You and I Both…

Disclaimer : I own nothing, but places and characters that Power Rangers unrelated are mine.

: Thank you for all your reviews, I appreciate them all and I'm so glad to know that you liked my different approach! This is the new chapter, hope you enjoy!


Chapter twelve: I think I…

" How's it going?" Trini asked Kimberly when the girl in pink flopped into the vacant seat across her. Kim had told her and the gang about her Mom dating Tommy's father and Trini knew that Kim had it bad

" So, let me say it again," Zack said from his place by his locker. " Ms. Hart and Mr. Oliver," Kim nodded gloomily. Zack went on," Kimberly and Tommy,"

" No!" Kim quickly resented the statement.

Jason grinned, looking down at his 'little sister'. " That is so…,"

" That's indeed a particularly singular occurrence," Billy said solemnly, throwing Kim a sympathetic look.

" If by that sentence you mean this is so annoying, frustating and weird at the same time, then I totally agree with you. AND please! That's disgusting! Me dating my mom's boyfriend's son?" Kim put her hands on her hips. The others chuckled. " and I do NOT like him! How many times do I have to say that?" she persisted desperately.

Trini smiled and voluntarily explained, " What Billy was trying to say is that you have such a unique experience,"

Unique? Hello? What's so unique about THAT? Could anybody, somebody, try to put themselves in her position and see what it felt like?

" Slow, but at least it's done already," Kim mumbled, resting her chin on her hand. She just got back from the library after five hours research with Tommy. Now she felt like she had known every single thing about AIDS.

It was really awkward. Since Tommy didn't bring the touchy subject on the air, Kim didn't either. When she woke up yesterday morning, she pinched her cheek to make sure that everything that had happened was real. It hurt so it was real. Even after two days she still couldn't believe it.

Benjamin Oliver and Caroline Hart was an item. That's like, the craziest thing she had ever heard.

They worked in silence, just talking when exchanging words between them was necessary. Kim bit her tongue to prevent herself from saying ' Your dad is dating my mom' for the umpteenth times. She fully realized that she sounding like a broken record, but everytime she repeated saying it all over again, it sounded more unbelievable than the last time she said it.

Tommy suddenly opened his mouth, breaking the silence hanging over them.

" What do you think about it?"

Kim pulled her pen from her mouth and raised her head. Tommy casually planted himself against the mahogany bookshelf. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and his expression was serious. " Well, if you have any suggestion, please, feel free to tell. Maybe we can have a look at the issues from different point of views-,"

" That's not what I meant," Tommy was dressed in his usual attire, a nice white shirt and jeans. His usual pony tailed long hair was down.

" Oh," Kim went numb. Hell, they couldn't pretend like nothing happened because like it or not, their parents were going out. Going out, dating, whatever word fit you best. They were to-ge-ther. " how about you?"

" Actually, it's not a big of problem for me, that Dad's dating someone. If the woman isn't your mom, I believe I wouldn't react like this," Tommy had voiced out what's exactly in Kim's mind. That was very true. The reason why she, they, got all freak out was because they were his dad and her mom.

" If the guys in school know about this, we're dead," Kim's thinking about the rumour that sooner or later would spread out amongst the students. Beverly, definitey, would pass out.

" Maybe," Tommy flipped through the pages of the thick encyclopedia that was laying open on the table. While his hand was busy, his eyes were not idle either. The dark brown eyes looked up and down the aisles before moving back at her." don't think that I would be nice to you just because of this,"

Kim crossed her legs, frowning. " What? Please don't tell me that you're actually thinking that if you harrass me once again, which is something you always do, I will go, run to my mother and tell on you so she could inform your dad that his son has been disturbing my peace,"

" Well, you're still a girl," he shrugged and closed the thick book.

" AND don't you ever think I would act nicely towards you because of this. Just as you know, this whole catastrophe has actually raised the capacity of my hatred towards you," Kim replied coldly.

" Duly noted, the feeling is mutual," Tommy said and Kim shot him a look before turning back to the task on hand. She picked the other reference book and looked at the index page. Safe for a whole minute of silence and Tommy abruptly took the book from her.

" What?"

" I want to ask you something," he somewhat seemed to be rather bashful. His hand tugged on his pony tail. A gesture she had quite familiar with by now.

" Shoot. Hurry up so we can back to work," Kim replied in frustation. Tommy had showed up thirty fiveminutes behind schedule. His reason was that he forgot to wind up his watch. Yeah, he said that. She probably had to buy him a digital clock completed with an alarm for his next birthday.

