In His Eyes
Disclaimers: See Chapter 1.
Author's Notes: Still Rated 'M' for a reason! If you're underage or not comfortable with male/male relationships, hit that 'Back' button now!
First part is in Tommy's POV—you'll figure out where it changes. This chapter is not as fluffy as the last two, but I think you'll enjoy it anyway.
I am now offering my services as a beta—please check out my beta reader profile if you're interested.
Chapter 26—Birthdays and Double Dates
Jason is leaning against the doorframe in my bedroom with his arms casually crossed on his chest. He's wearing only those leather pants and a very naughty look on his face. God, he's hot!
"You ready for me?" he asks in a low, sultry voice.
"Always," I answer.
He walks slowly across the room, pulling at the laces on the waistband and begins to loosen the laced-up fly.
"Wanna help me?" he whispers and stands in front of me with his hands on his hips.
"Oh yeah . . ." I say breathily and reach up from my place on the edge of the bed to take hold of those leathers. "I'll work these things off you and then I'll work you into a sweat." I will too.
When I finally manage to peel those pants from his body and he has relieved me of my jeans, we stand there for a minute, each getting a good feel.
'Wow, that ass is tight,' I think as I give it a good squeeze with both hands. My whole body tingles as he runs his warm hands up and down my bare back.
Our mouths are sealed together as our tongues dance around each other—man, I love kissing him. I don't think I ever want to kiss anyone else. No one lights me up like he does.
"Mmmm bro . . . you feel so good," he whispers in my ear when the kiss ends, his hot breath tickling my ear and sending shivers down my spine. As he starts nipping and kissing my neck, hitting that one spot that drives me nuts, I feel my already hard cock twitch against his warm body.
"Ahhhh . . . so do you. Let's get in bed," I suggest. You're in for it tonight, boy.
Lying down in each other's arms, I kiss him soundly and run my hands up and down that hard, muscular body once more before reaching for the lube in the nightstand drawer. No long, drawn-out foreplay tonight—I can't wait any longer.
Coating myself thoroughly, I then move my hand to my gorgeous boyfriend's body and begin to prepare him—not his cock—I head lower . . .
"Tommy . . . ahhhh . . . ohhh . . . yessss," he hisses and moans loudly.
I lean in from my position above him and capture his panting mouth with my own. Once I let him free, he gasps, "Harder Tommy, please . . . harder."
Your wish is my command—I do as he asks. God, he's tight. I reach under and adjust his position and sink even lower into his heat.
"I'm gonna wear you out," I tell him while establishing a good, hard rhythm.
"What's that noise?" he asks suddenly, nearly out of breath.
I hear it too . . .
_______________________
"Beep . . . beep . . . beep."
Tommy slowly opened his eyes and then slapped the top of the alarm clock.
"Shut up, damn it . . ." he groaned. "Mmm . . . it can't be morning already."
The clock's bright neon green numbers loudly proclaimed '6:00'. Tommy rolled back over and groaned.
"Just a dream . . . damn. Now I need a cold shower."
He moved slowly into the bathroom and started the water, leaning against the sink until the shower was ready to get into. He stared into the mirror.
"Happy Birthday to me . . ." he said almost sadly. He wondered if anyone in his house would even remember.
'Why would they? They don't care about me. I might as well not exist to them.'
Before he let himself get too down though, he thought of some people who would remember and would help him celebrate his birthday—Jason, his parents, and all their friends.
'18 . . . wow.' He'd finally made it to legal adulthood. Not too many years ago he'd wondered if he'd live to see it. He almost didn't—by his own hand.
He showered quickly, washed his hair, and then got dressed. Jason would be there to pick him up soon and he didn't want to make him wait. Back in the bathroom, he dried his hair and messed with his goatee. He was still trying to decide whether to keep it or shave it off. It had grown in pretty well and it did make him look older—not quite so baby-faced. The girls at school liked it, but more importantly, so did Jason.
When he was finished primping, he went back to his room to get his backpack and shoes and stopped dead in his tracks. Sitting on his bed was a big, beautifully wrapped package with a card.
"Where'd that come from?"
He walked over and looked at the card—it was in his mom's handwriting.
"Well, I'll be damned," he muttered as he looked at the card. Five twenties fell out when he opened it. Inside, she had written,
Tommy,
Happy 18th Birthday!!
Hope you like your gift!
Love,
Mom and Dad
He put the card down and sat on the bed next to the box. It was a good-sized package. He lifted it and noted how heavy it was. Finally, curiosity got the best of him and he ripped into the paper revealing a big, red gift box. Lifting off the top, he gasped when he saw the very leather jacket he and Jason had been drooling over at that shop downtown two days ago.
"Oh my god . . . I don't believe this . . ."
He stood and pulled on the jacket—it fit like a glove. He quickly looked in the mirror—it did look good on him, even he had to admit that. A huge grin covered his face.
"Now I gotta change clothes."
He practically dove into his closet and pulled out his black jeans and another shirt.
'Can't wear a jacket like that with just anything.'
He pulled the ponytail holder out of his hair to let his mane flow freely and he put his hoop earrings in. Just as he was admiring himself in the mirror, he realized what time it was. Jason would be there any minute. Bounding down the stairs and into the kitchen, he nearly ran his mom down.
"Oops, sorry," he said and then hugged her tightly. "Thank you so much, Mom! This jacket rocks!"
She smiled. "Glad you like it. I . . ." she started but was cut off by the sound of a car horn. "There's Jason—better get it in gear."
"Yeah. I gotta grab something for breakfast, though."
He ran into the kitchen and emerged seconds later with a granola bar and a bottle of juice.
"See ya later!"
"Happy Birthday!" she called after him.
Hurrying out the door with breakfast in hand, he quickly made his way toward Jason's Mustang.
"Mmmmm! Hey Birthday Boy! Don't you look edible this morning! Like the jacket!" he smiled.
"Hey bro! Yeah . . . nice, ain't it?"
"Someone has good taste."
"I'd say so . . ." he grinned at Jason. He knew his bro had to have told his mom about the jacket. There's no way she could have known about it otherwise.
"So how'd this come about?" he asked, indicating his expensive new leather coat.
