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Those days of love are gone
Our time is through

The house was cold despite the blaring of the heater. Its hallways and rooms were empty despite the screaming of teenagers in the living room. Thomas Oliver sat at his kitchen table, grading papers and nibbling on a slice of pizza. His students and fellow teammates were unwinding in front of a football game while he struggled to concentrate on the assorted papers marring the wooden surface of his impromptu desk. He really needed to go out and purchase one, but certain events, namely saving the world, kept getting in the way. Returning to the papers, Tommy almost felt himself become absorbed before more screaming wrenched him back to reality. He knew it was a bad idea to have the three students over all the time, but they would just show up and he did not really know how to turn them away. It was worse now that he was the black ranger and they considered him one of the gang. Every time they came over, Tommy jumped at each creak, thinking the authorities were going to come and arrest him. It was a little absurd, but Tommy could not help it.

Throwing down his red pen, Tommy finished his pizza and stood up from his chair. He was not going to get any grading done with those three in the house. Not really wanting to watch TV, Tommy grabbed a jacket and headed outside. A walk sounded nice right now, to escape the house and its occupants.

Tommy really did not know why he had purchased the large house. There was no family to move in, no one to come home to. There could have been, but his lackluster luck with relationships had ruined any chance of that. Tommy closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath of the winter air. It amazed him that after all that had transpired, he still loved her. It just didn't seem normal for someone to cling to a memory for as long as he had. And seeing her at the wedding had only intensified his feelings.

Still I burn on and on
All of my life
Only for you

Jason said, and continued to say, that Kim and Tommy were destined for one another. Thinking of Jason, Tommy realized he needed to call his best friend. The honeymoon was over and he needed to see how the former red, and then gold, ranger was handling married life. At least he wasn't the only chameleon ranger to be had. He'd taken a lot of ribbing from his friends about his color changes. Eventually, Tommy wouldn't be surprised if he was the Rainbow Ranger.

Chuckling to himself, Tommy scoped out the woods surrounding his house. The moonlight cast eerie shadows that shifted and moved with the wind. It probably wasn't safe to be alone out here, but the secluded area suited his mood at the moment. He wondered what she was doing right now. He still had her phone number tucked away in his nightstand. Sometimes, he would dial nine numbers and then dare himself to hit the tenth. He never did, something always held him back.

He was nervous about speaking to her again. She had made it rather clear, on the beach, that she did not want anything from him. Why, he really didn't know. She had never explained. Maybe she was scared. Maybe she felt that too much time had rushed between them. Or maybe she just didn't love him enough to try.

That thought hurt and Tommy refused to believe it. He felt so much love for his high school sweetheart that it just wasn't possible for her to feel any different.

From now
Until forever

And ever, my darling
Forever

Kira opened the screen door and shut it quietly. She spied the tall figure of her teacher in the distance and walked towards him. Something was bothering the black ranger and Kira was curious. Ever since his return from the wedding, he had been even more remote then before.

He heard the crunch of her shoes against the gravel and turned his head in her direction. A faint smile touched his lips, but it never reached his eyes. None of his smiles did. It saddened Kira that such a nice guy like Dr. Oliver was haunted by something. She knew he was. All of her attempts at questioning Haley had ended in dead ends. The genius behind their team was close lipped about everything concerning the good doctor and Kira wasn't sure if that was because Haley had been sworn to secrecy or just didn't know.

"Tired of the game, already?"

Kira shrugged. "It's almost over and it's obvious who's going to win."

"I see. So, what brings you out into the cold?"

Kira searched her mentor's eyes. Normally, Dr. Oliver was exceptionally talented at masking his true feelings, but tonight the raw emotion was open for all to see. There was a sense of complete loss about him that made Kira's heart ache. What could've happened to her teacher that had destroyed him so much? She wanted to know, if only to make him feel better.

"Dr. Oliver, can I ask you a personal question?"

