Rated M for Everything. Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers.

Disclaimer 2: I do not own any of the songs used or mentioned in this chapter. This is not a songfic. The music is used strategically. First song (as the artist is not mentioned, is titled "To Catch a Thief" by Lovage-should you choose to want to give it a listen along with the chapter). The other music is clearly referenced.

Please Read and Review.

-x-

CHAPTER FOUR

To Catch a Thief

Reefside Emporium

Friday, June 22nd, 1:44pm

Reefside, CA

2010

Kim held up a flouncy red dress. Trini shook her head and moved to the next rack.

Kim groaned. "Ugh. Why didn't you tell me you guys went shopping the other day? I totally would have gone with you instead."

Aisha waved her off. "It's totally ok, girl. Think of it as, retail recon. Now we know exactly what we're looking for."

Trini glanced over her shoulder. "Yeah and thanks to you, I have to get something for Jason. He's such a little shit."

Kim laughed as Aisha shrugged. "I think it's kinda sweet. Him trying to look all sexy and hip."

"How about Tommy?" Trini wondered, "He ask you to pick up anything?"

Kim's eyes twitched. Aisha and Trini now both looked at her expectantly.

Kim chuckled nervously. "Oh well—that's not really—I mean, that's more a job for a girlfriend, isn't it?"

Aisha and Trini shot each other a confused look.

Kim shrugged. "Besides, I think he already has everything he needs…"

Aisha quirked an eyebrow. "You talking clothes-wise or a girlfriend?"

Kim eyed her carefully. "From what I can tell, Tommy seems to be able to dress himself just fine."

Trini broke the tension. "Well, not Jason, apparently."

Kim sighed, grateful for her friend's sudden diffusion. She turned the tables on Aisha.

"How bout Rocky? He need help?"

Aisha shook her head. "No. Not really. I know he doesn't look it, but he's kind of a secret clothes-horse. You should see some of the suits that boy has in his closet. I tell you what. I think he likes 'em cause he never had anything that nice growing up, ya know? Big family, lots brothers and sisters, lots of hand me downs. I think he likes having something new and flashy."

Kim smirked. "I think you've just talked yourself right back into buying him something."

Aisha snickered. "Did I?"

Trini gasped. "Oh, Kim. Please buy this." Kim and Aisha followed the sound around the corner.

"What, what is it?" Kim wondered.

Aisha whistled. Kim's eyes went wide as she saw the bandaged dress in Trini's hands.

"Ooh, that is very short," Kim cringed.

Trini scowled. "You're very short." Trini held it up to her. "Look, it'll be the perfect length on you."

Kim scoffed. "How did you just manage to insult and compliment me in the same breath?"

Trini snickered. "I'm a genius that's how." She handed the dress off to Kim.

"I've not worn something this tight in ages."

Trini tugged on the fabric. "It's stretchy, see?"

"I was hoping not to have to carry a purse. Where do I put my stuff?"

"Tuck it in your bra," Trini suggested.

Kim snorted. "Pfft. Guess I'll have to, huh?"

Trini folded her arms for a moment, tapping her lip with a slender finger. "I think we should check out shoes too."

"What are you guys wearing? What did you find?" Kim asked.

Aisha dragged her over to the outfit she'd discovered the other day. Kim's brow rose in recognition as Aisha proudly displayed a short, gold sequin shift with spaghetti straps.

"Oh, okay. I'm sensing a theme here," Kim nodded. "Tri, what about you?"

Trini shrugged. "Oh you know me. I'm wearing pants. But I found a few tops I thought might work, "she hiked up her bosom. "Show off the girls for a change?"

They all laughed as Aisha pulled down her selection. Kim continued to browse, still holding onto the short black dress.

"Any guesses on what Kat might show up in?" Kim asked.

"Something to show off those legs, for sure," Aisha said.

Kim scowled playfully. "Hmm. True. Ugh. The bitch."

They laughed again. Kim's eyes widened as she stopped them.

"Oh, Trini, what about that for Jason?" She pointed over to the men's section. One of the front displays had a long sleeve satin shirt in a deep burgundy, tucked into dark grey slacks.

They moseyed over to the mannequin. Trini considered the outfit.

"Nope. I want it short sleeved. I don't give a shit what he wants. If he's making me shop for him, then he's gonna wear what I want to see him in. Fuck his comfort."

Kim cackled. She loved when Trini got playfully vicious. It was such the opposite of how she normally presented herself.

Kim narrowed her gaze, understanding the need to reconsider.

"Okay, okay. Jason's got some nice guns, so I can't say I blame ya."

Trini sighed dreamily. "And I might even buy him a shirt one size too small…"

Kim blushed. Aisha snickered.

