The Second Chances Saga: Chapter 5: Parental Units.
Fandom: Power Rangers/ Alternate Universes (duh!)
Notes: This story takes place before they lose the Dinozords. Zack has
moved to Iowa, and Adam took his place. There was no Peace Conference. It
is loosely based on Karen Davis' BLUE YONDER, (I guess it's one of the five
universes Jason never made it to.) and that concept is used with her
permission.
Disclaimers: I don't own the Power Rangers, Zordon, Zords, Angel Grove, Ernie's or any of Saban's other properties. If I did, I can guarantee you it wouldn't be a kiddie show. I also don't own Storm Quest, Temblor or the Time Shard. They belong to my buddies over at Sky Comics. (Joe- Just be glad I left Seeker alone-) The rest is all from my own twisted mind, and that of my best friend Kim Nichols-Hornbuckle. This is slash fiction. If you don't like guys in love with each other- run as far and as fast as you can. I'm always open to constructive criticism. I can be reached at cobalt- blue@rocketmail.com
NOTE: I'm sorry about the confusion with the name for chapter 4. It was not meant to be the end of the story.
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Billy watched Jason wince as Ms. Stone pushed and prodded at his ribs. He hated to see Jason in pain, but he had to admit to himself that the view with Jase's shirt off was nice. Finally, Ms. Stone turned back to the worried Scotts and said, "He'll be okay in a few hours. Being a manifestation of the Power, he heals almost immediately." She indicated her medical bag, "Billy hand me that Ace bandage please."
Retrieving the requested item, Billy helped her wrap Jason's ribs getting a small thrill from the touch of Jase's smooth skin. "I really think you should take it easy tonight, Jason." He told him, "The scans I've been doing indicate that although the Power will heal this damage, it will draw on your own energy reserves to do so. You will probably experience a great deal of fatigue and hunger over approximately the next seventeen hours."
"Huh?" Jason asked with a slight smile.
"You're going to eat like horse and sleep like bear for the next few hours," Kimberly told him, "which of course is appropriate, all things considered."
"You did well out there children," Ms. Stone told them as she finished up with the wrapping, "especially you Jase. "Do you realize that you actually managed to take out two Norse deities?"
"Why were they confused about Zedd making them grow?" Adam asked.
"Because, in their tradition, they FOUGHT the giants, they aren't supposed to BE giants." Billy answered. "Didn't you hear Tyr's confusion as he attacked Tommy? He thought Tommy's 'zord was the Midgard Serpent, and knew that Thor was supposed to die fighting it." Billy leaned back against the sink in the Scott's house and watched as Jason buttoned up his shirt. "Choosing the exhibit at the museum was a tactical error on Zedd's part. He may have resurrected the Norse Pantheon, but by forcing them to fight us in giant form, he confused them. They thought they were in the Battle of Gotterdamnenrung or as we know it, the Battle of Ragnarok."
"You mean we were really fighting gods out there?" Kyle asked. Taking a moment, he thought, "That's why they all attacked you then, wasn't it Billy?"
Billy nodded, "Choosing this fight as an opportunity to use my new 'zord form was an error on MY part." Billy felt himself blush at the admission, "I had forgotten about the legend of the Fenris Wolf, one of the most feared creatures in the Norse mythology." He smiled at his new companion, "Although I have to admit some surprise at finding someone else who recognizes Icelandic legends."
"Ever read Elizabeth Bowyer?" Kyle asked.
Billy nodded, he'd read several pieces by the aforementioned author, and greatly enjoyed the retelling of Icelandic mythology. He told the young Yellow Ranger, "Although, her writings are very much on the juvenile level, I do find them highly entertaining."
"Speaking of 'zords, Billy," Tommy asked, "what ever made you design one based on a Raccoon?" He shook his head, "Not that I'm complaining mind you, the look on Goldar's face when he turned around and saw three hundred feet of yellow raccoon was priceless, almost as priceless as the sight of Kyle hitting him with that hammer."
"I didn't design the 'zord as a raccoon, Tommy. I designed the 'zords to tap into our inner strengths and personalities. The raccoon is appropriate for Kyle, it's intelligent, resourceful, fierce, and agile. Just like our new friend." He smiled over Jason, "Just like the grizzly bear is very appropriate for Jason. He's the great protector."
Kimberly put her hands on her hips and smiled at him. He knew he was in for a teasing from her tone when she said, "Somehow I don't see you as all that wolfish Billy. I mean, a wolf has a certain reputation that you are lacking."
Billy smiled at her, "The wolf is a pack animal. It lives or dies by its pack mates." He shrugged, "My pack mates are the most important thing in the universe to me."
Jase came down off the table and put an arm around Billy, "Besides, the wolf works as part of a team. It's intelligent, and resourceful." Jason leaned in closely so that only Billy could hear, "and it mates for life." Billy felt himself blush deeply.
"Well, I think that's enough excitement for one day, children," Ms Stone told them all. "Why don't we clean up the back yard and call it a night?" The woman clapped her hands and started directing the Rangers as the cleanup crew. In a matter of minutes, the Scott's backyard was clean and the grill put away.
