Here & Now
Disclaimer: Don't own Power Rangers or its characters, Saban & Disney holding those rights for now :P.
Timeline: Late- December
Summary: A chance meeting of the heart, a night to explain it all, past mistakes and misery lingering. A future waiting in the mist to grab. If you have one-shot to make all your dreams come true, could you take it?
Enjoy!
Chapter 1
It was the day before New Year's Eve, December 30th. Tommy Oliver, former Turbo Ranger, though that ended over 3 years ago now. Tommy had left his parents after Christmas to spend and welcome the new year of 2001 in with friends from college. It took him a while to get the ranger duty life out of his system. Tommy always knew he wouldn't be a ranger forever. Every now and then, when he hears about an attack from evil minions, his heart races. The adrenal rush to call upon his non-existence powers. Tommy would sit on his hands, wondering how the rangers were doing his first couple of years. It took Tommy months before setting down into college life. Now, going into his final semester at UCLA. Tommy was studying paleontology, which would make sense, having been a Power Ranger with dinosaurs as zords. Though he can't believe how fast his life has gone by so fast.
Tommy can remember the summer, spending time with his uncle racecar team, doing a few races for his uncle, when his driver was ill. He loved racing. Tommy looked through his stash of alcohol to bring for the party. Since the New Year's Eve bash was moved from his place to his buddy's flat, Tommy spent most the day lounging around his apartment alone. At first, he was glad, not to have to clean up for the party, but now, he needed to make sure he brought something for that party. Tommy looked around his empty apartment. He had never spent a New Year's Eve with agirl as his datesince, well, since he dated Kimberly Hart. His first true relationship, honestly, his first and only true love. Though he had been in relationships after Kimberly, including Katherine. Katherine was in Australia with family during their first Christmas and New Year break together, so he celebrated alone with his parents and friends.
"Kimberly." Tommy sighed. How he missed those days. Secret kisses in the halls. Long kisses at night. Many nightly sparing sessions, where Kimberly would tease him to the point that he had to pin her to the mat and kiss her feverously. Tommy couldn't remember being so happy then when he was leader and White Ranger, or Green ranger at that. Green ranger days he spent a lot wanting to be alone, though Kimberly always made sure to have none of that, inviting him places to be with her, even when his powers were limited. Kimberly was the first girl, that Tommy could ever consider saying was his best friend. He spent many days thinking of ways to make her smile. She had the best smile in the world in his eyes. Tommy was proud when Zordon made him White Ranger. And as happy as he was being leader, he missed the one person that made the job not so hard. Kimberly, though would never agree, was the real heart, soul, and leader of the team. The team was never as close without her. Once she left, the team was never truly one again. As well as they worked together, the team was missing the thing that held them all together, Kimberly.
Tommy thought back to his first day as the Red Turbo, in his sofa chair. Having to deal with losing another best friend, Rocky, gaining a new much younger ranger, and saving his 2 best friends from an evil pirate.
"Kimberly," he muttered. A clock above the fireplace chimed. It was now 5pm. "Shit!" Tommy forgot he had ordered dinner and needed to go pick it up. He wanted to get food early, rent some movies and forget what day comes tomorrow. Being alone on New Year's Eve is not a fun ticket.
Tommy stopped by to pick up a case of beer first, before heading to his favorite take-out food place. Just as Tommy opened the door to the restaurant and nearly ran into a young woman. The beautiful woman passed him on her way out, carrying her take-out food. Tommy looked back. The young woman stopped herself just outside the door.
"Kimberly?" The young woman lifted her big brown sunglasses slowly up, as she turned around. Her mouth slightly dropped, as Tommy slightly confused with a smile looked at her. He opened the door to see her better.
"Tommy?"
"Kim!" Tommy rushed outside. She smiled and they hugged tightly.
"Oh! It so great to see you!" She hugged him again, though they never let go from their first hug.
"I...can't...what are you doing here?" Tommy pulled back.
"I was in town, checking out a firm deal with a fabric company for my boss. Well, actually I also stopped by my uncle Steve's place to see Kelly. You remember Kelly?"
"Your cousin, yea! How is she doing?"
"Great, great. She's a junior at Angel Grove High."
"Wow, I feel old." Kimberly laughed with Tommy.
"I know. Remember how badly she wanted to be a cheerleader?" Tommy nodded. "She's now is going into nursing school afterward high school."
"Wow, she wants to be a nurse, that's awesome."
"I know."
"Memories," Tommy said.
"Tell me about it."
