New Start
By Didi
Disclaimer: I do not own the Power Rangers or any of the characters.
Summary: They're all grown up and separated. Just when you thought it was all over for the old gang, fate throws them together once more.
Rating: R for language and content at times.
Acknowledgements: StarryNights and The Girl in the Red Jacket. You guys are always so wonderfully supportive and I don't think I would be writing without people like you to egg me on. Thanks guys for everything.
Note: I am writing this story so I'm not tempted to throw something hard and deadly in frustrating moments. I'm not sure where I want to take this story but I promise to try to make it fun and interesting for everyone that reads it.
~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Twenty-Five
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
Jason Scott's Resident
138 Haven Ave.
East Brunswick, New Jersey
"Brrriiiinnnngggg....."
Rocky reached over on to the nightstand and patted around for the phone. It took him a moment but he finally got it after dropping it twice. With eyes still half closed, he mumbled, "Hello?"
"Oh , sorry. Did I wake you?" Billy said not the least bit sorry but said it out of polite habit.
"No, no," Rocky squinted at the glow in the dark face of the clock. "I'm always up at four in the morning on a Saturday when I don't have to go in for work."
"Good." Billy shifted his phone over his shoulder. He had packed his head set on his portable telephone away already. "Listen, I'm going to head home to California for a little while to see Zack and my folks before I come back here for a little more arrangements and head out toward you guys."
"That sounds great." Rocky rubbed his eyes, trying to think clearly. The eight hours spent trying to dig up more materials on the alleged misconduct of a New York state senator had sapped all his energy from the day before. Hitting the sheets only two hours before certainly didn't help his alertness.
"Aisha called the other day."
That got his attention fast. "What did she say?"
"Coming in for a week soon."
"New Jersey?"
"Maybe," he teased with a grin knowing the slight tension and attraction between his two friends. "Ask her to stay this time."
"What do you mean?" he asked cautiously.
"Rocky," he sighed. "Contrary to what you may believe, I do know about Monte Carlo?"
Rocky groaned. "How did you find out?"
"Adam passed it along when I made a slight comment that sent Aisha into a fit of coughs." Billy scratched his head. He should probably shower soon.
"It was one night." Rocky said with a sigh. He really never had any regret over it.
"And one hell of a birthday present." Billy commented. Rocky and taken Aisha to Monte Carlo for her 21st birthday where they had spent a rather interesting night from everything Billy heard.
"It was never meant to..."
"I'm teasing, Rocky. I know." Billy looked at his clock. "Go back to bed, Rocky. We'll talk later when you're more up to your game."
"Okay, good night." Rocky hung up the phone and lie back down staring at the ceiling. How the heck does Billy expect me to sleep now that he's put that particular memory back in my head?
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
Trini Kwan's Condo
168 Apple Grove Drive #A
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Tommy crept down stairs quietly, unwilling to wake Kimberly up for this. Grabbing his phone from where he had clipped in on to his belt still attached to his pants where he had left downstairs on the couch last night, he search through for the right number.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Kat." He said softly.
"Hello, Tommy." She smiled, knowing that he would call but not all together sure he remembered. "Happy Anniversary."
He sighed and sat down. "Hardly something to celebrate."
"Yes, I know. Aisha, Tanya and Billy sent flowers." Kat said looking at the white roses on her kitchen table. "They were very thoughtful."
"How are you holding up?" Tommy asked, his eyes on the six tropical fishes in the tank.
"It gets a little easier every year." Kat said quietly. "How about you?"
"I miss the child we could have had." Tommy admitted.
"I'm sorry."
"Not your fault." He sighed and leaned his head back. "Did you ever think that when we found out, it was a sign of some sort?"
Kat smiled, understanding him almost too perfectly. "We were drifting apart. Then boom, a baby."
"I thought it was a sign that we were meant to be together."
"As did I."
"And then the miscarriage."
"A sign that we weren't."
"Pushed us along the path of the break up."
"Yes it did." Kat took a deep breath. "We both knew it was coming."
"Yeah we did." Tommy nodded to himself. "I guess we were both so use to being together that not being together seemed..."
"Odd." She finished for him.
"Yes." He smiled rather ruthful. "I'm glad that we're still friends."
"And we always will be."
"Happy Anniversary, Kat."
"Happy Anniversary, Tommy."