Billy watched as Ms. Stone and his dad left through the back gate after his dad offered her a ride home. Before they left, Ed Cranston turned and looked at Billy, "Don't be too long, son." Billy felt something hard grow in the pit of his stomach, something dark and resentful, and he finally realized that it was anger. Sitting down, he analyzed the feeling. He was actually angry with Ms. Stone for riding home with his dad. It was all of course perfectly innocent, but still it ate at some part of Billy that he'd always kept deep down inside him.
"She's not moving in," Jase put a hand on his shoulder.
"Huh?" Billy turned to the dark eyed boy.
"Now that's a switch," Jason teased, "you not understanding me." He took Billy by the shoulders and looked directly at him. "He's giving her a ride home, that's all. She's not trying to take your mom's place."
Billy smiled as he understood what Jason was trying to tell him, "I think I understand that, Jason. Up here." He tapped his head. "But I'm having trouble with it down here," he put a hand on his chest and shook his head. "I guess this is what Kimberly was trying to tell me right after my accident last year. I may be a graduate of the School for Baby Genius's but when it comes to emotional stuff, I'm pretty much remedial classes all the way." Looking up, he smiled at Jason, "you're not going to take advantage of that and use it to seduce me are you?"
He saw the look of confusion on Jase's face, "Of course not, Billy!"
Billy smiled and snapped his fingers, "Drat!"
Both boys laughed briefly at Billy's joke. Almost as quickly as the laughter began, it became quiet. Suddenly, he wished Jason would kiss him. After long seconds of getting lost in the midnight eyes, while waiting for Jason to make the first move, Billy decided to take the initiative himself. He leaned in close and brushed his lips against Jason's lips. He felt a tingle that started at his lips and spread down to settle somewhere at the base of his spine. Jason crushed him against his chest and the deep kiss set off explosions in Billy's mind. At the sound of Mr. Scott clearing his voice, the boys separated as they both turned bright red. "I guess there goes the stricture about kissing in public."
Billy muttered, "I guess so." He looked over at the Scotts who were standing there giving him the "you boys know better," look. He shrugged and said, "Sorry." Turning back to Jason he said, "See you tomorrow at the Command Center."
Jason just nodded and walked back toward his parents, as Kyle came up beside him and said in his Appalachian accent, "Smooth move Blue; shock the parental units. What's next, skinny dipping the lake?" Reaching out, the raven haired boy took Billy's keys. "I'd better drive, at least until we get to my house." He smiled. "Give you a chance to come back down to earth." He looked down at the front of Billy's jeans, "and replace your stick shift with an automatic."
************************************************************** Kyle dropped Adam off at home first, before heading toward his own home. He was actually very pleased with his performance today, although he was a surprised as Tommy about the Raccoon 'zord. It made sense he guessed, but it was still a surprise. He would have hoped for a lion or maybe a black leopard, but he'd settle for what he got. Of course considering what the alternative was, what he got was damn good. Some small part of his mind recognized that as a very Eastern Kentucky attitude. The more he thought of it, the more he realized that the raccoon was appropriate for him.
"Why did you make that comment when you hit Goldar?" Billy finally asked.
Kyle turned to glance at the Blue Ranger and smiled. He could already tell that the boy had come down from the adrenaline high from the fight as well as from the passion high from his kiss. He still had a slightly glazed look in his eyes, but for the most part the flush was gone from his cheeks. "Which comment?"
"The one about being pure of heart, if you know enough about Norse mythology to recognize the Fenris Wolf, you'd know that there is no such stricture about picking up Mjolnir. That's something purely for the comic books." Billy told him.
"I know, but I couldn't help but think of Wonder Woman picking up the hammer in that really bad cross-over series they did. You know the one where Storm beat her."
Billy smiled at him, "I know. Someone needs to tell the writers at Marvel that lightning doesn't work that way." Shaking his head, "And if Diana were any real kind of Amazon, she'd have cleaned Storm's clock before it ever got started." He grinned at Kyle, "After all, we've seen how real Amazons fight." His voice changed from the light banter, "But seriously, what makes you think you're not pure of heart?"
Kyle shrugged, "Let's just say that I've had some pretty impure thoughts lately." He really didn't want to go into what he'd been feeling lately with the Blue Ranger. His new friend had too many other worries on his mind without loading him down with Kyle's.
Billy just smiled, "I can't imagine they're any more impure than the ones I've had of late myself." He turned to face Kyle, "Look Kyle, like I tried to tell all of you earlier. Whatever this force that makes us what we are has bound us together. If you need anything, to talk, or just to unload, let me know. You and I are probably closer matched in the dojo than you are with anyone else, so if you want to go and work off some frustration some time let me know." He laughed, "believe it or not, but I do understand that sometimes a physical release of energy can be cleansing to the soul."
Kyle smiled at him, "Tommy and Jase are corrupting you. If you're not careful it'll ruin your reputation."
"I have a reputation?" Billy asked.
"Uh huh," Kyle told him.
"And you know this how?" Billy asked.
"Kimberly told me."
"And what did Kimberly say about me?" Billy asked.
"That you're a good friend, a good listener, and don't get as caught up into the testosterone overload that the other guys do." Kyle told him, "also that she has suspected that you're family for a long time." Kyle smiled and teased the blond, "and that if you should come toward me with an electronic mind shield I should run as far and as fast as I could."
Billy laughed, "She still hasn't forgiven me for that." Then he tuned to face Adam, "What does she mean by family?"
