Zaley Love: Saying sorry doesn't seem good enough. Honestly life has become insanely hectic and I rarely have time to write. But I can make more of an effort to be writing now, recently made a career change and I no longer work nights! I work 40+ work weeks but I still should be able to make more time to write. And I do sincerely apologize for leaving the story hanging for so long! I have missed writing it and will be making more of an effort to continue in writing it.

DISCLAIMER: You know the drill; Power Rangers aren't mine, but the Gem Force is. Charlie, Gwen, Edmund, all space beings and earth thugs; yeah, they're from my mind. ^^

Angel Grove, CA

Jason's House

After all the excitement of crafting the rings, most of the group broke off to go grab a bite to eat at Ernie's, all but Vera and Kim. Both women just needed some quiet time, and Kim could tell that Vera needed a friend.

"I can't imagine what you're going through Ve-"

"Actually I believe that you and Tommy are the only two who can even remotely understand." Vera interrupted that statement with her thought, looking at Kim with her penetrating violet eyes. Kim averted her gaze, her face becoming slightly flushed. She felt like a child in the presence of such a strong and dominant female.

"Kim... I did not mean to upset you. I just believe that you can partially grasp a fraction of the pain I am experiencing simply because you carry around the burden of a lost love with you everywhere." She paused, crossing the room to place hands on the petite brunette's shoulders.

"The only difference is that your lost love is currently residing in the same house as you, also carrying the same burden." Vera appeared to have a knack for making the most complicated things simple. Apparently human emotional issues were her specialty. At least that's how it appeared to Kim.

"I'm sorry Vera, compared to your situation my own problem is just immature and childish. I know what I should do, but I can't seem to swallow my pride enough to simply be honest with him."

"Or yourself." Vera added, giving Kim a smile that was filled with such compassion it made Kim felt guilty that Vera was consoling her when she was the one who had just lost her husband, or mate as Vera had referred to him. Kim couldn't fathom how the woman could be so strong. Without warning, Kim wrapped Vera in a tight hug, feeling her eyes water.

"How do you do it? You felt your lover's mind being ripped away from you as he died, yet you stand tall and do your best to help solve our trivial and insignificant problems... You don't have to be so strong Vera."

"Yes, I do Kim. It is simply who I am, I cannot give into my emotions just because they are strong and painful; I have to survive." Though her eyes showed tremendous strength, Vera's voice was tired and cracked with emotion as she spoke. Kim's heart went out to the woman. Never had she met anyone quite as strong, well aside from Tommy.

"Giving in to my emotions now, when you all need someone to explain and teach; that would be selfish. Not to mention how many people's lives it could jeopardize…" Vera's voice only momentarily wavered as she swallowed past a lump in her throat. She released Kim from her hug and looked at her with an expression that conveyed her appreciation of having a friend. Back on Crystalline everyone's minds were open to one another so they were all very close knit and caring. But in her observance of the people on Earth, it seemed to be much more difficult for people to befriend one another. They kept secrets, or lied about themselves in order to impress people. And yet; Kim hardly knew her and had offered her friendship to Vera without asking for anything in return. This helped her feel a little more at home. But also intensified her missing Crystalline, her people, and her brother.

"It's not just my family, my people or my planet at risk; it's Earth too. I can't lose sight of what needs to be done, even if it means ignoring my own heartache."

"You are the strongest person I know, I just hope you realize you're not alone in this and we don't expect you to ignore your feelings just because we need some leadership. Trust me, Tommy is more than fit to lead whenever you need to be giving into your feelings and just lose it." Kim's statement brought a slight smile to Vera's lips, just as she hoped it would. She was doing her best to at least moderately lighten the mood. It hurt to see Vera so upset and so strong, especially when she knew if the roles were reversed she'd never be able to hold it together. Being apart from Tommy was hard enough, but to actually lose him… the thought sent chills through her spine. She'd be an absolute mess if she were in Vera's place.

"Why dwell on what it'd be like to lose someone if you're going to refuse to own up to your feelings for them?" There Rue was again, making more sense than Kim cared to acknowledge. Why did it make so much sense when other people summed it up and yet when she tried to talk to him… She shook her head. It was a lot more complicated in her head, but the second people started explaining their opinions and thoughts it all made sense. At least it did whenever Vera and Rue voiced their opinions. And of course whenever she actually did speak with Tommy, he always made sense too.

"Fret not; you must come to terms with things in your own time. Just know that you are never guaranteed another minute… and neither is your falcon."

