Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Saban/Disney. Although we feel like these characters are our own, it was not our great minds who created them. We offer our deepest thanks for the loan! No profit of any kind was made in the writing of this story.

Authors' notes: We want to thank everyone for their patience! We know it's been a long time since we updated, but school's a bitch, and sadly takes up most of our time! But Hey Ivy is on her way to becoming a fabulous lawyer, and Hazy is on the path to become the best minister ever! Sorry this one is short, but we'll try to crank the next chapter out faster. Please remember to review - your opinions mean a lot to us!

Timeline: This takes place in Zeo, shortly after Jason returns as the Gold Ranger.

Chapter 16: Intervention
By: IvyDraken and Hazydestiny

Zack sighed inwardly as he sat in the hospital room, his attention on the various looks that passed between Jason and Tommy. Jason was doing his best to concentrate on anything but Tommy, and the looks Tommy kept shooting at Jason were breaking Zack's heart. I wish there was a way that I could make Jason talk to him! Poor Tommy doesn't understand what's going on. God dammit, Jase!

He knew how it felt to be in love with someone who didn't return his affections. Hell, at one point he was sure that he was in love with Jason! But he never let that affect their friendship, and for a long time Jason had no idea that he had ever harbored ideas about the two of them as a couple. Tommy's been through enough as it is. He shouldn't have to deal with losing one of his best friends.

After the ordeal that they'd been through, Zack was certain that Jason was going to make sure to re-establish his friendship with Tommy. But Jason's actions were completely contrary to those expectations. Even though he visited the hospital daily with the rest of them, Jason had completely pulled away from Tommy.

He barely even spoke to him while they were all together, and spent quite a bit of time deliberately ignoring him. It was also fairly obvious to Zack that this was killing Tommy, as much as he tried not to show it. So it came as no surprise when Tommy laid his hand on Zack's arm as they were leaving. "Zack, could you stay a bit by any chance? I really need to talk to you."

"Sure, Tommy." Zack looked at Rocky. "I'll meet you guys outside, okay?" Rocky nodded, closing the door behind him.

Zack sat down again in the chair next to bed and looked at Tommy with probing eyes. "What's up?"

Tommy didn't answer right away, he was biting back a scream of frustration as he watched Jason's fast retreating figure. He had just dealt with another afternoon of Jason not even looking in his direction or speaking more than two words in relation to anything he had said. It was unbelievably maddening to have no idea what happened to him and the one person he wanted to talk to more than anyone was acting like he didn't exist.

He needed answers, and if his so-called best friend wouldn't give them to him then he needed to talk to someone else who would know what was going on. I can count on Zack to tell me what the hell was going on. He'll also be the best person to let me know if my chances of reconciliation with Jase are good or possibly never going to happen. I just hope he can clear the mess of confusion that's taken over my mind.

He waited until everyone else had left the room before he looked at Zack with pleading eyes. "Before I ask you anything, I want you to promise to be straight with me. I am so sick of everyone in this hospital walking on eggshells around me."

Zack smiled at him, "I'll do the best I can."

Tommy felt like jumping for joy, but kept his countenance calm. Finally, some answers! He was so anxious to know the truth that hundreds of questions flowed through his mind, and it took him a few moments to calm the chaotic whirlwind to get the needed words out. "What happened? I mean, what really happened to me? And why won't anyone talk about it? My mom's been avoiding my questions for days. It's like I died or something!"

Zack saw no reason to bullshit. "That's because you did."

The straightforward response shocked Tommy into silence for a few seconds as he tried to digest this new information. "I...what?"

"You died. For nearly two minutes," Zack further clarified.

I died? Really, truly died? Holy shit! Slowly the reasons behind the childlike treatment he had received ever since he woke up in this God-forsaken hospital began to sink in. "Aw, man," he muttered to himself. "No wonder why Mom's been acting so weird."

"She blamed herself for not getting you to the hospital sooner," Zack explained. He didn't feel the need to go into greater detail; that while Tommy was in his coma she refused to look any of them in the eye. That's for her to discuss with Tommy.

"She knows how much I hate hospitals." Tommy braced himself for the story. Do I really want to know this? He imagined the reaction he would have if one of his friends died, and knew the story would probably be extremely emotional. It would have deeply affected him to the very core of his existence for many years to come. However, his curiosity overwhelmed his caution. "What exactly happened? Was I conscious? Did I say anything?"

Zack shrugged. "I don't know. The only person who can answer that is Jason."

"Jason?" Tommy wanted to scream. Why is it that all of my questions lead me back to the one person who is not speaking to me? Out of all people... The thought made him pause. Out of all people, why would Jason be the one who knew the details? Why not his parents? Weren't they around too? He looked curiously at Zack. "Why only Jason?"

"He was the only one there when it happened." Zack leaned forward in his chair. "Tommy, you died in Jason's arms."