"Well, I'll tell ya—it surprised the hell outta me. Sunday night after I got home, your mom called and wanted to talk to me. I was like 'what the hell does she want?', but I answered it anyway. She told me that she and your dad wanted to get you something really special for your birthday, but they weren't sure what you'd like. We had just been at that store downtown and I remembered that jacket you loved so much. I thought that would be better to tell her than those leather pants that I loved on you so much, so . . . there ya go!"
"I figured it was something like that. Thanks, bro. Besides, I'll get more wear out of this jacket than I would those pants anyway," Tommy smiled.
"Maybe, but damn . . . I still want you to have those pants. You're just too much wrapped in leather . . ." Jason grinned wickedly.
"We'll see . . ." he paused. "Let me ask you somethin'."
"Anything. What's up?"
"Do you have . . . ummm . . . dreams about me?" he looked up at Jason sheepishly.
"Whoa—subject change!" He grinned. "You know I do. I've told you that."
"Hot . . . erotic dreams? About us doin' stuff together?"
"Stuff? You mean like us having sex? Definitely. I've been having those kinds of dreams about you for a long time. Before we got together they used to make me crazy. Now I just see them as a preview of coming attractions, so to speak," he said with a wink and a smile. "Why?"
"Because I've been having them a lot lately too, and last night's was . . . well . . . extremely hot. What I can remember of it, anyway."
"Good. The hotter the better. Inspire you to try anything new?"
"I'll say, but that would be moving kinda fast."
"Nah . . . we're making up for lost time, right? Personally, I don't think anything we could do would be too much too fast. I've waited a long time for you."
"Are you sure you're ready? Seriously?"
"Yes. Are you?" Jason asked sincerely.
"You know, I think I am. I'm sure I'd have a bad case of the nerves, but . . . yeah, I'm ready."
Jason's broad smile made Tommy smile too. "Then let's make some plans."
Jason had driven around behind the strip mall near the school—their occasional early morning make-out spot.
"But first," he said, putting the car in park, "I want to give you a proper birthday kiss."
___________________
"So Tommy, what're your plans for your birthday? Doing anything exciting?" Kat asked at lunch while they all gathered around their usual table.
"Jason and I are going out to dinner and then to a movie. Should be fun."
"Where are you going to eat? I hear that new Italian restaurant is really good," Tanya offered.
Tommy shrugged. "I don't know—he won't tell me," he said, turning and smiling up at Jason who had just walked up with both of their lunches.
"Won't tell you what?" he asked as he sat down.
"Where we're going for dinner."
"Oh. That's 'cause it's a surprise," Jason said and grinned. He wasn't going to give it away.
"Tommy, is David coming to the party?" Kat asked. "We haven't seen him in a while."
"He's been really busy at work but yeah, he's coming . . . and he's bringing a girlfriend. Apparently they just started dating—he seems pretty happy about it."
"Cool. It'll be nice to see him again," Adam added.
"Yeah. I wish he lived closer—I'd love to see David and Sam more often," Tommy said.
"Bro, you know I'll drive you out there anytime you want," Jason told him.
"I know. I just hate to be so much trouble. Besides, I'll be able to drive again soon."
_______________________
On the way to the Youth Center after school, Jason reopened the topic they had started that morning.
"So . . . you wanna make some plans?"
"Plans for what?" Tommy asked, looking clueless.
"What we were talking about this morning, birthday boy . . . us getting together . . . you remember."
"Oh . . . yeah. Sure," he said and stopped.
Jason was afraid he had thought better of it. "Changed your mind, bro? We don't have to if you think it'd be rushing things."
"No, it's not that. I was just wondering where we could go. Wouldn't do to get caught by our parents."
"No kiddin'." Jason stopped and thought. "How 'bout our quarters at the Power Chamber? No one would bother us there."
Tommy's face lit up. "Yeah—that'd work. But what do we tell the folks about where we're goin'?"
"Oh, we'll make up somethin' about stayin' at somebody's house—maybe Billy's."
"So when do you think would be a good time? This weekend?" Tommy asked.
"How 'bout after our party on Saturday? Celebrate our birthdays right!" Jason grinned.
"Yeah, that way I can't be arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor," he said with a cheeky grin. "Sounds like a good plan." He leaned over and gently kissed Jason's cheek. "Can't wait . . ."
____________________
The birthday boy primped in the bathroom mirror as he waited for his boyfriend to pick him up for their dinner date. He thought over their plans for the weekend—particularly their planned rendezvous for Saturday night.
'Jason sounded so sure of himself—and he's the virgin. I hope I don't lose my nerve when it comes down to it.'
"Tommy! Phone!" came the shout from the bottom of the stairs.
"Okay . . . thanks," he replied. He grabbed the cordless in his bedroom.
"Hello?"
"Hey Tommy! Happy Birthday!"
"Kim . . . hi. Thanks," he said, his voice expressing his surprise.
"How're you doing? Feeling better?"
"Yeah—I'm doing much better, thanks. Has Tanya been keeping you up to date?"
"Actually, I talk to Kat more than anyone else. I was really worried when she told me about the seizure you had. Are you sure you're okay?"
"As far as I know. I haven't had any more and things are going pretty well now. The doctors seem to think I'm alright."
"Good. I'm so glad to hear it. So, what do you have planned for your big day?"
"Jase and I are going out to eat and then to a movie."
Kim desperately wanted to ask him about his relationship with Jason, but she didn't know how to bring it up. She still couldn't believe that her ex-boyfriend and her childhood friend were actually dating and only god knew what else, despite what Kat said.
"Ummm . . . I suppose you're really happy that Jase decided to stay in Angel Grove instead of going back to the Peace Conference, huh?"
"Yeah, of course I am. I missed him while he was gone. You know that."
"Are you two as close as you used to be?"
"Closer, actually." 'What is she getting at?'
After a few minutes of hemming and hawing, she finally gathered her courage and came out with it.
"Tommy, I have to ask you something," she said, her voice betraying her anxiety.
"What's that?"
"Umm . . . okay . . ." She sighed. "Are you and Jase together? Dating, I mean."
Tommy's eyes got big. "What makes you ask that?"
"Well, Kat said that you were, but I didn't know if I could believe her."
