Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Power Rangers…this is for entertainment only…all other characters are mine…

Ch 7 up…This takes place 6 months after the big kiss. Jen and Wes haven't been on a date yet (yea, I know what you're thinking), their relationship kicks it off in this chapter…and Jason is suspicious of their behavior…

Enjoy!

Steph

Time Moves On: Mistletoe and Mutants

"Time Force, you're under arrest!" Ensign Jackson held up her badge to the mutants.

"Surrender now, or we will be forced to shoot!" Ensign Avery called out.

"And give up these priceless weapons? Ha! Ensign, you humor me." The leader said.

"You won't be laughing when we're through with you!" a voice called. Behind him a team known as the Task Force set up. Ten officers lined up, five kneeing, five standing. A figure immerged between them.

"Time Force!" Jen said. "You may be able to defeat them, but the Task Force won't go down so easily." She declared.

"Lieutenant, you humor me too much." The mutant taunted. He held up his weapon and fired it up.

"Move out!" Jen called. Just as the blast was released from its holder, the team moved out of harms way.

"Open fire!" Jen called out. A barrage of blasts came from the weapons of the officers. The mutant easily dodged.

"He's not going to get away with this!" Officer Alan Manta called. He ran up closer to the mutant, still firing.

"Silly officer!" He shot at Officer Manta, knocking him down to his feet.

"Alan, are you all right?" Jen asked. Wes and Gary came and helped him back behind cover. "Stay behind cover." Jen ordered. Wes looked at her. She stormed off to face the mutant.

"Galden!" She called. "You're time is up!" Wes looked back to see her raise her left wrist. "TIME FOR TIME FORCE!" A flash of pink and Jen was transformed into the Pink Ranger.

"Chrono saber." Wes whispered.

"Chrono saber!" Jen called.

Wes watched as she stormed off into battle with Galden. "Be careful, Jen." Wes said.

The Task Force watched as their leader fought one-on-one with the mutant. After about ten minutes, both he and Jen were panting.

"Well, Lieutenant…this certainly has been interesting." Galden smirked.

"You won't get away with this!" Jen called out.

Wes whipped his head around to see Jen standing up. 'What?' His dream came back to him. Jen lying there, helpless, calling his name. He shook his head.

The mutant raised his weapon. "Ha. I think I will, actually." Wes stood up, charging out.

"We're not done yet!" Jen whipped her head around to see Wes charging at the mutant.

Galden fired and struck Wes in the stomach. Wes felt a cracking sensation in his chest. He doubled over in pain. He watched as he powered up his weapon, aiming for Jen.

"Now, to finish you off, Lieutenant!" He aimed at Jen.

"Noo!" Wes got up, despite a few broken ribs, and charged again.

The blast was released from the cannon, heading right for Jen. "Chrono blaster!" Wes recharged his weapon and ran toward Jen.

"Wes!" Jen called. Wes grabbed her around the waist and threw her down, as he fired at the mutant.

"Gaa! Damn you!" He threw down the cannon, as the blast hit his hand. "We'll be back!" The gang teleported out of the area, leaving Time Force and the Task Force alone.

"Search the perimeter!" Logan called. He ran over to where Wes and Jen were. "And get me an ambulance now!"

Jen got up and rushed over to Wes, who was gripping his chest painfully.

"Wes, are you all right?" Jen took his hand.

"Yea. I'm fine." He tried to get up, but collapsed. The pain was too much for him to handle. As a cold rush of air passed by him, he fainted.

Time Force Hospital, Sunday, December 4: room 103

Wes awoke to find himself in a hospital bed. He tried to move, but the tape holding his ribs together restricted it.

"Officer Collins, how are you feeling?" Wes looked up to see a doctor hovering over him.

"Like I was hit by a friggen Mack truck." Wes mumbled.

"It's just the painkillers you're on. Let the nurse know if you need anything." The doctor exited.

Outside in the lobby, Jen waited patiently for the doctor to return.

"Lieutenant Scotts." The doctor called.