In his arms? Tommy was silent again as a memory flashed through his mind. I felt like my strength was renewed, like someone was there in that darkness with me. Like Jason was with me. He wasn't sure what to think now. Zack had confirmed what he'd been hearing since he woke up; that Jason had been at his side throughout this entire ordeal. However, this new information added a whole new level to the story. As a ranger, Tommy had often dealt with nightmares of one of his friends dying in his arms. To actually have it come true in reality; he couldn't even imagine.

Zack knew exactly what was running through Tommy's mind. Shock, horror, and the realization that the worst fear of any Power Ranger had come to pass. He also felt the urgency to make his point before those emotions began to fuel his anger and frustration. "I know that a lot of this might not make sense, with the way Jason's been acting. But seeing you die tore him up inside, Tommy. He was a wreck."

"A wreck?" Tommy repeated quietly. "What do you mean?" He tried to hold onto the anger that was slowly morphing into concern for his best friend. I don't care if he was distraught or torn up or anything else! It still doesn't give him the right to treat me like shit!

"He stopped eating, stopped sleeping, and even stopped talking period. I tried to get him to open up, but he ignored me. He ignored everyone. He just sat by your side, day and night. It scared the hell out of me, out of all of us! I thought..." Zack's voice caught as the fears he'd had for his best friend raced through his mind again.

It had been a harrowing ordeal for all the rangers, coping with the predicted death of their best friend and leader, and dealing with the practically comatose Gold Ranger as well. But it was seeing Jason being torn apart by Tommy's illness that weighed most heavily on himself, Billy, Trini and Kimberly. Jason had always been the strength of the group, and seeing him slowly wasting away had been excruciating. God Tommy, I wish I could take you back in time and show you. One look at him and you'd never question his love again.

Tommy waited for Zack to continue. He was pretty sure he knew what was coming next, and the very idea of it pierced his heart. That can't be right. Jason would never hurt himself. Especially not because of me... He looked expectantly at Zack, "You thought what?"

Zack looked at him, his dark eyes serious. "I thought for sure that if you died, he was going to die with you."

Tommy didn't reply. The pain and fear in Zack's eyes said it all. I wasn't imagining it. Jason was with me the whole time and it would have even continued in death. He saw Jason's face in his mind, and felt the bond he'd always shared with his best friend once again present. For a moment he allowed the safety and comfort to wash over him.

However, that still didn't explain Jason's recent behavior. As happy as learning all this information made him, he was no closer to understanding why Jason was ignoring him now. He felt his frustration returning with resounding force. Everything I've learned only cements in my mind how much I need him in my life! I need him so much... He looked at Zack. "I just wish he would talk to me."

Zack sighed. "I know. I wish he would too. But he's too scared to do anything right now."

"Scared of what?" Tommy wondered.

Zack wished more than anything that he could answer truthfully. Scared you'll see just how deeply he loves you. Scared that you'll pull away if you learn the truth. However, his reply gave away none of that. "He's scared of losing you again. If he keeps his distance then he doesn't have to risk that."

"I just..." Tommy took a deep breath to calm the anxiety that surfaced when his mind centered on his tribulation. "I'm scared too, Zack. I'll admit to that. I'm not sure exactly what happened to me; I'm still only getting bits and pieces. But I do know it was bad. Really bad. And it all started with that stupid fight that Jase and I had." He looked at Zack. "Do you know how I got sick?"

"I've wondered," Zack replied. "We all did. It's the first time any of us have seen you with any kind of illness."

"Well I'm usually not stupid enough to stand out in the rain for hours."

Zack looked at him curiously. "Why the hell did you do that?"

"I had a nightmare. A really bad nightmare, about the Green Ranger, which is something I hadn't had in a really long time. So I did what I always do after those nightmares, went to talk to Jason. Only when I got to his house I wasn't sure he would want to talk to me because of that fight, and I didn't want to go back home because I was still freaked. So I ended up standing outside his house in the rain all night long."

"You're kidding," Zack replied. "That's how you got sick? Standing under Jason's window?" He looked away so that Tommy wouldn't see the small smile on his face. I don't want to seem insensitive, but that's so Romeo & Juliet!

Tommy nodded, "Pretty idiotic, I know. But...there was more to what happened than just illness."

Zack's gaze moved back to Tommy's face. "What do you mean?"

"It's hard to explain." Tommy sighed. "I was battling myself, the worst part of myself. I don't know if it was the Green Ranger in flesh or if that was just a manifestation of all of the things I hate about myself. Whatever it was, it was a life or death battle. And even though I don't remember much, I do know the whole time I just wanted Jason to come and tell me that everything was going to be okay. I needed him there with me, at my side. I still do." I need him to hold me tight in those strong arms of his, just like he used to do in the old days.

Zack smiled. "He needs you too, Tommy. We just need to make him realize just how much he needs you." And make you realize how perfect you are for each other.

"How? I'd chase him down and corner him, but I'm kinda stuck here." Tommy sighed, closing his eyes. "Why can't things be like they used to be? I miss the days when Jase and I were best friends without question. Now everything's so complicated; so full of tension and loss."

