1Part Forty-Four: Checking-InSummary: Kim makes a call to Tommy about her safe arrival in Florida. But now that things are settled between them, they can really talk up a storm.

Disclaimer: Power Rangers not mine, just the concept of the story.

A/N: All right. For all you people who are making a big request to have more action with Tommy and Kim, here's a segment of their conversation. If you were hoping for something longer, sorry. But I'm having a bit of writer's block between what's written on paper and what goes on the web. And like I said before, I'm still in the stages of getting my computer checked while still worrying about school and keeping my grades up. I am not math wizard, and never will be. But I guess I have to work a little harder in that class. Oh well. As of now, I'm working from a friend's computer to get these next chapters done. But hope you enjoy. And you know what to do. Read. Reply. Thanks for the reviews. And May the Powers Always Protect You.

"It's good to know we can finally look beyond all this and start all over. I really missed the times when sadness wasn't apart of my life." -Eclyptyk Neo

The team had moved on to telling Hayley the news, while Tommy found a safe haven at home. He figured news would spread like wildfire to the old crew, and he didn't want to have more confrontations than needed. There was two people he had to call before he could have a chance to talk to his fiancee again. His parents.

He collapsed on the chair and began to dial his parent's phone number. He knew they were waiting for his call to confirm it.

The phone rang once. Twice. Three times.

Then it clicked, and a deep voice came on the phone, his father, Robert. "Hey, son."

"Hey, dad. You knew I'd be calling?" Tommy didn't seem to surprise.

"Yeah. Sorta that sixth sense thing or whatever. So, what's the news in Reefside?"

Tommy forced out a breath. "Well, I've been rather busy with this teaching stuff, but Kim came by...."

"And that didn't turn out all too well, I assume." his dad finished.

"Well, for the first couple weeks. But we've resolved our differences. And what's done is done. I proposed to her..."

"And I'm welcoming in the newest member of the Oliver family." Robert chuckled finishing his son's statement again.

Tommy dropped his head, finding it no surprise that his father was saying all this. Or if that was the basis of the call. "How'd you know?"

"I know you too well, Tommy. Besides, Kimberly made a little visit up here in Angel Grove before she went searching for you. She told us she still loved you. So, when you put two and two together, I knew you'd do it now."

"Yeah. Guess there's no fooling you. So, is mom in?"

"Actually just missed her. She stepped out. Kinda a good thing. Your Tagalog must be a little rusty."

"Um...yeah." Tommy nodded. He hadn't had the time to hand with family in the last few years. And with the parents–one being American and one being Filipina–it was hard to grow up with those customs. But not without including his own Native American customs. Yet, he still didn't know what his ethnic background was. David never did clarify on it. "Don't tell her that. Hopefully, I'll make time to bring it back up to date."

"Relax. I won't. She's still teaching me. But before I forget, congratulations, Tommy. You've waited long enough, but the wait was long enough."

"Yeah, I know."

"So, where is my daughter?"

"On her way back to Florida to get ready for the Olympics."

"Now, Tommy, do you remember what happened last time you sent her to Florida?"

"Dad, please." Tommy pleaded forcing out a breath. "Don't do this. We've put the past behind us. And I don't want to try to bring it up, especially now."

"Of course. You got a lot of things on your mind. But I have one question that's been bothering me."

"What's that, dad?"

"I've noticed that those crazy monster attacks seem to be following you around. Both in the past and now. And you've told me you had nothing to do with them, but are the Power Rangers taking care of things?"

Tommy chuckled quietly. In the years of holding all the information on the legacy, he never told his parents what he shared with it. "They are, dad. And though I can't say a whole lot about it, but I know this planet is in good hands."

"Well, I wouldn't doubt it. They've always saved us from the worse situations."

"Yeah." Tommy nodded slowly. "Well, I gotta go. Tell mom the news and I say 'hi'."

"Will do, son. And before I forget, wedding plans." his father said. "Let the women do the work. I mean, you can have your say, but it's more the woman's day. Yours comes in the honeymoon arrangements."

Tommy shook his head, laughing. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, dad."

"I'm proud of you, son. I'll talk to you later."

"All right. Bye, dad."

"Bye, son." the man said.