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
Trini shifted slowly in her sleep until she surfaced to the waking word. The words of the night before rang in her head louder than any alarm clock could have. "I love you." The three little words that some women would kill to hear from their lovers, now it sends Trini's perfectly happy world crashing to the ground. Damn it, Jason. Things were going so good for us. Why did you have to...
She took a deep breath and secretly admitted to herself that the words had brought a small spark of delight until it sank in and was quickly followed by the gut drenching sensation of dread. She needed time to think, to absorb everything, and find a way out of this mess she's once again gotten herself into. Trini, you swore to yourself that you'd never put yourself in this situation again. How in the world.... Jason is a friend. A great sex partner, yes, but he was a friend first and foremost. Got to get some perspective!
Moving slowly, she tried to get out from under the arm that was draped over her waist in comfort. Unfortunately for her, Jason was a true morning person through and through and the lightest sleeper she's ever meet. His arm tightened suddenly; bring her back against his chest.
Jason had been awake for some time now, simply watching her in the dim light of the room. She had been peaceful after their intense love making last night. He wasn't even sure she heard him speak at the end. A part of him wanted her to, to know how he felt, how he came to understand what was missing all along. But another part of him, the part that knew of her fears and anxieties, the part that wanted to protect her and not give any distress of any kind, regretted knowing that she would not react to it as most woman would.
He leaned up on his elbow, brought her close as she tried to move again, and kissed her ear. When she struggled to get out from under him, he knew that she had heard.
Pinning her down, he leaned over her, simply watching her eyes before reciting something he had long memorized by heart.
"She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!"
She was touched, truly touched by something so simply beautiful. "Lord Byron's 'She Walks in Beauty.'"
Jason smiled. "You know it."
"I heard it once in poetry class many years ago." Her eyes were soft now, filled with uncertainty.
He sighed and brushed a lock of hair away from her face. "I take it that you heard me last night."
"Jason..." She started, wanting to give him an out. Something that would allow both of them retreat.
But he had other ideas. "No, don't speak." He placed two fingers on her lips. "Whatever you were going to say would have probably pissed the hell out of me and I don't want that this morning, especially since we have a hell lot of things to do." He kissed her cheek. "I meant it."
She shook her head trying to dislodge the fingers.
"No, no, don't say anything. Just listen to me." He shifted slightly so not to crush her beneath him. "I know that this isn't what you had thought about or want when we began this little torrid affair of ours. But this is what happens when you mix an emotion as potent as sex with emotions as deep as a life-long friendship. I love you and I want to be with you in every way that counts. I know that you think that I'm going to turn all stalker on you, and with your experience who would blame you. But you know me, Trini. You know ME! And more importantly, I know you. I know that you're strong and brave, and can probably kick my ass. You aren't the damsel in distress type that needs someone to come along on a white charger and rescue you. I know that you can take care of yourself perfectly fine, and that you can live without me in your life."
She felt her heart contract.
"But I don't want to live without you in mine." He kissed her lips. "I like the feeling of waking up with you in my arms. I like being about to lie in bed and talk to you about everything. I like working with you in the next room typing away on your laptop like the world could end and you won't care about anything but what is being said in that document you're working on. I like sharing my thoughts and ideas with you and having intelligent feedback. I like having you around. I like that you are yourself when you're with me cause it's everything that makes you the person you are that I love so much. From your fears to your strengths." He looked her in the eyes, seeing the uncertainty there again. "I love everything there is to you. I love you. Not some imagined idealistic view of you. You!"
"Jason," she shook her head to clear something things up in her own mind. His words, they were so simple yet filled with so much meaning that it hurt her in some deep level that she didn't quite understand. "I'm not good at this stuff."
"Stuff?"
"Relationships. I'm not good in them or around them. I always... I can never seem to...." Her eyes were filled with fear. "I'm so scared that I'll lose you, not as a lover but as a friend. I don't know if I can stand not having you around. You're like..."
He smiled rather sadly for her fears. "You will never be able to get rid of me as your friend. You and me, we've been friends for so long that I don't think that I would know what to do without you. I merely want to take it one step further."
She was having trouble. "I'm scared."
"I know, I can see it in your eyes." He kissed her again, that soft feathery touch on her lips that sent shivers down her spine. "But I noticed that you aren't rejecting the idea, which tells me that you have some deeper emotions for me than just this friendship that you claim."