"Oh she did, did she?" He was pissed. 'What makes Kat think it's her place to tell Kim about me and Jase?!'
"Yeah, she did," Kim responded.
"Well . . ." He sighed. "Yeah, we're together—have been since I got out of the hospital."
She gasped quietly. 'Oh my god—it's true.'
"But Tommy . . . I-I thought you were straight. When we dated . . ."
"I thought I was too, but well . . . I guess not. Jase is very special to me, Kim. You know that."
"As a best friend yes, but . . . as a . . . boyfriend? How can you do that? How can you change so completely?"
"What makes you think I've changed so much?"
"You can't be the same person that I dated—not unless I didn't know you like I thought I did. Was everything we had a lie? Were you just using me until something better came along?"
Tommy saw red. He tried to keep his temper in check, though. "How dare you ask me that?! You're the one who told me you thought of me as a brother! Who was using who?!"
She got very quiet. "Tommy . . ."
"Kim, no offense, but I really don't want to discuss this with you. Jase and I are very happy together—so just be happy for us, okay? And speaking of Jase, he's here so I have to go."
"Ummm . . . yeah . . . okay. I'll talk to you later, I guess."
"Yeah, okay."
"Have a good birthday, Tommy. Take care of yourself." She spoke in a low voice, sounding completely crestfallen.
"You too."
He hung up and closed his eyes for a minute. He needed to gather himself before seeing Jason. Tommy wasn't sure who he was more pissed at—Kim for having the audacity to ask him 'were you just using me?' or Kat for taking it upon herself to tell Kim about him and Jason. Either way, he was mad.
"T? Are you decent, birthday boy?" Jason said as he peeked in the bedroom door.
Tommy exhaled forcefully. "Yeah, come on in."
Jason could tell that something was wrong—his boyfriend looked like he could chew nails.
"Hey . . . what's wrong, bro?" He rubbed Tommy's back soothingly.
"Guess who just called?"
"I dunno—who?"
"Kim," he said sternly.
"Oh . . . what'd she want? To wish you a happy birthday?"
"I guess, but that wasn't her whole motive in calling."
"Whatcha mean? What else did she say?"
"She just came out and asked me if you and I are dating."
"Did she now? How would she have gotten that idea?"
"Guess."
"Kat."
"Yep."
Jason frowned. 'I wondered how long that'd take.' "Where does she get off telling Kim?"
"That's what I'd like to know. And I promise you I'm gonna find out tomorrow."
"What did you tell Kim?"
"I told her the truth."
"What did she say?"
"Ummm, let's see . . . 'How can you do that?' . . . 'I thought you were straight' . . . 'You can't be the same person I dated' . . . and my favourite . . . 'were you just using me until something better came along?'"
Jason's face showed his anger. "How dare she ask you that?!"
"That's what I said. She's got some nerve, I tell ya." He sighed heavily.
The gold ranger knew that if he got all upset over this, it would only make things worse for Tommy and he didn't want to agitate him any further. "Okay . . . let's just try to forget about it for now," he said, rubbing the worry lines on Tommy's forehead. "Let's go out and celebrate your birthday and have a good time, okay?"
He pulled Tommy into a warm embrace and just held him for a short while. Finally, the red ranger started to relax a little.
"There we go. Ready to go eat?" Jason asked.
Tommy smiled at him. Once again, his bro knew just what he needed to feel better. "Yeah, let's go. I'm not gonna let them ruin our date."
They kissed briefly and Tommy grabbed his new jacket on the way out the door.
"You look really good, by the way," the gold ranger said.
"Thanks, so do you. Where we goin'?"
"Your favourite restaurant—I hope you're hungry!"
"Starving . . ."
________________________
Jason and Tommy were seated in a semi-circular booth—perfect for getting closer without being too obvious.
"Ready for some serious sushi?" Jason asked, grinning.
"You know it! Whatcha in the mood for?"
"Whatever you want, bro. It's your birthday."
They studied the menu for several minutes, referring to the English translation when needed and then made up their minds. After they had ordered several different rolls and a lot of sashimi, Jason excused himself to the restroom. Actually, he wanted to let the waitress know that it was Tommy's birthday and arrange a little something.
Returning to the table, Jason took a sip of his drink and then reached into his jacket pocket. He pulled out a small square gift box wrapped very nicely in red paper with green and white ribbon. Pushing it across to Tommy, he smiled.
"Happy Birthday, bro. You finally made it to 18!"
Tommy grinned. "Thanks. Nice wrapping, by the way."
Jason laughed. "Yeah, Mom wanted to know why I made it look like a Christmas gift! How many more colors you gonna wear? You'll be known as the Rainbow Ranger before long!"
"Rainbow, eh? I don't think so. I'm on my last color—I'm retiring after this round."
"Well, that might be your intent, but . . . you never know what might happen in the future. Never say never . . ."
Tommy gave him an 'I don't think so' look, but then giggled. "Okay, I might do pink—but only on the weekends to make extra money . . ."
They both fell out laughing. The thought of Tommy in pink spandex was too much.
"Oh god, I'm dating a closet drag queen!" Jason said in mock horror and shook his head. "What else aren't you telling me?"
"Hmmm . . . let's see." Tommy grinned as he thought. "I'm slightly claustrophobic . . ."
"I knew that."
"I'm allergic to scallops."
"Knew that too . . ."
"And . . ." a wicked grin crossed his face. He leaned in really close. "I sometimes fantasize about blindfolding you, tying you up and doing naughty things to you."
Jason's eyes widened. "Really? You wanna tie me up?"
"It's just a fantasy—don't freak."
"Who's freakin'? I just didn't know you had a kinky streak."
Tommy pulled at the ribbon on his gift and smiled. "Yeah well . . . I just don't usually talk about stuff like that. Now . . . can I open my gift?!"
Jason laughed. "Sure. I hope you like it."
Tommy untied the ribbon and pulled the paper from the box to reveal the logo of the same leather shop that his jacket had come from.
A warm smile crossed his face. "What did you do?" He knew that anything that came from that particular shop had to have been expensive.
"Well, it's not the leather pants I want you to have, but . . ."
"Don't think they'd fit in here," Tommy said, shaking the box.
"No, but that g-string would . . . open it already!" Jason was getting impatient.
