Hi all! Ok, I have finally gotten off my tail and gotten back to writing. Eternal thanks to Cobalt Blue for beta reading this and future chapters. As always reviews and constructive criticism are welcome.
Fair warning: M/M consensual relationships abound in Bleu Soliloqui. Rated "R" for M/M consensual affection, sex etc.
As the school day progressed, Adam became more and more concerned with Billy and Jason's absence from school. It wasn't like either boy to miss school, and although he knew that they'd done it many times in the past, for some reason the idea of them spending last night together was eating at him. Being as he had fifth period lunch, he decided to pop in on them to be sure they are ok. "Really, I just want to be sure that they are ok. It's not like anything would happen between them. Jason isn't like that," Adam said to himself as he wondered if Pre-1800 US History, was stuck in a time warp. Ha! Now that would be curse for their enemies to place on the Rangers- the never-ending class.
While Adam was trying to decide what was worse, his History class, or the worries that kept slamming at his peace of mind, Billy and Jason had finally managed to drag themselves to consciousness. The house was quiet, both of Jase's parental units having gone to work and Billy was still loosely wrapped around Jason, surprising his midnight eyed best friend to no end. Touching was simply not the "Cranston way" as Billy had said more than once. Billy had become silent, and Jason looked down to see him staring off into space. He gently lifted Billy's chin to look him in the eye and hated what he saw in the emerald eyes, almost as much as he was surprised by the feelings their proximity was creating in himself.
"Billy, what is it? You know I want to help you. . . you can tell me anything that is on your mind. I won't hold it against you. You do know that don't you?" Jason kept his gentle grip on Billy's face while he waited for an answer, not letting his friend turn away from him.
" I know Jason. It's just that at this juncture in my life I find my emotional state to be one of complete turmoil. I'm unaccustomed to not being in control of my emotions or myself. I'm sorry about using you for a pillow all night, and intruding on our friendship with such an unseemly display. I didn't mean to soak you with my emotional outburst." Billy wiped at his face, he hated that he had totally lost control like that in front of Jason. True enough, Jason was his best friend, and had seen him at his absolute worst when his mother had been killed. This was no different, but he was almost an adult now. Crying was for ten year olds.
He looked up into Jase's eyes, and the complete trust and unconditional love that he saw there set off other stirrings in his soul. Maybe it was the fact that he was emotionally raw. Maybe he was just confused about what was going on with both Aisha and Adam. Maybe he was lonely, afraid and needed something to assure him all was not lost in his world. He wasn't sure and for the life of him, William Cranston could not say precisely what moved him to kiss his best friend.
To his great surprise and even greater pleasure, Jason reciprocated his gesture and escalated the embrace, by gently probing Billy's mouth with his tongue. Billy opened his lips and sucked Jason's tongue into his mouth, as the two boys groaned into the kiss. Rolling over to break for air, the gravity of what had just happened hit Billy like a load of bricks. He opened his eyes and panicked. "God, Jase I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to come on to you. I-"
Billy's never got to finish his sentence as Jason cut him off with a second passionate lip-lock that succeeded in silencing the normally erudite young man. Jason grinned wickedly as he saw the glazed look that had come into Billy's eyes. Jase pulled back slightly and intoned, "I never figured you to be the type who could be kissed senseless." He slipped his arm under Billy's head and entwined his fingers with Billy's. "Now what were you going to say?'
Billy blinked, unable to process what had just happened. His best friend since they were in 3rd grade had kissed him to the point of silencing him, setting off an embarrassing reaction in his own jeans. He never had imagined that Jason would have any type of same sex interest let alone in him. "Uh, I, uh. I can't remember. But, since when have you ever had any interest in the same gender?"
It was Jason's turn to blush and stammer as he looked Billy in the eye. "I've suspected I was bi or maybe gay for a couple of years now. I planned on talking to you about what I've been feeling toward you, but things have gotten complicated recently. Speaking of which, what about Adam and Aisha?"
Before Billy could reply, there was a sudden change in air pressure in the room that indicated a teleport. Adam appeared in a flash of black light to find them entwined together on Jason's bed. The hurt look on the Black Ranger's face was more than Billy could bear. Through angry tears he said, "No need to worry about me Jason. Let's say I'm out of the running for Billy's affections."
Billy groaned, and tried to get up, but Adam hit the stud on his communicator and teleported back to school before he could manage it. In a blind fury Adam stalked out of the boys bathroom and collided with Alex who was on his way to his last class of the day.
"Adam? What's up, you-," Alex asked, only to be cut off with Adam trying to shrug off his grasp on his arm. Seeing that Adam was upset about something, he refused to let go. Instead he said, "Look, you ran me over in a blind dash for class. The least you can do is tell me why you are so friggin' upset!"