He looked at her sharply, his open eyes seeming to fade behind his bland mask. "It depends on the nature of the question."

"Have you ever been in love?"

He looked startled and then frowned, thinking. Kira could almost hear the conversation inside his head, debating on how much to tell her. Crossing his arms, Dr. Oliver stared out into the trees, but said, "Yes, I have."

"Oh." Kira wasn't sure how to continue without seeming like she was prying. She was saved by the dilemma with the slam of the screen door as her two compatriots stumbled out of the house, whooping about the game. The two yelled for Kira to hurry while thanking Dr. Oliver for the pizza in the same breath.

"I better go, Dr. Oliver, before they leave me behind. Thank you for the pizza."

She started to walk away, but paused when he asked, "Why did you want to know?"

Taking a slight breath, Kira folded her hands in front of her and half swung around. "You always seem so sad, Dr. Oliver. I was just wondering why."

The horn from the car blared and Kira glared at it in annoyance.

"Go ahead, Kira, I'll see you in school."

The blonde girl nodded and ran to the car that had slowly begun its way towards the street. Tommy watched until the taillights of the car disappeared before heading back inside to clean up. It must really be obvious if his own students were noticing his depression.

You will always be the only one

It only took about twenty minutes to clean up after the kids and Tommy wasn't quite ready to return to his papers. Remembering that he wanted to call Jason, Tommy grabbed his portable phone and sank into his couch. Dialing the familiar number, Tommy listened to about four rings before it was answered.

"Hello?" A feminine voice asked.

"Meagan, hi, it's Tommy. Is Jas around?"

A slight giggle preceded her answer, "Yeah, he's right here."

There was another laugh and some shuffling as the phone was passed to Jason. "What's up Tommy?"

"Not much here, but what is going on over there?" Tommy teased.

Jason laughed. "You'd only understand if you were married, man. So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

"Just wanted to check up on you, see how you were enjoying married life."

"It sucks dude—ouch, I was only kidding Meg. Nah, it's a blast, man, you should join the club."

Tommy laughed softly, "We'll see, dude."

"Whoa, wait, did you call her yet?"

"No. I can't seem to finish dialing."

"Why haven't you called her? What are you waiting for? Do I have to come over there and do it myself?"

Tommy laughed and switched ears. "No, Jas, I can do it. I'm just not ready yet."

"What's there to be ready for," Jason huffed. "It's not like your calling to ask for her hand in marriage, you just want to chat, be friends."

"I don't think that's possible," Tommy replied heavily, "Not between us."

"Why not?" Jason said, slightly irritated that his two best friends were so pigheaded.

"Look, I know she loves me, because she told me she did. I love her and she knows that because I told her. And then she just walked away because she didn't want to hate me anymore and she wanted everything to be happy and perfect. I just don't understand what's holding her back."

"I don't know dude, women just have issues—ouch! I wasn't talking about you Meagan."

Tommy laughed as he imagined the feisty wife of Jason whopping him in the head with some object. "Look, Tommy," Meagan's voice suddenly said on the phone. In the background, Tommy could hear Jason yelling for the phone. "Just call her up and ask her what she's been doing. Stop being a chicken shit and just dial the number. We both love you immensely, Ciao!"

Tommy barely said goodbye before the phone disconnected. He must have interrupted something, because Meagan never took over their conversations. Laughing to himself at the handful Jason had married, Tommy hung up the phone. He needed to hurry and finish his work so he could get some rest. It was going to be a long day tomorrow and he had a feeling that Kira was not going to give up until she had more answers.

You will always be the only one

Kimberly unlocked the door to her apartment and flung her bag across the hall in a fit of temper. Today had been a long day of angry clients and nervous newbies. Kicking off her heels, Kim strolled into her kitchen and opened the refrigerator for leftovers from her business dinner last night. Popping the chicken and rice into the microwave, Kim set it for two minutes and then moved towards her bedroom, shedding her dress suit as she went.