Tommy's eyes got big. "You didn't . . ."
Jason wouldn't say anything, he just gestured toward the box. Tommy lifted the top off the box to reveal a carved dragon pendant made of what looked like green jade. It hung from a black leather cord.
"Oh cool! It's that necklace that I liked so much at the store!"
"Yep. Something about green dragons reminds me of you," smiled Jason.
"Wonder why . . ."
"Put it on—let's see it."
The red ranger put the cord over his head and pulled his hair free. The beautifully carved dragon gleamed from inside Tommy's open collar.
"How's it look?"
"Nice. Suits you."
Tommy reached under the table and clasped Jason's hand. "Thanks bro—I really like it." He paused and winked. "I'll thank you properly later."
Jason grinned. "I'm looking forward to it. You have to admit though, I had you goin' there for a minute!"
"No kidding--I was afraid to open the box in public!"
"I hear it's someone's birthday," the waitress announced with a warm smile as she brought the large tray of sushi to their table.
Tommy smiled. "Yeah, I guess it is."
"Well Happy Birthday, handsome," she said and lowered the platter down onto the table to reveal a lit birthday candle burning brightly from a piece of California Roll. The two rangers giggled at the sight.
"Well, make a wish," Jason prompted.
Tommy thought for a second, smiled, and then blew out the lone candle.
'I wonder if that one will ever come true,' he wondered.
Jason reached over and picked up the candle, lifting the piece of sushi it impaled. He held it over for Tommy who looked to make sure no one was watching and then ate the sushi from the candle, making sure to touch Jason's fingers with his lips. The gold ranger grinned.
"Well, that's one way to do it," he laughed.
Picking up their chopsticks, they immediately went at their gorgeous-looking dinner—hardly saying anything other than "Mmmm", "Wow", and "Have you tried this?"
Once they'd slowed down a little, Jason looked over at his boyfriend and casually asked, "So, any chance of you telling me what you wished for?"
"Nope—won't come true if I tell."
"Sometimes telling the right person can help it come true," Jason said with a warm smile and rubbed Tommy's thigh under the table.
The red ranger looked at him lovingly. "I know . . . but I'd rather not say. Not yet, anyway."
"Fair enough. Enjoying your birthday dinner?"
"Absolutely. By the way, would you be up for a double date with Adam and Carlos sometime soon? Adam asked me about it earlier."
"Yeah—sounds like fun. He seems to really like Carlos, don'tcha think?"
"Mmm-hmm—I'm glad he's found someone. He's too nice a guy to be alone. Wish Rocky could meet somebody . . ."
"Yeah, me too. I really like old Rocko," Jason grinned.
"Like to pick on him, you mean."
"What can I say, he's fun."
After they'd eaten their fill of smoked salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, eel rolls, tempura rolls, etc., etc. they headed over to the big movie theatre in the mall to catch that new movie they'd been wanting to see.
"I can't believe that Gasket's let us have two dates without an interruption," Jason remarked on their way home.
"Awww Jase . . . why'd you have to say that? Now he's sure to screw us somehow."
Jason chuckled. "Yep . . . me and my big mouth."
"I got a better use for your big mouth than using it to talk up trouble."
"Oh really . . . do tell," Jason whispered.
Tommy lifted one of Jason's hands from the steering wheel and placed it on his upper thigh, rubbing upwards.
"Mmmm . . . you up for a little foolin' around?" Jason asked, hoping for an affirmative answer.
"Always. Where should we go?"
"Up to you, birthday boy."
"Well, we have school in the morning, so you can't stay out late—how 'bout your place?"
"That's fine, but what about your parents?"
"They don't give a shit, remember? Just take me by my house so I can get my backpack and some clothes."
"Sure."
After a couple of minutes, Jason just had to say what was on his mind.
"Tommy, you know I'm not a fan of your parents but . . . it seems like they're trying. Look at that expensive jacket they got you."
"Yeah, I know . . . and I appreciate the gift, but . . . it hardly makes up for things, ya know?"
"I know. Let's get your stuff."
__________________________
"So Tommy, did you ask Jason last night about the double date thing?" Adam asked at lunch the next day.
"Hmm? Oh yeah—yeah I did. He said that it sounded like it'd be a lot of fun. When did you want to go?"
"I'll have to ask Carlos when he gets here, but how about Friday?"
"Sounds fine—I'll ask Jase."
"Ask Jase what?" the gold ranger queried when he walked up behind Tommy's chair.
"Ask you if Friday would be okay for the double date with Adam and his soccer star."
Adam and Jason both grinned. "Yeah, that'd be fine. Where is said soccer star anyway?" Jason asked.
"Oh, he'll be along. His class before this is on the other side of the school—art wing."
"Is he an artist?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah, he is . . . and a good one too. You should see some of his sketches. He's also a photographer."
"Oh really?"
"That reminds me—I got the pictures back from Halloween. I'll pass them around when everyone gets here," Jason said.
Rocky finally arrived, followed closely by Zack.
"Hey guys, how's it goin'?" the former black ranger asked.
"Good . . . sleepy though," Tommy responded.
"Me too," Jason added.
"So why would you two be so tired today? Did we get up to some mischief last night celebrating someone's birthday?" Zack asked, grinning widely.
"Yep, wore 'im out. Started with his birthday spanking and went on from there," Jason stated, hardly even looking up from his lunch.
That got the usual reaction—Adam and Zack smiling and laughing, Rocky just rolling his eyes. For his part, Tommy just grinned, but made no effort to correct Jason's account of what went on.
After a few minutes though, Tommy did speak up on another subject.
"You know, I just had a thought. We've all dated other members of the team in the past, so this hasn't been an issue. What if we go out on this double date," he turned to Rocky and Zack. ". . . me, Jason, Adam, and Carlos—and there's an attack and we have to go. What do we tell Carlos?"
They all looked at each other. That was a very good question. Unfortunately, no one had a ready answer.
"Damn, I don't know. I'd hate to run off and leave him, but what else am I supposed to do?" Adam asked.
"Hope it doesn't happen and make up a good lie if it does," Zack offered.
"That's a recipe for trouble right there. You know you can't tell him Adam, but you need to think up something just in case. Sooner or later, it's gonna happen," Jason counselled.
