*Screams* Stupid ToysRUs commercial! I have those rabbits singing the Peter Cottontail song stuck in my head! *Whimpers*
melly, Wiccan-One14, Nikytti, SilverRider, and insanechildfanfic: Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I'm glad you like the bulk updates; I try and make sure there's enough plot development that no one's left hanging too badly. I made you stay up late to read this Nikytti? I'm flattered. ^_^
cmar: I must admit, any realism from Shane and Dustin is credited to you. Ever since I read your advice to slash fiction writers, I've been trying to keep some of the points you made in mind and not make them too out of character. Nice to know it's working. ^_^
Dingo: *Laughs* I can see Dustin setting the microwave on fire, too. Blond Dustin? *Drools* *_*
Weesta: A big time out? *Giggles* I'm glad you liked the description of Shane's room; more parent confrontations later. Hey, Shane's not *totally* insensitive. Just mostly insensitive. He's *Shane* for crying out loud. I love the boy dearly, but he's severely lacking in social skills. Glad you liked Sensei's story; Storms Unseen (working title) is kinda on the back burner at the moment (As you would know, considering how many plotbunnies I've mentioned. ^_^;;;), but you'll get to see the Gold Lightning Ranger eventually. The idea was just a random thought about numbers and storm elements that turned into a character. *Shrugs* Shane has several reality checks, doesn't he? And it's not over yet! And yes, 'Satan in disguise' is all your fault. ^_~
Kryptonite: You're the first person to say they saw Shane's room coming. And yes, Shane can be in denial as long as he wants to. I hope The Date meets your approval.
Dagmar: *Grins* Heck, what if I heard him? I'm a blond, too!
CamFan4Ever: Thanks for the feedback. Interesting thoughts about Cam's greatest fear; I'll keep that in mind for the other story I'm developing. ^_~ Unfortunately, I was actually asking about fears for MMPR through PRiS Rangers for Fade to Darkness. Thanks anyway. ^_^;;
Megazord Master: Yeah, my friends think I'm nuts for going veggie, but I'm healthier and much happier. Interesting thoughts on Dustin's dad and grandmother. You'll just have to see what happens. ^_~ Thanks for the fear suggestions! Much appreciated!
I do not recommend Dustin's form of repair in the beginning of Preparations. It *is* possible, but can seriously damage either the equipment or the mechanic. I'm not an expert on bikes or any form of mechanics, but I've seen my dad, who is one, half inside an engine before. It's an interesting sight, but not one to try at home.
This time I bring you *four* chapters. Namely because Shane and Dustin wouldn't stop talking. *Mutters* I didn't think this would flow very well without all of them. So, The Date, in all its horrific glory.
Enjoy! ^_~
Preparations
The door jingled loudly, but Dustin kept his gaze on the bike he was repairing. He scrunched his eyes, shifted his weight, and thrust his arm another inch deeper into the engine. Okay, so *technically* he wasn't supposed to do it this way, but hey, the guy had insisted he do it fast. So fast he got. Even if the mechanic ended up greasy and sporting bruises.
"What are you doing?"
He started, just barely twitching his hand. "Don't do that, Tor!" he snapped. "I've only got another inch to go." He squinted again, grit his teeth, and shoved his arm further. Metal dug painfully into his arm, but his fingers closed around the part he'd been reaching for. He strained, listened carefully for that barely audible click, and sighed in relief when it came. He withdrew his arm slowly and lay back on the ground for a moment, rubbing the injured limb. At last his gaze focused on Tori as she glared down at him. "What?"
"What are you still doing at work?" she demanded.
He blinked. "Working?" Wasn't that a given?
She rolled her eyes with an angry huff. "It's Friday." she reminded him.
"Yup. Payday." He rolled to his feet with more grace than he usually cared to show; he must be more tired than he thought. He gave his arm further inspection and wondered if that funny red spot was going to be as painful as it looked later.
"We have a date tonight, genius."
He decided there wasn't much he could do about it now, but he should probably pick up some more disinfectant on the way home. Between work and Shane's skateboarding, they were going through it pretty fast. "We do?"