Trini felt her heart wrench dangerously. He was right, through it all, she had never once thought about rejecting this love he is giving her. "I just don't know if I can return this feeling that you want to give me."
"I know that when you feel it, you will." Jason rolled slowly on his side. "I'm not too sure that you're not already half way there now."
"What?"
"Trini," he smiled at her with that sage grin he use to use as the leader of the Power Rangers. "Don't tell me that you haven't noticed the patterns that we've somehow picked up so quickly in this past weeks? We've gotten a lot closer that either one of us is willing to believe."
She frowned at him. "And you worked all this out when?"
"Last night."
"Last night?"
"Yeah, by the fountain in the moonlight."
Trini gave him a blank look.
He leaned over and planted another kiss on her slack lips. "We'll talk more on this at a later time. Right now, you're in reactionary mode and anything meaningful to come out of your mouth may be spur of the moment and could have the definite possibility of breaking my heart, even if you don't mean to. Just know that I love you and I don't expect anything from you other than an acknowledgement that you know. Now, how about breakfast?"
With that, he got up from the bed leaving her to muddle through her own emotions as if he hadn't just through her for a loop of a lifetime.
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
Trini Kwan's Condo
168 Apple Grove Drive #A
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Kimberly watched him hung up the phone, the quiet conversation so full of sadness that her own heart ached for them both. Aisha had told her about the miscarriage and what it did to Tommy and Kat's relationship. She had been so full of guilt at the time, happy that the two of them were no longer together but sad that a baby had to have been lost in the process.
"How long have you been standing there?" Tommy asked finally sensing her presence now that his mind was off the child that could have been.
"Too long." She said quietly as she came around the couch. "I had forgotten what day it was." She wrapped her arms around him, his broad shoulders were warm to her touch. "You all right?"
He smiled rather sadly at her. His eyes reflecting back something infinitely sad and painful. "It does get easier with the years. I sometimes don't think of it for weeks on end then..."
"A laughter in the park or a crying in the next car," she smiled and leaned her head against his. "I'm sorry."
Tommy shook his head. "I've done by grieving already. Life goes on."
"But you never forget, nor should you."
"No, you never forget." He sighed and pulled her tight into his arms. "But you learn to live with it. And pray that one else is watching out for him now."
"They are, you know that they are." She smiled. "Or at least Zordon is."
He kissed her temple. "I love you, Kim."
"Right back at you, Tommy."
They sat there for a long time, remembering the past that was and could have been. But there was no sadness in this reminiscence for they know that where they are now was good. And it's going to stay that way.
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
Jason Scott's Resident
138 Haven Ave.
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Adam yawned and shook his head to clear it. It was almost eleven o'clock in the morning and he was just getting home from working a power shift at the hospital. He was going to need a good twelve hours to recover from this one.
"Good morning." Rocky said as he watched his friend stepped through the door. "Can I get you anything before you drop dead?"
"You're up?" Adam raised one brow at him. Rocky was notorious for sleeping in until almost one or two in the afternoon during the weekends. "Something happened?"
"Yeah, Billy Cranston." Rocky sighed. "Called me up at four and I haven't been able to get back in bed since."
"Ouch, I'm sorry." Adam took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Take a nap later. It might be considered uncool but it's good for you if you're feeling rather run down later. In the meantime, I really do need to sleep some of this off."
"Go, sleep. I'll hold down the fort."
"Thanks." Adam nodded his head but stopped when he reached the door. "You okay, buddy?"
"Just remembering some things." Rocky answered with a smile. "Go to bed."
"What kind of things?"
"Old friends."
"Like..."
Rocky looked at him. "Billy said that Aisha and Tanya are hitting town soon."
Adam grinned. "Thinking about another trip to Monte Carlo?"
"I can't believe I told you and you turned around and told Billy."
"It slipped out." Adam rolled his eyes. "Besides, Billy isn't one to blab. And you didn't do anything wrong."
"No, but it's kind of embarrassing."
"Really?" Adam frowned. "Why?"
"It's just that...." He couldn't really explain it. "Never mind. I don't know what I'm saying any more and I... Oh go to bed. You're confusing me."
Adam shrugged and promised himself that he'd inquire after this more when he's brain wasn't fill with mush. "Okay, I'll be upstairs if you need me."