" You know that party Zack is having this Saturday?" he started. Kim nodded, eyeing him curiously. " he said that everyone has to bring a date,"

Kim got the invitation too. Seemed like everybody in AG high got one. The bright yellow flier was given by Trini at lunch. She soon found out that his parents out of town for the weekend and their son had gained their trusts and permission to throw a party. The small post script on the bottom of the paper didn't go unnoticed.

' Bring a date with you or you won't be allowed to enjoy the party!' That was so typical Zack.

At that time, Kim just mock scoffed over it. Zack wouldn't ever send his friends away just because they came all alone.

" I know that. You can go with Marissa or Beverly," she said those words with some annoyances. Which one did she prefer, the sweet Marissa clinging at his arm or Beverly all over him? None of the above. Kim didn't want to see that.

Tommy, in the other hand, looked amused. He slid back into his chair. " You're right,"

" Of course, I always right," Kim said boldly, chosing not to look at him in the eyes. " or if you don't want to disappoint one of them, you can always ask them both. I'm sure Zack wouldn't mind,"

" They are my friends, but asking them wouldn't be right. I don't want them to get the wrong impressions, especially Beverly," said Tommy and Kim felt a weight being lifted from her shoulders. It snapped her. WHAT THE HELL SHE WAS THINKING? Tommy could go with anybody, that wasn't her problem. He could go with all girls' population of Angel Grove and she wouldn't even say a word.

She's not jealous. She was not jealous!

" So, what's your point?" Kim adjusted her breathe, trying with all of her strength to stop thinking silly. Tommy's dark eyed gaze was intense.

" I was saying… maybe you can go with me?" he said calmly, unlike Kim who felt like she had been electrocuted and nearly fell off her chair. Her mouth dropped open and snapped it shut after a few moments. " don't overreact,"

How could he tell her not to overreact? He just asked HER to go to the party with him! Not the sweet, smart and innocent Marissa or the strikingly sexy ( and poisonous) Beverly. But her. The old plain Kimberly Hart.

" You want to go with me?" she squeaked once she managed to find her voice.

" Yeah, you have problems with that?" he blinked at her. " I asked you because you're the only sane girl I know, besides Trini of course. Don't get any ideas,"

" Oh, I'm honored that you actually think I'm sane enough to be your date," Kim responded a bit hotly.

" Cool,"

" Did you hurt your head on your way here? Maybe some of these books are too difficult for you to comprehend so you developed somekind of brain disease? You asked me to go with you. That's so not you!"

" If you don't want to, just say it," he remarked stiffly.

" I just said that you have surprised me," Kim breathed, applausing herself because her voice didn't shake this time. " you said you hated me and now this. That's not so consistent of you, don't you think?"

Tommy grabbed his pen and ' The World's Deadly Disease'. He sounded irritated. " Okay, forget it,"

Kim bit her lips. The pouting Tommy was a cute sight. She stiffled her laugh. " Well, okay. Truce then?"

Tommy sighed and sat a little straighter on his chair. His lips formed a wide smile that she barely ever saw on his face. He's smiling at her, that's something. " Truce it is,"

" That Zack's party? I'm going with Tommy," Kim confessed after a moment's pause, gnawing her lips nerveously. Trini nearly choked on her drink. Her black eyes went big.

" With whom?" Trini yelped.

Kim felt her face heat up. " Nobody else asked me, so why not?"

Trini shook her head gracefully. " Oh, come on. Skull would probably die to get the chance to go out with you. And Bulk. How about Michael?" Michael Gellar, the dark haired guy who was Jason's friend.

" Tommy said I'm the only sane girl he knew," Kim said, pouting when Trini released a giggle. " besides you. Which remind me, why didn't he ask you? You two are good friends and you're sane enough to go with him. Why me? His enemy in this lifetime,"

Trini's Asian feature turned pink. Kim knew instantly what had made her friend blush. Kim beamed widely, showing a set of perfect teeth. " Ah… you go with Billy! Wow, you and Billy. Finally! I've been wondering which one of you who would cave in first. You or him?" she wiggled her eyebrows mischievously.

" I won't tell you!"

Taylor's residence

: Saturday Night

Kim combed her hair with her fingers. She wore a simple pale pink t-shirt and jeans, nothing too special. After all this was just an ordinary party. No need to dress up. It's just a party. A party where Tommy was your date…

He wasn't her date, he wasn't her date, he wasn't her date… That's her new mantra since that day on the library.