"Oh, sorry," Kyle apologized, "My word, not hers. Family, it's a term used by the gay community to denote someone else who's gay. It's sort of an homage to the concept that since we are so often denied our biological families, that we make our own."
Billy's voice got serious, "And have you been denied your biological family?"
Kyle shook his head, "Some of it. I've got several uncles who don't want me around their kids anymore. But, for the most part, things are cool at home. Dad isn't happy about the fact that I'm gay, but he still loves and supports me." Kyle suppressed the shudder that ran through him as his own emotions built up. He realized just how much his coming out of the closet affected his father, but the man had never been anything but supportive. "Hell, he moved across the country to give me a chance at a new start."
"From what happened with the other boy?" Billy asked.
Kyle nodded, and was surprised that although the pain was still there, it was beginning to be bearable. He realized that his new friends had accepted him for who he was, with no judgments or reservations. "I take it that Adam told you what happened."
Billy shook his head, "No, if you tell Adam something that he thinks is personal, wild horses can't drag it out of him. You've made enough comments that I've pieced together that somebody you loved was murdered and you blame yourself. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. I was just making an observation."
"I appreciate that." He shrugged, "Some of it is still too painful, but I'm getting where I can function again." Kyle smiled weakly as he pulled into the drive at his house.
"Well if you need anybody to talk to, I've got a free ear." Billy said. "Since I'm not the object of your impure thoughts, I should be safe to talk to." It was clear that Billy still had a long way to go before he realized just how attractive he was. Some part of Kyle's mind noted that his lack of realization of his own good looks was part of the young genius' charm.
"What makes you think you're not the source?" Kyle teased Billy. "Although I'll admit that you aren't, you're not chopped liver either. Trust me on this Billy, I can guarantee you that you make great masturbatory fantasy material."
"Kyle!" Billy protested as he turned a bright shade of red.
Kyle shrugged, "Hey, if you don't believe me, that's fine. But I'll bet you dollars to donuts that you star if quite a few of Jason's nocturnal fantasies." He turned and headed into his house, leaving the young genius to think about that.
"Son, you're home early," his dad commented as he came into the house. Looking over, Kyle saw his father sitting quietly at the kitchen table going over some paper work from the plant. His father had been lucky to find such a good job so easily out here. Back home in Kentucky, good paying jobs were few and far between and the loss of one could spell disaster to a family. His father's experience as a Union Representative in the steel plant there had become a valuable commodity here in Angel Grove.
"Yeah dad, we're supposed to go out to the desert tomorrow and I wanted to get a good night's sleep so I can be on my toes. I'm still adjusting to the climate here," Kyle told his father. Technically he wasn't lying to his father, after all the Command Center was in the desert.
"You're spending a lot of time with those new friends of yours." He looked up from the paper work, took his glasses off, and said, "Sit down. I want to talk to you."
"Yes sir," Kyle replied fearing the worst.
"I did some checking with some of the other parents in the neighborhood," his father began. "You're friends have a certain reputation around here, a good one. I'm glad you're making friends of that caliber. I'd like to meet them sometime."
Kyle smiled, "Sure dad."
His dad laughed, "Since when is it that easy? Back home, it was like pulling teeth to get you bring any friends home to meet me."
"Dad, back home everybody knew everybody. It wasn't that big of a deal. Here, it's new people and a new environment." Kyle let his voice get serious, "I know how much this move cost you dad. In case I haven't told you so, I do appreciate your standing by me." He looked down, and hoped he kept the hurt from his voice, "Even when mom didn't."
He felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked up into his father's eyes. "You're my son. What did you think I would do, put you out with the garbage?" He sighed, "I may not understand what you're going through but I do love you. I helped bring you into this world that makes the kind of man you turn out to be my responsibility, and I want you to be the best person you can be." Turning and looking down, "You're mother's leaving was not your fault. She may have used what happened as an excuse, but she decided to leave a long time before that."
"Yes sir," Kyle told his father. He'd known his parents were having problems before the mess with Neal and Katy. He knew that it wasn't his fault, but for some reason, he felt that if he'd stayed out of trouble, then maybe they would have been able to work it out.
"Now go on up to bed," he smiled at his son, "We don't want you falling out in the desert tomorrow, do we?"
"No sir."
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"How long have you known about us?" Kimberly asked her mom as they sat at the kitchen table sharing two bowls of Rocky Road ice cream.
"Since just after the Power Rangers appeared," her mother smiled. "Jason's parents figured it out first, and slowly let the rest of us know."
"You're not upset with us lying to you about it?" Kimberly asked, unable to believe that her mom knew she was a Power Ranger.
"I wasn't happy to find out my daughter can lie, but I understand why it was necessary," Mrs. Hart told her. "And you've always been honest with me about other things, so I can let this slide." Her mom smiled. "You have been honest with me about everything else haven't you?"
Kimberly blushed, "I haven't lied to you mom," she quickly added, "about non-Ranger stuff. But you haven't asked certain things so I haven't told you." She really felt weird having this conversation with her mother. Although they'd talked a great deal, about many things, all her mother ever really said about certain subjects was that she was uncomfortable with her spending too much time alone with Tommy.
Her mother smiled seriously at her, "Do you want me to ask?"