"So, you guys are going out on a double date?" Rocky asked.
"Yeah. We're gonna try for Friday," Adam answered.
"Oh . . ." Rocky said in a quiet voice.
"Something wrong?" Adam asked him softly.
"No. Nothing's wrong," Rocky replied, but his tone gave him away. Before Adam could inquire further though, Carlos showed up followed by Kat and Tanya. "Here's Carlos," Rocky added.
Everyone greeted the new arrivals as they pulled up chairs. Tommy and Jason were civil to Kat, but they did give her a bit of a glare—they still had something to straighten out with her concerning a certain phone call.
"So Carlos, Adam tells us that you're quite the artist. Gonna show us some of your work?" Tommy asked.
The young Hispanic man brightened up considerably. "Yeah, sure. You really wanna see it?"
"Definitely. What do you like to sketch? Any favourite subjects?" Jason asked.
"Oh, all sorts of things . . . but I really like drawing people. Usually I'll take lots of pictures and then sketch from the photograph," Carlos answered.
"That reminds me. I've got the Halloween pictures in my backpack," the gold ranger said, starting to dig for the photos.
"Man, I'm sorry I missed that. What a time to be out of town," Zack grumbled.
"Yeah, we missed you. We had a lot of fun," Kat said.
"Here they are," Jason finally said, tossing the photo envelope onto the lunch table.
"Cool, let me see," Adam said and picked up the photos. "Oh look, it's Scary Spice and the Princess," he quipped, pulling the first one from the envelope. He passed it to Carlos who was sitting beside him.
"And here's Capt. Thomas and Count Jason," he added with the second picture. He grinned widely. "Aladdin and the Matador," he said with a small wink to Carlos.
He continued on with passing them around until he got halfway through the stack. Suddenly, he stopped and his eyes grew large. He simply stared at the picture that sat in his hand. Carlos was expecting him to hand it over and when he didn't, he leaned over closer to see what it was.
Letting out a slow whistle, he grinned and looked at Adam who had started silently looking through the rest of the stack.
"Come on, pass 'em around," Zack said.
"Hold on a minute," Adam said, smiling.
Jason suddenly realized what he was looking at. The pictures from his and Tommy's "photo shoot" were still in the envelope! He made a dive at Adam's hands to grab them before they got passed around, but Adam was just a little too fast for him.
"Oh no you don't . . . I'm lookin' at these! Back off!" Adam said, grinning.
Carlos was laughing and trying to help keep Jason off of Adam, which wasn't an easy task. Tommy was completely lost as to what was going on until Adam turned the picture he was currently enjoying toward the group and the light finally dawned.
"Oh no! Adam please—don't show those!" Tommy pleaded, turning as red as his shirt.
That just made everyone more curious.
"What is it, Adam? What are the pictures of?" Tanya asked, utterly intrigued.
The green ranger managed to toss a picture onto the table and Zack grabbed it before Tommy could snatch it up.
"Oh my goodness . . . Jase Jase Jase . . ." he shook his head and grinned madly. "What have you two been up to?"
Carlos nabbed a picture of Tommy from Adam's hands and tossed it over to Zack.
"And lookee here . . . here's our other budding model. Damn, you guys should get paid for this stuff!"
Tanya, Rocky, and Katherine were grinning and looking over the pictures as Jason and Tommy sat looking mortified. Tommy more so than Jason.
"Look, let's go outside where no one else can see and we'll pass them around, okay?" Jason offered.
"Jase!" Tommy protested.
"Bro, they're gonna see 'em one way or another. At least this way no one else will get a look," he explained.
Everyone got up and walked out into the courtyard—the red and gold rangers bringing up the rear.
"Why didn't you take those pictures out?" Tommy asked Jason in a low voice.
"I meant to—I just forgot!"
Tommy rolled his eyes. "This is embarrassing . . ."
"Oh don't worry about it—you look really hot in those pictures."
Gathered around a table outside, they all looked expectantly at Jason and Tommy.
"Okay look—Tommy and I were just playing around and taking pictures of each other. It's not worth making a big deal out of. We're not naked or anything."
He briefly told them a few details of how the modeling thing came about.
"So here we are in some of our glory. You're not allowed to see all of our glory . . ." He passed over the pictures.
"Well, you're not naked, but boy . . . you do nice things for denim and leather!" Tanya said after getting a good look at the photos.
Tommy stood there still looking embarrassed. He recalled posing in those tight jeans and nothing else, save his arrowhead necklace and a couple of earrings. It wasn't anything erotic or comical—just him in jeans and Jason in leather pants posing on Jason's Harley.
Carlos stood holding a picture in each hand—one of Tommy and one of Jason. When the gold ranger asked him what he thought, he said, "You know, I'd like to sketch these, if you don't mind. You two are very photogenic."
Jason smiled. "Thanks . . . I guess it'd be okay. I'll get you copies if Tommy doesn't mind."
The picture he chose of Tommy was one with him sitting sideways on the bike with one leg pulled up across the seat and the other straight. His jeans were unbuttoned and unzipped a little—the practically shredded thigh of the jeans allowing the view of a lot of skin. One hand was on the back of the seat and the other rested on his knee—the curves of his hard upper body very well accentuated. His long, thick hair was laying softly across his bare shoulders, covering almost half of one of his biceps. He had a sexy, smouldering look on his face.
Jason was pictured straddling the big motorcycle, hands on his leather-clad thighs, his sunglasses on top of his head and earrings gleaming a bit in the sun. His upper body was bare, except for a chunky silver cross on a short leather cord. Your eyes were immediately drawn to the well-defined pecs, biceps, and abs—a powerful man on a powerful machine. That naughty look on his face just topped it all off.
"Guys, all kidding aside, you two really should take these to a modeling agency. Don't you think?" Tanya asked Kat.
"Oh yeah. Very hot," the pink ranger agreed.
Carlos was still discussing the possibility of sketching the two of them.
"You know, I'd love to draw you together. Think you could get Tommy to cooperate?" he asked Jason, seeing that he was the less inhibited of the pair.
"Depends on what kind of poses you had in mind."
"The ideal thing would be both of you bare-chested in an embrace—maybe lying in each other's arms, even," Carlos suggested.
