THE REASON - Part Fourteen: A Sweet Moment at the Cove
Summary: Tommy and Kim find peace at Bluestar Cove. But will it last?
Disclaimer: Power Rangers belongs and will always belong to Saban Entertainment, BVS Entertainment Inc., Renaissance Atlantic Entertainment, Village Roadshow KP Producations Limited, ABC Kids, ABC Family and Disney. And to all other affiliates with the Power Rangers concept (ie. Sentai–the original Power Rangers). And, yes, before I forget, the main title of the story does tie in with Hoobastank's "The Reason". Gotta give you guys credit, so don't sue me, please!
"Silence is the best tool in saying things that cannot be said in words. Use it well." –Eclyptyk Neo
One hour later.
Tommy pulled into a parking spot beside a familiar looking red convertible. He jumped out and ran his fingers along the smooth exterior of the car. Why can't I forgive you, Kim? Every time I see you now, I feel so empty inside. So angry. I should be more mad at myself than at you. This isolationism is finally catching up with me, and I don't like it one bit.
He turned away and crossed the wooden gate onto the dirt path down the ridge that would take him into the heart of the cove. He paused a moment, when he saw Kim sitting on a rock along a hill looking over the sandy- covered beach. He smiled to himself, as the wind blew freely through her hair, giving her a more radiant appearance. Again, he wanted to sweep her into his arms, but the shield of anger held him down like a fort.
He placed his hands into his pockets and slowly walked over to her casually. "I didn't think you'd show up."
Kimberly turned to look at him, a light, gentle smile on her face. "I could never turn down an offer you made."
He shook his head, and took a seat on the rock beside her. "No. You couldn't. You never could."
She moved a little closer to him, noticing he had changed his clothes. He was no longer in the suit and tie he wore to school, but was in a set of khaki cargo pants and a black leather jacket covering a black T-shirt underneath. He was also no longer wearing his glasses. "You changed."
He shrugged, leaning forward. "Never really liked coming out here in a suit and tie. I never really feel comfortable in one."
"Well, it brings out your intellectual side. I figured not a whole lot of people who know would ever really look at you as some bad boy." she commented, remembering how his appearance in high school had many wondering just how nice he really was. Especially when he was wearing the green outfits, indicating his ranger color.
"I suppose." he shrugged again. "But ya know, take a picture, it'll last longer. I don't usually wear a suit and tie unless I really have to."
Kim averted her attention back to the ocean. Another breeze came in, making her rub her arms, shivering.
Tommy looked at her with some confusion. "You cold?"
She rubbed her shoulders again, shaking her head in denial. "No. Not really." She shivered again. "Don't be silly."
Tommy shrugged off his jacket and placed it on her shoulders. "Yeah, you are."
She pulled the jacket closer, smelling the cologne that lingered against the leather. Mmmm. You smell so good, baby. What is that smell? "Um..thanks. But, you really didn't have to."
He shrugged. "It's no biggie. I'm a guy, and usually if we were smart, we'd put the girl before our own needs. Besides, you were always complaining about how cold it would get when a simple breeze would come in even on a hot day."
She looked down, smiling. "We really need to catch up, Tommy."
He looked away nodding.
"Tell me things are gonna be okay between us," she pleaded rather than questioned or asked.
He sighed, but shook his head. "I'm not sure, Kim. I don't think I can really guarantee that right now." He could have been lying, though. He hoped that it was a lie. But he really couldn't tell. Ever since he saw her yesterday, he couldn't really control his emotions or actions. He saw pain and anger where he once saw sincerity and happiness. He fought every physical action in harming her, in even really laying a finger on her. Now, he didn't know how long it would take for it to come crashing down on him.
She peered over at him, not knowing what else to do. She had missed his protective embrace, but she was also a grown woman. She had been taking care of herself for awhile, now. She was still here. But when will it come to a point where being alone won't be the best thing to get out a bumpy situation? She wasn't sure how long it would take him to see her as he had in the past, but she didn't want to give up. She could feel he still cared so deeply for her. It was living with the pain that appeared to give them their distance.
"Are you willing to let me help you, Tommy?" she asked slowly. "Will you give me a second chance?"
