Everything I Can Do You Can Do Better
By: Kryptonite
A/N: I couldn't remember Dustin's last name, if anyone knows please tell me, so I gave their mom a first name so I wouldn't have to keep saying their mom'. Thanks to everyone who's reviewed, I'm glad so many people like my story, especially you, Kuyana_date. Thanks. Enjoy.
_____Taken_________________________________________________
Oh glorious sister of mine. Dustin said, slinging an arm around Kara's shoulders as soon as she walked in the door.
Twenty bucks. She said in answer. She picked up his hand and removed his arm from her shoulder.
I- fine. He pulled out his wallet again and counted out twenty dollars.
Double checking his math, Kara asked, What do you want this time?
You are going to come with us to the park. Hunter will be there and... well... we think... well...
What, wonder boy at a loss for words?
We think you would be a good thing for Hunter to be around. Stifling any laughter, Kara heard her morpher start beeping in an alert.
I have to go. I'll go with you. Don't bug me tonight. She shouted, pounding up the stairs and slamming the door shut behind her. Locking the door, she morphed and transported to where the other rangers were already fighting.
Bout time you showed up. Hunter complained from where he was fighting a group of Kelzacks. Doing a spinning hook kick, she answered.
I had something to do.
Hey, he's here it's fine. Tori broke in before Hunter could answer. The kelzacks were defeated and there was no one else to fight.
Hey, what's your name? Dustin asked, coming up to the green ranger.
Carver. Starting to walk away, Dustin grabbed at her/his elbow.
Why don't you come to Ninja Ops with us and we can all... get to know each other.
Twenty bucks. Kara said just loud enough for Dustin and Hunter to hear but no one else. Transporting she just barely saw the shocked look on Dustin's face at her words.
~~~~~
Kara? You in there?
Doors locked. The girl called back, barely glancing up from her book.
I know that. Can you open it? I wanna talk about our arrangement. Sighing, Kara closed her book and stood up, walking to the door.
What about it?
Can I come in? Kara was leaning across the door, blocking his entrance.
Dustin! Where are you? Their mom called up the stairs, her footsteps following her words.
Just talk to me about it tomorrow. You gave me twenty bucks, I'll do just about anything you want. Kara closed and re-bolted the door as her mother saw Dustin in the hallway. Leaning against the door, she heard her mom going on about this play at the local college that Dustin would be just *perfect* for.
Kara's head thumped against the door. She already knew what would happen. Dustin would try out and no matter what part he got, mom would make it seem like he got the lead role.
No. She whispered.
~~~~~
What's wrong, bro?
I need to go Blake. A friend needs my help. Hunter grabbed his jacket and tramped out the door.
I hope the thing tomorrow goes well. Tori placed her hand on his arm, drawing his attention.
It will. Don't worry. Now, if I remember correctly we had plans for a movie and popcorn. Tori goaded Blake, grabbing his arm and dragging him to the couch in front of the tv.
Thanks Tor. What're we watching? He asked as Tori shoved a movie in.
The Wedding Planner, Ever After, and then What Women Want.
Blake groaned, once after the movies were named and then again after Tori punched him.
Okay, okay. He laughed, pulling her closer as the movie started.
~~~~~
What's wrong?
Why should anything be wrong? Kara asked lightly. The sea breeze ruffled her hair, which was hanging loose around her shoulders.
The last time you came here, there was something wrong. Now what's wrong?
Mom found out about the play at the college. She's taking Dustin to an audition tomorrow morning.
So go with them.
She wouldn't think I'd be good enough. Kara dropped her eyes from Hunter's face to her hands. Hunter knelt and forced Kara to look at him. Her eyes were shining from unshed tears.
You can do anything you want. You are just as good as Dustin. Better. He amended, kissing the tip of her nose and wiping at the few tears that fell down her cheeks.
Sniffing, she tried to smile. By the way, they' think I'd be good for you, so we get to meet' tomorrow at a picnic or something. I got another twenty bucks. Whadda ya think?
Cool. So, are we gonna hit it off, or be disinterested?
I don't know. Maybe we could start off disinterested and then you could say something.
He thought about it then smiled slyly at the love of his life, Deal.
Good, now can we just sit here for a while? Kara asked, wrapping Hunter's arms around her shoulders.