Usually more conscientious about her clothes, Kim left them where they fell, too tired to bother hanging them up. Slipping into her comfortable sweats and tank, Kim let her hair down from its tight bun and brushed out the long waves. Rummaging around her drawer for her favorite pair of socks, Kim felt her hand brush a scrap of paper. Pulling it out, Kim looked at the number for a moment, trying to recognize the digits. Flipping it over, she saw Tommy scrawled across and her heart clinched.

Jason had given her the number the day she arrived for the wedding. 'Just in case,' he had said. Sighing, Kim ran a finger across the writing and then glanced at the phone. Her contemplations on whether to call Tommy or not were interrupted by the dinging of the microwave. Setting the paper down on her dresser, Kim retrieved her socks and headed for the kitchen and supper. She was way too exhausted to even think about attempting a conversation with the lost love of her life at the moment.

As long as I shall live
I'll hold you dear

Every day since the wedding, Tommy had never left her thoughts. Before, Kim had been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sure, she'd been lonely, but she had always been able to deal. Now, however, the apartment seemed like the black hole of the universe. His damn smile and bright eyes were haunting her day and night it seemed. Even her boss had mentioned that maybe Kim should take a vacation because she seemed worn out.

Of course, dreaming about all of her years with her ex boyfriend weren't helping either.

And I will reminisce
Of our love all through the years

Kim had come to the conclusion that she would never be complete until she took that next step and obviously, Tommy was the only man she could do that with. The last few years, Kim had thrown herself desperately into the dating game, her hormonal clock ticking away. Unfortunately, none of the men had ever come close to the high standards that Tommy had set. At first, Kimberly had been infuriated, eventually she had settled with resigned.

Now, all that was holding her back was pride. Why in the world had she finished their conversation at the wedding as she had? Let's leave everything perfect or some bull crap like that. Clearly, the alcohol had been talking.

If you should ever need me

Deciding to push all thoughts of Thomas Oliver from her mind, Kimberly flicked on the TV and began to cut her chicken when the phone rang. Growling to herself, Kimberly almost let the answering machine get it, but some unseen force pushed her to set her dinner aside and retrieve the phone. Glancing at the caller id, Kimberly recognized her mother's number and wondered why she was calling so late. Normally, they talked every Sunday to keep the phone bill down.

"Hello?" Kimberly said, leaning lightly against the stand where the phone rested. As the person on the other end spoke, Kimberly's face whitened as her legs gave way to floor. Her fingers clutched the phone like a lifeline, her eyes wild with pain and grief. She strangled her reply as she hung up the phone, slumping to the floor in a ball of sobs.

Reaching out Kimberly felt her fingers brush a familiar scrap of paper. How did this get out here, she thought numbly, staring once more at the numbers. Without even thinking her actions through, Kimberly dragged the phone to her and dialed the numbers.

Unfailingly, I will return to your arms
And unburden your heart

Tommy walked into his house to hear the phone ringing. Dropping his bags, he grabbed it on the last ring.

"This is Tommy," he answered.

"Tommy?" A rough voice whispered.

"Kim?" Tommy queried, disbelief in his voice. There was no way this was his angel. "What's wrong? What happened?"

"She's dead, Tommy. She's dead. She's gone…forever…" Her voice was lost to sobs and Tommy cursed the distance between them. There was only so much he could do over the phone.

"Who's dead, Kim? What's going on?" Tommy asked, his voice soothing.

There was silence, wretched silence for several moments before she stuttered, "My mother."


And if you should remember

Florida was warm this time of year, at least the part where Kimberly lived, and Tommy wished he had packed better. He was dying in this sweater, but he had no time to change. The minute Kimberly had dropped the bombshell about her mother's death; Tommy had called the school to tell them he needed to take emergency leave effective immediately. Then he had nearly maxed out his credit card to get on the next flight out to Florida. So, many hours later, Tommy had now arrived at Kimberly's doorstep, a hastily packed bag in hand, not entirely sure what he was doing here.