Ernie's Juice Bar

"Look, all I'm saying is that you two need to stop being so damn stubborn and just have it out. Yell, cry, hug; do whatever it is that you need to so you can get back to being a team. I know when it comes down to it you'll be there for everyone and do what you've got to for the whole team. But it'll be a lot easier in the long run if you and Kim just get this all patched up." There Jason went again, trying his best to be the good friend and dish out his relationship advice. And could you blame him? When he had a near perfect relationship with Kat, it was never overly annoying to be allowing him to give his opinions on the matter. Tommy gave a rough shrug, finishing off the last of his smoothie and burger. Jason shook his head, not very impressed with Tommy's lack of a response.

"Okay look, I get it; you two have issues. But you know she never left you, that she didn't write you that letter, and that all she wanted was for you to want her; why can't you just admit to her that you've never stopped wanting her?"

"Because there's a lot more than just wanting to be together to make things work out. I hurt her. I let her go all the way to Florida thinking that I didn't want her to stay simply because I thought she wanted something else. How can I go trying to fix things with Kim, try to make it work out, when I still can't figure out what she wants?"

"Seriously man," Tommy and Jason both looked up, surprised at Charlie's entrance into the conversation as he shook his head and looked between them.

"If you can't tell after spending five minutes in a room with her that she is madly in love with you, then you're either blind or in denial. It's not that you don't know what she wants; you just don't trust yourself to be able to make it work this time. You're afraid that you'll try again and make the same mistake. And really, if you're going to act like that about it then you don't deserve to have her. I've not been around you all much, I don't know what it was like when you two were together, but I can see that you both are still gaga over one another but neither of you have the stones to admit it." With that, Charlie walked away shaking his head, obviously beyond annoyed with the ridiculous situation. Tommy stared hard after him for a moment, contemplating going after him to tell him off, but just as the thought crossed his mind; Jason started to laugh.

"You know, I think I'm starting to like him. He's got guts enough to tell you exactly what he thinks, and to walk away from you. What he said has some truth to it, that's why you're getting that irritated look. Don't try to deny it either, I know you man."

"Look, I don't want to get into it all right now. Kim has been through so much. And most of it is all because of me. I want to fix things, but I don't want to hurt her more than I already have." Tommy knew his words weren't going to be enough to satisfy Jason though, especially when his pal rolled his eyes and shoved away from the table.

"It's okay for you to be a coward when it comes to Kim, she's not like most women and you're right; she has been through a lot. So you owe it to her to either man up and be honest with yourself to give it a go; or to tell her you're too afraid and let someone else take your place." After he was finished Jason walked away, joining Edmund, Gwen, Kat and Billy at the counter, leaving Tommy in stunned silence. As much as it pained him, Jason was right. Either he stepped up and fixed things with Kim, or he let her go to be with someone else. His fist clenched tight and he fought off the anger that threatened to push the table over. He wasn't mad at Jason for being honest; he was simply mad that his friend was right. But there was no way in hell he'd let someone else be with Kim as long as he was living and breathing. Kim was his girl. IS his girl. He'd only just gotten her back in his life, he wasn't about to let his fears keep them from being together.

"I do believe you should act then, wait too long and you may just miss your chance." Tommy felt his anger simmer down and melt away as his gem spoke. There was no denying the truth in what everyone was saying; he simply needed to be more honest. He loved Kim with every fiber of his being. He'd never stopped loving her, and that was the reason why his other relationships failed.

"But enough from me, that's for you to decide." Phire stopped talking, and instead simply offered a lift in Tommy's mood. At the counter the group seemed to be preparing to head back to Jason's so Tommy stood to join them. Once in the parking lot they met up with Charlie and began to filter into the vehicles.

Back at Jason's house

Vera stood in the kitchen, watching Kim with a curious expression as she began to get out the ingredients for making some cookies. She thought it would be a good way to keep them both distracted and doing something at least a little productive.

"So you think we should do chocolate chip? Most everyone enjoys a good chocolate chip cookie." Kim asked, head in the fridge as she pulled out the milk and eggs. When Vera didn't respond, she looked over her shoulder to see the woman was over at the window looking horrified.

"I believe selecting the type of cookie is the least of our problems. Some armed men are heading up the drive, and they do not look too friendly." Vera said, pointing to two vehicles where six men piled out of. Two of which Kim recognized as the men who Charlie was somehow mixed up with. She frowned and pulled Vera away from the window and out to the back porch. She frantically dialed Jason's cell phone and led Vera out into the woods to escape.