Tommy clicked off the phone and forced out a breath. He had his parents approval, but that wasn't new. When they were waiting for his move. Now, he just hoped he could get his new parents-in-law's approval. But one step at a time. He figured it would be best that Kim call them first before he did, just to find out if they're all on good grounds.

Hours passed.

Tommy paced the room with much agitation. He knew it was late on the East Coast nearly midnight, but he knew his fiancee couldn't pass up giving him a call. He smiled at the sound of that word. Fiancee. He had done it. He had finally done it. And he never felt so relieved or happy that that burden was off his chest. Now, it was off to setting up their future plans together.

He continued to pace the room, watching both his home phone and cell phone waiting for one or the other to ring. He didn't know which she'd call from, but didn't care. He just wanted to hear her voice.

RING! RING! RING! Cell phone.

He dove for it, and flipped it open. "Hello?"

"Hey, you. Figured you'd be asleep by now," the sweet voice of his fiancee answered. "It's been a long day."

He found a place on the couch, taking a drink from the Corona he snagged earlier. He shook his head. "Please, baby. I just thought you wouldn't be calling 'cause it was late."

"Well, I got in a couple hours ago, but I called my parents first."

"And what'd they say?" he seemed slightly worried.

"Well, my mom was glad that you did it. After that confession about me still having feeling for you, she knew you'd do it. And she welcomes you to the family."

"That's good. How about your overprotective dad?"

"He'll come around, Tommy. Just give him some time. He thought it was a little rushed after all the years apart, but he'll come around."

"Meaning he'll come down here with a shotgun and kill me if I decide to hurt you."

"Yeah, basically. But you know him, he just does that to keep you on your feet."

"But that's the problem, I haven't talked to him much since the break-up."

"He likes you, Tommy. I mean, just because Jason, Zack and Billy were childhood friends doesn't mean he didn't give them a hard time either. He was the same way with Rocky and Adam. That's how dads are around their daughters."

"More like any daughter."

"Give him time, baby. But they are expecting a call from you when you get a chance."

Tommy nodded. "Noted. So, I know it's late, but you up for a chat?"

"Of course, baby. Just like back in high school."

Tommy smiled, knowing this conversation would go on for hours. "So, name a topic."

"Future plans. What do you see?" Kim asked.

Tommy closed his eyes. "Hmm. Well, you decided you wanted to come back over to the West Coast. So, either you're gonna have to seel off that place of yours in Florida or we can make it into some winter getaway or something."

"Believe me, Tommy, I think we'd be better off finding a better place to call a winter home than this place. Though, it does have a great view of the ocean."

"Hey, whatever works. But than again, I could just bug my uncle to find a place. He likes to spoil me with whatever I want."

"Still asking you to come back to racing?"

"I've considered it, but not really up to do it. He yells at me too damn much."

"He's just being an overprotective uncle. Make sure nothing happens to you."

"I can take care of myself, Kim. I have since high school. And once I graduated high school, I already had my own place."

"Always stubborn."

"That hurts, Kim." he said taken aback by her comment, even though it was true.

""But it is true. So, how do you expect me to ship some of my stuff over there? It's kinda costly."

"Well, like it isn't obvious that some of your stuff is already here. But I got you, baby. Put it on my tab, and I'll take care of it."

"Are you all of a sudden rich, Tommy?"

"Hey, hey, hey. Don't forget, I got paid. Made quite a bit of dino discoveries. The army deal. And all those classes I taught at the Youth Center. Besides, the charity work and donations, there is a good sum still there."

"Always helping out. But how do you expect to find a place for my clothes. I've seen your closet."

"I don't even use half of that stuff. It could go to charity. It's my uncle's bribery."

"Man, he must really want you back on the team?"

"He does. I mean, he gots some fast racers, but none like me. I mean, they've brought home some trophies and all, but never like me."

"Show-off."

"Sorry. It's in my blood. The rumor stands that Asians are good at everything they do. And Native Americans are real survivors."

"Is there anything you're not good at?"

Tommy chuckled quietly. "Cooking. And playing the guitar."

"The same old thing. I would have thought by having a mother who loves to cook, you would have learned a few things."