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
"Thanks for pulling over time guys," Trini said in to the phone. "I'm still going to need the documents before I move on this. Get accounting to go through the invoice was the fine tooth comb. But I need to be able to read and understand it in less than an hour please."
"Anything else?" Brandon asked as he quickly jotted down more notes. A team of lawyers have been there all morning and most of the afternoon handling the Vegas case. Trini had been on top of the thing from the beginning but she needed people to take care of the usual paper work and to follow up on the trials that would help,
"Yeah, I going to need all the notices that was filed in court before and after the signing of the contracts. Then everything that was done after a new vendor was brought it. Mr. Scott and I will hit the courthouse the minute they open on Monday. We'll need certified copies of all the originals. All I've got now are service copies."
"We'll get on it. I've got six people working on the contact now."
"Let's hope we can get this wrapped up as quickly as possible and passing the ball cause I don't plan on having to deal with this for the next year or so."
"Civil suit?"
"We don't know yet. The heads aren't talking right now. They just want this problem gone."
"Sounds like a plan to me." Brandon handed a quick note to his secretary. "Okay, we'll get on this. Good luck on your end."
"Thanks, I'll see you when the smoke has cleared."
He laughed. "See ya."
Trini sighed and set the phone down. They were going to be in trouble if she can't prove negligence. The case was likely to drag on for sometime. She could lay the foundation work now but Venetian would be better served to have a local firm handle thing for them.
She jumped when Jason's big warm hands fell on her shoulders.
"Relax," he whispered to her as he worked slowly on the tightened muscles in her shoulders. "I'm just going to work some of these knots out." He had watched her all morning, tense from the stress and pressure she was getting. She had avoided talking to him all day, they may both have lots of work to occupy their time, but she was very methodical in her avoidance. He guessed that the earlier conversation still had her rather jumpy. "I am not going to jump you."
Trini smiled, amused despite of herself, before turning around suddenly and forcing Jason to fall back. "Too bad I can't say the same thing."
Jason grinned at her. "Really? Well, that would be one way to relax you a little since the message doesn't seem to be doing it."
"Oh, I don't mind your hands on me, I just want to be touching you back." She leaned down and captured his lips in a scorching hot kiss. "How about a nice hot shower together?"
"Now?"
"Sure, why not?"
"It's the middle of the afternoon."
"So?"
"Want me work on that muscle some more first?"
"No," she kissed him. "I think I know a much better way of working out the work-kinks."
He nibbled the long slim column of throat exposed to him. "Hum... Anyone ever tell you that you have a devious mind?"
"Yes."
"Want to finish that brief first?" He asked. "And before you say anything. We will talk about what happened this morning before long. Only now is not the best time to go at it. We may both end up saying things that we may regret later on."
She knew exactly want he was talking about and nodded her head in agreement. "Okay, I want a shower and some food before getting back to that document."
He nodded. "Okay, I'll order food." Then got up and headed for the shower. "But Trini, we'll have to talk about it sometime cause I'm not giving you up that easily."
Trini winced and wished he hadn't used those particular words. Sighing with resignation, she got up and turned on the radio. She was almost sure of what she felt, something so different and so wonderful that it scared her to no end. Everything was so simply only the day before and now.... There had to be an easier way to deal with this relationship.
Her head snapped around as her mind finally registered what song was being blasted from the radio she had just turned on.
I have a smile
stretched from ear to ear
to see you walking down the road
We meet at the lights
I stare for a while
the world around us disappears
Its just you and me
on my island of hope
a breath between us could be miles
Let me surround you
my sea to your shore
let me be the calm you seek
Oh and every time I'm close to you
there's too much I can't say
and you just walk away
And I forgot
to tell you
I love you
and the night's
too long
and cold here
without you
I grieve in my condition
for I cannot find the words to say I need you so
Oh and every time I'm close to you
there's too much I can't say
and you just walk away
And I forgot
to tell you
I love you
and the night's
too long
and cold here
without you.
I grieve in my condition
for I cannot find the words to say I need you so
Trini frowned at the little black box on the nightstand between the two big beds. Hum... Maybe the universe is trying to tell her something.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teaser line from the next chapter: "You've certainly do a lot of traveling. There was that time when you disappeared for almost three years. Darling, I hope this isn't going to be anything like that again."
Song played was Sarah McLachlan's "I Love You."
