Chapter 8: Conversation and Companionship

"Oh wow, that was such an amazing concert!" Kimberly exclaimed, as the two came running out the arena after the concert's conclusion. "Thank you so much for coming with me, I really needed to get away from the craziness that's going on in my life!"

"Hey, I totally understand having too many problems in your life. My own personal life is a total train wreck." Tommy laughed, as they walked along. "But how can you're life really be that bad? I mean, you have a whole group of friends, you're a former cheerleader, and your super popular! How could you possibly be unhappy with your life?"

"Well, our little group has been having a lot of problems, lately." Kimberly sighed. "We had a member leave to particulate in the Peace Conference, then Zack started fighting with everyone over the new girl joining our team, and Jason's been more and more acting like a jerk!"

"Whoa, that really does sound bad!" Tommy laughed, shaking his head. "I really can't relate to having friend problems, though. I've only had one or two friends over the years."

The two passed by a small bistro, and Tommy motioned that they should go inside, as they sat and the waiter took their order, the two continued their conversation.

"So few friends? But that's terrible!" Kimberly was aghast. "How could you have so few friends, while you were growing up?"

"Eh, back on the reservation, it always felt like it was my brother and sister and I against the world." Tommy explained. "Most of the other kids really didn't really like us, so we were kind of left to ourselves."

"Oh... well, I noticed you're really into martial arts." Kimberly replied hopefully, trying to perk things up. "What got you started into fighting."

"Actually, it was because my brother, Sam and I getting picked on at the reservation school; we got tired of getting pushed around, and decided to do something about it." Tommy explained. "When our school got a mixed martial arts sensei, I jumped at the chance to learn under her." He clenched his fists. "She taught me how to be strong, and I've never let myself be pushed around, ever again!"

"Whoa, that's totally incredible!" Kimberly replied in awe. "My childhood was just as the little girl of two rich, preppy parents. I wanted to be a gymnast, but they wanted a bubbly little cheerleader to go and watch at each game. What I wanted really didn't matter, it was all about what they decided I should be."

"Man, that really stinks." Tommy replied, shaking his head. "But my guess is they probably did what they thought was best for you, without paying any attention to what you actually wanted."

"I guess that's true. They were always worried about what I was doing, and they always were a little overprotective of me." Kimberly sighed. "It wasn't until I pulled that stupid stunt with the photo of my friend, and got myself sent to Saturday school, that they simply stopped bother me about it."

"So after you got kicked out of cheer leading squad, they just gave up on you? How disappointing of them." Tommy reached over, and put a hand under her chin. "But just as long as you don't give up on yourself, that's what's important. You're too special to give up on."

Kimberly smiled at him, and Tommy smiled back. The waiter them brought their meals, and the two began to eat.

"Mmmmm, this food is really good!" Kimberly commented, taking a bite of her pasta. "And the atmosphere in this place is really sweet! I don't get to do this very often."

"Really? Doesn't that boyfriend of yours take you around to stuff like this?" Tommy asked, taking a bite of his Italian sub. "Certainly, he takes you out for wonderful meals like these."

"Who, Jason? Nah, he's not my boyfriend." Kimberly waved a hand dismissively. "I mean, we did hit it off for awhile when our little group first hooked up, but it never went anywhere."

"Really? Well, that's his loss, not pursuing such a lovely flower such as yourself." Tommy replied, gazing int her eyes. "Say, how'd you like to meet for a movie next Friday?"

"I'd really like that, a lot." Kimberly replied, smiling at Tommy Oliver again. "Pick me up at six."

And he did take her to that movie, then to another dinner, then out paddle boasting in Angel Grove lake. Over the next several weeks, Tommy got closer and closer to the girl that was secretly the pink ranger, without pink ever realizing why Tommy was actually paying attention to her, or spending time with her.

A few weeks after their first date, Tommy actually took her to Angel Grove's hottest dance club. But when they had returned for the evening, something happened that shook Tommy Oliver to his core.

"Than you for walking me home tonight." Kimberly giggled, as they stood on the step. "I really had fun this evening, and I hope we can do something again next week."

"Hey, just tell me when." Tommy grinned, taking her hand. "I am yours to command."

"Next time, I'd like for you to come, and meet the rest of my friends." Kimberly replied. "You're something of an outcast like the rest of us, and I really think we could all be good friends."

"Are you sure about that, Kimberly?" Tommy Oliver asked, looking away. "Are you sure you really know me that well?"

Putting a hand on his face, Kimberly pulled the surprised teen close, and gave him a deep, and passionate kiss. They held like that for several moments, before Kimberly finally pulled away.

"I know you are a sweet and caring person." Kimberly replied, turning to go into the house. "And that's really all I need to know."

Tommy turned to leave, walking out of the glow of the streetlights, and stepping into the darkness, where he was so comfortable. And for the first time since becoming the green ranger, Tommy Oliver actually began to question what he was doing...