TOMMY - THREE DAYS LATER

It's been a hectic few days, but most of the worst is over I think. My resignation letter has been sent to the board, along with enough medical documentation to prove that my initial head injury (if I was still suffering from it) would prevent me from teaching. Fortunately, Hayley was able to reach the doctor that evaluated me and sent me to the clinic in the first place. Now that she knows what was really going on in there, she was more than happy to help me, in spite of not knowing how recovered I actually am and me showing her just enough for her to be convinced that Zedd and the others helped me.

Jason finally asked Hayley out. In fact, I'm pretty sure he spent last night at her place, but I'm betting nothing happened - well, nothing much anyway. They've both been singed before. On the other hand, they do make a good pair…

Hayley agreed to be a live in caretaker for my house after the first of the year with the understanding that when I do come home I and probably Zedd will be staying there. I'll have to figure out a more permanent solution later but it's handled for now. Of course, one day there will be no reason for me to come back, as I'll outlive my friends, family, and even all the other Rangers now. I quickly shake off that line of thinking for now not wanting to sink into such depressing thoughts at the moment.

Pina has agreed to help what patients she can so she and Goldar are going to be working with Jason's boss to get that done. Brady says that I probably won't have to testify but the defense is really pushing for it. Again, I push away the troubling thoughts.

Several of the Rangers have called or emailed me since word got around that I'm back and some of them want to come and visit - well, actually see for themselves that I'm all right. I'm going to have to break it to all of them, apparently, that Zedd and I are together since Jason didn't see fit to do it. I'm fairly sure that it won't be an issue, but it makes me a little nervous anyway.

Right now, though, Zedd and I are headed to the reservation to see Sam and David. Sam didn't seem real surprised when I told him that I wanted to bring someone with me. He agreed easily - almost too easily now that I think about it. Glancing at my mate in the passenger seat, I frown slightly. I forgot to tell him something rather important. I reach over and turn down the already fairly low radio, getting his attention. "What's the matter, Thomas?"

"I just remembered that I forgot to tell you something."

"Is this more rules about how to behave or some such thing?"

Sighing, I reply, "Zedd, I didn't give you rules about how to behave. I just explained some of the more important traditions and other things you need to know so you don't come across as disrespectful or start an all out war with the community. You know sort of like you'll have to explain to me if I ever go to Eltar and meet your family."

Seeing or perhaps just feeling the slight worry and stress I'm feeling now, he reaches over rubbing my back lightly. "I'm sorry, love. I was just teasing. What is it?"

I know this isn't going to go over well. "Every time I come out here, I take one day by myself from sunup to sundown. I leave before Sam gets up and we have dinner late that day - after I get back."

"Why?"

"It's hard to explain. I feel closer to my ancestors when I spend the day alone with nature. It's something I've done for years. It's nothing dangerous or self-destructive, I promise."

He sighs. "No different, really, than you going into the woods by the castle then."

"Not really."

"And I'm assuming, since you brought it up, that you'd like to go alone again this year."

"Please." I hold my breath, waiting to see what he'll say.

He doesn't sound happy. "I suppose, Thomas, but what will I do for the day? I don't think there's any bars or pool halls near where we'll be if I recall the location correctly. Nor is training really an option with so many humans around. And while I do enjoy watching TV with you, it's not something I generally do alone as then I have no one to make stunningly intelligent and witty remarks to about the shows."

Feeling a bit bad now, I answer, "Well I'm hoping that you'll get along with Sam or David well enough that you won't mind hanging out with them for the day."

Looking doubtful at this, he shakes his head. "And if I don't?"

I bite my lip, thinking. Finally I say, "If you don't, then you'll either have to come with me or I just won't go this time." I'm still hoping it won't be an issue though.

Neither of us speaks until we reach the reservation. Zedd says, "Well, love, we'll just have to see, but I don't like the idea of you canceling your outing because of me." Like I'll have another option.

"Maybe, but I don't want to come back to a war zone if I do go and you're left with company you can't stand."

"We'll figure something out." At my doubtful look he continues jokingly. "Besides if I can leave you with Goldar for a week and come back to find the castle still standing I suppose I can behave myself for a few hours unchaperoned with your family."

"In fairness Goldar did at one point threaten to burn the castle to the ground if I didn't stop playing my, as he called it, god awful human music, so loud."