"Uh, where are you going now?"
"Nowhere."
"I have my food to pick up too. Why don't we go back to my place and catch up. I don't live far."
"Sure. That sounds great."
"Give me a minute."
"Take your time, Tommy." He nodded and went back inside to get his order. Kimberly went to her rental car. She checked her reflection in the mirror, making sure she looked fine. Tommy came outside, as she was fixing her hair from her messy ponytail and placing her sunglasses back into her hair, as she fixed some pieces sticking out.
"You look beautiful." She looked up and laughed, having been too preoccupied with her hair to notice he was right beside her car.
"Thanks."
"Is this your car?" Tommy remembered, she had a nice red car back in high school. Now, she was sporting a dark blue BMW jeep.
"Nah, a rental." Tommy looked to see the backseat filled to the max with luggage bags.
"It's nice."
"Yea, well, when the boss is paying, I thought might as well splurge." She smiled as she rubbed the wheel. "So, how far are you?"
"Maybe 10 minutes at most. Just follow me."
"Lead the way, Tommy." Kimberly pulled her sunglasses down; Tommy thought she was a movie star, looking so glamorous and even more beautiful, if possible. Tommy went over to his black Explorer. Kimberly started her car. Tommy did a U-turn and Kimberly followed him.
Not even 15 minutes later, Tommy was opening the door to his apartment. Kimberly was allowed to walk into his place first, as Tommy took her white wool trench coat.
"Oh wow, what an apartment! Is this all yours!" Tommy spaced out, checking Kimberly, as she was dressed in a mist silk chiffon dress with beadings and silver H-band 4" stiletto shoes. Kimberly looked back and saw Tommy staring at her. "Tommy?"
"Huh, uh, yea-yeah! Thanks, it's not much, but all mine. I'll show you around first, let me take your food." Kimberly handed her bag over. "It's smaller than you think." Kimberly dropped her purse at the couch, looking around. Tommy put her food on the counter before his kitchen. He took her through the bottom floor. "In here, a tiny spare room, I use for storage of my karate and exercise equipment. Another bathroom. Living room and patio terrace, as you see. Those spiral like steps lead to the master bedroom and bath. It's a loft like bedroom, over looking the living room. It's not much, but it's home."
"Like I said, wow. It's great."
"Come, let's eat." Tommy led her to his dining room in the kitchen. He started pulling down plate.
"Want me to help?"
"Nah, just sit." Kimberly smiled, as Tommy opened a chair for her after putting down a plate. Tommy placed a fork and knife in front of her first, then for himself. He got out 2 bowls before digging into their bags for their food. Kimberly took her boxes first and opened them. Tommy went to his fridge. "I think, yea I have white wine, red wine, sparkling cider, beer, juice, or water." He laughed.
"Uh, red wine is fine." Tommy nodded and pulled out the bottle. He got 2 glasses down. As he poured a glassful, as Kimberly put her napkin in her lap. She spooned out some salad and groaned. "Oh man. I forgot the dressing."
"Me too," Tommy said looking through his bag and found no packet. "You like Ranch?"
"Sure." Tommy pulled out the bottle from his fridge. They went to eating their dinners. Tommy hated the silence and frequent looks at each other with smiles
"Okay, enough of this. So, you first. What are you doing here?" Tommy asked as he digs into his food still. Kimberly laughed and wiped her mouth a bit as she finished chewing quickly.
"I actually flew to LA for work, but ended upvisiting my Dad, his wife, Lauren, her family that still lives in California. And since I had to come here for my boss, I decided to spend Christmas with my Dad this year. I haven't seen my Dad in like 2 years."
"How was that?"
"Oh, great. Great. I had a good time with my Dad and my stepmother's family. Then I went to Angel Grove to see Kelly and Uncle Steve. It was great being back in Angel Grove. Though much has changed."
"Wow, I haven't been back there since, well I transferred my powers to T.J."
"I heard about that from Adam."
"Adam?"
"Yea. He was in Japan when I was, like 2 years ago. He told me how you all after graduation found replacements for the team, after Zordon left for Altar."
"Yea, we did."
"I can't believe he's gone." Tommy took Kim's hand as she had tears in her eyes. "I always saw him like a…like a father." Tommy held atissue for her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go all…"
"Don't apologize."
"I just….I miss him."
"Yeah, we all do." Kimberly nodded. "I am so sorry, I didn't …"
"I can't cry forever, right. I couldn't be there for Zordon and the team, but I know Zordon is looking down at us. He's our guardian angel with Trini, smiling downat us. I'm fine," Kimberly let go of his hand. "Let's just eat and stop all this sad stuff."