Kimberly thought about it, "About some things I guess I do," she blushed, "others are kind of private."
"I understand that," Kimberly. "You're almost an adult now. You've made some pretty mature decisions, and have taken it on yourself to be responsible for the safety of a great many people. I can't complain about the kind of young woman you're turning into." She sighed, "I just don't want you to get hurt," she gave Kim a long look, "or make the kind of mistake that could cost you any career you might want."
Kim blushed, "I'm not going to become a parent any time soon, Mom." Kimberly thought about what she had been told her during the exam at the Command Center. "If I were sexually active, which I'm not saying I am, nor am I saying I'm not, I would be very careful about it."
"Kim, I've always been pretty sanguine about your running around with so many boys. Jason, Zack, and Billy have always proven me to be right in my decisions in this matter, but you've never really had any interest in any of them besides as friends. That's something I'm very proud of you for. You've realized that you can be friends with a boy without it crossing any lines, and that's something some girls never learn. But, Tommy worries me. Not as much as he used to, but he does worry me."
"Tommy worries a lot of people mom. I think it's the hair." Kimberly replied with a smile.
Mrs. Hart smiled, "He does have that roguish look about him doesn't he." She shook her head, "I just don't want you to get too serious too fast, sweetie."
"I won't mom," Kim smiled. "Besides, I've got a couple of big brothers that are looking out for me too."
"I don't understand," Mrs. Hart replied.
"Jason and Billy," Kimberly said. "They threatened to do some pretty nasty things to Tommy if he hurt me."
"That's nice dear, but I just want to make sure that you don't LET yourself get hurt." She shook her head, "Wait a minute? Billy threatened Tommy?"
Kim smiled at her mom, "Let's just say that he threatened to use some of the advanced technology he has access to, to remove certain non- essential but important body parts from Tommy if he hurt me."
Mrs. Hart laughed, "Leave it to Billy to find a way." She put her hand on Kimberly's, "What I'm trying to say, is that if you have or should you decide that Tommy is the person you want to be with, please be careful." She gave Kimberly a stern look, "Mind you, I'm not giving you permission."
"Yes, ma'am," Kim replied.
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Jason sat quietly in the den, resting his eyes, and trying to fight off the drowsiness that threatened to overcome him. The worst part was that whenever he closed his eyes, a certain pair of blue green eyes came to mind and then the memory of the kiss they'd shared on the lawn would combine with the drowsiness to create an embarrassing situation in his jeans. Billy had warned him that the healing process for his ribs- the pain in which had finally faded to a dull throb- would make him hungry and sleepy, but he hadn't mentioned anything about being horny.
His parents were in the kitchen speaking in low voices, and he wondered just how much that little kiss had cost him. He'd been surprised that it had happened, and was somewhat pleased the Billy was the one that wanted to kiss him. Jason came to the conclusion that he liked kissing Billy. He liked kissing Billy more than he liked the other things he and Ana had done. Somehow, with Billy everything just seemed so right- the way things were supposed to be. He found himself wanting to try other things with the young genius.
Entering the room his dad sat down across from him on the couch, "Jase?" he asked. "Let's talk son."
Jason smiled at his dad, "I'm in trouble aren't I?"
His dad chuckled, "I don't know. You tell me."
"The kiss," Jason began.
"Was a little shocking, but nothing we can't deal with son," his dad told him. "In reality it was nothing I haven't seen you do with Ana or Emily. It's just a little unnerving to see you kissing Billy I guess."
"Then what do you want to talk about?" Jason asked.
His dad cleared his throat and Jason realized his father was as nervous as he was. Finally, he began, "Your mom and I are concerned about your activities with Billy. About how far things have gone between you," he cleared his throat again, "uh. sexually."
Jason felt the blood rise in his cheeks, "What do you mean sexually, Dad?"
"I mean, I know you know the mechanics of the things that men and women do together." his Dad continued nervously, ".and God knows I'm not going to try and even fathom the mechanics of what men and men do together."
"Dad, are you asking if Billy and I have had sex?" Jason felt his face burn with embarrassment.
"I'm not asking, son. That's your business," he told Jason. "I'm less concerned about you having sex as you having safe sex," his Dad finally blurted out.
Jason shook his head, "Dad, we haven't gotten that far yet. Actually we decided to take things slow, and limit our activities to necking for a while." Jason had always had a close relationship with his dad, and because of that, he felt comfortable talking about things with him that most seventeen year olds would never mention to a parent. "But when we do, I promise you that we'll be very careful."
His Dad nodded, "Okay, son. We just wanted to make sure that you were being safe." Reaching out and putting his hand on Jason's his Dad continued, "and that you know we love you and support you and Billy. It may take some time to get used to the idea of you two together, but we do love you- both of you."
Jason smiled at his dad, "Thanks dad. That means a lot."
"Just so you know son," his dad said, getting up to leave the room.
"And Dad?"
"Yeah, Jase?"
"Thanks for understanding about the other stuff," Jase told him.
"What other stuff?" his Dad asked.
"The Power Rangers stuff." Jase told him. He was surprised at the relief he felt over no longer having to lie to his parents about what he was doing. He also had to admit to a small thrill at the idea of morphing in front of them.
"We understand that you had to keep things secret," his father told him. "Murphy told us why you had to keep it to yourselves."