"No offense, love, but I've heard your music and Kira's work excluded, I'm sadly going to have to take his side in this one." Whatever.

I pull up in front of Sam's house on the edge of the reservation and we get out, definitely not going unnoticed as we do.

Suddenly aware that everyone who is currently outside either talking or in the case of a group of children playing, has abruptly stopped to stare at us, it only takes me a minute to realize it's not really us they're staring at but rather Zedd.

Apparently noticing himself, my mate shifts closer to me either out of worry or instinct. "Why are they watching me like that?"

"My guess would be a combination of your good looks, and the fact some of the elder ones might be able to sense your power, but I'm not for sure." More than likely though it's due to the fact that how he's dressed, and just looks in general is not something that's common here.

"Hmm." Keeping a wary eye on everyone as they go back to what they were doing, seeming to realize Zedd being aware of their attention might not be a good thing, he retrieves his and my staffs from the Jeep before following me up to the house.

Before we even reach the front door, Sam has it open, greeting us with a smile. "Welcome back, young Falcon."

"It's been too long" I agree.

"It has indeed. Come in, come in." He insists gesturing for Zedd to follow me as he seems for some reason slightly hesitant. Once inside he shuts the door behind us and turns to Zedd. "I'm glad you accompanied him on his visit. I wanted to thank you for helping my grandson get better."

"I'm doing what I can." Seeming on edge for some reason, I watch as Zedd sniffs the air around us, hand tightening on his staff almost as if protecting it rather than preparing to use it. "I didn't realize he'd told you anything about me." And he knows I didn't because he was right there in the kitchen when I called Sam.

Sam smiles, seeming more amused by his behavior than anything else. "Stop fishing, young one. You know he didn't." It's all I can do not to laugh at the look on Zedd's face. "You may have many years on me, but your spirit is even younger than his." Sam points at me.

"So did Jason tell you?" I ask curiously.

Sam beckons us to follow him to the kitchen as he answers. "Even in your youth, Tommy, you have the forgetfulness of an old man at times. The spirits have told me much about your companion from another world."

"Spirits?" Looking at me for an explanation, Zedd seems even less at ease with what I tell him.

"Remember I told you Sam is a shaman? Like a healer and Dulcea combined kind of thing?"

"You said he was like Dulcea in that he would sense your animal spirit." Well at the time that was the only way I could honestly think to explain it. Especially when he kept interrupting my explanation with trying to get me undressed.

Studying Zedd closely for a minute, I suddenly realize just why I can't exactly place his current mood, even with the bond. "Why are you afraid?"

"I'm not afraid, Thomas, I am however highly leery of any human that has the feel of power that he does."

"Not power, young one, just a connection to things beyond the reach of most" Sam clarifies with a smile. "You though, you have power, even after being wounded as you were. So come, humor an old man, sit down and have a drink." He waves us over to the table and we sit down as he gets a pitcher from the fridge. He pours four glasses, handing them to Zedd and me before placing the last two at the empty places at the table. He comes to stand behind me and sets his hands on my shoulders and begins to chant softly. He's done this before so it doesn't bother me, but Zedd's eyes narrow slightly as he tries to figure out what Sam's doing. After a minute or two, he releases me and sits down.

I can tell Zedd's trying to keep himself under control by the strain in his voice. "May I ask what that was about?"

Calmly, Sam replies, "Simply checking on the condition of his spirit. Relax, I've not hurt him. If you wish I could check on yours as well."

"It's okay, Zedd" I murmur. "He does this all the time. I'm fine."

Sam nods in agreement. "You've certainly improved much based on what Jason has told me."

"What else has he told you?" Like has he mentioned that the man next to me is my lover?

Before Sam can answer, the back door opens and David comes in. He sees me and smiles. "I see you made it, little brother. How long are you able to stay this time?"

I rise as he comes around the table and he hugs me as I answer, "We'll see." Belatedly remembering my manners, I say, "Sam and David, this is Zedd. Zedd, Sam and David Trueheart."

David takes the remaining seat at the table as he studies Zedd. "So you're the one who spirited my brother away to make him well."

I can feel his tension as he responds, "I am."

"So are you returning him to us or is this just a loan?" His tone is just short of nasty.

My mouth falls open as Sam chastises him. "David, that's enough."

