A/N: It has been a pleasure working on this story. You have been a wonderful crowd of readers and I am glad that you have enjoyed. As always, most good things must come to an end, including this tale of learning to trust again. Please read and review.

Disclaimer: I, Jules, hereby state that I do not own the characters depicted in this story.

Chapter Eight

"The Final Chapter"

Kim woke up slowly savoring the warmth of the morning sun falling on her. She smiled softly, her eyes still closed; she could feel Jason's deep breathing against her back. His strong arm around her made her feel safe and wanted. Even though she was unable to move, she was content to lie in his arms. It gave her the time to think.

Tommy had been very understanding at the party. She knew he was hurt and disappointed, but she wasn't going to deny her hearts desire. Somewhere along the way she had let her shields down and she had fell in love with Jason.

Jason, her closest friend and former leader. He had always kept her safe. Always making sure that she was happy. He was every girl's dream and she wondered how she had never seen it before. He had been in love with her all along and she had been oblivious.

She hoped that this would not come between Jason and Tommy's friendship. They had been brothers in every way except blood since that historical handshake the day Tommy left evil green behind.

Each of them had grown in so many ways since then. If she closed her eyes she could see the original team sitting at the Youth Center enjoying smoothies while attacking homework anxiously waiting for those six tones to break the silence. She could remember following Jason into battle. The way it felt to know that you were only sixteen and fighting to life as the world knew it. It had been a huge responsibility, yet they had managed successfully. Jason and Tommy had shouldered so much yet came through as if they were normal teenagers, whose only worries were homework and dating, not the worlds every happiness.

Kim smiled as Jason mumbled and shifted in his sleep. It was only six thirty. She would wake him at seven so he would have time to make it to the dojo by eight. She bit her lip in thought. Tommy could be very irrational. She only hoped that he was able to look past jealousy.

Kim's thoughts turned back to the past. The horrors that she had been through had made her seal herself off from her friends and from love. She had found that it had hurt to believe in love. In the last three weeks Jason had slowly broke down that wall. He believed in her and she in him. He had reshown her what love was and what it meant.

"Mornin'" Jason's deep voice brought her back to the present.

"Good morning to you too," she said smiling as she turned to him.

Both were making sure that the sheets and comforter shielded their mouths. Love meant many things, yet having to deal with morning breath was not one of those. Kim giggled at Jason's ruffled hair and hazy yet happy brown eyes. He looked handsome even at six-forty-five in the morning.

"Are you laughing at me?"

"Yes," she stated truthfully. She snuggled closer and rested her head on his muscular shoulder. Faded Polo Sport invaded her senses. "You have to get up soon."

She hated reminding him of the inevitable meeting with Tommy.

"I am content for the next fifteen minutes."

They laid there in silence enjoying the warmth and comfort the other offered. At seven, against Jason's will, Kim rose from bed. It was Jason's turn to laugh. She looked funny, yet adorable in his black, Nike sweats that were gigantic on her. Jason grumbled something incoherent as she pulled the blankets away.

"You are a cruel woman," he said as he climbed to his feet and followed her from the room. He grabbed the paper as she started some coffee.

"Why don't you take a shower while I make breakfast." Kim said as she came from the bathroom. Jason went to kiss her as she walked by.

"Ah, ah!" She scolded. "I'll kiss you as soon as you brush those teeth." She sidestepped around him, laughing at his look of indignation.

Jason and Kim enjoyed a warm meal of eggs, bacon and fruit.

"I could get used to this," Jason mused as he helped her load the dishes into the dishwasher.

"I bet you could." Kim laughed and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him breathlessly.

"I'll be home by three." Jason said as they broke apart. "Relax and try to get some rest." She could her the concern in his voice. Her hospital visit had ended little more that twelve hours before.

Jason arrived at the dojo with ten minutes spare, surprised to see Tommy was already there. Tommy's horrible sense of punctuality was almost as legendary as his deeds as a ranger. He slowly got out of his truck, feeling anxious as to what was to come. Maybe all would go well, they would spar, talk about his future at the dojo and continue on as best bros. However, the weight that had fallen in the pit of his stomach told him otherwise.

"Don't let this end badly," he mumbled to himself as he opened the door to the dojo.

Tommy stood with his back to Jason, hand clasped behind his back. His long hair falling past his shoulders.

"Hello Jase." Tommy's voice was raspy and thick, almost as if he had been crying. It was only then that Jason realized that Tommy was dressed the same as he was the night before at the party. Jason placed a friendly hand on Tommy's shoulder.

"Tommy?"

"She loves you," Tommy stated with almost no emotion. He still had not turned to Jason, but kept his same rigid composure. Before Jason could think of what to say Tommy spoke again, this time sounding more like himself.

"And you love her." Jason tried to open his mouth to speak. Tommy heaved a sigh and turned to face him. "So it only seems right that you should be together."

Tommy's were bloodshot and Jason suddenly realized that his friend had indeed been up all trying to find the words that needed to be said. The words to express what he was thinking.

"I'm sorry Tommy." It was the only thing he could think of to say. He was indeed sorry for his friend's grief, yet he was not sorry for loving Kimberly.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," Tommy said quietly. "We are both in the love with the same woman. She chose you and I will learn to deal with that. I don't want to lose my best friend and though we may have a couple of uncomfortable months ahead of us, it will pass with time." Tommy stopped talking for a moment and gazed around the dojo. "You will have an equal share in all of this. Rocky is going to have the papers finalized this week.

As Tommy began to speak about the dojo and their plans for the school Jason realized that Tommy had said what he need to say and now wanted to leave it in the past. Years from now they may joke bout their crazy love triangle, but until that day Jason knew that it would never be spoken of.

Jason walked up the steps to his building. It was nearly six. He had called Kimberly, assuring her that all was going well and he was running late. Very late. He unlocked the door and stepped into his apartment, it finally felt like home.

Kim was lying on the couch, blanket pulled across he legs, book resting on her lap. She was fast asleep. Jason smiled softly as he closed the door. She was truly beautiful, inside and out. He walked over and placed a kiss on her forehead.

Kim opened her eyes and smiled. She was relieved all had gone well. Jason sat at the edge of the couch and pick up the book she had been reading.

"I find it a little odd that you are reading this book, Miss Hart," he laughed.

"It's interesting," Kim cried in mock defense.

"The History of the Power Rangers?" Jason exclaimed theatrically! "But you know more than this book could ever tell.

"I just wanted to know what the authors opinions were."

"And?"

"Well, you are the fearless and compassionate red ranger and leader who brought he evil green ranger to the light." Kim was smirking by the time she had finished.

"Am I?" Kim laughed as Jason leaned down to kiss her. "Fearless maybe, compassionate likely." He joked as he tickled her a lifted her legs so he could lean back against the couch. Kim put her legs onto his lap and sighed happily.

"Everyone is finally coming home to stay." Kim said, a small smile play on her lips. "Zack and Aisha should be back next week and Billy is coming home Friday."

Kim had a dreamy look on her face as if she lost in a daydream. Jason knew she was thinking about the past.

"I wish Trini could be here too." Jason thought about that before he spoke. Before they had left for the Peace Conference Kimberly and Trini had been inseparable.

"She wouldn't want us to spend time grieving for her but rather remember her with love." He finally said.

"I know." Kim shifted into Jason's arms, laying her head on his shoulder. "Thank you."

"For what, love?"

"For showing me what love means," Kim whispered. "I finally feel complete."

Jason hugged her close. He found that he felt the same way; complete with Kimberly in his arms.

"I love you, Kim"

THE END