"I still felt bad about it, Dad. I don't like to lie."
"I know, Son."
Jason drifted off to dreams of a certain blond and chocolate sauce.
Disclaimers: I don't own the Power Rangers, Zordon, Zords, Angel Grove, Ernie's or any of Saban's other properties. If I did, I can guarantee you it wouldn't be a kiddie show. I also don't own Storm Quest, Temblor or the Time Shard. They belong to my buddies over at Sky Comics. (Joe- Just be glad I left Seeker alone-) The rest is all from my own twisted mind, and that of my best friend Kim Nichols-Hornbuckle. This is slash fiction. If you don't like guys in love with each other- run as far and as fast as you can. I'm always open to constructive criticism. I can be reached at cobalt- blue@rocketmail.com
NOTE: I'm sorry about the confusion with the name for chapter 4. It was not meant to be the end of the story.
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Billy watched Jason wince as Ms. Stone pushed and prodded at his ribs. He hated to see Jason in pain, but he had to admit to himself that the view with Jase's shirt off was nice. Finally, Ms. Stone turned back to the worried Scotts and said, "He'll be okay in a few hours. Being a manifestation of the Power, he heals almost immediately." She indicated her medical bag, "Billy hand me that Ace bandage please."
Retrieving the requested item, Billy helped her wrap Jason's ribs getting a small thrill from the touch of Jase's smooth skin. "I really think you should take it easy tonight, Jason." He told him, "The scans I've been doing indicate that although the Power will heal this damage, it will draw on your own energy reserves to do so. You will probably experience a great deal of fatigue and hunger over approximately the next seventeen hours."
"Huh?" Jason asked with a slight smile.
"You're going to eat like horse and sleep like bear for the next few hours," Kimberly told him, "which of course is appropriate, all things considered."
"You did well out there children," Ms. Stone told them as she finished up with the wrapping, "especially you Jase. "Do you realize that you actually managed to take out two Norse deities?"
"Why were they confused about Zedd making them grow?" Adam asked.
"Because, in their tradition, they FOUGHT the giants, they aren't supposed to BE giants." Billy answered. "Didn't you hear Tyr's confusion as he attacked Tommy? He thought Tommy's 'zord was the Midgard Serpent, and knew that Thor was supposed to die fighting it." Billy leaned back against the sink in the Scott's house and watched as Jason buttoned up his shirt. "Choosing the exhibit at the museum was a tactical error on Zedd's part. He may have resurrected the Norse Pantheon, but by forcing them to fight us in giant form, he confused them. They thought they were in the Battle of Gotterdamnenrung or as we know it, the Battle of Ragnarok."
"You mean we were really fighting gods out there?" Kyle asked. Taking a moment, he thought, "That's why they all attacked you then, wasn't it Billy?"
Billy nodded, "Choosing this fight as an opportunity to use my new 'zord form was an error on MY part." Billy felt himself blush at the admission, "I had forgotten about the legend of the Fenris Wolf, one of the most feared creatures in the Norse mythology." He smiled at his new companion, "Although I have to admit some surprise at finding someone else who recognizes Icelandic legends."
"Ever read Elizabeth Bowyer?" Kyle asked.
Billy nodded, he'd read several pieces by the aforementioned author, and greatly enjoyed the retelling of Icelandic mythology. He told the young Yellow Ranger, "Although, her writings are very much on the juvenile level, I do find them highly entertaining."
"Speaking of 'zords, Billy," Tommy asked, "what ever made you design one based on a Raccoon?" He shook his head, "Not that I'm complaining mind you, the look on Goldar's face when he turned around and saw three hundred feet of yellow raccoon was priceless, almost as priceless as the sight of Kyle hitting him with that hammer."
"I didn't design the 'zord as a raccoon, Tommy. I designed the 'zords to tap into our inner strengths and personalities. The raccoon is appropriate for Kyle, it's intelligent, resourceful, fierce, and agile. Just like our new friend." He smiled over Jason, "Just like the grizzly bear is very appropriate for Jason. He's the great protector."
Kimberly put her hands on her hips and smiled at him. He knew he was in for a teasing from her tone when she said, "Somehow I don't see you as all that wolfish Billy. I mean, a wolf has a certain reputation that you are lacking."
Billy smiled at her, "The wolf is a pack animal. It lives or dies by its pack mates." He shrugged, "My pack mates are the most important thing in the universe to me."
Jase came down off the table and put an arm around Billy, "Besides, the wolf works as part of a team. It's intelligent, and resourceful." Jason leaned in closely so that only Billy could hear, "and it mates for life." Billy felt himself blush deeply.
"Well, I think that's enough excitement for one day, children," Ms Stone told them all. "Why don't we clean up the back yard and call it a night?" The woman clapped her hands and started directing the Rangers as the cleanup crew. In a matter of minutes, the Scott's backyard was clean and the grill put away.
Billy watched as Ms. Stone and his dad left through the back gate after his dad offered her a ride home. Before they left, Ed Cranston turned and looked at Billy, "Don't be too long, son." Billy felt something hard grow in the pit of his stomach, something dark and resentful, and he finally realized that it was anger. Sitting down, he analyzed the feeling. He was actually angry with Ms. Stone for riding home with his dad. It was all of course perfectly innocent, but still it ate at some part of Billy that he'd always kept deep down inside him.