He could only shrug as an anxious little kid. He wanted to comply. He needed to. And he figured he'd be on the losing end of the situation if he didn't go along with her request. But all he could do was, ask why.
"Because I'm a friend, Tommy." she admitted. "I don't want to see you get hurt. Because I don't want to fight with you anymore. Because... I want to re-establish our friendship. I mean, it wouldn't be easy to have all of our old friends in one room, and have them choosing sides over something that happened eight years ago." He kicked himself mentally. There you go with this "I-Am-Telling-You-This- As-A-Friend" bullshit. Why does that always have me all worked up? You're starting to win me over, Kim. Damn it.
Then he remembered how his friends had stuck by his side in the past ten years. Helped him break away from the spell behind the Sword of Darkness. Cope with the loss of his green ranger powers. To taking up the position as the leader of the team. To the break up with Kim. To the point of him being brainwashed by Gaskett. To his college years. Every time his friends were there to cheer him up.
And right now, Kim was doing exactly what they had done. Trying to help him cope. Help him get passed all the hardship he had faced in the last few years of his life. Again, they were there as help.
She took his hand in her own, observing the many years of aging and hardship they had went through. He looked at her comparison with a puppy- like confusion. She ran her fingertips along his own and over the knuckles. Her hands felt so soft compared to his rough, working hands.
He looked up at her face, brushing away a set of hair that hid her beauty, as she turned to give him a better look of her face. No, Tommy. Don't give into her beauty. You have to test her loyalty. If you truly want to make another relationship with her, you'll give her time to deal with not having you.
She looked up to meet him eye-to-eye. She looked into the dark, chocolate alert eyes of the man she had called his tiger and falcon. She could see the confusion, the lack of trust, the uncertainty she knew she had scarred him with. C'mon, Tommy. Tell me what's wrong. Let me help you. "So, are you willing to give me a second chance?"
He looked away, shrugging. He figured it would be best to see if she could still see into his soul. His test set for her. "I suppose. I know you're not going to give up on it, anyways. I can't argue with you there."
"I don't want to argue with you, Tommy." she shook her head. "I want us to put the past behind us."
"I'm not sure that can be done." he said quietly.
"Why not? I figured we're adults now, so we should be able to break away from our mistakes."
Tommy scoffed, shaking his head. "You don't even know what I've gone through in the past few years." His anger began to rise with every breath he took. He got to his feet. "And if it wasn't clear enough, you really did catch me at a bad time."
"If it's bothering you so much, why can't you just tell me what the problem is? I can't help you out if you won't tell me anything."
"Than maybe we should just leave it at that." he turned away.
Kim got to her feet and followed him up the ridge, upset at his change of mind. "Please. Tell me, Tommy. Tell me what's wrong."
"Nothing is wrong!" he snapped, looking back at her with a line of fury in his eyes.
She met his gaze with the best set of glaring eyes, but it could never match his. "Something is wrong. Tell me, please."
"The only thing it'll do would bring me more pain." he forced between clenched teeth. He walked back up the ridge.
She came up behind him. Grasped him in a tight hug, not wanted to let go. "No. Please, Tommy. Just talk to me for once. I can't let you go with so much pain riding on your shoulders. I know it. I can see it in your eyes. But, please, look at me."
He shook his head, trying to break away from the embrace. But she wouldn't let him go. Didn't want to. And for a moment, he stood there, unable to move. Just like Kat had done the same for him when he was under Gaskett's spell. He could remember the concerned look on his friends' faces. Their plea to have him remember who they really were. He peered over at the small petite woman clinging to him, feeling her tears begin to soak his shirt as he tried to flee. He didn't want to hide anymore, but he didn't want her to assume that anything was wrong with him. He wasn't ready to place her back into his life.
He tried to force himself out of her embrace, but the mental strain was taking its toll on him. "Don't do this, Kim."
She pulled him back. "Tommy, please. Don't go."
"I can't," he shook his head. "I can't do this. Not right now."