She punched him in the shoulder, thankfully the uninjured one. She must be excited about whatever this 'date' thing was. Usually she wouldn't be so gentle. "Our double date, remember? Me and Blake..." She lowered her voice. "You and Shane?"
He blinked again, rolling his eyes back into his head as he thought. He sorta remembered something about Shane wanting to go keep an eye on Blake and Tori for their first date... "Oh, yeah. That."
"You forgot?!"
He shrugged, grabbing a rag to wipe off the grease. He frowned when he realized it was almost as greasy as he was already. "Guess so. So what's the big deal, anyway?"
"What's the big deal?!" she sputtered.
Kelly came up behind her, patting her shoulder. "I hate to break it to you Tori, but no matter what, Dustin will always be Dustin."
He eyed his boss warily. Was that an insult?
Kelly merely smiled at him. "Go ahead and wash up so you can leave. You guys will need all the time you can get for tonight."
Total bewilderment. "Why?"
"That's why I came to get you." Tori informed him crossly. "Blake made reservations at Tres Exquis."
"That's Trés Exquisé." he corrected automatically. Tori's grasp of French was atrocious. He paused. "Blake made reservations *there*?"
"Yes! And knowing you, you never bothered to pick up any nice clothes when you went shopping without me last week." She frowned at him, apparently still irritated over that one.
He rolled his eyes. "Do you see any wrists flopping? I'm gay Tor, not a girl. I still shop like I always did: grab what fits."
"Well, not for your first date." she retorted, grabbing his arm as he dried his hands on the underside of his shirt. "Come on."
"Tori!" His protests fell on deaf ears as he was dragged toward the door. Kelly smiled and waved, taking his place behind the counter. "This is so not fair when you guys gang up on me!" he groaned.
Wasn't Sensei supposed to be the one with the creepy bad vibe thing?
****
"I can't believe you're going to make me wear this stuff." Dustin grumbled as he lugged his shopping bags up to the door. Tori had insisted they use her place to get ready for some reason. He was still trying to figure out why they'd needed to go shopping in the first place.
"You're going out to a nice restaurant. You need to look nice." Tori informed him. "Besides, it's your first date."
"Yeah, you keep reminding me about that." He was beginning to wonder who's first date she was really concerned about here.
Tori rolled her eyes and opened the door. "I'm home! And I brought Dustin!"
"Hi, sweetie." Ms. Hanson answered, stopping to smile at them from the doorway of the kitchen. "It's good to see you again, Dustin."
"Hey, Mrs. H."
"So what are you two up to?"
"We've got a date tonight." Tori replied.
Mrs. Hanson raised an eyebrow, eyes twinkling. "With each other?"
Tori rolled her eyes again. "No, Mom. With Blake and Shane. I'm helping Dustin get ready. Come on." She headed up the stairs.
He looked at Mrs. Hanson helplessly.
She smiled, keeping her voice soft so Tori wouldn't hear. "Thank you for giving Tori something else to worry about, Dustin. I appreciate it."
He sighed, trudging up the stairs as he grumbled "What are friends for?"
He found Tori in her room, shopping bags already emptied and spread out. He set his own down, shaking his head as he took everything in. And people thought *Shane* was the messy one. Tori must keep her togetherness in her head and leave everything else here. This place looked like a tornado had hit it.
He glanced at the assortment of light blue clothing on the bed. "You know, Blake's not gonna care what you're wearing." he commented. "He likes you in your Ranger uniform. I don't think he'll be obsessing over a dress." Like you are, he added silently. "And Trés Exquisé is fancy and all, but it's not like you can't get away with pants."
Tori looked up at him, a tiny flash of hurt in her eyes as she spoke in a soft, very un-Tori voice. "But I wanted to look nice."
He looked at her for a moment. He was going to hate himself for this later. "Dude, you always look nice. I'm the one who needs help here, remember?"
He dumped his bags out over the bed, leaving piles of slacks and button-up yellow shirts in like, a gazillion different shades. And the shoes. Can't forget the dress shoes. Okay, he hated himself *now*.
But for Tori...