Jen stood up and the doctor came over to her. "Well, it was hit pretty hard. He has five broken ribs, and two have been fractured. A few scrapes and cuts here and there, but he should be fine. He can go home tomorrow, but I want him to stay off duty for three weeks." He paused. "You can go in and see him now." Jen nodded and thanked the doctor, then walked toward Wes's room.

She walked toward his room, and went in. Jen saw Wes lying there, with tape around his ribs.

Jen sat down by his bed.

"Hey there." He said sweetly. He saw Jen's face go from a worried look to an angry one.

"You asshole! Why did you do that?" Jen yelled at him. "I had the situation under control until you decided to disobey orders!"

Wes couldn't help but smile. "It's better me sitting here then our esteemed leader." Jen glared at him.

Her face soften. "As long as you're all right. That's all I care about."

Wes took her hand and held it. "You know, Jen. I've been thinking."

"That's a start." Jen teased.

"Ha ha. Very funny. This is the future, and you still use tape to fix broken ribs?" He looked at her.

"The tape is medicated to speed up healing." Jen said. "Or you could have them go and put metal bars in. Just in time for our Christmas party."

"I think I like the tape idea better. So when am I getting out of here?" Wes asked.

"The doctor said you can go home tomorrow." Jen said.

Wes tried to get comfortable again. "So?"

Jen looked at him, confused. "So what?"

"What did you get me for Christmas?" Wes asked.

Jen laughed at him. "You expected something?"

"Well, yea!" Wes demanded.

"Ok then. How about this?" Jen leaned down and gave him a passionate kiss on the lips. "A bit early, but…" Jen trailed off.

"That's ok, I like early gifts." Wes smiled and kissed her again. "So, you doing anything Friday night?"

"Why?" Jen asked.

"I wanted to take you out for our first date" he said. "…in six months." He paused. "I figured that since Galden has pretty badly beaten, he'll take a few days, possible a week or two to recuperate."

Jen eyed him, then smiled. "I think I can clear my schedule."

"All right then, I'll meet you down in the lobby on Friday at 8 then." Wes said.

"Ok then, Friday. In the mean time, you relax and get better. I've got some work to get done. I'll come by tomorrow to take you back to your apartment." She kissed him again and walked out. Wes smiled to himself and took out his cell phone to make reservations.

Time Force Command: Level 26, Jen's office.

Jen walked into her office and threw her jacket onto the chair.

"Friday, at 8." She took a pen and wrote it down on her desk calendar. She sat back in her chair, with a smile on her face.

Friday December 9: Jen's office

The clock blinked 6:00pm. Jen finished up her paperwork and shut down her computer. A smile broadened up her face. 'Two hours. Just two.' In two hours, she would be having her first date with Wes.

"What are you smiling about?" Alli and Jamie walked in.

'Wouldn't you like to know.' Jen thought. "Nothing, just having a good day."

"Come on, Jen. You can't hide anything from us." Jamie said.

"Well…" Before Jen could finish, Kyle and Davis walked in.

"Is there a meeting we don't know about?" Davis asked.

"Jen's got some big secret that she's not telling us." Jamie said.

"Really guys. It's nothing." Jen smiled to herself again.

"Jen…what you hiding from us?" Alli demanded.

"Its nothing! I swear!"

"JEN! JUST TELL US!" the four of them called.

"I've got a date tonight, that's all." Jen said nonchalantly.

Alli and Jamie stared at her. "Oh, really. With who?" Jamie asked.

Jen smiled. "With Wes."

Alli and Jamie were flabbergasted. "Oh, what happened to 'we're just friends'?" Alli pushed.

"Hey, I'm allowed to change my mind." Jen stated. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready."

Jen walked out of her office and closed the lights. She was too excited to think.

"Hey, Jen!" a voice called behind her. She turned around to see Jason Vincelli coming up behind her.

"Hey, Jase. Can I help you with anything?" Jen asked.

He took a deep breath. "Actually, I wanted to know if you wanted to go see a movie or something. Maybe dinner, if you're up for it." He said. 'Please say yes, Jen. Please!'