" Kimberly! Here you are, Sis. What took you so long? Where's your date? You go with Tommy, right?" Zack didn't waste another time. Once he opened the door he bombarded her with questions.

Kim pushed him and walked in. " We'll meet here,"

" Here?" Zack shouted to defeat the upbeat music. " didn't he pick you up? That boy needs a lesson!"

Kim squinted her eyes at her bestfriend since they were kids. Actually, she was the one who told Tommy to meet in Zack's house. She wouldn't risk her mom saw him, the son of the man she was dating. Caroline would grill Kim over that. " What's with this bring-yourself-a-date policy, Zack?"

" Oh, you know, there's some good stuff coming. Better if you got a partner with you," Zack grinned.

" Can I use your lavatory?" Kim asked.

" Sure. You know where it is,"

Of course she did. They had done countless time sleepover, either here, her house, Jason's or the others'. Kim walked pass Zack's loud stereo and some people from his English class. In the kitchen Kim saw Beverly with two guys. Looking sexy as usual, both of the boys had their hands on her tighs. Kim cringed. If Tommy asked Bev instead of Kim, it would probably be his hand groping her leg. Yuck!

Kim climbed up the stairs, waving at Suze and Brad. Jason was nowhere to be seen, Billy and Trini hadn't come either. And Tommy? Well, he must be late. Again. That guy really had some issues with punctuality.

- Tommy

" Are you okay?" he asked, his hand moving up and down Marissa's back. She was drinking the punch when suddenly her stomach acting up. Tommy, being a gentleman, simply couldn't not do anything. Especially when she literally leaned against him when the nausea attacked.

" I'll live," she rinsed her mouth with the water Tommy gave her. She smiled weakly. " thanks,"

" Maybe someone spiked that punch. We'd better tell Zack," said Tommy. If the red colored beverage was really the cause, Tommy didn't want his friend to get into any trouble.

" Yeah, I guess so. Thanks, Tommy," Marissa smiled sweetly, showing her dimple.

" If you're feeling okay, let's get back," he gave her a shove to walk first. Out of the blue, she swirled around. Tommy, had no preparation, lost his balance and tumbled forwards.

" Omph! Tommy!" Marissa yelped and he quickly brought his face from her neck. They had landed flat on the floor with he being on top. He quickly lifted up his body off her. His weight got to be crushing her.

" I'm sorry," he stammered.

" It's okay," Marissa's eyes sparked and Tommy felt more than slightly intimidated. He offered a smile, not too sure what to say. Somehow it brought up a sense feeling of déjà vu.

Kimberly. Where was she? A sudden thought invaded his mind. He glanced at his watch. " Are you sure you feel better?" she nodded. " then let's go,"

- Kimberly

Had somebody seen her right now, they must be thinking that Kim got an emergency call from the hospital or the police. Skull, who had arrived by the time Kim dashed into the living room, shouted,

" Hey, babe! Your dog got hit by a truck? Again?"

Kim would walk over and slap him good for that comment if only her rage wasn't overwhelming her every cell. Kim, you're being silly. So what if Tommy made out on the toilet floor? Toilet floor? Couldn't they choose another place? Another more private place? At least closed the door! Geez!

He was making out in the bathroom. With MARISSA.

She had no reason or right to get angry. She knew that. But she also knew that she wanted nothing more than throwing something across the room or punching every guy she saw.

" Kim, are you okay?" someone grabbed her shoulder and spun her around. It was Jason. Jason was a guy who coincidentally was also Tommy's buddy. That's not a good combination. He'd better stay away from her.

" I'm fine," she answered tightly. " tell Zack I can't stay. I have… other things to do," before Jason could ask what that other things were, she turned on her feet and walked towards the front door, storming out of Zack's house.

She was angry, she was pissed. But why? Tommy's not her date, left alone her boyfriend. He could do whatever he wanted. This was a free country after all. But did he have to do that in front of her very eyes?

Kim was walking towards the toilet which was located on the end of the corridor. The door was open so it's no wonder if she got an eyeful of what they were doing. That was Tommy, she's so sure. And that auburn head peeked was undoubtedly, Marissa's.

Tommy and Marissa…Benjamin and Caroline…Oh, the world is spinning.

Couldn't control her body, Kim turning around and walking back downstairs like a zombie. She felt her stomach lurching.

