The Sun, The Moon and The Stars

Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers.

:: Sorry for the late update! Thank you for everyone who had reviewed the last chappie. I'm glad to know that you're still reading this story. Hope you like this one.

Chapter Eleven: That's the Way It Goes

Kim put her chin on the back of her hands, feeling bored out her mind. She never thought history would be this boring. Half of the class had dozed off; including Bulk who she observed had drooled over his book. Cringing in disgust, she turned her head from the unappealing sight back to the blackboard where Mr. Archer had hanged the world's map.

Last night's sleep had been uneasy and when she woke up, she found herself more tired than before she went to bed. Crossing her legs, Kim began to make a sketch of a cocktail dress in the last page of her notebook. Just two more hours… two more hours and she could go home, get the much needed sleep and not wake up until Christmas came. What a perfect mental image, she mentally applauded herself.

All of a sudden, a small piece of wadded paper landed on her table. Rising a curious brow, Kim looked at her right and saw Aaron giving her a half smirk half smile. Keeping one eye at her history teacher, she carefully rolled the paper open. Her smile faded when there's nothing in it. When she looked back at the man who now she'd considered as her friend, Aaron's shoulders rose in a shrug.

Kim sighed softly and put the paper in her pencil case. Tomorrow was Tommy's birthday. Well, that's not quite right since there wouldn't be a 29th this year but just like Tommy had said, March 1st would be his birth day. She pretended to look at the clock at the back of the class as she secretively stole a glance towards her 'boyfriend'. Regrettably, he was watching her and she quickly flashed him a bashful grin.

Viola had prolonged her stay in America and Kim couldn't say that she's thrilled with the news. There's an earthquake in Osaka, the prefecture where she's currently living and her school was almost 'perfectly' demolished. Having nothing else to do with her study, Viola simply requested for another week in the US. She had been incredibly happy, saying that she could celebrate Tommy's birthday after having missed it for two years in a row. Blame Kim if she had another thought about it. It's pretty obvious that Viola was more than a little territorial when it had come to, say, Tommy.

Tommy was right. They still needed to talk, but with Vi around, it's unlikely going to happen anytime soon. Feeling somewhat guilty, Kim was relieved that Vi was not that bold to follow him around to school.

Kim almost jumped when another paper hit her hand and broke her reverie. She released her pencil and put the paper on her lap to read Aaron's message. Still nothing. Trying to ignore the other six papers that followed, Kim ripped a paper from her notepad and wrote, 'Don't be such a jerk. You're littering! And YOU have to throw all this trash away.'

'Do you notice he always wipes his forehead every five minutes? One paper for each time he takes out his hankie.'

Stifling her laugh, Kim replied at his message. 'And I thought you loved this subject so much… I should've known better.'

'You looked so bored. I just tried to lighten up the mood.'

Despite her annoyance, Kim wrote back. 'I appreciate that.'

'You know, your boy Tommy is staring at me with killer eyes.' Was written in block capital letters. After reading the sentence, Kim had to fight the urge to turn around and see if Aaron wasn't pulling her legs. So? Even if that's right, Tommy'd given her full permission to like Aaron, not that she needed it though. Tommy was one complicated man and she desperately wanted to unveil the mystery clouding around him. Sometimes she felt like she had known him forever, yet there were a few occasions where he would be totally unreadable; as if she hardly knew him.

'So maybe it's the right time to end this conversation. You may continue to watch Mr. Archer whole heartedly and tell me at the end of the class how many times he wipes his forehead.'

Aaron's usually impassive face broke into a mischievous grin. He leaned back, trying to make himself more comfortable in the not so comfortable chair. He frequently tossed one or two papers at the brunette sitting next to him.

Kim wrote down the basic information without really paying any attention. Her mind went back to something that Trini'd said; something that bothered her big time.

"Kimberly, seems like you and Aaron are getting close,"

It's true though. They're friends now, or at least she thought so. It's still amazed her at how easy she forgave him for what he did to her. Something that she couldn't deny was Aaron was getting closer to her. He was much a gentleman now than he had been years ago.

"He's being so friendly lately," Trini said softly. Kim could hear the concern lacing her bestfriend's voice. "Just… be careful, okay?"

Now that Trini had mentioned it…It's true that Aaron displayed more hospitality towards her more than usual. She didn't really aware of it before but yeah… he did. That one time in the Oliver's was one example. But she thought it was just a friendly gesture and nothing more.