"She's not moving in," Jase put a hand on his shoulder.
"Huh?" Billy turned to the dark eyed boy.
"Now that's a switch," Jason teased, "you not understanding me." He took Billy by the shoulders and looked directly at him. "He's giving her a ride home, that's all. She's not trying to take your mom's place."
Billy smiled as he understood what Jason was trying to tell him, "I think I understand that, Jason. Up here." He tapped his head. "But I'm having trouble with it down here," he put a hand on his chest and shook his head. "I guess this is what Kimberly was trying to tell me right after my accident last year. I may be a graduate of the School for Baby Genius's but when it comes to emotional stuff, I'm pretty much remedial classes all the way." Looking up, he smiled at Jason, "you're not going to take advantage of that and use it to seduce me are you?"
He saw the look of confusion on Jase's face, "Of course not, Billy!"
Billy smiled and snapped his fingers, "Drat!"
Both boys laughed briefly at Billy's joke. Almost as quickly as the laughter began, it became quiet. Suddenly, he wished Jason would kiss him. After long seconds of getting lost in the midnight eyes, while waiting for Jason to make the first move, Billy decided to take the initiative himself. He leaned in close and brushed his lips against Jason's lips. He felt a tingle that started at his lips and spread down to settle somewhere at the base of his spine. Jason crushed him against his chest and the deep kiss set off explosions in Billy's mind. At the sound of Mr. Scott clearing his voice, the boys separated as they both turned bright red. "I guess there goes the stricture about kissing in public."
Billy muttered, "I guess so." He looked over at the Scotts who were standing there giving him the "you boys know better," look. He shrugged and said, "Sorry." Turning back to Jason he said, "See you tomorrow at the Command Center."
Jason just nodded and walked back toward his parents, as Kyle came up beside him and said in his Appalachian accent, "Smooth move Blue; shock the parental units. What's next, skinny dipping the lake?" Reaching out, the raven haired boy took Billy's keys. "I'd better drive, at least until we get to my house." He smiled. "Give you a chance to come back down to earth." He looked down at the front of Billy's jeans, "and replace your stick shift with an automatic."
************************************************************** Kyle dropped Adam off at home first, before heading toward his own home. He was actually very pleased with his performance today, although he was a surprised as Tommy about the Raccoon 'zord. It made sense he guessed, but it was still a surprise. He would have hoped for a lion or maybe a black leopard, but he'd settle for what he got. Of course considering what the alternative was, what he got was damn good. Some small part of his mind recognized that as a very Eastern Kentucky attitude. The more he thought of it, the more he realized that the raccoon was appropriate for him.
"Why did you make that comment when you hit Goldar?" Billy finally asked.
Kyle turned to glance at the Blue Ranger and smiled. He could already tell that the boy had come down from the adrenaline high from the fight as well as from the passion high from his kiss. He still had a slightly glazed look in his eyes, but for the most part the flush was gone from his cheeks. "Which comment?"
"The one about being pure of heart, if you know enough about Norse mythology to recognize the Fenris Wolf, you'd know that there is no such stricture about picking up Mjolnir. That's something purely for the comic books." Billy told him.
"I know, but I couldn't help but think of Wonder Woman picking up the hammer in that really bad cross-over series they did. You know the one where Storm beat her."
Billy smiled at him, "I know. Someone needs to tell the writers at Marvel that lightning doesn't work that way." Shaking his head, "And if Diana were any real kind of Amazon, she'd have cleaned Storm's clock before it ever got started." He grinned at Kyle, "After all, we've seen how real Amazons fight." His voice changed from the light banter, "But seriously, what makes you think you're not pure of heart?"
Kyle shrugged, "Let's just say that I've had some pretty impure thoughts lately." He really didn't want to go into what he'd been feeling lately with the Blue Ranger. His new friend had too many other worries on his mind without loading him down with Kyle's.
Billy just smiled, "I can't imagine they're any more impure than the ones I've had of late myself." He turned to face Kyle, "Look Kyle, like I tried to tell all of you earlier. Whatever this force that makes us what we are has bound us together. If you need anything, to talk, or just to unload, let me know. You and I are probably closer matched in the dojo than you are with anyone else, so if you want to go and work off some frustration some time let me know." He laughed, "believe it or not, but I do understand that sometimes a physical release of energy can be cleansing to the soul."
Kyle smiled at him, "Tommy and Jase are corrupting you. If you're not careful it'll ruin your reputation."
"I have a reputation?" Billy asked.
"Uh huh," Kyle told him.
"And you know this how?" Billy asked.
"Kimberly told me."
"And what did Kimberly say about me?" Billy asked.
"That you're a good friend, a good listener, and don't get as caught up into the testosterone overload that the other guys do." Kyle told him, "also that she has suspected that you're family for a long time." Kyle smiled and teased the blond, "and that if you should come toward me with an electronic mind shield I should run as far and as fast as I could."
Billy laughed, "She still hasn't forgiven me for that." Then he tuned to face Adam, "What does she mean by family?"
"Oh, sorry," Kyle apologized, "My word, not hers. Family, it's a term used by the gay community to denote someone else who's gay. It's sort of an homage to the concept that since we are so often denied our biological families, that we make our own."