Jen looked at him. "I'm sorry, Jason. I have plans tonight."

"Come on, Jen. For old times sake. You can go out with your friends some other night. Just dinner and a movie!" Jason pleaded.

"I'm sorry, Jason, I told you! I all ready have plans. Now, if you'll excuse me." She turned and left.

'Plans with Wes, no doubt.' Jason thought. Josh and Mitch came running up behind him.

"Hey, Jason, why'd you run off like that?" Mitch called.

"C'mon guys, we're going out tonight." Jason said.

Josh and Mitch looked at him, then exchanged glances.

Time Force apartment complex, floor 22, room 15: Jen's apartment

"It's good to be home." Jen said. After five months in the suit down the hall, it was needed for Senior Commander Steven Datas to use. He was coming to pick out canidates for the Red chronomorher. Captain Alex Collins stayed back to watch after the facility in the East Coast.

She walked into her bathroom. "First, a hot shower."

After twenty minutes, she immerged and looked at the clock. It read 6:45pm.

Jen went into her room to look for something to wear.

She turned on the radio and heard "It's the Christmas season, so here's a song for all you couples out there. It's Our Love is Like a Holiday by Michael Bolton." She smiled as the song began.

"Oh, yea.

Yea, our love is like a holiday.

I know that's I've let you down in the past, but I've got so many places to go.
Girl I promise, I'll be around, give me a chance. Cuz I'm singing for you ever show.

How can it be, I'm in so deep, its hard to believe this world brought you to me.

I've been to Paris, London, LA. I've felt the tropical sun on my face. This Christmas we don't need to get away,

Cuz our love is like a holiday.

In Wes's apartment, he heard the same thing as he got dressed. He smiled. "That's exactly how I feel." He said as the song continued.

I'm always callin from a different hotel room, But your voice makes me feel like home. Backstreet, I'm waiting, just thinking of you, lying asleep and alone.

How can it be, I feel your creep, into my dream, I'm comin back Christmas Eve

I've been to Paris, London, LA. I've felt the tropical sun on my face. This Christmas we don't need to get away,

Cuz our love is like a holiday.

Jen looked through her closet and found the perfect outfit. She smiled as the put it on and sat down to do her make-up. The song continued.

Right now, I've been away from you much to long. I thank you girl for holding on. Believe me when I tell you there's just one place I know I belong. Girl that's why I wrote you this song.

Wes finally found something to suit his tastes for their date tonight. The song had brought a warm feeling to him. The song continued to play on the radio.

I've been to Paris, London, LA. I've felt the tropical sun on my face. This Christmas we don't need to get away,

Cuz our love is like a holiday.

The song faded out.

Time Force apartment complex, bottom floor. 8:00pm

Jen walked out of the elevator, looking for Wes.

"Hey there." Jen turned around to see Wes walking up to her. He looked at her and smiled. Her outfit was what surprised him. She had on a pair of jeans and a pink long sleeve shirt. Her hair was down. She carried a heavy coat in her arms.

"Wow, you look beautiful." Wes said.

"You don't look to bad yourself, Wes." Jen said. He wore a pair of jeans and a red turtle neck shirt, with a leather jacket.

"Shall we?" Wes and Jen went back into the elevator to go down to where Wes's car was.

After a bit of a walk, they finally came to his car. Wes unlocked the doors and they slipped in. Wes hit the button to turn the car on. After waiting a minute for the car to warm up a bit, they were finally off.

They didn't notice a black car following them close behind.

8:30pm, Wes's car

"So, where exactly are we going?" Jen asked.

"Well, I made a reservation at the Olive Garden." Wes said.

"Are you kidding me? That place is booked!" Jen was astonished at this.

"I was lucky. They had a small two-person table open." Wes said. "How about some music?" He turned on the radio.

"Here's one for the love birds out there. It's N SYNC, with Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays."

"Oh, yuck! Even in the future, N SYNC is around?" Wes said. Jen couldn't help but laugh.