"This isn't good, and despite what you say about being immortal, I really don't feel like pushing my luck with these guys… not again." Kim said in a hushed tone, ducking into the thick brush and waiting for Jason to answer his phone.

En route to Jason's house

Jason rolled his eyes at the moaning about him turning down the music to answer his phone when he saw Kim's name and picture lighting up the screen.

"What's u-" He got silent as Kim's voice seemed frantic on the other end.

"There are men at the house, they've got weapons. I think they're after Charlie."

"Whoa, Kim are you two still in the house?" Now others in the car looked a little worried, especially as his tone become quite serious and he'd increased the speed of the vehicle.

"No, we're hiding in the woods, but you guys need to be careful and maybe not even come back. Vera and I can find our way through the woods and meet you up the road."

"Okay, just be careful and call if you need anything." Jason said, turning on his hazard lights and pulling off the road, behind him Tommy's jeep followed suit. Kim hung up after assuring that she'd let him know if they needed help.

"What are you doing Jason?" Kat asked curiously, looking rather worried herself.

"Kim said she and Vera and hiding in the woods. Some armed men showed up at the house, she recognized a few as some of the guys after Charlie." Jason got out of the car, followed by Kat as Tommy approached.

"Kim called me, she and Vera are gonna trek through the woods and meet us up the road. There are several armed men at the house looking for Charlie; I figured it might be a good idea for us to hang back and maybe go on foot to meet them in the woods." Tommy's face showed signs of worry that were quickly replaced by determination.

"We can stay at my parent's old house. I haven't gone there in years myself, but it's empty and secluded. I'll lead the way after we get the girls. I just wonder how these guys found your place, I used to get lost coming out here."

"You can't underestimate Vince." This time it was Charlie. His hands in his pockets as he shook his head and looked at them somberly with apologetic eyes, it was clear to see that he had never intended for this to happen.

"I'm sorry that I've roped you all in with my issues with this guy, but apparently there is no getting out alive if you're trying to leave Vince. I think I should go and try to handle things with h-"

"No, that would be suicide. We're just gonna get the girls out and get out of here before someone gets hurt." Tommy interrupted him, feeling quite sorry for the man and his troubled history with the mobster. Who would have figured there was even a mobster in Angel Grove? Charlie gave a sigh, knowing they were right.

"We have to take care of them somehow, they won't stop looking for me and they will get more aggressive and violent."

"That's why we're involving the police." Kat piped up, having just gotten off her own phone.

"While the Power Rangers can handle lots of messes, this is a job that is best handled by police officers. They're getting in some back-up from the surrounding counties, but they are aware of the situation and will handle this. Apparently they've been looking for this Vince fellow." Charlie's face looked shocked, mostly at the thought that he'd never considered involving the authorities. Kat was one smart dame.

"Gotta admit that she's a quick thinker and definitely handled that well." Tommy said with a smile, though it faltered as his eyes drifted to the outline of the woods. The other's followed his gaze and Jason looked down at his phone.

"Should we start making ou-"

"Look! There they are! Wait, I think one of them is hurt!" Gwen called out, pointing in the direction of the wood's outline up the road. Indeed there both women were, but they were moving slow and Vera was leaning on Kim. Kim caught sight of them and waved with a hand, though quickly using it to grab a more steady hold of Vera. She was limping and Kim's ripped shirt was already covered with blood where she'd tried to make a quick bandage on her friend's leg.

"She was shot by a Klyptoid!" Kim called out, the guys already halfway to meeting up with them. Charlie and Jason relieved Kim of Vera, who seemed to be losing consciousness. Once no longer propping up Vera, Kim found herself in a strong, warm embrace. She didn't need to see him to know it was Tommy holding her tightly, she just knew. She began to return the hug, but flinched as his embrace was rather tight and applied too much pressure to the wound on her side. She let out a slight cry of pain and Tommy realized she was hurt.

"No, no I'm fine. We need to tend to Vera. I was only grazed, she lost a lot of blood and-" Tommy took this moment to take her face in his hand and gently hold her for a moment, looking in her eyes with such strong emotion before he dipped down to give her a deep, tender kiss.

(Since simply saying sorry didn't seem like a good enough apology; I wanted to give you all a chapter ending with a great Tommy and Kim moment. I'll do better at being more active with updating, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It was a little long winded and it might be a little hard to follow. I'm a little out of habit and needed to work on it. But I do hope you still can enjoy the read. :D
~Z.L.)