"Okay. So, how did Angel Grove look?"
"A lot has changed in Angel Grove, Tommy. Places we use to go and hang out, gone. Wait, aren't your parents still living there?" Tommy laughed and shook his head.
"No, they moved to Sacramento. Mom wanted a change when I left for college. I just got back with spending Christmas with them. But back to you."
"Well, since my Uncle Steve and Kelly are still in Angel Grove, I wanted to spend about a day with them. I'm actually leaving tomorrow, early tomorrow morning for New York City."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Well, after Florida, there were so many universities wanting me for gymnastic."
"You were amazing in Atlanta."
"Thanks. Well, I left Florida and went to NYU."
"NYU? Wow!"
"Graduated with honors in 3 years." Tommy smiled with her. "Been studying in Japan, Paris and Italy over the summers, major rush to finish early and start working. I was back and forth between Japan and Italy actually most my sophomore/junior year. Both being great fashion hot spots."
"That is amazing, Kimberly."
"Thanks."
"What was your degree?"
"Well, you know in NYU, you can create any degree you want."
"You can?"
"Yea. So, technically, I was double majoring in Art/Fashion and Business with a minor in Marketing. Right now, I'm working with the fashion guru, Roberto Klein."
"He just had this show here in LA a few months back, it was a major published event."
"Yea, I was there, working behind the scenes. I met him in Italy. He adored my works and hasn't let me go ever since then. If I had known you were here, I would have looked you up, I'm sorry."
"Hey, it's okay. I haven't kept in touch myself with everyone. How...how did you finish those degrees in just 3 years?"
"Thanks for Florida, I actually came into NYU with many freshmen credits to my degree, like a semester ahead. I received my high school diploma that winter after the Olympics. So that in the spring, I spent time taking community college courses, since I wasn't doing nothing but tours on the weekends and special sightings. Oh, and I worked to the max every semester and never taking a summer off actually wasn't that bad, since I was in a foreign country with such a wonderful mentor. Though I was aboard in Japan and Italy, I still got credited for many things and with Mr. Klein as the best mentor out there, I was done with college quickly."
"So, what's next?"
"I have a spring show to help production shortly. I start after the New Year." They finished eating. Tommy saw that and smiled.
"Let's go over to the couch to be more comfortable."
"Okay." Kimberly picked up her glass. Tommy brought the wine bottle and followed her. "Now, I have talked. Your turn." Kimberly sat on one leg and brought the other, to rest her arm on.
"Not much to tell."
"Oh, come on. Look at this place! How is going to UCLA?"
"Great. Glad I said yes to coming here instead of some other school."
"That cannot be all, Tommy. Come on, talk to me."
"It is just that all. Been a quick 4 years. Can't believe I graduate in May."
"But paleontology, it has to be so interesting, right?"
"Oh it is! After graduation, I am set up to work along side Dr. Anton Mercer. I got to do a dig internship back over the summer and he wants me back for more of a serious position in his camp this summer."
"See, that's exciting and amazing."
"Yea. It will be." Kimberly took a sip of her 3rd glass of wine. Tommy went to pour himself another glass of wine, when he found it nearly empty. He poured the rest for himself. "But nothing is more exciting than what you did for yourself and America back in '96."
"Oh, that's ancient history. I just got back from Australia to watch the girls."
"We didn't do so well down in Sydney."
"Yea. We, they missed the magic and the spark."
"It wasn't that far back."
"I can't believe you watched it?"
"Are you kidding me! I love gymnastic. We had parties to sit around during that Summer Olympics. We all watched you, screamed at the tv cheering you on and the team."
"Really!"
"Yea, are you kidding me! I couldn't wait to watch. We all sat on your hands, praying so much over those few days."
"I probably slept 4 hours total in that week." They both laughed. "I'm happy to hear you watched... the team."
"You did it. You made me, all of us so proud. Ernie couldn't stop talking about it. He named the beam after you. He had a smoothie named after you. Called it 'The Champion Hart Special'." Kimberly laughed.
"He did?"
"Of course he did! It was a great smoothie."
"Wow." Kimberly put the glass to her mouth, but didn't take a sip. Her smile went away. She stared off.
"Hey," Tommy said touching her leg. She smiled and took the sip before putting her glass to the coffee table. "What were you thinking about just then?"
"Nothing." She shook her head with a smile. "So, are you going to dig for your entire life?"