By Didi
Disclaimer: I do not own the Power Rangers or any of the characters.
Summary: They're all grown up and separated. Just when you thought it was all over for the old gang, fate throws them together once more.
Rating: R for language and content at times.
Acknowledgements: StarryNights and The Girl in the Red Jacket. You guys are always so wonderfully supportive and I don't think I would be writing without people like you to egg me on. Thanks guys for everything.
Note: I am writing this story so I'm not tempted to throw something hard and deadly in frustrating moments. I'm not sure where I want to take this story but I promise to try to make it fun and interesting for everyone that reads it.
~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Twenty-Five
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
Jason Scott's Resident
138 Haven Ave.
East Brunswick, New Jersey
"Brrriiiinnnngggg....."
Rocky reached over on to the nightstand and patted around for the phone. It took him a moment but he finally got it after dropping it twice. With eyes still half closed, he mumbled, "Hello?"
"Oh , sorry. Did I wake you?" Billy said not the least bit sorry but said it out of polite habit.
"No, no," Rocky squinted at the glow in the dark face of the clock. "I'm always up at four in the morning on a Saturday when I don't have to go in for work."
"Good." Billy shifted his phone over his shoulder. He had packed his head set on his portable telephone away already. "Listen, I'm going to head home to California for a little while to see Zack and my folks before I come back here for a little more arrangements and head out toward you guys."
"That sounds great." Rocky rubbed his eyes, trying to think clearly. The eight hours spent trying to dig up more materials on the alleged misconduct of a New York state senator had sapped all his energy from the day before. Hitting the sheets only two hours before certainly didn't help his alertness.
"Aisha called the other day."
That got his attention fast. "What did she say?"
"Coming in for a week soon."
"New Jersey?"
"Maybe," he teased with a grin knowing the slight tension and attraction between his two friends. "Ask her to stay this time."
"What do you mean?" he asked cautiously.
"Rocky," he sighed. "Contrary to what you may believe, I do know about Monte Carlo?"
Rocky groaned. "How did you find out?"
"Adam passed it along when I made a slight comment that sent Aisha into a fit of coughs." Billy scratched his head. He should probably shower soon.
"It was one night." Rocky said with a sigh. He really never had any regret over it.
"And one hell of a birthday present." Billy commented. Rocky and taken Aisha to Monte Carlo for her 21st birthday where they had spent a rather interesting night from everything Billy heard.
"It was never meant to..."
"I'm teasing, Rocky. I know." Billy looked at his clock. "Go back to bed, Rocky. We'll talk later when you're more up to your game."
"Okay, good night." Rocky hung up the phone and lie back down staring at the ceiling. How the heck does Billy expect me to sleep now that he's put that particular memory back in my head?
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
Trini Kwan's Condo
168 Apple Grove Drive #A
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Tommy crept down stairs quietly, unwilling to wake Kimberly up for this. Grabbing his phone from where he had clipped in on to his belt still attached to his pants where he had left downstairs on the couch last night, he search through for the right number.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Kat." He said softly.
"Hello, Tommy." She smiled, knowing that he would call but not all together sure he remembered. "Happy Anniversary."
He sighed and sat down. "Hardly something to celebrate."
"Yes, I know. Aisha, Tanya and Billy sent flowers." Kat said looking at the white roses on her kitchen table. "They were very thoughtful."
"How are you holding up?" Tommy asked, his eyes on the six tropical fishes in the tank.
"It gets a little easier every year." Kat said quietly. "How about you?"
"I miss the child we could have had." Tommy admitted.
"I'm sorry."
"Not your fault." He sighed and leaned his head back. "Did you ever think that when we found out, it was a sign of some sort?"
Kat smiled, understanding him almost too perfectly. "We were drifting apart. Then boom, a baby."
"I thought it was a sign that we were meant to be together."
"As did I."
"And then the miscarriage."
"A sign that we weren't."
"Pushed us along the path of the break up."
"Yes it did." Kat took a deep breath. "We both knew it was coming."
"Yeah we did." Tommy nodded to himself. "I guess we were both so use to being together that not being together seemed..."
"Odd." She finished for him.
"Yes." He smiled rather ruthful. "I'm glad that we're still friends."
"And we always will be."
"Happy Anniversary, Kat."
"Happy Anniversary, Tommy."