"That's right. Still." Jen just shook her head. The song began play.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

The sky opened up a flurry of white snow.

We've been waiting all year for this night
And the snow is glistening on the trees outside
And all the stockings are hung by the fireside
Waiting for Santa to arrive
And all the love will show
'Cause everybody knows
It's Christmastime and
All the kids will see
The gifts under the tree

It's the best time of the year for the family

Jen smiled as the snow came down, slowly, but it soon got heavier.

Feel the love in the room
From the floor to the ceiling
It's that time of year
Christmastime is here
And with the blessings from above
God sends you his love
And everybody's okay
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

Wes watched the road closely as it began to snow. He looked at Jen who was looking out the window, with a smile on her face. 'Soon. It's going to be very soon.' Wes thought.

Bells are ringing
It's time to scream and shout (scream and shout)
And everybody's playing cause school's out
Celebrating this special time we share
Happiness cause love is in the air

And all the love will show
'Cause everybody knows
It's Christmastime and
All the kids will see
The gifts under the tree
It's the best time of the year for the family

The snow falling gradually became heavier, and the snowflakes were bigger. 'It's beautiful.' Jen thought.

"Hopefully it'll snow so badly, we'll get snowed in." Wes said. Jen looked at him. He had a smug look on his face.

"Yea. A day off wouldn't be bad." Jen admitted. "It'd be like old times."

Feel the love in the room
From the floor to the ceiling
It's that time of year
Christmastime is here
And with the blessings from above
God sends you his love
And everthing's okay
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

"Wow, even you admitting you need a day off. Never thought I'd hear that." Wes said. Jen rolled her eyes up to the roof of the car and giggled to herself.

No matter what your holiday
It's a time to celebrate
And put your worries aside
And open up your mind
See the world right by your side
It's Christmastime
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

Jen stared into the clouds as the snow fell and just smiled.

It's a wonderful feeling
Feel the love in the room
From the floor to the ceiling
It's that time of year
Christmastime is here
And with the blessings from above
God sends you his love
And everything's okay
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays

The song faded out.

Twenty minutes later

Wes soon pulled into the parking lot of The Olive Garden. "Here we are." Wes pulled into the valet parking and handed the driver the keys.

The man on Jen's side opened the car door for her. "Thank you." She said.

Wes walked around the front and took her hand. Inside the front desk was busy. They walked up to the front deck.

"Do you have a reservation?" the woman asked.

"Yes, we do. It's under Collins."

The woman looked through her computer. "Wesley, party of two?"

"That's us." Wes responded.

"Of course. This way, please." She lead them to a table by a window. They thanked the waitress and sat down.

Wes noticed Jen looking out the window. "Something on your mind, Jen?" He asked.

"Nope. It's just that I love the winter. It's so peaceful and quite. The snow is beautiful. The way it falls. It's so beautiful." Jen said.

"Well, lets hope it stays that way. Maybe we can sleep in tomorrow, you know?" Wes smiled. "Now, let's see what we have to dinner tonight."

They picked up a menu and looked at it.

The waiter came by. "Hello. My name is Tony, and I'll be your waiter for tonight. Can I start you off with a drink?"

"Yes. Can we get a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne?" Wes asked.

Jen looked at him, but couldn't find her words.

"Very good. Have you decided dinner?" Tony asked.

"Yes. I'll have the oyster pasta with garlic sauce. Jen, what do you want?"

"Ah, I'll have the lemon chicken over linguini." Jen said.

"All right. I'll put those orders in, and the champagne will be out in a minute." He left.

Jen stared at Wes. "What?" he asked.

"Wes, that's a $400 bottle of champagne." Jen said.

"Jen, please. This is our night together. I want it to be special." Wes said. He took her hand and held it. "Besides. I'm the son of a millionaire, remember?"

"But…" Jen began.

"No, no buts. This is our night. It's special. I'm going to make a memorable one." Wes kissed her hand. He gave her his most charming smile. "I love you." He said.

Jen smiled. "I love you, too." Wes leaded across the table and gave her a quick kiss.

