Author's note: I'd like to thank all of those of you who have reviewed. I liked this fic, and so I was really glad you guys liked it.
Chapter 6 Gifts
"Leo you can go home now. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself." Kendrix protested two days later. He had carried her into the living room not even letting her walk now. He'd really been great since this whole thing had started but now, when most of her strength was back and she was eating solid food once more she felt really silly.
"Hey, I'm not taking any chances when I've just found you." He said sitting her down on the couch.
"We've been friends for years." She reminded him playing dumb to see what he'd do.
"Well, after all the times when I nearly lost you…" He said remembering times as rangers when she'd nearly died and how she had in the end had to die and come back for the rangers.
"But I came back, Leo, I told you I'd always be with you." She touched his hand gently." And I'll never really go even if…" His mouth took hers and her breath caught as she melted into him. They'd not done more than talk for the last days but now, when she was dressed and feeling almost like now…
***
"You know I brought your gift over the other night." Leo said as he got up from their spot on the couch and went to the little tree in the corner. True it was no longer Christmas but for them it was the next best thing. Tie were both healthy and together, really together for the first time. Now as she watched him move with that animal grace that the red ranger had always possessed. She thought of just what the best gift she'd received was and spoke softly.
"Leo you didn't have to." She said and when he just picked a package up she sighed and pointed at the tree. Heavens he was so stubborn. Shaking her head she added. "Yours is under there. I had been planning to give it too you on Christmas Eve but it didn't work out." She said and he bent to find it for her.
When he was sitting beside her again she opened his. There were two mini packages in the box.
"That one first." He said pointing to the largest box. Opening it Kendrix found a hardback book.
"It's my latest. I had hardback copies for the gang. All of the ones in stores are paperbacks." He said and she smiled, she was just so proud of him. He'd gone form a wild one to a power ranger and a responsible young man. Now though he was also a best selling novelist. And he was all hers. Love warmed her as she kissed him passionately.
Leo knew that to most this holiday would have been considered a total bomb but not him, not with the woman he loved in his arms kissing him. Then as she pulled back he remembered what he wanted her to see most.
"Oh, I almost forgot, open it up." He said after a second. Doing so she found the inscription.
Kendrix, this book is based on a bunch of our adventures. The story the sacrifice is yours and has always been.
"Oh, this is the best." She whispered tears filling her gentle eyes. She didn't know if she wanted to cry or hug him first but when the tears broke free the matter was taken out f her hands.
Leo smiled, he knew Kendrix enough to know that whenever she cried like this she was happy. That was why he didn't' hug her, instead opting to press his lips to hers once more.
"Now yours." The blonde smiled and he opened the box. Immediately she felt that it was not enough.
Leo stared at the deep red sweater. He knew what it was for. The red was his color and the sweater was to keep him warm. He didn't think about anything but the fact that she was telling him she was proud of him and that he should be too.
"Come on lets see if it fits you." When she unwrapped it for him he saw the book. It was a photo album. He flipped through it at the newspaper articles and at the photographs stemming back since they had first met.
Leo looked over at her and there was wonder in his emerald eyes.
"You saved all of this." He said and she smiled ruefully.
"I know it's no book or anything but their memories." She said quickly then after a second added. "And I know you always said that things happen and that we have to go on but I thought this might keep them alive." Kendrix said with a smile.
"Memories never die." He said quietly and she smiled. "You knew that when you destroyed that sword." She nodded and then they just sat a long minute the only sound coming from the humming of the refrigeration unit in the other room.
"Now open the rest of your things." He broke the silence at last and she smiled brilliantly at him.
When Kendrix opened the rectangular box she found a small gold angel on a chain.
"Oh, Leo!" She breathed it was amazing and she thought it was perfect.
"I thought with all of the trouble you get yourself into, you need a guardian angel." He explained and then taking it from her he fastened it around the slender column of her throat.
She kissed him again and so it was a time later when Leo remembered the other packages under her tree.
"I forgot that Mike brought these by yesterday." He said going over to the tree and retrieving the bundle of gifts. He sat then on the coffee table and handed her one at a time.
Leo loved the way her face lit up at seeing each gift.
"This ones from Karone and Mike." Leo said as he handed her the first one.
Dear Kendrix,
You might try going out for a nice dinner.
Mike and Karone
Kendrix opened the box to find a rose colored evening dress and a matching purse and pair of shoes.
"Those two are too much." She said after telling him what the card had said.
"Here's one from Dana and Carter." Leo handed it to her. Kendrix read this card aloud.
Dear Kendrix,
We found this in a shop here in Mariner Bay. I hope you like it.
Love, Dana and Carter
Unwrapping the gift Kendrix found a book of Robert frost's poems. She smiled and opened it to the contents. It was all of her favorites.
"Ok. This one is from Ryan and Kelsey." He said.
Dear Kendrix,
You never know when you will need to look your best.
Ryan and Kelsey.
Kendrix opened the package to find a large box of make up. There was also a small box of perfumes.
"Here's one from Damon." Leo said.
Dear Kendrix,
Here is something for the nights you spend relaxing at home.
Damon
Kendrix found a total collection of her favorite songs. It just the kind of thing hat the green ranger was known for giving and she smiled. She did wonderful friends.
"And this is from Chad." Leo said handing her a box and a card.
Dear Kendrix,
I know things are kind of crazy but they will pan out.
Love, Chad.
Kendrix opened the box to find a baking pan and a series of specialty cook books.
Next Leo handed her the gift from Wes.
Hey Kendrix,
Knowing Leo he's keeping you on your toes, keep
These on yours.
Love, Wes
Kendrix laughed as she opened the box. A pair of silky pink slippers lay in the tissue paper.
Finally Leo gave his girlfriend Joel's gift. The card was store bought with just his and Angela's name signed. The box she unwrapped contained a scarf and a sweater.
"What about you? You didn't get to open your gifts." She said feeling guilty.
"I couldn't wait. I opened them all the day before I came over." He said with a mischievous grin.
"Hay what are you doing New Year's eave?" Kendrix asked looking back at the pile of gifts, her eyes shining.
"Well I might have a date with my girlfriend but I'm not sure. Why?"
"Well, what would you say to an evening out with a pretty blonde?" Kendrix asked slyly snuggling up to him.
"I think I'm free." He grinned pulling Kendrix closer and kissing her.
The End
***
Yes it was a little late. I had intended to have this finished by New Years Eve but life kind of got in the way. What do you think? Did it suit the holidays? Was it too sappy?