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
Trini shifted slowly in her sleep until she surfaced to the waking word. The words of the night before rang in her head louder than any alarm clock could have. "I love you." The three little words that some women would kill to hear from their lovers, now it sends Trini's perfectly happy world crashing to the ground. Damn it, Jason. Things were going so good for us. Why did you have to...
She took a deep breath and secretly admitted to herself that the words had brought a small spark of delight until it sank in and was quickly followed by the gut drenching sensation of dread. She needed time to think, to absorb everything, and find a way out of this mess she's once again gotten herself into. Trini, you swore to yourself that you'd never put yourself in this situation again. How in the world.... Jason is a friend. A great sex partner, yes, but he was a friend first and foremost. Got to get some perspective!
Moving slowly, she tried to get out from under the arm that was draped over her waist in comfort. Unfortunately for her, Jason was a true morning person through and through and the lightest sleeper she's ever meet. His arm tightened suddenly; bring her back against his chest.
Jason had been awake for some time now, simply watching her in the dim light of the room. She had been peaceful after their intense love making last night. He wasn't even sure she heard him speak at the end. A part of him wanted her to, to know how he felt, how he came to understand what was missing all along. But another part of him, the part that knew of her fears and anxieties, the part that wanted to protect her and not give any distress of any kind, regretted knowing that she would not react to it as most woman would.
He leaned up on his elbow, brought her close as she tried to move again, and kissed her ear. When she struggled to get out from under him, he knew that she had heard.
Pinning her down, he leaned over her, simply watching her eyes before reciting something he had long memorized by heart.
"She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!"
She was touched, truly touched by something so simply beautiful. "Lord Byron's 'She Walks in Beauty.'"
Jason smiled. "You know it."
"I heard it once in poetry class many years ago." Her eyes were soft now, filled with uncertainty.
He sighed and brushed a lock of hair away from her face. "I take it that you heard me last night."
"Jason..." She started, wanting to give him an out. Something that would allow both of them retreat.
But he had other ideas. "No, don't speak." He placed two fingers on her lips. "Whatever you were going to say would have probably pissed the hell out of me and I don't want that this morning, especially since we have a hell lot of things to do." He kissed her cheek. "I meant it."
She shook her head trying to dislodge the fingers.
"No, no, don't say anything. Just listen to me." He shifted slightly so not to crush her beneath him. "I know that this isn't what you had thought about or want when we began this little torrid affair of ours. But this is what happens when you mix an emotion as potent as sex with emotions as deep as a life-long friendship. I love you and I want to be with you in every way that counts. I know that you think that I'm going to turn all stalker on you, and with your experience who would blame you. But you know me, Trini. You know ME! And more importantly, I know you. I know that you're strong and brave, and can probably kick my ass. You aren't the damsel in distress type that needs someone to come along on a white charger and rescue you. I know that you can take care of yourself perfectly fine, and that you can live without me in your life."
She felt her heart contract.
"But I don't want to live without you in mine." He kissed her lips. "I like the feeling of waking up with you in my arms. I like being about to lie in bed and talk to you about everything. I like working with you in the next room typing away on your laptop like the world could end and you won't care about anything but what is being said in that document you're working on. I like sharing my thoughts and ideas with you and having intelligent feedback. I like having you around. I like that you are yourself when you're with me cause it's everything that makes you the person you are that I love so much. From your fears to your strengths." He looked her in the eyes, seeing the uncertainty there again. "I love everything there is to you. I love you. Not some imagined idealistic view of you. You!"
"Jason," she shook her head to clear something things up in her own mind. His words, they were so simple yet filled with so much meaning that it hurt her in some deep level that she didn't quite understand. "I'm not good at this stuff."
"Stuff?"
"Relationships. I'm not good in them or around them. I always... I can never seem to...." Her eyes were filled with fear. "I'm so scared that I'll lose you, not as a lover but as a friend. I don't know if I can stand not having you around. You're like..."
He smiled rather sadly for her fears. "You will never be able to get rid of me as your friend. You and me, we've been friends for so long that I don't think that I would know what to do without you. I merely want to take it one step further."
She was having trouble. "I'm scared."
"I know, I can see it in your eyes." He kissed her again, that soft feathery touch on her lips that sent shivers down her spine. "But I noticed that you aren't rejecting the idea, which tells me that you have some deeper emotions for me than just this friendship that you claim."