A few minutes later, the waiter returned with the bottle. "Here we are. Enjoy." He left. Wes popped the cork and filled their glasses.

Jen looked at him. 'It's amazing how carefree he his.' She raised her glass. "To us. For many years of love and prosperity."

"Cheers." The tipped glasses and took a sip.

Jen laughed. "I can see why it's $400. It's good."

"Your favorite from what I've heard." Wes said.

"Who told you that?" Jen took a small sip.

"Who do you think?" Wes said. "Alli and Jamie."

"I should have known." Jen put down her glass. "I still can't believe you got us into this place. Whenever my family and I come here, we usually wait for at least an hour." Jen said.

"Oh. Well, being a Time Force officer helped a little too." Wes added.

"What?" Jen asked.

"Yea. They asked if I was a Time Force officer and I said yes. They asked me to come down to see my badge, and I got the table. I didn't know that restaurants around here pampered Time Force officers." Wes said.

"Well, at least every restaurant has been helped out by Time Force." Jen said.

"Wow."

A waiter carrying a tray came their way. "Oyster pasta with garlic sauce?"

Wes raised his hand. "And the lemon chicken over linguini?" Jen did the same. "Do you need anything?" the waiter asked. Both responded no. "Enjoy then."

Jen took a bite of her chicken. "Wes," she said in between bites. "you have to try this." She took her fork and cut a piece and gave it to him.

"Yum, that is good. But try the oyster." He gave her a bite.

"Not bad. If you think that's good, you should try my mom's chicken parm. It's to die for." Jen said.

"You know," he took a bite. "That's the first time I've heard you talk about your parents, Jen." Wes took another bite.

"Actually." Jen said slowly and wiped her mouth. "My parents wanted to know if…" she cut off.

"If, what?" Wes asked and took a sip of the champagne.

"If you'd like to spend Christmas with us." Jen said.

"Me?" Wes asked. Jen nodded. "Spend Christmas with your family?" Jen nodded again.

"My parents want to meet you. After all, they've only heard stories, like from the mission to capture Ransik." Jen said.

He paused. "Sure. I'd love to." Wes said.

Jen smiled. "Great. They want us there on the 15th, if that's all right." Jen finished.

"Absolutely. Tell them I'm looking forward to it."

They both continued to eat, but failed to notice three figures sitting at the bar. One was Jason Vincelli. He had an angry look on his face.

"So, Wes. Moving in on my girl, huh?" Jason snickered to himself. "I'll show you who to move in on."

"Jason, you have to stop living in the past. She's in love with Wes and there's nothing you can do!" Josh said.

"Yea. It's over between you two, Jase. She's only going to be your friend and nothing more. So just give it up." Mitch took a drink.

"Yea, well, when I get the Red Ranger's morpher then we'll see who she falls for." Jason took a sip of his beer.

After another thirty minutes, Wes paid and they left. After getting the car, Wes tipped the men and they drove off.

"Next, a movie." Wes said as the cruised down the street.

"Sounds good." Jen smiled. The snow was coming down heavy now.

'Maybe we will get a day off. That'd be good.' Wes thought.

After a twenty-minute drive, they pulled into the parking lot and got out.

While waiting in line, the discussed what movie to see. They finally decided on a movie called Two Weeks Notice. A romance-comedy.

With smiles on their faces, both walked hand in hand into the theater.

Two hours later

Jen and Wes immerged and were in a deep discussion of the movie, both laughing. The snow was covering the street completely, and was very thick. Both went into the car and relaxed as the trip home began.

Time Force apartment complex: 11:30pm

Wes parked his car and got out, taking Jen's hand in his. They decided to walk around to the front. Both still chatting about the movie.

"I think the best part was the tennis match." Wes said.

"No, it was definitely when she was pulled out of the wedding." Jen said.

"No, the tennis match." Wes said sternly.

"It was definitely the wedding part!" Jen said, the same tone of voice as Wes.

"You know, yelling isn't going to solve anything." Jen said.