She's not jealous. She didn't even like him as a guy. Then why would she feel like this? Like shit. Like Tommy had "betrayed" her.

'The line between love and hate is very thin that you'll be surprise,' was Trini's wisdom words once upon a time. Kim just laughed that time, but now she couldn't even crack a smile.

Had she really fallen in love with him? With Tommy?

Her words struck her like a tidal wave. She had fallen in love with him.

Oliver 1 - Hart 0.

The Youth Center

- 08.30 pm

" Hey, Ernie, do you see Kimberly?" Tommy leaned over the counter. The amiable guy lifted his head from a pile of bills.

" Hey, Tommy! Yeah, Kim's working on the beam,"

" Thanks," Tommy turned his head. Kim was on the beam; both of her arms were strecthed out. She took a deep gulp of air before doing some moves that Tommy reckoned was a very difficult stunt. And she did it perfectly and did an equally perfect dismount. Tommy slowly strode across the room.

Kim wasn't aware of the guy aproaching her. She took her bottle and had a long swallow, trying to burn down the images that kept flashing in her mind. Kim had been hoping that her routine would help her to forget that. Everytime she's on the beam, she felt like there's nobody else around. Just the small world of Kimberly Hart.

" That's a good one, but that doesn't explain why you stood me up," he said, stopping behind the petite purple clad leotard girl. She quickly swirled around to face him and her face turned white as soon as her eyes met his. " I was waiting for you for like an hour!"

Kim's heart thumped faster. " I told Jason. I thought he'd tell you,"

" Oh so you were there! Why didn't you come to me and tell me by yourself?" he demanded. After the little incident, they went downstairs and joined the others. Fifteen minutes passed and there's no sign of Kim. He's cool. Twenty minutes went to fourty five and then sixty. Sixty minutes of Beverly plastering was so not cool.

Kim bit the inside of her cheek so hard that she thought it'd be bleeding. It would be inapproproate for her to scream out what she wanted to say, which was,' Oh, I see you! You're getting all cozy with Marissa! Do you want me to intrude in your passionate interlude?' instead she just sat on the floor and leaned back. " I thought you're gonna have a good time. There's Beverly there, she looks so hot tonight. And what about Marissa?" she looked at him in the eyes, expecting an awkward or surprise gaze in return.

" Where were you?"

" What are you doing here, Tommy?" Kim inquired impatiently. He supposed to be in the other side of the city. Not here, messing with her.

" I just got back from dropping Marissa off. She's not feeling well," Tommy unwittingly answered. Thankfully, there's nothing wrong with the punch. It seemed that Marissa had caught a cold. Kim tried to regain her composure. " when I drove passed the Youth Center, I got the feeling that I would find you here,"

" Oh, that's so sweet of you," Kim mumbled contemptuously. " you come here just to yell at me for not showing up? Well, now if you're done, you can go back to Marissa,"

" Can you stop talking about her?" Tommy could sense something was wrong. Of course, they always got into an argument whenever they're trying to communicate although he thought the issue had been off the table. Kim's face was red, her hands trembling slightly.

" I mean it, Tommy. Go to her, perhaps you can continue with what you did in Zack's," she pointed out helpfully, trying to refresh his memory.

It took him a few seconds to wrap his brain with her words. He raised his eyebrows. " You saw us?"

" I saw you," Kim heard herself whisper.

" That was an accident," he leaned down, grabbing her by the shoulders and pulling her to her feet. She tugged on her arms. He didn't have to explain, but he found himself couldn't stop talking. " I tripped and fell forwards. Nothing happened,"

" I don't care, even if something did happen," there's a lump in her throat. Could she believe him? That he tripped and landed on Marissa? Snuggling his face on the crook of her neck in the process?

" You're jealous," he was taken aback, the realization finally kicking in.

" I'm not!"

" Yes, you are. That's why you couldn't stand watching us," he said again, threateningly walking forward.

" Always so confident, huh, Oliver? You think everygirl would drop to her knees in front of you?" she spat.

Tommy watched those lips of hers babbling and chattering incoherently and he only had one idea to shut those mouth up.

" You know what, talking to you is no use. I'd better-,"

" Then don't talk," He grabbed her shoulders roughly and pulled her to him. Her eyes grew bigger.

He kissed her.


: Finally! They kissed in the twelvth chapter! It's quite a long journey to get here : ) Thank you for reading, and please don't forget to leave your reviews, they encourage me to update. NO FLAME!

- Yuuri : )