Billy's voice got serious, "And have you been denied your biological family?"
Kyle shook his head, "Some of it. I've got several uncles who don't want me around their kids anymore. But, for the most part, things are cool at home. Dad isn't happy about the fact that I'm gay, but he still loves and supports me." Kyle suppressed the shudder that ran through him as his own emotions built up. He realized just how much his coming out of the closet affected his father, but the man had never been anything but supportive. "Hell, he moved across the country to give me a chance at a new start."
"From what happened with the other boy?" Billy asked.
Kyle nodded, and was surprised that although the pain was still there, it was beginning to be bearable. He realized that his new friends had accepted him for who he was, with no judgments or reservations. "I take it that Adam told you what happened."
Billy shook his head, "No, if you tell Adam something that he thinks is personal, wild horses can't drag it out of him. You've made enough comments that I've pieced together that somebody you loved was murdered and you blame yourself. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. I was just making an observation."
"I appreciate that." He shrugged, "Some of it is still too painful, but I'm getting where I can function again." Kyle smiled weakly as he pulled into the drive at his house.
"Well if you need anybody to talk to, I've got a free ear." Billy said. "Since I'm not the object of your impure thoughts, I should be safe to talk to." It was clear that Billy still had a long way to go before he realized just how attractive he was. Some part of Kyle's mind noted that his lack of realization of his own good looks was part of the young genius' charm.
"What makes you think you're not the source?" Kyle teased Billy. "Although I'll admit that you aren't, you're not chopped liver either. Trust me on this Billy, I can guarantee you that you make great masturbatory fantasy material."
"Kyle!" Billy protested as he turned a bright shade of red.
Kyle shrugged, "Hey, if you don't believe me, that's fine. But I'll bet you dollars to donuts that you star if quite a few of Jason's nocturnal fantasies." He turned and headed into his house, leaving the young genius to think about that.
"Son, you're home early," his dad commented as he came into the house. Looking over, Kyle saw his father sitting quietly at the kitchen table going over some paper work from the plant. His father had been lucky to find such a good job so easily out here. Back home in Kentucky, good paying jobs were few and far between and the loss of one could spell disaster to a family. His father's experience as a Union Representative in the steel plant there had become a valuable commodity here in Angel Grove.
"Yeah dad, we're supposed to go out to the desert tomorrow and I wanted to get a good night's sleep so I can be on my toes. I'm still adjusting to the climate here," Kyle told his father. Technically he wasn't lying to his father, after all the Command Center was in the desert.
"You're spending a lot of time with those new friends of yours." He looked up from the paper work, took his glasses off, and said, "Sit down. I want to talk to you."
"Yes sir," Kyle replied fearing the worst.
"I did some checking with some of the other parents in the neighborhood," his father began. "You're friends have a certain reputation around here, a good one. I'm glad you're making friends of that caliber. I'd like to meet them sometime."
Kyle smiled, "Sure dad."
His dad laughed, "Since when is it that easy? Back home, it was like pulling teeth to get you bring any friends home to meet me."
"Dad, back home everybody knew everybody. It wasn't that big of a deal. Here, it's new people and a new environment." Kyle let his voice get serious, "I know how much this move cost you dad. In case I haven't told you so, I do appreciate your standing by me." He looked down, and hoped he kept the hurt from his voice, "Even when mom didn't."
He felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked up into his father's eyes. "You're my son. What did you think I would do, put you out with the garbage?" He sighed, "I may not understand what you're going through but I do love you. I helped bring you into this world that makes the kind of man you turn out to be my responsibility, and I want you to be the best person you can be." Turning and looking down, "You're mother's leaving was not your fault. She may have used what happened as an excuse, but she decided to leave a long time before that."
"Yes sir," Kyle told his father. He'd known his parents were having problems before the mess with Neal and Katy. He knew that it wasn't his fault, but for some reason, he felt that if he'd stayed out of trouble, then maybe they would have been able to work it out.
"Now go on up to bed," he smiled at his son, "We don't want you falling out in the desert tomorrow, do we?"
"No sir."
**********************************************************
"How long have you known about us?" Kimberly asked her mom as they sat at the kitchen table sharing two bowls of Rocky Road ice cream.
"Since just after the Power Rangers appeared," her mother smiled. "Jason's parents figured it out first, and slowly let the rest of us know."
"You're not upset with us lying to you about it?" Kimberly asked, unable to believe that her mom knew she was a Power Ranger.
"I wasn't happy to find out my daughter can lie, but I understand why it was necessary," Mrs. Hart told her. "And you've always been honest with me about other things, so I can let this slide." Her mom smiled. "You have been honest with me about everything else haven't you?"
Kimberly blushed, "I haven't lied to you mom," she quickly added, "about non-Ranger stuff. But you haven't asked certain things so I haven't told you." She really felt weird having this conversation with her mother. Although they'd talked a great deal, about many things, all her mother ever really said about certain subjects was that she was uncomfortable with her spending too much time alone with Tommy.
Her mother smiled seriously at her, "Do you want me to ask?"
Kimberly thought about it, "About some things I guess I do," she blushed, "others are kind of private."