"Nope. I'm accident-prone when it comes to the kitchen. Just give me the coffee maker and microwave and I'm all good."

"How did you manage to make it through all those years?"

"Good question. My mom would always come by with pre-made meals during my college years. Still does it now every now and then. I told her I knew how to cook just so she wouldn't come by a whole lot. She's a nosy person, and I don't need her stumbling into my lab."

"Well, I guess I would have to show you some things. I took some culinary classes while I was in college."

"You're willing to teach me?"

"I don't expect you to live off of TV dinners and your mom's cooking for the rest of your life."

"Is your stuff actually edible?" he asked cautiously.

"Tommy!" she huffed, appalled by his comment.

"I'm kidding, baby. I'm sorry." he apologized. "Don't get me wrong, Kim. I can cook a little. The simple things, but if you want some three-course meal, I ain't the guy to be calling for it."

"If all else fails, we can always hit the local restaurant or fast food joint."

"Hey, works for me." Tommy chuckled, fumbling through the mail he left on the table. "I know you most have all this mail to go through, Kim, but have you gotten the invite for Jason and Kat's wedding?"

"Actually I did. And as a joke, it read: 'Mrs. Kimberly Oliver.'" she chuckled.

Tommy returned the gesture with a laugh. "Jason's a dumbass. Yeah, on mine it read: 'Dr. Thomas Oliver and Mrs. Kimberly Hart-Oliver.' Why does he do that?"

"That's Jason for you, baby."

"But he hasn't even heard the news yet, and even if he did, that's grammically incorrect at the moment."

"He just wants to have fun. But yeah, I still find it a little messed up. So, did he make you his best man?"

Tommy nodded as he read the invitation to himself. "Of course. And if he didn't, he would have sent me the invitation a week–or even days–before the wedding. Especially if all this didn't happen already."

"It was all planned out, Tommy. After I came to visit you, he formulated all those other unexpected visits. Yet, I don't think he expected the visits to turn out this way."

"Yeah, neither did I. But, no, I'm not saying that it was a bad thing, I just figured it wouldn't be this crazy either."

"September 25. Isn't that cutting it rather close with you guys?"

"What do you mean?" he furrowed his eyebrows, confused.

"ACTs, right?" she proclaimed.

Tommy groaned remembering the memo he got by email to be a coordinator at the testing area. "Damn. You're right. Shit. And I told the teens they should re-take it on that day."

"There's no doubt that they got an invite, too."

"Yeah. Man, we gonna be pushing it that day."

"Well, if anything. It is possible. You guys can do it. Ranger or not."

"Let's just hope Mesogog don't find out the Rangers decide to take a day off to attend a friend's wedding."

"Speaking of weddings. Mind saying some ideas for our own?"

Tommy forced out a breath. "How 'bout this? You pick whatever you want and I'll pay for it."

"But I need your opinion on flora arrangements. Colors. Centerpieces. Songs. The place we want to get married in. The reception hall..."

"Okay. Stop." Tommy said quickly. "Take a breather. I'm not the best person to come to about stuff like that. Can't we just hire a wedding planner?"

"Tommy!" she grumbled. "Have you seen that movie?"

Tommy chuckled. "You're the only woman I'd be with. Though J-Lo did have a good role in it."

"Tommy!"

"Hey, relax. Besides, you can't forget The Wedding Singer or American Wedding."

"Don't go there, Thomas."

"I'm just trying to get a laugh out of you, Kim. Ya know, I'm kidding. And trust me, there is never a perfect wedding day.."

"Don't jinx it, Tommy." she said slightly upset.

"Okay. Okay. I'm sorry, baby." he apologized. "The least we can do is choose a date. For starters. Then work around that."

"How do you feel about a winter reception?" she suggested.

"Works for me. But if you want snow, try up north. There has never been any snow in this part of the state."

"Well, I think it would be nice to get married at the lake where we shared our first kiss."

"In Angel Grove?" he scratched his head.

"Does that surprise you?"

"No. But, the city has changed in the last couple years. But I think it would be kinda nice."

"Well, it should. But I'm still open for other ideas."

"Hey, whatever you want, Kim."

"Don't put this all on me, Tommy." she protested. "I told you that I wanted this to be a joint partnership on our wedding plans."