"It's a fair question" David protests. "He just took him without informing anyone or letting Tommy contact anyone and now they just show up and everything's fine?"

"Right" Zedd agrees far too calmly for my liking. "Just like when he first met you."

Narrowing his eyes, David's response is filled with confusion, but still no less hostile. "What does that mean?"

"It means that after Thomas bested you at sparring and you ran off like a spoiled child, getting yourself captured by that damn tinker toy of an enemy I might add, you just showed back up without so much an apology for your behavior or actions as if everything was fine as you put it." Oh yay, this is going well.

"What?"

"I knew your name sounded familiar, but I couldn't place it until I saw you." Looking to me now, Zedd shakes his head. "By the way I hardly think you're anywhere near as identical in appearance as Jason claimed, as while a bit younger than he is you're clearly far more attractive." Fantastic.

"Zedd that's not-"

Cutting me off as he turns back on Zedd, David is apparently having none of it. "Is that why you were so fixated on killing him when he was a Ranger?" Oh joy.

"I never wanted to kill him. You however…"

"Zedd." Tone one of warning, I lay my hand on his arm, trying to get him to pull back through the bond.

"It's fine, Tommy" David insists, much to my annoyance. "I'm hardly worried about what he considers threats, especially not when he's still holding my brother captive. Tell me, how long did you write his script for? One day? Two? Or is he going to be able to stay for his usual visit?"

I stand suddenly, anger flaring in me at his accusations. "That's enough, David" I snarl. "Don't you dare pass judgment without all the facts!"

"How do we know that he hasn't brainwashed you? That he doesn't control you?" He's on his feet as well. "Up until all of this he was your enemy, and despite what he says you yourself have told me he came closer than any of the others to actually killing you!"

I open my mouth to respond but Sam's firm voice comes first. "Boys, that is enough! Both of you sit down now!" Eyeing each other warily and angrily, we do as we're told. "Now" Sam continues quietly "we're going to let Tommy and Zedd tell us what has happened since Tommy was hurt. When they're done, then David and I will ask any questions that we still may have. Sound good?" Directing his last question at Zedd more than David and myself, I'm not surprised when Zedd gives a calm nod in response though makes a final comment of it being a rather long story. "That's fine, we have plenty of time."

A FEW HOURS LATER

We're finally finished telling the story - from the day I was shot in the head until a few days ago - well edited, of course. Again, they're intelligent enough to fill in the blanks just as the others I've told have been. Zedd seemed to direct his parts of the story more at Sam, which is understandable with the way David was acting. Silence has fallen as they take it all in and my gaze has dropped to my plate. Once we got past the really bad parts, Sam put together a meal as we talked.

To my surprise, David speaks first. "Thank you for taking care of my brother and I apologize for my attitude and accusations earlier. I know that Tommy and I aren't close, but I was still worried about him and with your past-"

Zedd cuts him off. "I understand, but you should also know that I never actually tried to kill Thomas when he was young. I had plans for him at the time, but his death was never one of them."

"What were your plans, if you don't mind me asking?" David questions curiously.

Flushing slightly, Zedd gives a shrug. "I'm honestly not certain. I think maybe the bond drew me to him, but given his age at the time, I didn't view him as a potential mate nor think a bond was possible with him. I had the passing thought to make him my heir, but Zordon unfortunately got to him first." Looking thoughtful, he continues seriously. "However, as I said, I never would have killed him, nor attempted to harm him outside an actual battle situation."

"I suppose given what you've said, I can believe that, at least to a degree." David directs his next statement to me. "I also apologize to you, little brother. It was not fair, as you pointed out, for me to accuse him of controlling you or for me to suggest that you'd succumb to such a thing."

I exhale heavily. "Thank you, David."

"So what are your plans now?" he asks.

I shrug. "We'll probably go back home sometime between Christmas and the new year."

Finally Sam speaks. "I must say, despite the rather unfortunate circumstances that led up to your coming together, I am pleased that you have found each other as I do feel that you make a very good balance for one another. That being said, I would like to ask what your plans are for the future with my grandson?"

Zedd looks at him steadily. "We've not had much chance to discuss it, but at some point I'd like to marry him." He glances at me and I can feel that he's a bit nervous as he's right - we've not really talked about it. I mean, a mention of it here and there, but that's about it. I raise an eyebrow at him.