"That's because yours and Jason's relationship is very convoluted. You're been through things together that most people our age can't even imagine. That gives a real depth to your friendship, to all our friendships. It's gonna take time and patience to work it out, and it won't be easy." Zack gave him a reassuring smile. "Matters of the heart never are."

The sharp look he got from Tommy was very telling that he had struck a chord in a highly sensitive area. The reaction made Zack pause for a moment. Could it be? Could Jason's feelings actually be reciprocated by the Red Ranger? His smile broadened a bit. Well, what do you know? There may be hope for these two after all! He patted Tommy's shoulder. "Just be patient."

"Patience is not one of my strong suits," Tommy said begrudgingly. "I just want things to go back to how they used to be." And I wouldn't mind a few extra perks...Stop it, Tommy! It's never going to happen.

Zack decided this was a perfect time to test his theory. "Do you? Is that really what you want? The same relationship you had before we went to Switzerland?" Zack kept his eyes glued to Tommy's face, watching for any type of reaction. "Or do you want something deeper?"

Tommy felt a wave of panic flood through him. Oh God, he knows! How can he know? Did I say something to insinuate that my feelings for Jason run deeper than friendship? He ran through the conversation in his mind. No, I didn't say anything! Okay Tommy, just calm down. He can't possibly know. He took a deep breath. "Deeper? What do you mean?"

Zack already had his answer. From the mixture of panic, longing, and pain in Tommy's eyes he was pretty sure it was safe to make the assumption that Jason wasn't the only one dealing with conflicting emotions. But the deer-in-the-headlights look Tommy was giving him told him that now was not the time to open Pandora's Box. "We've all grown up a lot since then. It would be perfectly natural to want a more mature friendship than you used to have." He concealed a smile as his companion visibly relaxed.

"Well yeah, of course. But right now..." He let out a sight as his gaze fell to his clasped hands, "I just want Jason back in my life, anyway I can get him."

Zack's heart broke at the childlike plea. He laid his hand on his friend's shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll talk to him, Tommy, as soon as I can. I'll do everything I can to get him to talk to you. I promise."

Tommy returned the smile. "Thanks. You're a good friend, Zack."

"Not that good," Zack replied with a grin. "Someday I'm gonna call in all these favors."

Tommy laughed. "I'll be ready for it." With a friendly squeeze of his shoulder, Zack left the room.

Tommy leaned back against his pillow, ruminating on everything he had learned from the former Black Ranger. Finally it was clear why everyone was so guarded with their actions and emotions when present in the room with him. The dark circles under his parents' eyes, the raw emotion they and his friends tried so hard to hide from him, all of it at long last made sense. They had lost him. Even though it was for just two minutes, he understood from the visible strain on their faces that it had had a significant impact on their lives.

However, anger simmered just below the surface. How could they pretend it didn't happen? Why didn't they have the courage to tell him the full story? For Christ's sake, he had DIED! It was certainly an experience he wanted to be informed of! He had actually died...in Jason's arms no less.

The thought instantly softened his expression. Jason had been there, by his side. Tommy wondered what it had been like for the Gold Ranger. He tried to put himself in that position, but quickly found the idea of Jason dying made it impossible to breathe and his heart feel like it was going to crack into a million pieces.

A memory flashed suddenly across Tommy's mind...actually, more like a dream.

Flashback

He saw Jason lying on his bed, unshaved, un-showered, with Zack sitting next to him. Zack sighed. "You've got to snap out of this! It is not worth killing yourself over!" Jason just looked at him, and Zack softened. "I'm sorry. I'm not upset with you, just worried. Jason, please talk to me. I'm begging you."

His whisper was barely audible. "Do you know what the last thing he heard me say was? That I didn't know him, and I wasn't sure I wanted to." He practically choked on the words.

"Jase…" Moving the plate of brownies to the floor, Zack lay down next to his friend and wrapped his arms around him. "Is there anything I can do?"

Jason shook his head, letting out a strangled sob. "I can't breathe, Zack. I feel like I can't breathe."

"I know." Zack tightened his hold. "This has been hell for all of us, but you most of all. I can't even imagine what you're going through."

"I never knew anything could hurt this bad. I feel like somebody ripped everything inside me out. I can't…" His voice dissolved into another sob, and he took a shaky breath before he finished his thought. "I can't do this. I just want to die. God, why can't I have died with him?"

End Of Flashback

Tommy sighed. He had no idea where the mental image came from, but he knew that this wasn't the first time it had entered his mind since he woke up. And now he knew where it came from, he actually had died for a few moments.

Now if he could only get Jason to talk to him...

Tommy leaned against the pillows, determination gripping him. "Tomorrow. I'm going to make Jason talk to me tomorrow, and I don't care what it takes. Tomorrow we're going to decided where this friendship is headed." Closing his eyes, he drifted off to sleep.

TBC…. Coming Soon Chapter 17 and yes it will be out very soon. Ivy is taking winter break to catch up on the story so that loyal readers will be able to enjoy the next installment quickly. Once again sorry about the lack of updates for so long, we hope you all continue to enjoy the story!