Kim silently chewed her salad while listened to Tommy's father's story about his recent business trip to Nepal. Tommy sat beside her while Viola placed herself on the other side of him. Jane had invited Jason, Alex and Aaron as well so it was quite a big feast they had. Putting down her fork, her eyes met Aaron's and for a while she thought he's going to laugh at her for a reason that she didn't know.

He touched the edge of his lips with his index- finger and nodded at her. Feeling somewhat clueless, Kim stared at him with confusion. When she finally understood what he meant, Aaron and Tommy'd simultaneously raised their napkins and reached out their hands. They stopped out cold when they realized what was happening.

To erase the sudden awkwardness, Kim laughed and grabbed her own napkin, wiping her lips. "Oh wow, I've made a mess of myself,"

Aaron smirked and continued eating but Tommy seemed a little restless after that. The tension was there…

Aaron gave her a questioning look when he caught Kim's eyes on him. She shook her head and looked down, breaking the eye contact. Talking about Tommy… She had been planning this out since that day they're having BBQ in his house, so yeah, this better be working.

--

Tommy closed the martial arts magazine Ernie had lent him and put it on the nightstand. He stretched his arms out, letting out a big yawn. He stripped down to his black boxer and scooted under the covers. Even sparring for three hours nonstop wouldn't hurt his muscles like accompanying Viola going shopping. Not that he didn't appreciate Viola's being there, but she was tiring him out. She dragged him along to the mall where she spent nearly six full hours checking out the new fashion or whatever. Zack'd told him about Kim's infamous hobby but he didn't think Kim would be as bad as Vi. He was a bit guilty for thinking like this, but with Vi following him around, it felt like an invansion to his privacy.

At the end of the day, he was beat and still hadn't talked with Kim about the topic they seemed to avoid.

Tomorrow was his birthday and Kim still hadn't given him the answer to the 'date' he'd asked. Tommy buried his head in his pillow when he remembered about Viola's promise to make his birthday an unforgettable one. He got a hunch that tomorrow's going to be another stressful, exhausting day. With that in mind, his eyes drifted shut. He was in the middle dreaming of drowning in the Atlantic Ocean when a sudden voice pricked his ears. There're consistent knocks on his window, but maybe they were parts of his dreams. Too tired to care, Tommy simply rolled over and resumed his sleep. Alas, the voice kept going and going.

Growling, Tommy lazily strode to his window and pushed the curtain aside. He opened the window and groggily looked down. A grinning Kimberly Hart greeted his eyes and the sleepiness vanished under a second. Blinking twice, he ensured himself that he wasn't seeing things or dreaming; that it was really her standing in that white sweater.

"Hey, you," Kim said loud enough for him to hear and waved her hand.

"What are you doing here?" Tommy hissed and drew in a breath, carefully keeping his voice low. Viola was sleeping next door and it wouldn't do anything to him if she heard him talking with… Kim. She really was here; the person he was dying to see was standing right there. "Stay right where you are," He pulled back and quickly threw on his jeans and shirt.

He managed to sneak out of the house without waking the whole house and for that he was extremely grateful. Kim was waiting for him in the driveway, the night breeze playing with her ponytail.

"Kimberly,"

She looked up, her eyes shining with mirth. "Look at the birthday boy,"

"W-what?" Tommy stammered.

Frowning, Kim lifted her left hand and glanced at her watch. "Well, unless my watch is wrong, it's 00.07 now so technically it's your birthday already,"

"What are you doing here?" Tommy asked frustated. He pulled her arm and dragged her to the swing near the front porch. "It's late, Kim,"

"I want to congratulate you," She said with a slight pout. "You don't seem to appreciate it, though,"

Of course he appreciated her. If it was possible, all he wanted to do was to sweep her in his arms and never let go for at least two days. Sound too sapy for his liking, but what's the point in denying it? "Sorry, I'm overreacting,"

Kim waved it off and said, "So, I take it that I'm the first person who congratulates you, aren't I? Or that little cousin of yours is?"

Laughing, Tommy walked to sit on the swing. He patted the empty spot next to him and Kim soon followed. "What do you mean little? Even Erick could tell that she's far taller than you," Kim glared at him. He looked for her car but didn't see it anywhere. "Where's your car? Did you walk here?"