"If that was a proposal, you need to work on it - a lot" I tell him flatly.

Sam chuckles. "Well, as long lived as you are and Tommy now will be, I'm certain you will have plenty of time to work on it. However I also doubt I'll see that union in my lifetime. After all, when you have that much time, why rush?"

"I suppose, but you never know, things with us so far have not exactly taken a slow pace" Zedd admits.

"I assumed as much. Still, you never know. In the meantime however I think perhaps it is getting time to retire for the evening, yes?"

"I suppose, we still need to bring our bags in though. I'm guessing my room is still the same as last time, right?" If so it will be a slightly tight squeeze for the two of us on the much smaller bed, but I imagine we can make do well enough, especially since I doubt Zedd will protest me having to all but lay on top of him.

"Actually since there isn't enough room here for the two of you to stay, I found out that the cabin next door is available. Black Bear is willing to let you use it for the duration of your stay."

Zedd, to my surprise, protests, "That's not necessary. We wouldn't want to put anyone out." I think he's still a little worried about what he thinks Sam's capable of, however I myself can't help feel a bit hurt over being all but shoved out the door now.

Sam looks at Zedd. "Nobody's being put out, Zedd. Black Bear lets visitors to the reservation use it and no one needed it until next year." He turns his attention to me. "Tommy, Falcon, it's not that I don't want you here. But you and I both know that there isn't enough room in the bed or room for the two of you. I also thought you might appreciate the privacy. There'd be no need to worry about disturbing anyone. It's little more than a couple of bedrooms, bathroom and sitting room so I'd certainly still expect you here for meals at the very least."

When he puts it like that, it does make an awful lot of sense. Still…

"He does have a point love." Looking to Zedd who shrugs, I can feel my own face flush quickly at what he of course says next. "In fairness we are loud enough that even Jason, half asleep one night thought I was killing you if you recall, and in fairness I doubt your brother would react as calmly as he did if he was to burst in on us."

Face in hand as Sam chuckles at this, of course. I swear I'm going to have to start taping his mouth shut when around other people. "Thanks so much for sharing that, mate."

"He's young, Falcon. Enjoy his candor before he grows too old to use it so often."

"Right. Thanks, Sam. I guess we'll see you in the morning." Turning to look at Zedd I shake my head seriously. "As for your candor, I'll thank you to keep some of your stories to yourself while I'm out for the day. Tell them about Eltar or something, but not our mating, all right?"

Before he can respond or we leave, David says, "Perhaps when you have your day out, Zedd can go on a vision quest."

My answer is immediate as David has clearly lost his mind. "No!" I look at David, incredulous. "David, while he may not have the level of power he used to have, he can still be dangerous when he needs to be, not to mention we don't know how he'd react to the herbs and whatnot. They might not be compatible with his physiology."

"I hadn't considered that" David admits. "He looks so human, it's kind of easy to forget that he's not."

"Even so, he's a sorcerer. Do you really want to put him on - basically - hallucinogenics when I wouldn't be around to try and keep him under control?" I can feel Zedd's confusion. I realize that I've moved between Zedd and David, but I'm not quite sure who I'm protecting from whom, knowing that Zedd could still level the entire reservation. "Sam-"

"I would not allow such a thing, Tommy. I believe without you to anchor him, Zedd could - unintentionally - be a threat to more than just the village." He turns to David as well. "Don't do it, David."

"But, Grandfather-"

"I know what you're thinking, David, and I'll have to do some checking. We have time."

They're keeping something from me and I don't like it. "What?" I growl.

Sam sighs. "You know, Tommy, for a man to be accepted as a brave of the tribe, he must complete a vision quest as you did. Zedd's already stated his intention to marry you one day. For him to be accepted as a part of this family by the rest of the tribe, he'd be expected to do it as well."

"At the risk of the tribe and their homes, never mind what it might do to Zedd? If that's the case, they can all go to-"

Sam cuts me off. "I'll need to look into it. I'm sure there must be another way."

I open my mouth but stop when Zedd sets his hand on my shoulder. "Thomas, give him time. It's too late for him to get any real answers tonight anyways." He directs his next question to Sam. "If it is required, if there's no way around it, when would it have to be done?"