Taking a deep breath, Tommy knocked on the door. He stood for a few minutes before he heard the sound of a deadbolt being unlocked as the door creaked open. Once he was recognized, it opened fully to reveal the love of his life. Honestly, Kim looked terrible, but Tommy had never been happier to see her. A second later, he felt extremely guilty. Her mother had just died and he was contemplating his happiness. Giving himself a mental shake, Tommy dropped his bag and pulled the petite woman at the door into his arms. It was as if all the years faded away and the two had never parted.

Tommy didn't know how long they stood in the doorway, holding each other tightly. A door opening and closing down the hall jolted them from their stupor and Kimberly slowly backed away so Tommy could enter. Grabbing the neglected bag, Tommy shut and bolted the door behind him. Kim slowly took his bag from him and he followed her down the hall to her living room where she set the bag on a chair. She paused in the middle of the room, her arms clutched tight around her. Tommy stopped a few feet away, waiting to see what she would do. Her body suddenly began to shake as sobs escaped her mouth. Rushing forward, Tommy pulled her close and led them to the couch. He laid them down, his arms wrapping around her as she cried, the tears falling in streams onto his shoulder and chest. Tucking her in close, Tommy was thanking God that Kim had called him.

Eventually her sobs exhausted her and she fell into a fitful sleep. Kim sighed softly into his neck and Tommy felt his entire body tighten with desire. Cursing his traitorous body, Tommy tried to think of every nasty, disgusting bad guy he had ever defeated. Slowly, sleep captured him as well and he drifted away.

That we belong together

"Pierre said it was a head on collision. She never felt any pain; it was over in an instant."

Kimberly and Tommy sat at her kitchen table each clutching a steaming cup of coffee in hand. The former pink ranger had finally opened up this morning about the phone call that had devastated her life.

"I just…feel so lost. I feel so empty and hurt and…lost. How could this happen? What did we ever do?"

"Oh, Kim," Tommy murmured, reaching across the table to hold her hand. She squeezed it slightly, a wistful smile on her face.

"I know. I shouldn't say it, but it's how I feel. After everything my family has already gone through, why this? Why now?"

Sighing softly, Tommy said, "I don't know, Kim. I wish I had the answers for you, but I don't."

Sniffling Kim laughed humorlessly. "It's ridiculous, I know. I'm acting like this has never happened before. People die everyday."

Standing up, Tommy walked to her side of the table and knelt taking both of her hands into his. "Kimberly, don't ever say that again. What you're feeling is not ridiculous, but natural. You have been dealt a terrible tragedy and it is okay to grieve, it's okay to scream, especially about how unfair it all is, because it is unfair. But don't ever say that anything you feel is ridiculous, because that is not true."

Kimberly burst into tears and flew into his open arms. "Oh, God, T-Tommy, I m-miss her so m-much!"

Rubbing her back with a strong, firm hand, Tommy whispered, "Cry, Kim, let it all out. It's okay."

Several hours and hundreds of tissues later, Kimberly had cried herself out. Somehow the two found themselves in the living room, curled up on the couch. They had talked about absolutely nothing for several minutes before there was companionable silence.

Sighing softly, Kimberly wound his fingers through hers and squeezed. "Pierre is having the funeral in Paris. He wants me to come."

"Are you going to?" Tommy asked, slightly surprised that she had to think about it.

"Well, I don't know. I want to, more than anything, so I can say my f-final goodbyes, but…I'm scared."

Tommy smiled softly and pressed a tender kiss to the top of Kim's head. "Don't worry, Kim, I'll go with you."

Kim sat up suddenly, her elbow connecting with Tommy's stomach. "Oh, Tommy," she cried when he gasped, "I'm sorry!"

"It's okay," he laughed, slightly rubbing his tummy. "I've been dealt worse."