"Dig?"
"Yea, dig?"
"Oh, well, maybe. I don't know. Working with Dr. Mercer will be a great experience. I'm hoping it will open other doors. I really can't wait to work with him again." Tommy went to pour some wine, when he forgot it was empty. "I guess this calls for the white wine now. You?" Kimberly nodded. Tommy got up. He returned with 2 fresh glasses and bottle. Kimberly left what was in her red wine and took the glass of white wine from Tommy.
"When did you get so good in picking wines?" Kimberly asked after a sip. "Because this is really good."
"My dad I guess. I pick up some things." They sat in silence awhile. Tommy got up.
"I'm surprised. You don't have a huge bachelor like tv," Kimberly said.
"Yeah, well, I only have one tv and that's enough."
"Wow, even in my dorm flat, I had 2 tvs. One for the kitchen." Tommy laughed.
"Well, I make up for it with my stellar stereo system. Want to listen to some music?"
"Sure." Tommy used his remote and took a seat back next to Kimberly. Tommy stopped on a station.
"This is good." Kimberly smiled.
"Uh, no!" She took the remote and changed again. "This is good." Tommy shook his head.
'Always gotta get your way, Kimberly' Tommy thought. They sat there listening to music for the longest, just enjoying the sound of music filling the apartment.
"So, when is your flight?" Tommy asked.
"Uh, 5:30 AM." Tommy drank form his glass. He looked up at his clock to see it was just 8:30 pm. Had time really flown by that fast. "Going to be some long flights."
"Yea. New York is a ways away. I made that trip 2 years ago, and vowed never, ever again."
"Why?"
"Delayed in Houston, another delay in RDU, North Carolina. It was a long, longest 16 hours in my life."
"Wow! 16 hours!" Tommy nodded. "I only have 2 stops. Houston and Atlanta."
"Hope for luck."
"Yea." She took a sip after another long pause.
"There's that look again."
"Huh? What look?"
"That look," Tommy said with a smile. Kimberly smiled.
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"Yea, you do." She picked up the bottle and poured herself another glass. Tommy watched as she pulled the strap to her dress up to fix it. "I would just want to know why the look."
"Really, Tommy. I don't know what look you are referring about." She picked up her glass, as she stood up. "This is a great place. I love what you have done with it. Been here, what 2 years?"
"Yea. I moved in the spring of my sophomore year when a friend left to studying abroad and was selling the place."
"Decorations are amazing. Paintings are perfect, very artistic. This work is so new age." Kimberly touched the painting's frame.
"Thanks. Many pieces given by my mother actually. She was throwing them out and I thought I might make them work." Kimberly touched the African mask. "Want to go outside to the terrace?" Tommy asked. It was getting a bit stuffy in his place, and the tension was hanging over them.
"Sure. Fresh air would be nice." Kimberly followed him after he opened the sliding door. They stepped outside into the cool air. Kimberly put her napkin and glass on the top of railing. Tommy followed with his glass. Tommy could see Kimberly was not her normal self.
"This is a great view." They stared out into the moon and sky. Stars shining bright. "I have spent many nights staring up at this sky."
"Me too in New York, of course. Though the sky is always amazing, no matter where you are."
"I missed... this."
"Me too," Kimberly whispered. She took a tiny sip. Kimberly took a deep breath and turned her back to the railing. Tommy stood with his arms on the railing. They stood in silence again before anyone spoke. Tommy smiled and took a large gulp from his glass. "What?"
"Nothing."
"Right." She went to pick up her glass, when she nearly knocked it over. Tommy and Kimberly went to grab the glass. Kimberly spilt on his shirt. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I am such an idiot!" She quickly started wiping his shirt with her napkin. Tommy laughed and helped her.
"Hey, hey, it's okay. Just a shirt." Kimberly wiped at his shirt before stopping to look at Tommy. They stared at each other before Kimberly looked back at his damp shirt.
"Idiot! How clumsy I am! I am really, really sorry!" She wiped his shirt again slowly, though nothing would help that wet spot. They looked into each other's eyes again. Kimberly stopped and turned to the railing.
"There's that look again."
"What?"
"That look," Tommy said taking the napkin from her hand after pointing to her face.
"It's nothing." Kimberly went to drink, but realized that she spilt it all on Tommy.
"I would have thought the same, but when it is the third time I've seen it..." She sighed and went to the sliding door.
"It's cold, Tommy. Let's go back inside." She went back inside. Tommy sighed and followed.
