Disclaimer: I don't own the Power Rangers
Author's Notes: After the break from the last chapter, it's time to get back to the main story. This is going to feature the picnic date I've been planning.
Chapter 12: Picnic at the Beach
"Skull, are you sure you don't want any help?" Kimberly asked.
"No, thanks, I've got it." Skull answered in a strained voice.
Today, Kimberly and Skull were going on their first date since they became boyfriend and girlfriend. Instead of going to a fancy restaurant like normal couples, Skull wanted to take Kimberly on a picnic near the beach.
For the date, Skull wore a gray sleeveless shirt and blue swimming trunks in case he decided to go swimming. Of course, he still had his hat and sunglasses. Kimberly decided to wear a white knotted shirt and short jeans over her pink one-suit.
Skull insisted on doing all the heavy lifting. While Kimberly carried the picnic basket, Skull carried the beach umbrella, mini cooler, and chairs. Kimberly couldn't help but giggle at her clumsy new boyfriend struggling to hold everything.
"Okay, Skull this is a good spot." Kimberly said finally. The spot was far enough from the water so the tide wouldn't come in on them.
Skull sighed loudly as he released his hold on the items. He then let himself fall onto the warm sand. Thankfully the warm weather didn't make the sand unbearably hot.
Kimberly pulled out the blanket from the basket and laid it across the sand. Skull grabbed the umbrella and spiked it into the ground. He then opened the umbrella, but it instantly fell over because of a sudden wind. The umbrella toppled away with the wind. Skull went chasing after it and managed to catch it before it hit another couple. He then returned back to his date.
When he got back, Skull saw that Kimberly had already set up their picnic. Once again Skull spiked the umbrella into the ground again. This time it remained firmly in place.
"Yes, take that, umbrella!" Skull shouted in victory.
Triumphant, Skull sat down on the blanket with Kimberly. Of course, Kimberly had planned on what food to bring: crackers, fruit, finger sandwiches, and drinks.
"Alright, everything looks great." Skull chimed as he grabbed a finger sandwich.
Kimberly laughed and grabbed a couple of grapes and crackers.
The couple sat there for a couple minutes laughing at each other and enjoying each other's company.
"Hey, Skull can I ask you something? Kimberly asked before eating another grape.
"Sure." Skull replied as he took a bit out of his apple.
"Why me?" Kimberly said.
"What?" Skull replied.
"Why did you choose me?" Kimberly answered. "I mean, why did you pursue me? There were so many girls back in high school you could've gone out with."
Taken back, Skull merely thought for a minute while he continued to bite his apple.
"I don't know…..I guess I've always been attracted to you." Skull finally said.
"But why me?" Kimberly repeated.
"Well, I guess it was because you were the first girl who was ever nice to me." Skull answered.
"Really, when was that?" Kimberly asked.
"You don't remember?" Skull said, although he didn't seem surprised. "It was when we were in the first grade. I fell off the swings and hurt my arm. And you gave me a lollipop.
"Oh yeah, I remember." Kimberly snapped her fingers. "I guess I forgot that was you since you weren't "Skull" yet.
"Yeah, sadly I met Bulk the next year." Skull sighed. He remembered the day Bulk decided not to pound him when he stuck an ice pop down his shirt, which started their friendship. "Bulk said you guys were uncool to hang out with."
"Yeah, and that was when you guys started pulling pranks on us." Kimberly chuckled.
"Well, I did want to hang out with you guys." Skull admitted. "Whenever I saw you guys playing games together, I always wanted to join you, but Bulk said all the games you played were sissy."
"Well, Bulk probably thought once you became friends with us, you'd forget about him." Kimberly pointed out.
"Maybe you're right." Skull snorted.
"But that's all in the past." Kimberly told the boy as she scooted closer. "We're together now and that's all that matters."
"Yeah, you're right." Skull smiled. "It may have taken over ten years to do it, but it was worth the wait."
Skull leaned towards Kimberly, who does the same. At the last second, Skull backed away and let Kimberly kiss a slice of watermelon.
"Oh, Skull." Kimberly gagged.
"Now we're even." Skull guffawed. Kimberly realized he was talking about the time she promised to give him a kiss, which resulted in him kissing Bulk.
"Oh, really?" Kimberly asked playfully. She then squirted the suntan lotion all over him. Skull wiped the white lotions from his eyes and removed his now stained shirt. Kimberly was now shrieking in laughter.
"Oh, yeah, you think that's funny?" Skull said as an idea came into his head. "I think I'm going throw you in the water."
Kimberly stopped laughing. "Don't you dare, Skull."
"Oh, I think I will." Skull smiled deviously. He quickly pulled her up from the ground and carried her in his arms towards the water.
"No-No, Skull, don't-don't." Kimberly shouted as she fought to escape his grasp.
He then tossed her into the deep end of the water. Unfortunately, she quickly recovered and dragged him in with her. For the next half hour, the two played in the water together.
As the sun began to set, Skull and Kimberly started packing up their picnic. Before Skull grabbed the beach blanket, Kimberly tugged his arm.
"Skull, let's watch the sunset." Kimberly pleaded.
Skull nodded and sat back down with Kimberly. He then wrapped his towel around her.
"Thanks, Skull." Kimberly smiled.
The sun shined a ray of orange across the sky as it sank lower into the horizon.
"You know, Kimberly." Skull began. "I know we missed out a lot of time together when we were younger, but today, it felt like we were kids again."
"Yeah, you're right." Kimberly said as she beamed at Skull.
"This is kiss is going to be for real." Skull told the brunette.
Leaning in again, the two joined their mouths together into a passionate kiss as the sun went down.
Another tough chapter and probably the longest one I've spent on. I'm debating if Kimberly should tell Skull her secret. I welcome any ideas or suggestions to the story. Your feedback is important, so please review.