He tried to break away again, but she pulled him back by his sprained hand. He winced, collapsing to the ground under the sudden pain shooting into his hand. She pulled him closer to her, as the tears finally came down his face. Kim pulled him into a warm, comforting hug and kissed him on the forehead.
"Just let it go, Tommy. Don't be afraid. I'm here."
He shook his head, but agreed internally. "I can't. But I don't want you to go."
"I'm not going anywhere, Tommy."
Then it fell silent. They were encased in each other's arms with no opposition. Never wanting to let go. Never wanting to part ways. They sat there holding each other. Listening to the heartbeat of the other.
-----
Mesogog stomped through the lab of his island fortress. He hissed, growing impatient at the lack of news from his two subjects about their findings. Then he stopped, and looked at the screen relaying activity that went on in Reefside.
He smiled, if that's what it was, with some amusement. "Isn't that nice? It appears as if Dr. Oliver has found interest in a female companion." He turned away, as the doors swung open and Elsa entered the room. "Elsa, report."
Elsa walked into the lab, hands up as a guard. "I must apologize, sir, but we have not yet pinpointed the location of that power source. It doesn't appear to be active at the moment..."
Mesogog hissed again, using his telepathy to bring her to her knees. "That is no excuse! We must find it before Dr. Oliver does. This could be the missing link we need to defeat the Power Rangers for good." He released his hold on her, easing closer to her. "And if you even want to see how your future turns out, you won't return until you have information on it."
Elsa nodded slowly, getting to her feet. "Yes, Master."
Mesogog dismissed her, looking back at the screen again. "Perhaps, she can be an asset to our next set of plans. Attack Dr. Oliver where he appears to be most vulnerable. In her."
-----
Tommy and Kimberly sat there encased in each other's arms. No words were spoken. It was the best way to express how they felt about each other. They watched the waves come crashing into the shore. They were now sitting on the sandy beach. There wasn't much wanting to be said. Or really needed to. He only wanted to hold her, because every time he opened his mouth, they'd end up arguing. It was never that way in the past. Now, it was hard to really conclude if it was best to not say anything at all.
Tommy wanted to apologize, but figured it best their body languages speak for each other. She turned, cradling her head on his shoulder, running her hands along his strong muscular arms.
He looked down at her. She sensed his stare and looked up at him. And their eyes met again. She looked up at his alert falcon eyes. He looked down at her dancing crane eyes. For a long time, they just stared. Looked into each other's soul, trying to make out what the other was thinking. Into a world where there were no lies. No hesitation. It was like he was reliving the moment he had met her back in high school for the first time. The way they looked at each other was meant for their understanding alone.
He brought his sprained hand to cradle her face, brushing away the stray hair hiding her beauty. He held his breath, afraid to make the next move. Wanting to kiss her so badly, but didn't want to intrude. Didn't want to rush it.
She gripped his arm, looked into his eyes, hoping and waiting for his move.
And then it happened.
They kissed. For the first time in over eight years. It was filled with compassion and sincerity. And it didn't matter who had made the first move. She pulled him deeper into the kiss as she cradled his head in her hands.
The only thing that drew them away from it, was a grasp for air. Their eyes met again, a light smile on both of their faces. Again, no words could really be spoken.
He kissed her on the forehead and pulled her into a collective hug.
In the back of his mind, he didn't want her forgiveness. Didn't want to be with her. Didn't want to re-live the pain. Of betrayal. Lies. Anger. But in the depths of his heart, he could forgive. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to hold her. Touch her. Protect her. Wanted them to start off new. The many memories he held. Lost in his mind. Lost like a child. He didn't know where to go from here. Should I just let her go? Let her live with the pain that she had but one chance with me. But could he sit here in the future and not regret letting her go? He didn't know.
She clung to him without a care in the world. If their relationship would be short-lived, she'd want to hold onto it as much as possible. And if it would last forever, pull into marriage, than they'd be together forever. She knew that he questioned this new relationship greatly. So did she. She wasn't sure if he really still had feelings for Kat. But the last time she talked to her, she was all over Jason. She knew that Tommy was unsure about her sudden appearance, but she would fight the gods in the heavens until they'd be together forever. She didn't want to let him go again.