"I understand that," Kimberly. "You're almost an adult now. You've made some pretty mature decisions, and have taken it on yourself to be responsible for the safety of a great many people. I can't complain about the kind of young woman you're turning into." She sighed, "I just don't want you to get hurt," she gave Kim a long look, "or make the kind of mistake that could cost you any career you might want."
Kim blushed, "I'm not going to become a parent any time soon, Mom." Kimberly thought about what she had been told her during the exam at the Command Center. "If I were sexually active, which I'm not saying I am, nor am I saying I'm not, I would be very careful about it."
"Kim, I've always been pretty sanguine about your running around with so many boys. Jason, Zack, and Billy have always proven me to be right in my decisions in this matter, but you've never really had any interest in any of them besides as friends. That's something I'm very proud of you for. You've realized that you can be friends with a boy without it crossing any lines, and that's something some girls never learn. But, Tommy worries me. Not as much as he used to, but he does worry me."
"Tommy worries a lot of people mom. I think it's the hair." Kimberly replied with a smile.
Mrs. Hart smiled, "He does have that roguish look about him doesn't he." She shook her head, "I just don't want you to get too serious too fast, sweetie."
"I won't mom," Kim smiled. "Besides, I've got a couple of big brothers that are looking out for me too."
"I don't understand," Mrs. Hart replied.
"Jason and Billy," Kimberly said. "They threatened to do some pretty nasty things to Tommy if he hurt me."
"That's nice dear, but I just want to make sure that you don't LET yourself get hurt." She shook her head, "Wait a minute? Billy threatened Tommy?"
Kim smiled at her mom, "Let's just say that he threatened to use some of the advanced technology he has access to, to remove certain non- essential but important body parts from Tommy if he hurt me."
Mrs. Hart laughed, "Leave it to Billy to find a way." She put her hand on Kimberly's, "What I'm trying to say, is that if you have or should you decide that Tommy is the person you want to be with, please be careful." She gave Kimberly a stern look, "Mind you, I'm not giving you permission."
"Yes, ma'am," Kim replied.
****************************************************************
Jason sat quietly in the den, resting his eyes, and trying to fight off the drowsiness that threatened to overcome him. The worst part was that whenever he closed his eyes, a certain pair of blue green eyes came to mind and then the memory of the kiss they'd shared on the lawn would combine with the drowsiness to create an embarrassing situation in his jeans. Billy had warned him that the healing process for his ribs- the pain in which had finally faded to a dull throb- would make him hungry and sleepy, but he hadn't mentioned anything about being horny.
His parents were in the kitchen speaking in low voices, and he wondered just how much that little kiss had cost him. He'd been surprised that it had happened, and was somewhat pleased the Billy was the one that wanted to kiss him. Jason came to the conclusion that he liked kissing Billy. He liked kissing Billy more than he liked the other things he and Ana had done. Somehow, with Billy everything just seemed so right- the way things were supposed to be. He found himself wanting to try other things with the young genius.
Entering the room his dad sat down across from him on the couch, "Jase?" he asked. "Let's talk son."
Jason smiled at his dad, "I'm in trouble aren't I?"
His dad chuckled, "I don't know. You tell me."
"The kiss," Jason began.
"Was a little shocking, but nothing we can't deal with son," his dad told him. "In reality it was nothing I haven't seen you do with Ana or Emily. It's just a little unnerving to see you kissing Billy I guess."
"Then what do you want to talk about?" Jason asked.
His dad cleared his throat and Jason realized his father was as nervous as he was. Finally, he began, "Your mom and I are concerned about your activities with Billy. About how far things have gone between you," he cleared his throat again, "uh. sexually."
Jason felt the blood rise in his cheeks, "What do you mean sexually, Dad?"
"I mean, I know you know the mechanics of the things that men and women do together." his Dad continued nervously, ".and God knows I'm not going to try and even fathom the mechanics of what men and men do together."
"Dad, are you asking if Billy and I have had sex?" Jason felt his face burn with embarrassment.
"I'm not asking, son. That's your business," he told Jason. "I'm less concerned about you having sex as you having safe sex," his Dad finally blurted out.
Jason shook his head, "Dad, we haven't gotten that far yet. Actually we decided to take things slow, and limit our activities to necking for a while." Jason had always had a close relationship with his dad, and because of that, he felt comfortable talking about things with him that most seventeen year olds would never mention to a parent. "But when we do, I promise you that we'll be very careful."
His Dad nodded, "Okay, son. We just wanted to make sure that you were being safe." Reaching out and putting his hand on Jason's his Dad continued, "and that you know we love you and support you and Billy. It may take some time to get used to the idea of you two together, but we do love you- both of you."
Jason smiled at his dad, "Thanks dad. That means a lot."
"Just so you know son," his dad said, getting up to leave the room.
"And Dad?"
"Yeah, Jase?"
"Thanks for understanding about the other stuff," Jase told him.
"What other stuff?" his Dad asked.
"The Power Rangers stuff." Jase told him. He was surprised at the relief he felt over no longer having to lie to his parents about what he was doing. He also had to admit to a small thrill at the idea of morphing in front of them.
"We understand that you had to keep things secret," his father told him. "Murphy told us why you had to keep it to yourselves."
"I still felt bad about it, Dad. I don't like to lie."
"I know, Son."
Jason drifted off to dreams of a certain blond and chocolate sauce.