He looked up at her, adopting a clueless expression. "So, what's wrong with the jeans I'm wearing again?"
melly, Wiccan-One14, Nikytti, SilverRider, and insanechildfanfic: Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I'm glad you like the bulk updates; I try and make sure there's enough plot development that no one's left hanging too badly. I made you stay up late to read this Nikytti? I'm flattered. ^_^
cmar: I must admit, any realism from Shane and Dustin is credited to you. Ever since I read your advice to slash fiction writers, I've been trying to keep some of the points you made in mind and not make them too out of character. Nice to know it's working. ^_^
Dingo: *Laughs* I can see Dustin setting the microwave on fire, too. Blond Dustin? *Drools* *_*
Weesta: A big time out? *Giggles* I'm glad you liked the description of Shane's room; more parent confrontations later. Hey, Shane's not *totally* insensitive. Just mostly insensitive. He's *Shane* for crying out loud. I love the boy dearly, but he's severely lacking in social skills. Glad you liked Sensei's story; Storms Unseen (working title) is kinda on the back burner at the moment (As you would know, considering how many plotbunnies I've mentioned. ^_^;;;), but you'll get to see the Gold Lightning Ranger eventually. The idea was just a random thought about numbers and storm elements that turned into a character. *Shrugs* Shane has several reality checks, doesn't he? And it's not over yet! And yes, 'Satan in disguise' is all your fault. ^_~
Kryptonite: You're the first person to say they saw Shane's room coming. And yes, Shane can be in denial as long as he wants to. I hope The Date meets your approval.
Dagmar: *Grins* Heck, what if I heard him? I'm a blond, too!
CamFan4Ever: Thanks for the feedback. Interesting thoughts about Cam's greatest fear; I'll keep that in mind for the other story I'm developing. ^_~ Unfortunately, I was actually asking about fears for MMPR through PRiS Rangers for Fade to Darkness. Thanks anyway. ^_^;;
Megazord Master: Yeah, my friends think I'm nuts for going veggie, but I'm healthier and much happier. Interesting thoughts on Dustin's dad and grandmother. You'll just have to see what happens. ^_~ Thanks for the fear suggestions! Much appreciated!
I do not recommend Dustin's form of repair in the beginning of Preparations. It *is* possible, but can seriously damage either the equipment or the mechanic. I'm not an expert on bikes or any form of mechanics, but I've seen my dad, who is one, half inside an engine before. It's an interesting sight, but not one to try at home.
This time I bring you *four* chapters. Namely because Shane and Dustin wouldn't stop talking. *Mutters* I didn't think this would flow very well without all of them. So, The Date, in all its horrific glory.
Enjoy! ^_~
Preparations
The door jingled loudly, but Dustin kept his gaze on the bike he was repairing. He scrunched his eyes, shifted his weight, and thrust his arm another inch deeper into the engine. Okay, so *technically* he wasn't supposed to do it this way, but hey, the guy had insisted he do it fast. So fast he got. Even if the mechanic ended up greasy and sporting bruises.
"What are you doing?"
He started, just barely twitching his hand. "Don't do that, Tor!" he snapped. "I've only got another inch to go." He squinted again, grit his teeth, and shoved his arm further. Metal dug painfully into his arm, but his fingers closed around the part he'd been reaching for. He strained, listened carefully for that barely audible click, and sighed in relief when it came. He withdrew his arm slowly and lay back on the ground for a moment, rubbing the injured limb. At last his gaze focused on Tori as she glared down at him. "What?"
"What are you still doing at work?" she demanded.
He blinked. "Working?" Wasn't that a given?
She rolled her eyes with an angry huff. "It's Friday." she reminded him.
"Yup. Payday." He rolled to his feet with more grace than he usually cared to show; he must be more tired than he thought. He gave his arm further inspection and wondered if that funny red spot was going to be as painful as it looked later.
"We have a date tonight, genius."
He decided there wasn't much he could do about it now, but he should probably pick up some more disinfectant on the way home. Between work and Shane's skateboarding, they were going through it pretty fast. "We do?"