"Well, Zack will probably outshine us all so…"

Trini nodded. "That's a good point. And Billy will probably be dressed practically, I'm sure."

Kim looked at them skeptically. "Oh, I'd give him more credit than that. Don't you remember how he looked at your reception? I swear, I don't think I'd seen that much of Billy's body since high school. Kind of forgot how cute he actually is."

Trini howled. "Oh I think you got to see way more of Billy's body back in high school than you ever bargained for."

Aisha looked a bit lost as Kim grimaced.

"Ugh. God, don't remind me! I worked so hard to block that out…."

"Oh, I think I found what I want for Jason," Trini announced. "Meet you ladies by the shoes?"

"You know it." Aisha smirked, threading her arm with Kim's.

"So, nothing for Rocky after all?" Kim asked.

Aisha shrugged, "Actually I think the outfit you suggested for Jason might work."

Kim's eyes twinkled. "Ooh, so Rocky likes the satin, huh?"

"We both do." Aisha laughed. "Can I confess something?"

Kim shot her an anxious look. Aisha blushed. "Well, recently Rocky and I have discovered that we're both a bit…tactile."

Kim snickered. "What? Like, touching—"

Aisha nodded. "Yeah, like, it helps us—ya know—gets us in the mood if things have like, specific textures, or whatever."

"Aisha!" Kim hid her face behind a hand. "And it works? Like, what kinds of…textures?"

Aisha laughed and shrugged. "Mostly soft and silky stuff, ya know. Hence the satin shirt, but—like, the dress I picked out? He's gonna love running his hands over all the sequins."

Kim bit her lip. "Wow. This is like—a serious fetish for you two…"

Aisha nodded. "It kinda is. We both sort of stumbled onto it by accident. But now, it's like our own little secret."

"Except now I know, " Kim teased. "And now I'm gonna watch what you two are wearing all the time."

Aisha shrugged. "Whatever. It's kind of exciting having someone else in on it."

Kim laughed as they approached the shoe displays. Aisha bouncing around the room a bit more saucily after her admission.

Kim held up a strappy pair of gold heels. Aisha considered them but shook her head.

Kim nodded and went back to perusing. Aisha eyed her carefully. "So, do you and Erik—I mean, did you guys have anything like that?"

Kim looked up, momentarily shocked. A weird pang of guilt hit her suddenly. She hadn't allowed herself to think about him since she'd gotten here. This whole vacation was meant to be a time for her to reassess her feelings, sort out any sense of regret. None of which had much to do with her ex-fiancé. Truthfully, she'd been all too easily distracted. A fact she'd taken for granted, though it amounted to much of the reason she'd been so conflicted recently.

She shook off her daze and flashed Aisha a smile. "Umm, not exactly," Kim said. "We found ourselves in a lot of—natural environments, I guess…"

Aisha gave her a curious look. Kim blushed.

"When we'd find ourselves at work at the same time, he was usually in the greenhouse, tending to all the plants and seed stock that he'd brought in from various places. And I was usually out on the grounds, watering and planting. Well, we'd see each other at lunch sometimes and—I don't know, I guess I got used to seeing him covered in dirt and sweaty…and I was usually soaked from the sprinklers and also dirty—that seemed to do it for us."

Aisha howled. "Oh yes, girl! Did you guys ever get it on at work? Oh, please tell me you did!"

Kim laughed. "Yes."

Aisha cackled. A few other random shoppers and a salesgirl stopped to looked at them. Kim ducked her head as Aisha buried her face in Kim's shoulder. Their attempts to muffle their laughter were a bit useless at this point.

"Oh my god," Aisha tried to whisper. "Where?"

Kim bit her lip. "There's this grotto, by one of the fountains," she started. Aisha's eyes bugged. Kim laughed.

"It was completely spontaneous. And it was technically after hours. But it sort of became our spot. Like, on the days when we'd be working together but never got to see each other cause our jobs kept us on completely different sides of the Garden…we'd meet back up there after we clocked out and then—"

"And then you'd clock back in, if you know what I'm sayin'…" Aisha mused.

Kim snorted. The salesgirl from before shooting them another withered glare.

"Oh my god, they're gonna kick us out…"

The salesgirl at the shoe counter just rolled her eyes as the two women continued to wander. They were still bubbling with laughter. Shooting knowing glances to one another as they pretended to shop.

-x-

Scott Residence

Friday, June 22nd, 4:32pm

Reefside, CA

2010

Tommy and Rocky looked up from the couch as the girls spilled into the den, various bags dangling from their arms.

"Beware of hot women bearing gifts," Rocky muttered. Tommy chuckled.

Trini shot them a look. "Where is everybody? The kids?"

Tommy motioned upstairs. "Jase's showing Adam and Tanya the pregnancy tub—"

"Kids are in the bedroom," Rocky added.