"Again, I'll have to look into it. It's usually done no later than a month before the bonding ceremony."

Zedd sighs. "So we're looking at possibly three different bonding ceremonies plus this vision quest thing?" Under his breath he says to me, "You are going to owe me one hell of a honeymoon, love." Really? That's all he's worried about?

Sam says again, "I promise I'll start trying to get some information tomorrow. As far as your day out, at this point, the day after tomorrow looks promising, weather wise."

Thirty minutes later, we're in the cozy cabin, but I'm still jittery. The idea of giving Zedd something that we don't know how he'll react to is bad enough, but not knowing what will happen while he's - essentially - high and with the bond, I can't seem to settle down. Zedd's in the bathroom showering and trying to unwind so I allow myself to pace, trying to think what to do. Part of what's bothering me is that I didn't make David promise not to do anything. I know Sam told him not to, but I don't remember David agreeing to mind him, either.

I could make Zedd promise not to take anything he tries to give him, but that right there seems like I'm accusing Zedd of not being responsible enough to use his own judgment to refuse such a thing…okay and so I don't think he's responsible enough to refuse, but still.

Finally, I sigh in defeat. I just can't see another way. I'm going to have to cancel my day out - and possibly cut this whole visit short. I nod to myself. I'll do whatever I have to do to make sure that Zedd stays safe and if that means that I have to make changes, then I will.

Zedd's voice startles me, I've been so lost in thought. "What's the matter, love?"

"Nothing." I turn to him and give him a smile. "Not anymore."

He crosses over to me and I'm glad that I thought to close the curtains since he's wearing nothing but a towel. He runs his fingers through my hair before pulling me into his arms. "I love you, Thomas, but please don't lie to me."

"I'm not." And denial is just a river in Egypt…

He leans back slightly and taps his finger to his temple. "Whatever it is you've been thinking about and decided, you're not happy about, love."

I can feel my smile falter slightly. "It's nothing for you to worry about, Zedd. Besides you know how I am, million thoughts a minute and all that. It's fine, especially now that you're here." I caress his chest and my smile becomes genuine. "Why do you have to be so sexy?"

"Someone has to do it" he answers, his normal playful tone missing. He captures my hands. "Thomas, please. Knowing you as I do, I think I know what you're up to and I'd rather you didn't do it. Your needs deserve some consideration, love."

I swallow hard. "Zedd, what I need is you - nothing more, nothing less."

"Fine, your wants then. Is this still about what your brother suggested?"

"My brother doesn't think before he speaks."

"Thomas, I really don't think he sees any harm in me doing this vision quest thing, however if you don't want me to-"

Cutting him off quickly I shake my head. "It's not that I don't want you to, it's that you could get hurt or sick off of what's used to do it. It's fine though, I told you, you don't have to do it and I'm not going to worry about it."

Frowning and looking as if he clearly doesn't believe me, his next words only make me more concerned about leaving him here for a full day without me. "I could tell when we first talked about your outing how disappointed you were at the idea of canceling it. I'll stay right here in the cabin, locked in, if it will make you feel better about going but I-"

I cut him off with a kiss. "We'll see what happens tomorrow." I offer him a sultry smile. "So - wanna go to bed?"

I can feel his - ahem - interest pressed against me, but he shakes his head, refusing to be distracted this time, damn it. "First, I want you to explain to me what a 'vision quest' is and why you don't want me doing it."

I give him a look. Stubborn ass. I tried to be reasonable about how I worded it before, but apparently that's just not happening. Fine, time to pull one of his own acts of rank on him. "It doesn't matter because you're not doing it. I will not let anyone put you at risk, kalleimat. I'm going to the bedroom. You can join me or not - your choice."

I go into the bedroom, strip down to my boxers and climb into bed. I'm a little surprised that he's not followed me immediately and, unfortunately, it allows my prior thoughts and worries to return. Somehow, I'm not all that surprised that my worries are all about what will happen to Zedd and not the tribe and village. After all, if they try and force him to do it and something goes wrong, well, it'll be what they deserve.

I'm still wide awake when Zedd does finally come in, but I don't want to get into another discussion/fight so I play possum. While I'm sure he knows that I'm awake, he doesn't push the issue right now, simply getting into bed and curling up with me. It's not all that long, now that he's here where he belongs, that I fall asleep.