Jason smiled. "Sounds nice, but I can't imagine him letting someone photograph us like that. I'll work on him, though."
_________________________
Later that day at the Youth Center, Tommy had waited as long as he was going to.
"Come on, we've got somethin' to straighten out with the princess," he said in a low voice to Jason.
Jason got up and followed his boyfriend over to the table where Kat sat with Tanya, Emily, and another girl from school.
Leaning in close to Katherine, Tommy whispered, "Can we talk to you . . . alone?"
She turned and looked up into Tommy's face. She could see the unmistakable signs of 'leader mode' in his eyes.
"Umm . . . sure. Okay." Turning to the girls, she said, "I'll be right back."
"Let's go outside," Jason suggested.
The three of them walked out the front doors with Kat in the back. She was a little apprehensive.
'What is this about? If it were team business, the other guys would be here.'
Once they reached the picnic tables that sat to the side of the building, Tommy turned quickly and fixed Kat with a hard look. He was pissed.
"Guess who I got a call from on my birthday."
"I have no idea."
"Oh come on—you must have an idea. After all, I'm pretty sure you set it up."
"What are you talking about? I did no such thing."
"Really? Are you sure you didn't call a certain former pink ranger who happens to be my ex-girlfriend and share a little information with her? Something you knew would make her call me?"
"Kim . . ." Kat said under her breath.
"Yeah, Kim," he snapped. "Her main objective in calling wasn't to wish me a happy birthday or find out how I was—which she used as an excuse to call. No, she called with the express purpose of asking me whether or not you were telling the truth. Guess what truth she meant." His eyes were narrowed and he was a little too close to her face for Kat's comfort.
She glanced at Jason who stood there slightly behind Tommy, arms folded across his chest, wearing a stern look. Kat was in for it and she knew it.
"What?" she asked, not willing to volunteer anything.
"The truth about me and Tommy being together which, by the way, is none of her business," Jason said before Tommy could respond.
"What made you think it was your place to do that? Why did you think that'd be a good idea?!" Tommy demanded.
"Look, you two told all of your friends, including Trini who isn't here either. I was just talking to Kim one evening and it sorta slipped," she lied.
"Slipped? Bullshit! Something like that doesn't just slip. You did it on purpose—admit it!" Tommy exclaimed.
"Why would I do that? What would I hope to gain by telling her about your relationship?" Kat asked, her voice shaking.
"Oh, that's easy. You're still mad that I chose Jase over you. You can't accept our relationship and you wanted to make trouble for us. What better way than telling Kim—my ex-girlfriend and his friend since they were little?"
"I never told her to call you. I told you—it just slipped out!"
"And I told you, that's crap! I don't believe that for a minute!"
"You didn't have to tell her to call—you know Kim well enough to know that she would. What else did you tell her?" Jason demanded.
Katherine was getting pissed at being lambasted by these two. She decided to fight back.
"Fine. You wanna know what I told her? I told her exactly what you two told the rest of us. I couldn't tell her anything else because I don't know anything else! What's the big deal? Everyone else knows, why shouldn't Kim? Isn't she your friend too?"
"Because it's not your place to tell her and you did it to stir up trouble for us, that's why," Tommy said. "And no, I don't consider her a friend—she's my ex."
"She's not my friend anymore either. Not after what she did to Tommy," Jason added.
"Now I have to deal with her calling me up and asking me stuff like 'how can you do such a thing?' and 'I thought you were straight—what happened?' and wanting to know if I lied to her while we were dating. Thank you, Kat. I didn't have enough to fuckin' deal with!" Tommy yelled. He was visibly shaking and it alarmed Jason.
"Tommy, calm down. Don't let her get you this upset," the gold ranger said, rubbing Tommy's arms from his position behind him.
"Oh why don't you stop treating him like a baby? It's sickening. He's not that fragile!" Kat spat at Jason.
Jason's face turned absolutely grim. He moved quickly around Tommy to get in her face. "Look bitch, stress is what caused his first seizure and I don't want him to have any more, do you? Plus, you don't know the whole story like I do, so don't tell me how to treat him, okay?!" Jason growled at her.
Kat had never really been fond of Jason, but she had been nice because of Tommy and then later, for the good of the team. Now though, she couldn't stand him and no longer felt the need to play nice.
"You know what, Jason? You're a manipulative jerk and I'm not the only one who sees it!"
"Manipulative? How the hell am I manipulative?"
"You come back here and practically surgically attach yourself to Tommy—almost pushing the rest of his friends away. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, Tommy's bi and you two happen to start dating. Since then, you two have been connected at the hip—again, pushing us away. When the need arose for a new ranger on the team, guess who wormed their way in? You act like you're taking care of him, like he's a child or something, but what you're really doing is trying to make him dependant on you so he won't think of letting anyone else in his life. What else have you coerced him into?"
"That's enough!" Tommy yelled. He pointed at Kat's face. "You are so far off base and completely out of line! I am not a child and I am not being manipulated as you seem to think. Jason has been my best friend for years—he's like my brother. And yes, I love him. What? Do you think he brainwashed me or something? I had been having feelings for him for as long as he had for me, we were just too scared to say anything. And he does take care of me. As much as I hate to admit it, I need taking care of sometimes. He's been going to counselling with me and he knows what I've been through in my life. Stuff you'll never know or could ever understand—you really are a 'princess.' So don't you dare accuse him of manipulating me—he loves me and I love him. That's what it comes down to." He stopped and took a deep breath.
"And another thing," he continued, "as for him joining the team, he is the most qualified to hold those powers of anyone I know. Deny that he's a great ranger—go ahead! I chose him because he can do the job--not because he coerced me into it. That was my decision as commander." He shook his head. "I can't believe some of the crap you came up with. You're delusional! What color is the sky in your world anyway?"
"I've had enough of this. You two enjoy your screwed up lives and leave me out of it!" Kat said, turning to walk away.
"It'll be a pleasure," Jason called after her. Then he turned to Tommy. "Are you okay?"
Tommy turned away. "Yeah. Let's go."
The gold ranger caught up to him and they climbed in the Mustang and drove toward Tommy's house.
"I think we just lost our pink ranger," Tommy said.