The old crew knew exactly what connection was there. The rare feelings that came in a relationship as their own. It was the stars. The chemistry. The look in their eyes. The happiness.
Tommy broke the embrace, getting to his feet. He walked over to the edge of the sand where it crashed with the waves, and crouched down to collect the water in his hands.
Kim looked at him with some confusion, and found her way to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "What are you doing?"
He let out a sigh, looking out into the ocean. "Remember when we used to go out to the ocean back in Angel Grove, and thought about how big the world really was?"
"Yeah. I remember." she nodded.
"And how we made that promise that we'd explore it together in the future?"
"Yes." she whispered. "I remember that, too."
He turned to meet her in the eyes. "Can we still make that promise to each other? Can we put aside petty differences and the past to continue on with a new relationship?"
"I guess we moved passed just friends, now." she smiled. "That kiss kinda broke it."
He looked back out into the ocean, getting to his feet. He brought her arms to rest around his waist, as she made her way around to look directly into his eyes. "Do you think we can make it a second chance?"
She pulled herself closer to him. "Do you?"
He leaned forward, teasing her with his cool breath. "Are you gonna keep asking me if this is gonna work out?"
"Are you gonna continue asking me all these questions or give me another mind-numbing kiss, Dr. Oliver?" she met his challenge, running a hand down his chest.
At the sound of her address him in that way sent him off the wall. He felt his muscles tighten, a shortness of breath escaped his lips. He was trying to restrain from thinking about all the times he had seen her in anything as little as a bathing suit to their hot, steamy make-out sessions. But it could not be done. He gently brushed his lips against hers. And the sudden disapproval of his tease had Tommy's arm stinging from a cat-like scratched made by her disapproval. He winced, looked back into her eyes, apologizing. He chuckled sheepishly. "Must you always have your way, Kim?"
She looked at him with a devilish grin. "It always tends to work out that way, now doesn't it, Doctor?"
"Well, Ms. Hart, I must say you've won me over with that kiss," he teased, stroking her face.
"But you haven't passed the lesson just yet, Mr. Oliver. It's a pass or fail grade."
He gave her a half-grin, before pulling her into another melting kiss. After a good long kiss, and a request for air, Tommy broke the kiss. He met her in the eyes letting his hand hold up her chin. "So, do I pass?"
She smiled widely, running her hands down his arms. "That depends...."
He pulled her closer, making her stop in mid-sentence. She looked into his tiger-alert eyes, running her hands through his short-cropped hair. He tilted her head back, laying gentle kisses to her neck and cheek. And the light moans deep within Kim's throat had him knowing he had hit the spots she loved for him to touch. He set a trail of kisses back to her mouth, and pulled her into another sincere kiss.
He didn't want to let her go. She couldn't let him go.
He broke the embrace, looking back into her eyes, catching his breath. "Now, do I pass?"
She could only smile, as she relaxed into his arms. She nodded slowly, catching her breath. "I think you have. With a little bit of extra credit, too."
He smiled, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. "That's what I thought. But I guess I'll be assignin' you extra credit later."
BEEP! BEEP! Drum roll.
Tommy groaned, putting a hand into his pocket to find his phone. When he took it out, Kim snatched it away shaking her head. "No, Tommy. This is our time. Let him wait."
Tommy knew it was Jason, who always knew when to ruin a perfect moment just to be annoying. "It could be important."
"Please." she pulled away to see the shocked expression on his face. "He can't be more important than me, can he?"
"You never know." he shrugged. "He is my best buddy."
"And where am I in this?" she was growing offended. "I thought I came first."
He shied a smile. "You do, Kim, but.."
BEEP! BEEP! Fanfare.
Tommy's face grew serious, as he tried to snatch her phone. "And is he more important than me?"
"No." she shook her head, looking at the phone. "But it's Aisha."
He let out a sigh, and let her go to attend her phone. She handed his back to him, and turned away to check the text sent by her best friend. Tommy did the same.
When he cleared access, it read: "So, hav u settled da score? dnt make me cme down there 2 c u both hurtin. I hate that. Call me, bro.-Jason"
Tommy glared at the message, knowing that Jason wanted every bit of detail to her visit. Or as much as he needed to know. "Damn bastard."
