"Wild Thunder"

Disclaimer:
Don't own Kris...You know the drill...Chapter one...

Awakening

Slowly, Kira's eyes began to open. Watching her eyes slowly slide open, Tommy's heart raced. Finally...She's okay...I can't believe she's awake...Tommy thought to himself as Kira came around. Absent-mindedly, Tommy took her hand in his and gently stroked a lock of her hair off her face. Realizing what he was doing, he was pleased to see she wasn't making any sort of effort to stop him. Rather, she just smiled as she looked up into his soft brown eyes. Though, instead of being full of life like they usually were, she noticed they were full of concern and-for the first time since she'd met him-there was even a touch of fear written in them. In all the battles they'd fought together, she'd never seen fear written in his eyes. What's wrong with Tommy?...I'v never seen him scared before...She thought to herself. Hoarsely, he whispered "Kira..." He'd wanted to say so much more, but the tears he was fighting back wouldn't allow him to. Knowing what he must have been thinking, Kira raised her hand and just wiped away some of the stray tears that had fallen. Finally managing to sit up-with a little help from Tommy-Kira just motioned for Tommy to join her.

Taking a seat next to her, Tommy just looked into her soft doe eyes and took refuge in their innocence. There was so much he wanted to say but he just couldn't form the words. This time, Kira took his trembling hand in hers. Shocked that she'd taken the initiative to take his hand-especially before he'd gotten the chance to admit his true feelings to her-Tommy could have dropped dead. Gently, she smiled at him and it was then that Tommy knew everything was going to be okay. Deciding that it was now or never, Tommy finally brought himself to confess his true feelings to Kira. "Kira...there's something I need to tell you..." Curious, Kira asked "What is it?" Losing confidence, Tommy wasn't so sure he could tell her. Noting his silence, Kira added "Tommy, you can tell me..." She's got a point...Plus I am always saying how honest we should be with each other...Besides, she of all people has a right to know...Not to mention you'll never know if she feels the same if you don't tell her how you feel...Tommy thought to himself before finally continuing.

"Kira...I think...Hell, I am in love with you..." Tommy replied. There...it's out...Now I wait for my world to come crashing down when she says she's my student and I'm her teacher and that there could never be anything between us...Tommy thought with mingled relief and dread. Somethat taken aback by what he'd said, Kira remained silent a moment as she looked into Tommy's eyes. Finally she managed to find her voice and replied "Tommy...wow...I-I don't know what to say..." Knowing he'd made a huge mistake Tommy covered himself. "Kira, look I understand that you're my student and I'm your teacher but-" Suddenly, he was cut off by Kira. "I love you, too, Tommy." Without warning, Tommy just fell silent. Finding his voice, Tommy replied "What?...Really?" Smiling, Kira didn't say a word. She just leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a slow, passionate kiss.

Taken aback by the suddenness of her kiss, it took mere moments before Tommy began kissing her back. When they pulled apart, all Tommy could think about was the kiss. I can't believe it!...I can't believe I just kissed Kira...And she actually feels the same way about me as I do about her...Tommy thought, relief mingling with excitement. Smiling, Kira rested her forehead on his as they both gazed into each other's eyes. Softly, she whispered to him as tears of joy began flowing from her eyes. "I love you, Tommy." Smiling, he just gently wiped away her tears as he replied "I love you, too, Kira...More than you'll ever know..." Finally, Kira stood and left for home.

Watching Kira walk out of the lab, Tommy thought Wow...what a day...Hell, what a week...One day I gain a new ranger...The next I nearly lose the love of my life...And now I find out that she feels the same way about me as I do about her...and she just kissed me...With that, Tommy noticed that it was getting late. Realizing they would have more work ahead of them tomorrow, he slowly made his way upstairs and into his bedroom. After getting ready for bed, Tommy found sleep nearly impossible. Happiness mingled with longing and desire. All he could think about was how desperately he wanted Kira lying there by his side. Finally, an hour later, Tommy smiled as he drifted off to sleep and dreamed of Kira and what kind of future lay ahead of them.

Back at her own home, Kira found herself lying awake in bed. God that was one hell of a kiss...And he actually told me he loved me...He loves me just like I love him...She thought to herself as her mind drifted back to the kiss she and Tommy had shared not so long ago. Damn, what I wouldn't give to have him lying here by my side and never leave... Slowly she finally managed to drift off to sleep and dreamed of Tommy lying by her side as they chased passion into the night.