"We'll be okay without her. What did she ever do besides scream for you to help her anyway?! 'Tom-maaay!'" he mocked in his best, high-pitched, feminine voice. "If need be, we can find someone else."
The red ranger actually smiled a bit at that. "I guess so, but I just don't want to deal with this right now."
"You shouldn't have to. She's just jealous and acting like a mad, spoiled brat. Don't let it worry you too much."
"You know what? It doesn't. Right now, I don't care what she does. She's not gonna talk to you like that and get away with it. Screw her."
_______________________________________
"Mom, I'm kinda concerned about something," Jason said as he walked into the kitchen.
"What's that, baby?" Theresa Scott asked, looking up from her cup of tea.
Jason sat across from her at the small table and sighed deeply. "Well, about the party this weekend—I mean, I know Saturday is my actual birthday and you and Dad are the ones giving the party, but . . . the party is for Tommy too, and . . ."
Theresa smiled warmly at her son. "What are you tripping over your tongue trying to say, darlin'?"
"I'm just worried that Tommy will feel, I don't know, like he's intruding on my party—even though he knows it's his party too."
"Think so?"
"Yeah—I know him and how he thinks. Plus, I don't know if his parents will make much of an effort either. They're coming, right?"
"When I spoke to his mother a couple of days ago she said they were. They're paying for half of everything, you know."
"That's good. I would just feel really bad if I got a stack of gifts and he got next to nothing."
"Now do you think I'd let that happen? I had already thought of that possibility and I've got it covered, okay?" She smiled and grasped his hand. "You're a good friend, Jason—I'm proud of you."
"Thanks," he said quietly and looked at the floor.
"What's the matter now?"
"I just wish Tommy's parents would treat him better. I just don't understand how they can practically act like he's not there. Yeah, they got him a nice birthday present, but still . . . He's such a good guy—loving, caring, funny—he's a great friend. He just deserves so much better than what he's gotten in life. Sometimes I actually feel guilty."
"Guilty? For what, son?"
"For having had such a nice childhood—great parents, a nice home, lots of love—I've never wanted for anything. Tommy's had material things, but . . . nothing else."
The sad look on his face hurt the mother's heart within Theresa. "Jason, tell me what they've done to the boy. I promise I won't let on that I know anything."
He sighed heavily. "Mom, I can't. I promised Tommy that I wouldn't and I can't go back on my word. Just know that he's never really felt loved or felt like he was good enough. I'm trying my best to change that."
'I need to shut up before I say too much—I'm gonna mess around and tell her something I shouldn't.'
"He's the best friend I've ever had and I feel protective of him, I guess," he said, trying to cover.
"I know. Tommy's lucky to have you. I still mean what I said before: He's welcome here anytime."
Jason nodded but he wondered how welcome either one of them would be if his parents knew the truth.
____________________________
Friday rolled around pretty quickly and the boys confirmed their double date plans for that evening. They were going to meet up at Adam's house and then take Jason's car to Stefano's, the new Italian restaurant that everyone had been raving about.
At 5:30 sharp, Carlos arrived at the Park home.
"Hey! You're right on time. Come in," Adam said, noting how nice he looked in his black jeans and deep purple shirt.
"Ready for tonight? I think it's gonna be fun."
"Oh yeah. Jason and Tommy are always a blast to hang out with. Come up to my room while we wait, okay?"
As Carlos followed Adam up the stairs, he couldn't help but notice how nicely he filled out those blue jeans. They reached Adam's room and once inside, he closed the door. Carlos gave him a questioning look.
"My little brother will be in here if I don't," the green ranger explained.
"I understand. My sisters are the same way," he grinned.
Carlos started looking around at all the trophies and plaques adorning Adam's walls.
"Wow, you've been competing for quite a while, haven't you?"
"Yeah, since I was little. How 'bout you? I'll bet you've won a few yourself in soccer."
"A couple. I actually have more awards for my art, though."
"I'm sure—you're really talented."
Carlos smiled. "Thanks. I'd love to draw you sometime. Whatcha think?"
"Me? I can understand why you'd want to sketch Jason or Tommy—those picture were, well . . . hot. But me?"
Carlos moved a little closer and touched Adam's back. "Why would you even ask that?"
Adam turned and looked up into the slightly taller boy's face. "I don't know. If you think I'm worth drawing, then that's good enough for me."
Slowly their lips met in a soft, warm kiss, hands eventually finding each other's bodies. As they parted, Carlos whispered, "I think you're pretty hot."
Adam grinned and pulled his new boyfriend into another kiss, this one a little more heated and intense. His hands moved up Carlos' strong back and entangled in his thick, black hair.
"Mmmm . . ." Adam moaned quietly as he felt his lips being teased open by Carlos' tongue. He allowed him to explore his mouth and then he invaded his boyfriend's mouth in much the same way. Hands caressing Adam's back under his shirt, Carlos moaned into his mouth, causing a tingle to shoot down the green ranger's spine and into his groin.
When air became necessary, they parted and held each other close, Adam nibbling at Carlos' strong neck.
"Adam! Your friends are here!" Mr. Park called from the bottom of the stairs.
Adam reluctantly pulled away and went to the door. "Thanks! Be right down!"
They grinned at each other and kissed once more.
"Ready to go?" Adam asked.
"Yeah," Carlos said, grabbing his jacket.
__________________________
Once seated in the Tuscan-style dining room, the four young men perused the menu.
"So, what looks good to you?" Tommy asked Jason who was seated next to him.
"It all looks good! Man, I could eat a horse!" Jason replied.
"You sound like Rocky," Adam giggled. Tommy agreed.
"I don't know what some of this stuff is. Do you?" Carlos asked Adam.
"Most of it I recognize, but . . . Jase, what is the difference in all these cheeses and pastas?"
Jason explained that most pasta is the same; there are just different shapes and thicknesses. The cheeses he described as best he could, with the aid of the menu.
Carlos smiled. "You must eat a lot of Italian food."
"At least twice a week at home. My mom is Italian," Jason explained. "I have to work out like a mad man to keep from being the size of a bus!"
They all laughed.
"Italian, huh? I thought you were at least part Hispanic like me," Carlos said.
"Nope—Irish and Italian—Gaelic and Garlic, as we say," Jason responded with a grin.