"Mom's away for a week. Work's problem. She took the car with her so it left me with a few options,"

"Kim, I appreciate your attempt to come here all the way from your house. But it's not necessary! It's midnight and you're a girl. It's not safe for you to walk here, alone,"

"I didn't know that you cared so much about me," Kim said with a half smirk.

"You're my girlfriend," Tommy fired back. "I don't want anything to happen to you," He turned to face her and saw Kim giggle. "What's so funny?"

"You sound like my father," She teased. "I'm fine, okay. I might be a girl but I can take care of myself," Feeling him started to argue, Kim raised her hand to stop him from lecturing her any further. She shoved her hand inside her pocket and pulled out a dark blue handkerchief. "This, is your birthday present," Kimberly unfolded the cloth, revealing a necklace it it.

"You don't have to give me anything," Tommy said while Kim struggled with the snatch. He reached his hand and carefully touched the pendant, an arrowhead. "Really,"

"You're my boyfriend," Kim returned, feeling a flush warm her cheeks. She stole a glance at him just to see him smirking. "What if someone asked you what'd your girlfriend get you for your birthday? You can show off this necklace then. Here, let me put it on," She leaned forward and helped him fasten the necklace around his neck. She let the moment linger a bit longer, all the while enjoying the closeness. Tommy smelled so good!

"Thanks," Tommy murmured self-consciously after she pulled back.

"You're welcome," Kim sat back. "I found it in an antique shop. Somehow it screamed 'that's a perfect gift for Tommy!' so I bought it,"

"So you're thinking about me?" Tommy remarked and Kim rolled her eyes. "Weren't you?"

"Maybe," Kim shrugged and sank deeper into her seat, leaning her head against the back of the wooden swing. She remembered she always asked her father for a swing like this one when she was little but never actually obtained it.

"Looks like you and Aaron were having so much fun this afternoon," Tommy said quitely. Kim mumbled something incoherent in return. His feet left the ground and the swing started moving.

Tonight was a beautiful night and Kim was feeling tremendously happy. Talking about Aaron always led them to fighting and she would hate to spoil the night. There's still many thing to talk about, but tonight wasn't the time. "Mr. Archer's class is always boring and you chose to distance yourself from me. I was wondering if you just didn't want me to disturb your concentration,"

"I came late to class and you didn't save me a seat," Tommy said, nudging her gently. Before she got the chance to respond, he changed the topic swiftly. "You don't like rain, do you, Kim?" He recalled her confession to him about her phobia. That's why she left her tent to sleep inside the house. Tommy tried to ignore the image of Kim sleeping on Aaron's lap but man, was it hard. He wanted her not to get any closer to Aaron but decided against being selfish. Besides, it was not his place to do so.

"I used to like it," Kim admitted guiltily. "When my parents were fighting… It helped a lot. The sound of the rain hitting my window, the thunderclap… They dampened the yelling and the screaming. But yes, now I find them very frightening, especially when I'm alone,"

"People are most scared when they're alone," Tommy took her hand and gaze it a squeeze. He didn't let go, in fact he entwined their fingers together and felt Kim grasping his hand tighter at his statement.

"Hey! Look at that! A shooting star! Quick, make a wish!" Kim out of the blue exclaimed, her free hand pointing at the sky. She closed her eyes, a gentle smile playing at the corner of her lips. Tommy laughed at her enthusiasm.

"You believe in that stuff?" He asked, his face brightening.

Kim opened her eyes and poked him, feeling slightly offended. "Of course I do. And don't start saying, 'what a typical thing for a girl to say'!"

"I didn't say anything," He chided her with a laugh though he felt a flash of satisfaction.

"No, you didn't, but I could see it in your eyes," Kim replied. "Then again, you should be happy, Tommy. That's a good sign. I'm sure you will have a very magnificent birthday,"

"Won't I? What's your wish anyway?" The petite girl looked at him as if he was stupid and he quickly added, "Sorry. It's supposed to be a secret," Kim smiled at him and for a while she felt like anything else didn't matter anymore. "Anyway, if you're offered to go back in time and fix the mess you've made, will you do that?"