Adam turned and looked Alex. Then leaning in closely he said, "Because I went over to Jase's to check on Billy and saw something I really wish I hadn't." He stopped and sighed, "Look, I haven't told anyone this, and I'd appreciate it if you'd keep it under your hat, but I've sort of had a crush on Billy for a long time. I told him about it yesterday and he told me he'd let me know something when his life calmed down." Finally, he said bitterly, "Well, I sort of walked in on them swapping spit. I guess he's made a decision after all."
Alex let go of Adam's arm and pulled him into the hug that he so desperately needed. Finally he said, "I'm sorry it worked out that way. If you want to talk about it after school, I'm willing to listen.and if you want, give you a little advice. Let's just call it the voice of experience." He sighed and asked, "I'll meet you after class ok?"
Adam shrugged noncommittally and tried to turn away. "Adam, either agree to meet me or tell me to bugger off. What happened is not something to just shrug off."
"Fine, I'll meet you. Now let me go," Adam demanded and then left Alex bewildered and wondering if this was a new development between Jase and Billy or if it had been happening for a while. Then he had a thought, How in the Hell did Adam make it all the way to Jason's house and back in one period. Alex let it slip to the back of his mind as he went on his way to honor physics. While the guys have been dealing with school and such, William, Jase and Rocky have been moving into the Command Center and trying to formulate a plan of action on how they can start earning some funds and start over.
William was being unnaturally quiet, which caused both his lover and friend to worry about him. Ever since he tried to throw himself off the cliffs overlooking the Command Center he had been a subdued copy of his former self. Rocky went over to him and stood in his way, and hoped he would get the usual response. Instead their leader merely went around him with a whispered "excuse me" and continued to unpack and arrange their quarters. Rocky would have fallen over had Jase not come behind him and shook his head sadly to indicate something had to be done about William.
"Will, I think we've done enough for one day. How about we get out, get some lunch?" Jase asked as Will stopped what he was doing and brushed himself off to come over to them. "If that is what is best Jason, I'll concur." Jase grabbed Will and spun him around so that they were face to face. He had already slapped him, that only seemed to work for a short period of time. Now it seemed as if he was back to being emotionally out to lunch on a permanent basis.
"WILLIAM AUGUSTUS CRANSTON! Would you snap out of this? You are scaring me and Rocko. I thought you had come back to yourself after I had slapped you the other day. You are not the same man who is my leader, my best friend and lover. You are not the same man who would kick in the gates of hell for any one of us. Please, come back to me, to us." Jason held Will by the shoulders, keeping his gaze locked on the emerald green orbs. .. . hoping he could get some kind of reaction, something to 'click' in those eyes.
Will looked down and spoke once he was unable to bear Jase's unwavering gaze. "Look, I can't do this anymore. I failed as a leader, our planet was overrun and decimated by those machines. You can't make me feel ok about that. I just want to be alone like I deserve to be. Why do you even want me- " Whatever Will was going to say was cut off by a resounding slap to the face from Jason. Will staggered back, holding his palm to the place Jason's hand had touched. To their surprise he round-housed Jason into a console.
"As long as you live DO NOT HIT ME AGAIN! Jason Scott, so help me. .. if you ever touch me like that again I'll beat you within an inch of your life. You know I hate to be hit, to be abused like that. What possessed you to slap me?" William demanded as he stood over his lover and second in command.
"You did! Will you were acting as if you were someone else for Goddesses' sake! I figured it worked once, it could work again. There was no need to backhand me into next week." Jason said as he got up and brushed past Will. he didn't like what he saw in Will's expression. That feral anger that he had worked so hard to eradicate after Will was cleansed of the taint of the Green power. "Now, that you seem to have regained some sense of who you were, may we finish up?" Jason asked as he picked up a box and continued to their quarters. Will picked up the final box of his belongings and followed Jason in to the room. Once he sat the box down, he came up to Jase and held him. It took all of his control and patience to admit to being wrong that day. .. "Look, I was being an ass. Forgive me please?"
"Sure, if you'll excuse my slapping you." Jason said as he held his lover close to his chest, as he wished they had been able to save their world and themselves the anguish of defeat. Will mumbled "okay, forgiven" as he tightened his grip on Jason and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of being with his beloved. After a short time, they released each other and muttered apologies among small kisses. They emerged from their quarters hand in hand, ready to get out and get some fresh air. "Very good, you two kissed and made up. Now, may we at least get out for some fresh air? Doc DeSanto's orders." Rocky said as he looked for coordinates to set them down in downtown Angel Grove. While they tried to enjoy themselves, their counterparts were having a hard time on all fronts.
Jason and Billy were left to deal with having been discovered by Adam, Adam and Alex were on their way to the park to discuss what happened, leaving everyone else to wonder what the hell was going on around them. Tommy spotted Adam and Alex heading away from school, he debated as to whether or not to follow them. eventually he decided to go with the others to the Youth Center. Rocky and Aisha found him on the steps of the school staring in the direction of the park. "Hey Tommy, what's up? Where are Adam and Alex, I thought they were coming with us." Rocky asked as he noticed the concerned look on Aisha's face.