Kim opened up the message. It read: "hey, gurl. hope things r ok between u and tommy. Tell him I say hi. But call Jason, too. U kno he wants to kno the deal. Just give him time. Call me l8r. Aisha."
Kim smiled, looking over her shoulder at the preoccupied man she loved deeply. "'Just give him time.'" she repeated from the text. "I hope you're right, 'sha. He's definitely not who he once was."
Tommy slammed his phone shut forcing out a breath. He turned around to see a concern, confused look on the woman he wanted to call his forever.
"What's wrong?" she asked concerned.
He could only shrug as he walked up to her. He laid a kiss on her cheek, before wrapping his arms around her. "Oh, nothing. Just Jason trippin' over what's going on between us. Was he behind this?"
She looked up into his eyes. Into those innocent, lost eyes of her falcon. Of her white tiger. Of her dragon. And she knew she couldn't lie to him, anymore. "He was. But, only because I was afraid to face you alone."
Tommy looked down, hiding his shock. Then he looked back up at her, hurt in his eyes. "Afraid? Why?"
She tried to hid her panic. "Don't get mad, Tommy."
He closed his eyes, letting out a sigh. Then he looked back into her eyes, smiling.
Her mouth dropped, glaring eyes came his way. She began to hit him wherever possible. "You jerk."
He grabbed her wrists, chuckling. "Hey, I figured he was behind it anyways. All the shit I've been getting from him about you in the last couple weeks made it that much more clearer."
"So, you're not mad?"
"Not really." he shook his head. "Mr. Ranger-Cupid trying to get us back together, it's no big secret."
She gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. "Well, it worked, didn't it?"
He shook his head. "Nah. This wasn't his doing. This was you and me."
She turned around, letting her small form become encased in his protective arms. They turned to look at the ocean.
"So, will it work out between us?" she asked, laying her head on his shoulder.
"I guess we'll have to find out." he kissed her on the head.
They stood there in silence, watching as the sun began to make its descent into the sea.
-----
Mesogog sat in his chair, glaring intently at the door.
The door slid open as Elsa and Zeltrax entered the room.
"Master, we believe we may have found that power source you were looking for." Elsa confirmed.
Zeltrax bowed. "We have traced it to the woods outside of the Bluestar Cove, my lord."
Mesogog got to his feet, hissing. "Then go down there and get it."
The two bowed quickly and retreated out the door before Mesogog had a chance to say anything else. Mesogog came to settle in his chair, as he looked at the viewing screen. He saw Dr. Oliver and his female companion heading up the ridge from the cove. "A strong energy source resides in his little friend. Perhaps, she can be of some help to me. Tyrannodrones attack." he barked. "And bring her to me!"
----
Tommy sprinted up the ridge, looking back to see an exhausted heap coming far behind. "Tired already? I thought you were a gymnast? Aren't you suppose to be more light and agile than martial artists?"
"Hey." she called up, angry at his comment. "You have longer legs than me."
"That's no excuse. " He skidded down the way toward her, scooping her into his arms, as she fought to break away. "Then, I'll carry you up."
"Put me down. I can get up the hill." she pushed his head back.
"Ow. And let it take forever?" he sprinted up the hill, carrying her with no problem. "I don't have all day."
He set her down, but she didn't seem to have anything else to say. She saw his preoccupation as he looked off in the distance. A dark figure disappearing into the woods. He groaned internally. Damn it, Zeltrax. What the hell are you doing now?
Then the sky darkened quickly and a swarm of Tyrannodrones surrounded the two.
Tommy and Kimberly fell into a fighter stance, back to back.
"You guys really know how to crash the party, don't you?" Tommy glared at the threat before them.
The Tyrannodrones eased closer to the two unarmed civilians.
tbc......
A/N: Uh-oh! Seems like Tommy and Kim just ran into a spot of trouble–and they were finally connecting after all these years. And why does Mesogog seem to take such interest in Kim anyways? And what is this power source the evil team seems to be seeking out? Will Tommy break the news about his Ranger connection to Kim now? Keep reading.