"And I said I'm not the best guy to come to when it comes to finalizing the decision."

"I'd still like to hear some of your opinions, Tommy." she pleaded.

Tommy forced out a breath. "I like that idea. Going back to Angel Grove for the wedding. Yet, as much as I was hoping for a small outing, too, that's not gonna happen. Knowing my mom she already has a list of invites going from here to the other side of the country. Food arrangements will be taken care of, I know."

"I don't want your parents to do all the cooking."

"They don't mind."

"I don't mind a simple wedding. But I'm a little concerned about the number of people."

"Sorry. Got a big family. And if they can't come, they'll be expecting to see lots of pictures."

"And the honeymoon?"

Tommy chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll take care of that. Don't sweat those plans."

"No. I want my say in that, Tommy." she protested.

"Take a pass. I'm working the honeymoon plans."

"Fine. I see how it is."

"Well, you'd better. I don't want you to lift a finger after the reception ends. And don't doubt me. I'll make all your fantasies come true."

"Will you?"

Tommy chuckled, sheepishly. "Sorry. It's a surprise. You're just gonna have to deal with it. I don't want to ruin it for you. But when can I expect you back?"

"I'll be seeing you the day the Olympics ends. August 29th."

Tommy groaned. "That's more than a month away."

"I know, baby. But these next few weeks will go by faster than you could imagine."

"Well, it'd better." Tommy sighed. "I don't think I could ever spend the rest of my life without you."

"You're not gonna lose me, baby. I'll be okay. It'll only be a month."

Tommy forced out a breath, again as he took another drink from his beer bottle. The green hint escaped his metal cuff, and for a brief moment, an icy cold breath escaped his lips. "Stay safe, baby."

"What?! You don't want to talk to me anymore." she protested with some sadness.

"No. I just miss you right now." he wiped his brow as he heard the tease–the evil tease–or his evil self pass his ears. "I mean, I know it's only been a few hours since I've seen you, but it seems like years. Besides, you must be tired."

"I'm never too tired to talk to you, baby."

Another hour passed.

They were talking about their college years, and the people that came and went out of their life. The relationships they shared, and the denial coming from both sides of how many people they went out with or even slept with. It wasn't like they were ready to spill some news about how they learned some of the moves they did in the bed, but it was well history and in the past.

They also joked about Tommy getting involved in the music business with a voice as sweet as his. No one knew that he was a singer. No one. Besides, his family, but that was never meant to be known by others. When you've hung around Filipinos long enough–while being one–you pick up on the customs they like to do. One being karaoke, the other dancing.

And even about his army days, though she still wasn't convinced he was in it. And he made the promise that he'd pick her up in his army uniform to prove it.

"If the teens ever figured out that I was some Usher or whatever, they would spread it like wildfire throughout the school. I don't need that publicity."

"But you got such a wonderful voice, Tommy."

"Stop. I think I'll keep that a secret."

"Not if I make you sing at the reception."

"I won't do it."

"Then you will lose your brownie points."

"I hate that system." he grumbled. "That's not fair."

"If you love me, you'd do it. It'll be a way to get out in the open."

"I hate when you have to say something like that."

"It always tends to work. But right now, I'm beat, Tommy. I think I'll call it a night."

Tommy nodded, looking at his watch. It was almost midnight his time, meaning it was reaching three o'clock on her side of the country. "Yeah, I figured. I'm a little tired myself. But I'll call you later."

"I'd like that. But for now, get some sleep, baby. Love you."

"Yeah. Get some sleep. I love you too, Kim. Bye, baby."

"Bye." she whispered and hung up the phone.

He headed for the stairs and retired to bed for some much needed sleep.

To be continued.....

A/N: Okay, yeah about that whole little segment with his father was sorta short and all. I didn't want it to get away from the main theme of the chapter. But, like I said before, I have control over what goes on in the story. So, if you don't like it you're gonna have to deal with it. Family matters. Yes, I claim Tommy as being Native American, Filipino and Hispanic–though Jason David Frank don't quite look it–but that's what fanfics are for. Anyways, hope none of ya'll ain't too offended by it. Later days. I'll see all ya'll on the flip side.