Kim looked thoughtful and her lips curled into a pout. To add to Tommy's surprise, Kim's head landed on his shoulder. His body tensed, if only for a while before he relaxed and rested his head against hers. "I don't know. I mean, I made a lot of mistakes in the past and getting an opportunity to fix them… That's a tempting offer,"

"I'm sensing a 'but' coming,"

"But will you really do it? Just as you've known, experiences are the best teacher and they make you the way you are now," Kim paused then burst out laughing. "Now I sound like my Dad. That's way awful," She cleared her throat and closed her eyes, letting the gentle sway of the wing and Tommy's presence soothe her. "Back to your question, no, I think I'll pass. Rather than wondering 'what if', I believe it's better to think what you have to do so you won't make the same mistakes. The past is in the past, let's live for the present and the future,"

Tommy was silent as he considered all of this for a moment. "That's deep,"

"Hmm," The long day had begun to catch up with her and Kim fought a yawn.

Tommy looked down at Kim and was mesmerized by the sight of her sleeping against him. Her jasmine shampoo filled his nose and those lips looked so… kissable. Instead of kissing those moist, pink lips, he pressed a chaste kiss against her head. The gesture seemed to wake Kim from her nap up short.

"Oh, I fell asleep, didn't I?" Kim gasped and wiped her eyes. "Well, Tommy, you got your present and now it's time for me to go home," She gently extricated her hand from his and stood up.

"I'm walking you home and that's that," Tommy told her and followed her walking across the yard. Kimberly walked fast for someone with a pair of legs like hers. Suddenly he stopped and swirled around. He felt a weird feeling as if he was being watched.

"Tommy?"

"Nothing. Come on," He took her hand and was relieved that she didn't pull away.

--

Kim was walking towards the Youth Center entrance when someone called her name. Turning around, she saw Aaron approaching her. "What are those?" She asked him, looking at several medium sized boxes in his arms. She picked some of them and he grinned at her.

"Thanks. These are paper glasses Ernie asked me to buy," Aaron explained.

"Don't tell me you're the new part-timer Ernie mentioned yesterday," Kim's eyes widened. Aaron was surely experiencing such a major transformation.

"I have nothing else to do, so why not? By the way, is that a new shirt? Looks good on you," He said with a leer that made Kim grow uncomfortable. She nervously looked down at her violet sleeveless top. Well, he's right. It was new, but there's no need to tell him that.

"How about you? I'm nearly melting here and you're wearing black?" Kim pointed out half jokingly, needing something to cover her embarrassment.

Aaron gave her a look but said nothing. "By the way, what date was yesterday?"

"The 28th,"

"Then what date's today?"

"Are you trying to be funny?" Kim said, shooting him an uncertain look.

"And are you trying to be sarcastic? Funny, Kim," Aaron opened the door with his elbow, holding it for a moment to let Kim go inside. "Today's Tommy's birthday, isn't it?"

"Yes," Last night went well and she hoped nothing would ruin tonight's dinner. Was that too much to ask? He hadn't told her where he would bring her, which she thought was silly since he's the one celebrating his birthday and not her, but he promised the place was nice.

Tommy held her hand the entire way home yesterday, and her heart nearly burst at the simple yet sweet gesture. She had hoped he would, ehm, kiss her last night, but she had to be content with the lingering hug they shared. Tonight though, it would be extremely different. Emphasize at the word extremely. She would make the first move and kiss him. Yeah, that sounds crazy, but she knew she was crazy. Didn't that make life get more interesting?

Aaron stopped his steps and went totally paused. Kim followed his gaze and she could relate why he was so shocked. Tommy and Viola were standing in front of a trash bin a few feet from them and they were kissing. The younger girl had her back towards them and despite her superior height, she still had stand on the top of her toes. Vi held the side of Tommy's face.

Kimberly felt a sudden wave of nausea hit her, her blood rushing in her ears.

A big part of her was jealous and angry, but what could she do, really? As much as she hated to admit this fact, Tommy was really not her boyfriend. He could do anything he wanted, but… but what about their agreement? Heck, at least he should choose a more private place. Almost every teenager in AG went to the Youth Center to hang out with their friends and they kissed there? Not a very bright move, Kim would say.

Was this what Tommy's feeling when he saw her and Aaron together that night?

"Hey, won't you do anything? That's your man," Aaron said meaningfully. Blinking back the angry/upset tears, Kim stared at him for a moment then grabbed his hand.

"Let's go,"

:: That seems to be the right place to end this chapter. I know I'm evil, but at least there're cute TK moments ;) I wish this chapter can make up for the lack of updates. Thank you for reading and please review, let me know that you're still with me. No flame though. Thanks!

- Yuuri