She punched him in the shoulder, thankfully the uninjured one. She must be excited about whatever this 'date' thing was. Usually she wouldn't be so gentle. "Our double date, remember? Me and Blake..." She lowered her voice. "You and Shane?"
He blinked again, rolling his eyes back into his head as he thought. He sorta remembered something about Shane wanting to go keep an eye on Blake and Tori for their first date... "Oh, yeah. That."
"You forgot?!"
He shrugged, grabbing a rag to wipe off the grease. He frowned when he realized it was almost as greasy as he was already. "Guess so. So what's the big deal, anyway?"
"What's the big deal?!" she sputtered.
Kelly came up behind her, patting her shoulder. "I hate to break it to you Tori, but no matter what, Dustin will always be Dustin."
He eyed his boss warily. Was that an insult?
Kelly merely smiled at him. "Go ahead and wash up so you can leave. You guys will need all the time you can get for tonight."
Total bewilderment. "Why?"
"That's why I came to get you." Tori informed him crossly. "Blake made reservations at Tres Exquis."
"That's Trés Exquisé." he corrected automatically. Tori's grasp of French was atrocious. He paused. "Blake made reservations *there*?"
"Yes! And knowing you, you never bothered to pick up any nice clothes when you went shopping without me last week." She frowned at him, apparently still irritated over that one.
He rolled his eyes. "Do you see any wrists flopping? I'm gay Tor, not a girl. I still shop like I always did: grab what fits."
"Well, not for your first date." she retorted, grabbing his arm as he dried his hands on the underside of his shirt. "Come on."
"Tori!" His protests fell on deaf ears as he was dragged toward the door. Kelly smiled and waved, taking his place behind the counter. "This is so not fair when you guys gang up on me!" he groaned.
Wasn't Sensei supposed to be the one with the creepy bad vibe thing?
****
"I can't believe you're going to make me wear this stuff." Dustin grumbled as he lugged his shopping bags up to the door. Tori had insisted they use her place to get ready for some reason. He was still trying to figure out why they'd needed to go shopping in the first place.
"You're going out to a nice restaurant. You need to look nice." Tori informed him. "Besides, it's your first date."
"Yeah, you keep reminding me about that." He was beginning to wonder who's first date she was really concerned about here.
Tori rolled her eyes and opened the door. "I'm home! And I brought Dustin!"
"Hi, sweetie." Ms. Hanson answered, stopping to smile at them from the doorway of the kitchen. "It's good to see you again, Dustin."
"Hey, Mrs. H."
"So what are you two up to?"
"We've got a date tonight." Tori replied.
Mrs. Hanson raised an eyebrow, eyes twinkling. "With each other?"
Tori rolled her eyes again. "No, Mom. With Blake and Shane. I'm helping Dustin get ready. Come on." She headed up the stairs.
He looked at Mrs. Hanson helplessly.
She smiled, keeping her voice soft so Tori wouldn't hear. "Thank you for giving Tori something else to worry about, Dustin. I appreciate it."
He sighed, trudging up the stairs as he grumbled "What are friends for?"
He found Tori in her room, shopping bags already emptied and spread out. He set his own down, shaking his head as he took everything in. And people thought *Shane* was the messy one. Tori must keep her togetherness in her head and leave everything else here. This place looked like a tornado had hit it.
He glanced at the assortment of light blue clothing on the bed. "You know, Blake's not gonna care what you're wearing." he commented. "He likes you in your Ranger uniform. I don't think he'll be obsessing over a dress." Like you are, he added silently. "And Trés Exquisé is fancy and all, but it's not like you can't get away with pants."
Tori looked up at him, a tiny flash of hurt in her eyes as she spoke in a soft, very un-Tori voice. "But I wanted to look nice."
He looked at her for a moment. He was going to hate himself for this later. "Dude, you always look nice. I'm the one who needs help here, remember?"
He dumped his bags out over the bed, leaving piles of slacks and button-up yellow shirts in like, a gazillion different shades. And the shoes. Can't forget the dress shoes. Okay, he hated himself *now*.
But for Tori...
He looked up at her, adopting a clueless expression. "So, what's wrong with the jeans I'm wearing again?"