Standing up, Kim crossed her arms and rubbed her shoulders. "Tommy, I can't ask you to go with me. You have a life in California. I'm sure you have responsibilities…"

"Kim, trust me, if I didn't think I could go I wouldn't. All I need to do is make a few phone calls and then I'll be ready."

She sighed, but said, "Fine, but I'm paying for your ticket."

Tommy laughed. "We'll see."

Never be ashamed
Call my name

The funeral was beautiful. Pierre had spared no expense for his beloved wife, and Kim was pleased that her mother had found such happiness if only for a little while. She had cried softly throughout the ceremony, but the pain had been bearable. Her rock, her strength had held her hand and steadied her throughout the trip. Tommy had been her lifeline, and she didn't know if she would have accomplished this trip as well as she had without him.

After the funeral, several close friends and family members met at Pierre's home. Tommy excused himself for a moment, leaving Kim alone.

"Kimberly," a heavily accented voice said.

She turned to see the handsome features of Pierre, sorrow haunting his eyes. "I wanted to thank you for coming. I know what a long trip it was for you."

"Your welcome," Kim said, unsure of what to say to this man. Thank you for making my mother happy or thank you for keeping her here in Paris where she died. While Kim knew the last part was unfair, she couldn't help but wonder if her mother had stayed in America, would she be alive now?

"I know how difficult it was for you two to be separated." He smiled sadly when Kim looked at him with some surprise. "She spoke of you all the time, and I know those Sunday phone calls were never enough. We were planning a trip to Florida, to see you. I just, I am trying to say that she loved you so much."

Blinking back tears, Kim whispered. "Thank you. Thank you for making her happy."

Pierre shook his head. "It was not me, Kimberly. You made her happy, with everything that you accomplished in life. I know that she will always watch over you where she is now."

Smiling tremulously, Kim slowly moved forward and gave her stepfather a tentative hug. He returned it, and then pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Later, we will speak more, I think. But here comes your young man." And Pierre was gone before Kim could correct him.

Tommy stopped at her side and took one hand in his, squeezing gently. "How did that all go?"

"It went okay. Good, actually. It is easy to see how much Pierre loved my mother. I think it makes all this just a little easier."

"Good," Tommy replied warmly, leading her to a table of food. "Now, we need get something substantial in you because I don't remember the last time you ate."

Tell me I'm the one you treasure

The apartment had never looked so good. Kimberly had never thought to say that, but after her grueling trip, it was nice to be in familiar surroundings. She was mentally and physically exhausted. All she wanted was a nice, hot, and long bath before falling into bed for two or three days. Tommy flopped down on the couch and watched her where she stood.

"When does your flight leave?"

Tommy cracked a small smiled. "'Tired of me already?"

Kim forced a laugh when all she really wanted to do was cry. She didn't want to think of him leaving. Unfortunately, he had his own barrel of responsibilities in California.

"I know that you really just want to fall asleep, Kim, but we need to talk," Tommy hedged, patting a spot next to him on the sofa. Nodding somewhat mechanically, Kim took a seat, wondering what this talk would entail.

"Move with me, to California."

There was a shocked silence before Kim strangled out, "There's the Tommy I remember, straight to the point."

"Seriously, Kim. I worry about you living here alone. Plus, I know how much these last few days, meant to you, to us. I don't want to lose you."

Smiling, Kim reached over and took Tommy's hand. "After this week, and everything you've helped me through, you'll never lose me again. What I said at the wedding was the most inane and dense stuff ever. I blame it on alcohol and jealousy."

"Jealousy?"

Looking wistful, Kim replied softly, "I wanted to be walking down the aisle."

"T-To Jason?" Tommy spluttered out, his eyes seeing red while his heart broke.

Kimberly laughed. "No, you big dork, YOU!"

Relief hit Tommy like a ton of bricks and he laughed nervously. "Don't scare me like that. Wait, you want to marry me?"

"Tommy," Kim said with some exasperation, "I've wanted to marry you since I was 18."