"Tommy, what's your background? I can't pin you down either."
"Me? Oh, I'm Native American and German."
"And I'm Korean and English—we've got the freakin' UN sittin' right here," Adam joked.
"Yeah, all we need is Tanya, Kat, Billy, and Rocky here and we'd have African-American, Australian, German/Norwegian, and Spanish," Tommy added.
"Rocky's Hispanic?" Carlos asked.
"No, he's Spanish—Castilian, from Madrid," Adam explained.
"Oh cool. I didn't think he had the colouring to be Mexican like my family."
Everyone's family trees having been established, they got down to some serious eating: soup, calamari, stuffed mushrooms, cannelloni, fettuccini, tilapia . . . and tiramisu for dessert.
"I think you're gonna have to carry me out of here, bro," Jason said, rubbing his overly-full tummy.
"Hmphf . . . like I could. Besides, I was just about to tell you to carry me," Tommy responded.
"Well get your big asses up and let's get going—we've got a movie to catch," Adam told them.
Once they managed to get up from the table, they made their way to the bowling alley near the mall and shot a few games of pool, then hit the movie theatre. They all had a really good time hanging out together and promised to do it again real soon.
_______________________
When Jason and Tommy returned to the Scotts' house that evening, there was an email from a very excited-sounding Jacques waiting for the gold ranger.
Jason,
Hi! Got your pictures this afternoon and I have one question: How the hell do you two ever manage to get out of bed?!! My god, you're both so hot posing on that bike. As for Tommy . . . how do you keep your hands off him?! I'd wear him out on a daily basis! Nice leather pants, by the way. Why did I never see them? *grin and wink*
The Halloween pictures were really funny. Love the costumes! All of your friends are very attractive—the girls are really pretty and the guys are hot! So the gladiator is Rocky, right? He's really cute—but then so is Adam. Carlos is gorgeous.
Now I really can't wait to come see you guys this summer! I'm gonna have a tough time keeping my hands to myself, though. Mathias told me that I'd better behave myself! He says "Hi!", by the way. I'll write again soon.
Jacques
PS—I hope those websites are helping—let me know!
Jason sat in front of his computer laughing so hard that Tommy had to ask.
"Okay give . . . what's so funny?"
"This email from Jacques. I sent him some of the pictures from the Halloween party and a couple of us on the Harley. He's so funny!"
"You sent him those pictures of me? Jase!"
"What? Why are you so shy? You're gorgeous in those shots—I was just showing you off a bit."
Tommy groaned. "I don't even know him, though."
"So? So what if a guy from Quebec that goes to school in Switzerland thinks you're hot?"
"He thinks I'm hot . . . Jase!"
"Tommy—you are hot. What's the problem? Come here and read the email," Jason said, moving back from the monitor screen.
Tommy slowly pulled himself up from the bed and made his way to the desk, shaking his head as he walked.
"I'm gonna figure out someone that you don't know and send them pictures of you," he groused.
As Tommy was reading, his face was turning redder and redder.
"He'd wear me out on a daily basis, huh? Oh my god . . ."
Jason just giggled and grinned.
"Okay, that was embarrassing." He shook his head and looked at his bro. "So show me a picture of Jacques—I wanna know what my admirer looks like."
"You've seen him before—I sent you a picture of him not long after we became roommates."
"Did you? I don't remember. Let me see another one."
Jason obediently pulled up a nice shot of him and Jacques together, taken outside of their dormitory. Jacques was a nicely-built young man, about the same height as Jason, with golden brown hair and large green eyes.
"Nice-looking guy," Tommy commented.
"So are you less freaked out now? You really shouldn't be so insecure, bro. Lots of people—guys and girls—think you're really attractive. And you're only getting better," Jason smiled appreciatively.
"What do you mean?"
"I can just tell—the more mature you get, the better you're gonna get. I'm really not gonna be able to keep my hands off you by the time we're 25!"
Tommy smiled wickedly. "You can't now . . . you sex fiend."
"Are you complaining?"
"No, no . . . no complaints here." Then Tommy remembered something else from the email that interested him. "By the way, which websites was Jacques talking about?"
"Uh . . . ummm . . . yeah . . ." Jason stammered.
"Jason?" Tommy said in an accusatory tone.
"You'll find out tomorrow night."
"Tomorrow night? Our party?"
"No silly . . . afterwards . . ."
"Oh!" He paused. "Really? Gonna teach me some new tricks?" he asked provocatively.
"That's the plan . . ."
_______________________
"25, huh? You think we'll last that long?" Tommy asked casually as they lay in Jason's bed after a nice, long make-out session.
Jason looked almost hurt. "I sincerely hope so. Don't you?"
Tommy rubbed his lover's warm, naked back. "Well yeah, of course I do. It's just . . . I don't know . . . a lot can happen in 7 years. We'll be out of college by then and hopefully working in whatever we each decide to do."
"That doesn't mean that we have to grow apart, Tommy."
"I know. Most teenage relationships don't last that long, that's all."
"We're not most teenagers, bro. We've both had a lot of responsibility placed on our shoulders for a while now. We've dealt with things even our parents can't fathom. You and I have stared down death and destruction so many times we can't even remember them all."
Tommy nodded in agreement.
"We're way more mature than most people 10 years older than us and I'd like to think it's made us appreciate what we have. Especially when I nearly lost you . . ." Jason's eyes were shining with unshed tears as he spoke. Tommy had hit a nerve.
"Hey, it's okay baby. Don't get upset. I didn't mean anything by what I said." He paused and smiled warmly at Jason.
"I love you so much . . . more than I thought I was capable of. I'm not going anywhere," he professed and ran his fingers through Jason's black, spiky hair.
"Good, 'cause I waited way too long and went through way too much to be with you—I'm not giving you up without a major fight," Jason proclaimed.
Tommy smiled. "That's good to know. I feel the same way."
___________________________
Author's Notes: Well . . . what do you think? Will Jason and Tommy become models? What's going on with Rocky? Has the team lost its pink ranger? Will the boys get it together after their party? Keep reading to find out!
Thank you so much to all those who reviewed the last chapter! I love to hear from you guys! And please vote in the poll on my profile if you haven't already. Oh . . . and don't forget to review!!