the question on your study guide. You got every answer right. You'll ace that test," Adam said proud of Jesse's hard work.
"Finally, I don't think I could study another word. Let's go put this stuff up," Jesse and Adam walked over to the lockers and put up Jesse's backpack. As she closed the locker she starred into Adam's deep eyes. He wrapped his strong arms around her tiny waist and deeply kissed her, not wanting to release her. Jesse wrapped her arms around his neck.
As they were engulfed in this private moment of passion by the lockers Tanya and Kat had walked down the hall of the Youth Center intending to check on Jesse. As they turned the corner Tanya stopped Kat.
"Kat…" she whispered pointing at them. Jesse was leaning against the locker still kissing Adam. A moment later they broke their embrace and smiled. Tanya and Kat walked up to them giggling.
"Well, we see you went from studying anatomy to studying Adam," Kat joked. Adam and Jesse looked over their shoulders and turned away from them. Wiping their faces and fixing their hair. Adam's face turning beat red.
"How long have you been there?" Jesse asked.
"Long enough," Tanya joked. "Sorry about that. We wanted to make sure you weren't over doing studying again. We didn't realize we would run into you guys making out."
"Well, what can say? He's a good kisser," Adam's face went another shade darker.
"How cute," Kat said. "Are you done studying?"
"Yeah, I can't even look at another word. What are you guys up to?"
"Well, since Tommy is out of town we were going to meet up with Rocky and Billy and watch a movie," Kat said.
"Hey, I've got a great idea. Why don't you all come over to my place for the night? Tommy's family is also out of town for the week. They don't mind it when we have people over," Jesse said.
"That sounds great," Adam said finally coming out of his embarrassment.
"Alright, well why don't we each grab some food, make it like a potluck, you guys go pack a bag, and meet back up at my place in an hour?" Jesse asked.
"Sounds like a plan," Tanya said excited as the group left the Youth Center. "Alright, we'll go back to our place and pick up Billy on the way. You and Adam pick up Rocky," the group nodded and went to their cars.
Jesse and Adam drove away in Adam's car he had left in the parking lot earlier in the day since he prefers walking. "Hey Jesse, sorry about earlier… that was kind of embarrassing," Adam said.
"What was so embarrassing about?" she asked concerned.
"I guess it's not embarrassing, it's just not something I'm used to being confronted about," he said.
"Twice in one day," Jesse added.
"Well, Tyler's just Tyler," he laughed.
"Alright, well, Adam why don't you drop me off at my house, go pick up Rocky, and grab some food while I straighten up the house,"
"Are you sure you'll be ok?"
"Adam, it's my house. Nothing is going to happen."
"The Machine Army has been acting weird lately. I just want to make sure you're safe," he said worried.
"Nothing is going to happen. If they were going to attack they would have by now," Adam sighed.
"You're right," Adam pulled up in the driveway of Jesse and Tommy's place. "Just be careful," he said lightly stroking her hand.
"I'll lock the door until you guys get here. Hurry back," Jesse leaned over and quickly kissed Adam. He smiled as she got out of the car and walked inside the house before driving away. While the other were preparing to spend the night with Jesse, she was hard at work cleaning up the house, which wasn't actually messy. She moved the coffee table out of the living room and pushed it against the glass back door that led to the backyard, unfolded the cots the got the last time the team stayed the night and set them up in front of the couch, and wiped up a salad she had intended on making tomorrow. She set the six spaces at the table and grabbed a book to read on the couch until the Power Rangers arrived.
Twenty minutes later there was a knock on the door. Jesse closed her book, walked over to the door, looked out the peephole, and opened the door. It was Adam returning with Rocky. They set their bags down by the couch and took their additions to dinner into the dining room.
"You've been busy," Adam commented looking around the living room.
"I just figured you wanted a break from Adam," Rocky joked.
"Funny Rocky," Adam responded sitting down on the couch.
"Hey, if you can't joke with our best friend, who can you joke with?" Rocky said playfully pushing his shoulder. Adam laughed.
"Just like boys," Jesse laughed. A few minutes later Kat, Tanya and Billy showed up.
"Now it's a party," Tanya said as they entered the house. The group laughed.
"Good to see you, Billy," Jesse said walking up to him.
"Good to be seen. I feel like I live at the Power Chamber,"
"Yeah, I feel you. That's how I felt when everyone got turned into kids. Except, I did live there for a couple weeks. But come on let's eat!" Jesse walked everyone to their seats in the dining room. Tanya, Kat, and Billy brought their food in and place it next to the others on the giant dinner table. They went around the table showing what they brought.
"I just made a salad," Jesse said.
"I brought some fried rice. Because I know how much Jesse likes it," Adam said.
"Well, I think that fried rice will go perfect with the shrimp I brought," Kat said.
"You know how much I love my tamales," Rocky added.
"I brought some homemade Jambalaya," Tanya said.
"And I brought some guacamole cheeseburgers," Billy said.
"Everything looks so good," Kat said.
"I agree, let's eat!" Jesse said. The group of teenagers dug into the delicious looking food. After dinner, they moved to the living room. Tanya, Kat, Billy and Rocky sat down on the cots as Jesse and Adam sat on the couch and enjoyed a movie Rocky brought. Adam put his arm around Jesse and she snuggled up to him and laid her head on his shoulder. One-by-one the teenagers fell asleep during the movie.
The next morning, Adam awoke to the sound of their jingle going off. He looked around and groggily answered the call.
"This is Adam," he moaned still half-asleep.
"Adam, I'm sorry to wake you all up," Zordon started. "You and the rest of the group teleport to the Power Chamber immediately. It's an emergency,"
"Alright, I'll wake the others," he responded. He gently shook Jesse who was sound asleep in his arms. "Hey, wake up," he said softly. Jesse opened her eyes and rubbed her face. "We need to go to the Power Chamber. Help me wake the others. Zordon said it's an emergency." Hearing that Jesse shot up and started waking the others.
"Guys, get up. We have an emergency…"