Joy filled Tommy's heart as he pulled Kim into his arms. "Then what's stopping us. Let's get married, we can move to California, and—"

His words cut off as Kim pulled away slightly. "Why California? Why can't we move here?"

Tommy suddenly looked very uncomfortable and Kim knew. She knew in an instant and her heart heaved. "You're doing it again. You're involved in it again! How?"

"It's a long story so suffice it to say, a new bad guy wants to conquer earth and I'm helping three other power rangers stop him."

"Oh my God. Why can't you just let it go? Why can't you live a normal life?" Kim exploded, standing abruptly from the couch.

"Wait, what? Kim, I didn't choose this power, it chose me!"

"Then give it up!" She yelled back. Tommy shook his head, trying to approach her.

"I can't Kimberly. How could you ask that of me? The power chose me, just as it chose my students. It is our responsibility." He paused, and then said, "Out of everyone, I thought you would understand best."

Laughing bitterly, Kimberly walked to her window, looking out to the city below. "Maybe, if you'd have hit me up about two years ago. Maybe even after the wedding. My mother's death taught me one thing: Life is just to damn short. That's why I was so eager to marry you just now. I have waited so long for happiness and it's in my grasp. I was stupid to think it would work."

"Kimberly, it can work. We can be together."

"Right, and how long before your new bad guy captures you? How long before one of his monsters kills you?"

Tommy mentally 'ahhed.' This was the real reason. Her heart was still so freshly bruised by the death of her mother. He would have to be careful of what he said.

"Kim," he began softly, "Everyone has to die someday. It's a natural part of life."

"Oh yeah," she snapped, "Well most people don't go looking for it!"

"I don't go looking for it, Kim," Tommy exclaimed. "My job is dangerous. You of people should understand."

"You're a science teacher," she wailed. "It's not supposed to be a dangerous job."

"Oh yeah, well what if one of my students comes to class with a gun and shoots me to death because I flunked him?"

Kim looked at him with some disbelief. "That's not normal, Tommy."

"Yeah, well, neither is fighting monsters from out of space."

"It's not the same thing," Kim cried. Deep down, however, she knew Tommy was making sense. She just didn't think she had the strength to try. It hurt her to realize this awful truth, but the truth it was.

"I can't do it," she whispered sadly. "I left the power rangers in my past, Tommy, and I made a new and normal life for myself. I can't go back to it, even to be on the sidelines. I just can't and please don't ask me to."

Tommy felt his heart drowning. He was so close, so close to having her in his life again. Once more, he was going to let her go. He still could refuse her nothing. "Fine, Kim, you win."

Kim felt her heart crack. This time she didn't want to win.

Forever
And ever, my darling

The airport was bustling with hordes of people boarding and disembarking planes. Tommy guided Kimberly as far they could go before security would refuse her entry. They paused to the side of traffic, so close, but miles between them.

Forever

"My offer still stands," Tommy said again. "It will always stand. There will never be anyone else for me, Kim."

"I know. The same for me, Tommy."

Sighing so very sweetly, Kim reached up and pressed a kiss to Tommy's lips. "Thank you for being her for me. Thank you for coming when I called."

You will always be the only one

"I love you, Kim. I will always come."

Kim played with his black shirt, running her fingers up and down his chest. She bit her lip, struggling to find the courage to speak.

"Tommy?"

"Yes, Beautiful?"

Tears filled Kimberly's eyes at the nickname. "When it's all over, when you've defeated your bad guy, come to me. I will be waiting for you. Until then, call me when you land."

Tommy smiled and kissed her, hard and long. "Just something for you to remember me by," was his final, parting words.

You will always be the only one

Kim watched the love of her life until he faded into the distance. She rushed towards a window and watched the planes rise into flight, knowing he was there. Smiling through her tears, Kim didn't know what her future would bring, but as long as that man was in it, she'd survive.


You will always be the only one

To be continued…