I wasn't sure if Special Projects was going to be a series of fluff or a one-shot. It's now a series since Shane/Dustin fluff's been on my mind almost as much as Germany. The only characters that I own are Dustin's mom (his dad made an appearance on the show, ergo, I cannot own him), Liz and Jessie. The others aren't mine and never will be. The world can be so unfair sometimes.

Tsukino Akume You asked for more, and you got more! LOL I love writing this, and I'd love reading it if there were more Shane/Dustin fluff out there. Know where I can get some?

Taynna and Weesta: I also separate my M&Ms, always have. I save the reds and blues until last, but the reds are *always* last. Red is my favorite color (although lately crimson's been more appealing). *smiles*

And to the others: THANKS!!!! I really do appreciate the reviews, it makes me feel so good to see that people actually like my fluffy insanity!

This will actually have multiple parts to it… hopefully it works well. And yes, I actually do this often. What can I say… I may live in Connecticut, and my heart is in Germany, but I'm a Vermonter through and through in my soul. So without further adieu…

Comfort Foods

Part 1: Breakfast for Dinner

The battle was long and hard, pushing all six Rangers further than they believed possible. But in the end, the Power Rangers stood victorious while what was left of Lothor's alien smoldered in ruin. It was getting dark as three tired and sore people left Ninja Ops and headed for the blue VW van parked near the portal.

"What are your plans for tonight?" Shane asked, directing the question more to Tori than to Dustin.

"Not much. Just staying at home. My mom's insisting on some quality family time since she hardly ever sees Liz and me anymore."

"Liz is back from college?" Dustin asked.

"Yeah, she got back today and goes back in a few days."

The ride to Dustin's was mercifully short for all three since a looming silence hung over them after their brief conversation about Tori's plans. Shane was out first with Dustin right behind him. When Shane didn't get back in, Tori became puzzled.

"I'm chillin' with Dustin for a while," Shane explained before she could ask.

"See you guys tomorrow!" she called through the open window before driving away.

The couple waved as she drove off, then went inside.

"Mom? Dad? Jessie?" Dustin called just after Shane had shut the door behind them. "Guess no one's home."

Shane nodded in agreement and the two boys went to drop their backpacks in Dustin's bedroom before returning downstairs. They headed into the kitchen since it was about dinnertime, Shane sitting on a stool at the breakfast bar while Dustin searched the cabinets.

"You want anything special?" Dustin asked, glancing over to see that Shane's head was in his curled arms on the bar.

"Nope. I'm just hungry…and hurting," Shane mumbled without lifting his head.

Dustin, who was on the opposite side, leaned over and placed a hand on the back of Shane's head. "You need anything? My mom's got Aleve and stuff like that."

"Nah, it'll wear off in a while. But thanks."

The pair talked about school, their plans for the weekend and Jessie's college plans while Dustin cooked. Dustin never mentioned exactly what he was making, and Shane never asked. So when two plates of banana pancakes were set on the table, Shane had to laugh.

"What?" Dustin asked with a slight frown.

"Pancakes? It's dinnertime, dude."

Dustin shrugged, then headed for the refrigerator. "I know that, I'm not that dumb."

Shane looked down, afraid he had offended his boyfriend. But when Dustin returned to the bar with butter, maple syrup and a carafe of orange juice, Shane knew his comment wasn't taken seriously. After getting a pair of glasses, Dustin finally sat down only to return to his feet a few seconds later.

"Duh!" he exclaimed. "Forgot the tater tots."

"Tater tots?" Shane repeated.

"Yup."

As soon as a plate full of steaming tater tots was set on the bar, Dustin sat again.

"What's with the breakfast food at dinner thing?" Shane asked as he drizzled syrup over his buttered pancakes.

Dustin shrugged again. "I guess it's a comfort food thing."

Shane watched as Dustin poured the maple syrup over his helping of tater tots.

"Is that good?" Shane asked.

"I love it," Dustin answered just after swallowing his bite. "Wanna try some?"

"Sure. That way if I don't like it, I can get the ketchup."

Shane was about to reach with his fork, but Dustin already had a forkful of his own. So he reached over and fed Shane the syrup covered tater tots. And Shane chewed with a closed-lipped smile, not only because the tots tasted good, but also because of Dustin's action.

"Not bad at all," Shane grinned, then poured syrup over his own helping.