"You're right, Jen." Wes bent down and picked up a handful of snow. "This will!" He chucked the snowball at Jen, who ducked it.

"Oh, so now you wanna play dirty, huh?" Jen picked up a handful as well. "Well, then bring it on, Officer Collins!" She threw it at him, and it hit him in the leg.

"Yeeow! That's COLD!" Wes screamed. "All right, Lieutenant Scotts, gimme what ya got!"

For the next fifteen minutes, Jen and Wes pounded each other with snowballs.

Both were soaked and cold and the snowball fight was ended. Jen and Wes walked into the building and went into the elevator.

"L-level 15." Wes said.

"Why 15?" Jen asked.

"It's my floor. I wanted to know if you wanted to see my apartment." Wes said.

Jen just smiled. "Sure. That'd be great." The final ding and the doors opened. They walked down the hallway and came to room 14.

"Well, here we are." Wes put his key in and the door opened. "It's not much, but it's been my home for the last few months."

"It's fine, Wes." Jen said. He took her coat.

"Umm, do you want anything to drink? I can make us some hot chocolate." Wes said.

Jen was venturing around his living room. "Sure. That'd be great." After looking around, she saw pictures of when they were on the mission to capture Ransik. "I can't believe you still have these." Jen said.

Wes walked over with two mugs filled with hot chocolate. "Yea. I couldn't stand not having them with me." He handed Jen her mug. She sat down on his couch and snuggled close to him.

Wes was a bit uneasy about something. This didn't go unnoticed by Jen. "Wes, is everything okay?"

Wes was sweating. "Yea, everything's all right." He was shaking on the inside. 'How do I explain this to her?' He asked himself. "Umm…" His voice was shaky.

"What? What is it, Wes?" Jen was nervous now. 'There is something wrong.'

"I don't know how to say this." He took a sip of his drink and put it down. "It's just that lately, I've been having these dreams." Wes said.

"About what?" Jen asked.

"A-about you." His voice was quiet.

"Oh, really." Jen smirked and raised an eyebrow. "Care to tell me about this dream you've been having?"

"It's not that kind of dream. It's more like a nightmare." His voice shook again. "I've dreamed that you're lying on the ground. There's a mutant with a weapon standing over you." Jen's smile faded. "He says that it's over. He powers up his weapon and you're just lying there, paralyzed with fear. I hear you call my name, I try and get to you, but I'm too late. Then there's an explosion. Before I can see what happened, I wake up." Wes shivered.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Jen asked. "Maybe it's just a dream, Wes. I'm here, right now, right?"

"Yea, but Jen, it felt so…real." Wes shivered again.

Jen put down her mug. "Wes…" she trailed off. Jen didn't know what to say. He turned and looked at her, with tears in his eyes.

Jen took Wes's head in her hands and kissed him. Wes returned her kiss by placing an arm around her waist. She slowly lay down on the couch, pulling Wes down on her.

Wes got up and pulled her with him, and led her to his bedroom.

In his room, they stood at the foot of his bed. He kissed her neck as her hands pulled off his shirt.

"Please, Jen. I don't want to be alone tonight." Wes said.

"I'm not going anywhere." Jen whispered.

He then picked her up and placed her gently on his bed. His hand caressed her breast while she undid the snug zipper on his jeans. He heard Jen moan as he fumbled with the clips of her bra.

Within no time, Wes pulled a sheet over their bare bodies. Both caressed each other's tongue passionately. Wes stopped for a minute. Jen heard the crinkle of a small package. He soon began kissing ever inch of her torso. His hands roamed her body.

A small pressure was felt in Jen's lower body, followed by a strong pain. This pain was replaced with an astounding pleasure. Jen moaned again. She heard Wes do the same. Every minute was bliss, their bodies working in a perfect harmony. Until finally the bliss was replaced with an explosion of ecstasy. Their harmony soon slowed.

Jen and Wes fell asleep in each other's arms. Unknown to the world, but known to each other.

Their only witness to their passion was the snow that fell silently outside.