"They were headed toward the park. Something is up, Adam was really quiet after lunch today. Like he had a bad shock or something. He met up with Alex and they headed off together. I don't know what's going on, but I cant really call Adam without blowing our identities. Let them be for now. If they don't show up at the Juice Bar, we'll go looking for them later." Tommy said as he hopped off the stairs and headed in the direction of Ernie's Juice Bar and Youth Center.
Aisha shrugged, she was really concerned with the fact that neither Billy or Jason had come to school. For Billy to miss class meant he was really ill, or there was a major catastrophe in his life. Since Aisha knew he had just had a major issue in his life, she hoped he hadn't become sick as well. The others noticed her quiet demeanor on the way to their usual hang out, but let her be. except for Rocky. He had known her too long to let such silence go unnoticed. He came up next to her and looped his arm around hers as they walked to the Youth Center.
"Ok, Ish', what's up with you? You are too quiet about all this." Rocky queried gently as she looked away from him, afraid that her feelings would be betrayed in a glance at one of her oldest friends. "Nothing Rocky, I guess I'm worried about Billy. He has all this bad shit going on in his life, then he doesn't come to school. That's like you missing dinner. .. it's unnatural."
Aisha finished as they got to the Youth Center, letting the matter drop once they were with the others. "Fine, but we will finish this discussion later Aisha." Rocky whispered in her ear as they headed inside.
Meanwhile.Adam and Alex had gone off to a secluded area of the park to chat. Alex was concerned about his new friend, and wondered what had prompted Billy and Jason to hook up. Alex looked over to the young man who was struggling for the words to express what he was feeling. Betrayal, anger, confusion and bitterness were at the top of the list. Alex sat next to him, as he tried to convey that he wanted to help Adam understand what had just transpired. "Adam, do you want to talk to me about this? I'll understand if you don't." Alex said as he gazed off into the trees that surrounded them, leaving an opening for Adam to beg off it was going to be too hard to talk him about having caught Billy and Jason kissing a short time before.
"No, I just can't find the right words to express what I'm feeling. I knew that there was a possibility of Aisha being a factor in us not being together, but Jason.I never saw that coming at all. At least they looked ashamed of themselves when I showed up." Adam let out a sigh, wondering if it was the best thing to confide in Billy's brother about his feelings for Billy. After all, they did seem to be close and they were brothers after all. Adam went silent, letting his thoughts run around for a bit, while Alex continued to stare off into space, seemingly mulling over Adam's words.
"Maybe they didn't see it coming either Adam. It could have been the heat of the moment for them. I know there have been a couple of times when I wound up being intimate with someone as a result of an emotionally charged event. We just found out we're brother's, not cousins, dad got remarried without telling anyone, and to boot, our evil half sister Shanna is back in town to stay for awhile. That may have been too much for Billy. Jason is his best friend, and maybe, just maybe the emotional rollercoaster was too much for him. It could have been anything that resulted in them kissing. My question is this, how did you manage to get into Jason's home without being let in?'
Adam faltered before answering. He knew that telling the truth was out, but what else could he say? "Um, I found the back door unlocked.I just went to Jason's room since I knew where it is. But it's irrelevant now anyway. They have a bond I could never understand. they have always been kind of inseparable from what Billy has said. I just have to accept their feelings and try to move on Alex. It's what I'm used to." Adam said with a sigh as he stood to face Alexander.
Alex stood as well, wondering what was running around in Adam's mind. He knew it would not be easy to just write off his attraction to Billy, nor his resentment of Jason for winning Billy's heart. He knew all too well about such heartache and pain. being the veteran of a thousand psychic wars. A wry grin light his features as he turned to grab his backpack. Adam caught the look on his face and questioned him on it. "What was that look for?"
"Just thinking.the phrase "veteran of a thousand psychic wars" popped into my head in regard to your issues." Adam smirked."Billy hates that song." Alex raised an eyebrow in mock outrage. "Good thing I'm not him then isn't it? We are nothing alike, yet similar in case you were wondering Adam." Adam blushed at Alex's verbalization of what they all had been wondering. He smiled bashfully at the young man before him, glad that Alex was a little more easy going than Billy.
"Thanks Alex for letting me vent about that. I'm glad you're nothing like Billy. C'mon, how about we catch up with the others at the Youth Center?" Adam starts to head off toward their usual hang out spot, but his progress is stopped by Alex. "Adam, would you like to find out how much I'm nothing like Billy?" Adam stares into the emerald eyes, letting his mind trip over what Alex just said. "Just so I am not making assumptions, what did you mean by that Alex?" Alex grinned and pulled Adam to him for a kiss that could have leveled the city with its intensity. Adam pulled away to breathe, and looked at Alex for an explanation of his actions.
"Now, does that clarify what I meant Mr. Park?" Alex said as he held a hand out to Adam, if he were willing to take the chance.
Ok, mean of me I know to drop off at a cliffhanger.but you have to have SOMETHING to look forward to! ( Look for the next chapter soon, and of course reviews are welcome.
BleuWoulfe