Anything you want. The two leaned against the cliff wall, wrapped in each other arms, staring over the water.
~~~~~
Mom? Can I go with you? I want you to talk to the director for a moment.
Sure honey. Just don't mess up a chance at Dustin's audition.
Of course not. Kara muttered, but taking a deep breath and remembering what Hunter had said, she jumped in the backseat of the car and buckled her seatbelt.
Good to see you coming with us Kara. Gonna see me get the lead? Dustin grinned over the front seat. Their mom reached over and ruffled his already unruly hair.
That's my boy. She said fondly. Frowning, Kara looked out the window as the landscape went by at fifty-miles an hour.
Here we are. Kara practically jumped out the door of the van and all but raced in side. When Dustin and his mom came in, Kara was talking animatedly with the guy sitting in the director's chair.
So your Kara's mother. I was hoping you would change your mind.
Change my mind? You must be mistaken. I'm here for my son's audition. Their mom smiled at the man like he was insane.
I think Kara would be great for the lead in this play. She's talented and smart, and the perfect disposition for it-
With a wave of her hand Nancy, Kara's mom, cut off the man's praises and started with her own. I know my daughter's talented but she's too young. Now my son here, Nancy pulled Dustin closer and continued talking. He's talented, smart, cute, and just perfect for the lead as well. Not to mention he's older and able to work harder on being the lead.
Kara bit her lip and listened to her mom continue talking up' her brother and all his amazing qualities. Shaking her head at Daniel Smith she mouthed, Next time' and went to sit in the car.
~~~~~
Well good job Kara. You did what you set out to do.
Huh? Kara turned to face her mom and the anger that laced her voice.
You screwed up any chance Dustin had of being in that play. Good going.
Mom? Kara was scared at the anger her mom was displaying.
No. I don't want to talk to you right now. Her mom walked past her and into the house, shutting the door firmly behind her.
Come on Kar. We still have to get to the park. Kara let Dustin direct her back towards the car for her date' with Hunter.
Hey everyone. You remember my sister, Kara, right?
Everyone chorused Hey' and smiled at the distraught girl. All though everyone noticed the unshed tears in her eyes, no one said anything.
Uh, Hunter this is Kara, Kara this is Hunter. Hunter tried to hide the concern in his eyes but was having a hard time doing so.
Hi everyone. If you'll just excuse me for a moment, I'll be right back. Kara smiled tightly then turned and walked behind a tree a couple of yards away. Looking around, Hunter shuffled off after her since no one else was.
Least he's making an effort. Blake commented. The four sat down and uncomfortably made conversation waiting for the two to come back so they could eat.
~~~~~
What's wrong? Kara turned and cried on his shoulder once he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.
I went. Dustin didn't get a part. Mom's so mad at me. The short sentences came out between sobs.
Hunter stroked her hair, letting her get all the tears out of her system. Feel better? He asked once she stopped crying. Looking up at him, she wiped at her face and nodded. Good. Kissing her tear-streaked cheek, he smiled warmly, looking straight into her eyes dark, bottomless eyes. Ready?
Shaking her head Kara answered, No. Pressing her head into his shoulder the two stood there for what seemed like hours but was, in reality, only a few minutes.
~~~~~
Okay, now that that's over. Kara said to the others as she and Hunter walked back.
Let's eat. Shane suggested, reaching for the picnic basket now that the other two were back and everyone else could eat.
The conversation remained light and easy-going through the meal. Clean-up was easy, as most of it either went in the trash or back in the wastebasket.
Looking at her watch Kara spoke up before anyone could move to leave.
Dustin, I'm gonna walk to Katey's house. I'm gonna spend the night. See ya tomorrow. Waving goodbye, she walked off in the general direction Hunter remembered Katey's house in.
She'll be good. Dustin said to no one in particular. Kelzacks appeared out of nowhere, taking the rangers by surprise. Seconds after morphing, the green ranger appeared and started fighting. Carver' was fighting a larger group of kelzacks when she was taken.
No! Hunter yelled, jumping forward but not making it in time. The green ranger disappeared and after that, the Kelzacks up and left as well.
Why did they want the green ranger?
Kara!' Hunter screamed silently.