Trini felt her heart wrench dangerously. He was right, through it all, she had never once thought about rejecting this love he is giving her. "I just don't know if I can return this feeling that you want to give me."
"I know that when you feel it, you will." Jason rolled slowly on his side. "I'm not too sure that you're not already half way there now."
"What?"
"Trini," he smiled at her with that sage grin he use to use as the leader of the Power Rangers. "Don't tell me that you haven't noticed the patterns that we've somehow picked up so quickly in this past weeks? We've gotten a lot closer that either one of us is willing to believe."
She frowned at him. "And you worked all this out when?"
"Last night."
"Last night?"
"Yeah, by the fountain in the moonlight."
Trini gave him a blank look.
He leaned over and planted another kiss on her slack lips. "We'll talk more on this at a later time. Right now, you're in reactionary mode and anything meaningful to come out of your mouth may be spur of the moment and could have the definite possibility of breaking my heart, even if you don't mean to. Just know that I love you and I don't expect anything from you other than an acknowledgement that you know. Now, how about breakfast?"
With that, he got up from the bed leaving her to muddle through her own emotions as if he hadn't just through her for a loop of a lifetime.
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
Trini Kwan's Condo
168 Apple Grove Drive #A
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Kimberly watched him hung up the phone, the quiet conversation so full of sadness that her own heart ached for them both. Aisha had told her about the miscarriage and what it did to Tommy and Kat's relationship. She had been so full of guilt at the time, happy that the two of them were no longer together but sad that a baby had to have been lost in the process.
"How long have you been standing there?" Tommy asked finally sensing her presence now that his mind was off the child that could have been.
"Too long." She said quietly as she came around the couch. "I had forgotten what day it was." She wrapped her arms around him, his broad shoulders were warm to her touch. "You all right?"
He smiled rather sadly at her. His eyes reflecting back something infinitely sad and painful. "It does get easier with the years. I sometimes don't think of it for weeks on end then..."
"A laughter in the park or a crying in the next car," she smiled and leaned her head against his. "I'm sorry."
Tommy shook his head. "I've done by grieving already. Life goes on."
"But you never forget, nor should you."
"No, you never forget." He sighed and pulled her tight into his arms. "But you learn to live with it. And pray that one else is watching out for him now."
"They are, you know that they are." She smiled. "Or at least Zordon is."
He kissed her temple. "I love you, Kim."
"Right back at you, Tommy."
They sat there for a long time, remembering the past that was and could have been. But there was no sadness in this reminiscence for they know that where they are now was good. And it's going to stay that way.
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
Jason Scott's Resident
138 Haven Ave.
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Adam yawned and shook his head to clear it. It was almost eleven o'clock in the morning and he was just getting home from working a power shift at the hospital. He was going to need a good twelve hours to recover from this one.
"Good morning." Rocky said as he watched his friend stepped through the door. "Can I get you anything before you drop dead?"
"You're up?" Adam raised one brow at him. Rocky was notorious for sleeping in until almost one or two in the afternoon during the weekends. "Something happened?"
"Yeah, Billy Cranston." Rocky sighed. "Called me up at four and I haven't been able to get back in bed since."
"Ouch, I'm sorry." Adam took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Take a nap later. It might be considered uncool but it's good for you if you're feeling rather run down later. In the meantime, I really do need to sleep some of this off."
"Go, sleep. I'll hold down the fort."
"Thanks." Adam nodded his head but stopped when he reached the door. "You okay, buddy?"
"Just remembering some things." Rocky answered with a smile. "Go to bed."
"What kind of things?"
"Old friends."
"Like..."
Rocky looked at him. "Billy said that Aisha and Tanya are hitting town soon."
Adam grinned. "Thinking about another trip to Monte Carlo?"
"I can't believe I told you and you turned around and told Billy."
"It slipped out." Adam rolled his eyes. "Besides, Billy isn't one to blab. And you didn't do anything wrong."
"No, but it's kind of embarrassing."
"Really?" Adam frowned. "Why?"
"It's just that...." He couldn't really explain it. "Never mind. I don't know what I'm saying any more and I... Oh go to bed. You're confusing me."
Adam shrugged and promised himself that he'd inquire after this more when he's brain wasn't fill with mush. "Okay, I'll be upstairs if you need me."
~~~~~~~~~~
July 17, 2004
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
"Thanks for pulling over time guys," Trini said in to the phone. "I'm still going to need the documents before I move on this. Get accounting to go through the invoice was the fine tooth comb. But I need to be able to read and understand it in less than an hour please."
"Anything else?" Brandon asked as he quickly jotted down more notes. A team of lawyers have been there all morning and most of the afternoon handling the Vegas case. Trini had been on top of the thing from the beginning but she needed people to take care of the usual paper work and to follow up on the trials that would help,
"Yeah, I going to need all the notices that was filed in court before and after the signing of the contracts. Then everything that was done after a new vendor was brought it. Mr. Scott and I will hit the courthouse the minute they open on Monday. We'll need certified copies of all the originals. All I've got now are service copies."
"We'll get on it. I've got six people working on the contact now."
"Let's hope we can get this wrapped up as quickly as possible and passing the ball cause I don't plan on having to deal with this for the next year or so."
"Civil suit?"
"We don't know yet. The heads aren't talking right now. They just want this problem gone."
"Sounds like a plan to me." Brandon handed a quick note to his secretary. "Okay, we'll get on this. Good luck on your end."
"Thanks, I'll see you when the smoke has cleared."
He laughed. "See ya."
Trini sighed and set the phone down. They were going to be in trouble if she can't prove negligence. The case was likely to drag on for sometime. She could lay the foundation work now but Venetian would be better served to have a local firm handle thing for them.
She jumped when Jason's big warm hands fell on her shoulders.
"Relax," he whispered to her as he worked slowly on the tightened muscles in her shoulders. "I'm just going to work some of these knots out." He had watched her all morning, tense from the stress and pressure she was getting. She had avoided talking to him all day, they may both have lots of work to occupy their time, but she was very methodical in her avoidance. He guessed that the earlier conversation still had her rather jumpy. "I am not going to jump you."
Trini smiled, amused despite of herself, before turning around suddenly and forcing Jason to fall back. "Too bad I can't say the same thing."
Jason grinned at her. "Really? Well, that would be one way to relax you a little since the message doesn't seem to be doing it."
"Oh, I don't mind your hands on me, I just want to be touching you back." She leaned down and captured his lips in a scorching hot kiss. "How about a nice hot shower together?"
"Now?"
"Sure, why not?"
"It's the middle of the afternoon."
"So?"
"Want me work on that muscle some more first?"
"No," she kissed him. "I think I know a much better way of working out the work-kinks."
He nibbled the long slim column of throat exposed to him. "Hum... Anyone ever tell you that you have a devious mind?"
"Yes."
"Want to finish that brief first?" He asked. "And before you say anything. We will talk about what happened this morning before long. Only now is not the best time to go at it. We may both end up saying things that we may regret later on."
She knew exactly want he was talking about and nodded her head in agreement. "Okay, I want a shower and some food before getting back to that document."
He nodded. "Okay, I'll order food." Then got up and headed for the shower. "But Trini, we'll have to talk about it sometime cause I'm not giving you up that easily."
Trini winced and wished he hadn't used those particular words. Sighing with resignation, she got up and turned on the radio. She was almost sure of what she felt, something so different and so wonderful that it scared her to no end. Everything was so simply only the day before and now.... There had to be an easier way to deal with this relationship.
Her head snapped around as her mind finally registered what song was being blasted from the radio she had just turned on.
I have a smile
stretched from ear to ear
to see you walking down the road
We meet at the lights
I stare for a while
the world around us disappears
Its just you and me
on my island of hope
a breath between us could be miles
Let me surround you
my sea to your shore
let me be the calm you seek
Oh and every time I'm close to you
there's too much I can't say
and you just walk away
And I forgot
to tell you
I love you
and the night's
too long
and cold here
without you
I grieve in my condition
for I cannot find the words to say I need you so
Oh and every time I'm close to you
there's too much I can't say
and you just walk away
And I forgot
to tell you
I love you
and the night's
too long
and cold here
without you.
I grieve in my condition
for I cannot find the words to say I need you so
Trini frowned at the little black box on the nightstand between the two big beds. Hum... Maybe the universe is trying to tell her something.
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Teaser line from the next chapter: "You've certainly do a lot of traveling. There was that time when you disappeared for almost three years. Darling, I hope this isn't going to be anything like that again."
Song played was Sarah McLachlan's "I Love You."