Trini nodded, setting her bounty of purchases onto the coffee table before leaving for the kitchen.

Tommy wandered over to Kim and tried to peek inside the larger bag she held.

"What'd you get?"

She wrested it back. "Just a little black dress."

He quirked an eyebrow. "How little?"

She demurred, batting her lashes.

He rolled his eyes. She dug inside another bag to produce a small box.

"This is for you," she said, handing off the item. He turned it in his hands.

"What is it?" He asked. She smiled, "Open it and find out."

He wondered at her as he started to rip at the paper. Jason came bounding down the stairs, tapping his wrist as he entered the den.

"Where the hell you been? You know you left yourselves with less than three hours to get ready?"

Trini reentered with a soda and waved him off, "Oh whatever, it was worth it."

"So worth it," Kim whispered to Aisha as they laughed conspiratorially.

Rocky slid between the two. "Find anything good?" he asked, tugging at one of the bags.

Aisha snapped it back from him. "Ah, ah, ah! You're just gonna have to wait and see."

Jason clapped and rubbed his hands together. "Alright, so what's the damage? What are you subjecting me too?"

Trini smiled. "Take a look."

Tommy looked up distractedly as he continued to unwrap his gift. Rocky and the girls hooted as Jason pulled out the red button up.

Short sleeved, just as Trini wanted, with solid red opaque blocks at all the seams, The body of the shirt, an finely woven mesh that rendered it slightly see-through.

Jason scoffed. "Are you shitting me? Is this seriously what you want me to wear?"

Trini smirked, pulling out a pair of black leather pants. "And these."

Rocky didn't know how it could get funnier. He howled wildly as the girls all giggled at Jason's reaction. Trini held it up to him, imagining the impact the garment would have once it was actually on her husband's body.

Jason eyed his wife challengingly. "You do realize that mostly men will be hitting on me now, in this outfit?"

Trini matched his serious expression. "Oh I'm fine with that."

Tommy stared down at the box in his hands. "After Shave, huh?" he looked back at Kim with a smirk. "You trying to tell me something?"

She shot him an impish grin and shrugged.

The group's laughter and ribbing surrounded him as Jason leaned into his wife and placed a loving kiss by her ear.

Trini smiled as she felt him whisper. "You're gonna pay for this."

Trini smirked. "I'm counting on it."

Aisha flashed a glance at her phone. "Okay, in all seriousness though, we should probably disperse and get ready."

"It's gonna take Jason that long to get into those damn pants," Rocky cackled.

Jason mocked his friends' laughter. "Shows what you know. I got two toddlers, bro. Which means I got baby powder as far as the eye can see."

The group erupted with laughter at Jason's good nature as they all collected their findings and started for their respective destinations. Aisha allowed Rocky to check inside the bags as they made their way up the stairs toward their room, Tommy following to retrieve Miles from where he was sequestered with the toddlers.

Kim stuffed Tommy's gift back inside one of her other bags, while Trini lovingly draped her husband's new outfit over her arm as he packed up the rest of her purchases.

"We'll see you back here a bit before seven, yeah?" Jason reminded Kim.

Kim nodded. "Yep, we'll be here with bells on."

Trini dashed over and snuck a quick kiss to Kim's cheek.

"You sure you don't want to get ready here? We're pulling an old school receiving line, show off our outfits to the gentlemen."

Kim laughed. "No, that's okay. As fun as that sounds…"

"Okay," Trini sang out.

Tommy returned carrying a groggy Miles in his arms. She nodded to him and made to head out.

"Bye, Jase," Kim called out behind her.

"You better tell me how hot I look," Jason warned her.

She spun and walked backwards a few steps, "Red hot," she snickered, turning back to face forward once more.

He rolled his eyes and headed up the stairs.

-x-

Club NEON

Friday, June 22nd, 10:04pm

Los Angeles, CA

2010

True to their theories, Kat and Billy had met their friends in front of the downtown LA dance club, looking every bit as sleek and glamorous as the girls had imagined they would. Kat in a long sleeved, rose gold romper that kept her modestly covered up top, but showed off plenty of leg, while Billy sported a slim cut pant with a shirt and vest combo, all in variants of his signature blue.

The gang greeted one another in joyful praise, hugs and admirations echoed off the building's wall. The girls' delighted squeals rang out amidst the lower chatter from the men, and all against the din created by the very crowded line of eager party guests that stood in line awaiting entry at the club's blue carpet. The velvet rope dividing bodies into two long queues, though the destination was the same.

NEON had the slightest throwback vibe, at least from where one stood outside. The building was longer than it was tall, and sported a heavy slanted half gabled roof, akin to most midcentury design. The trim aligned in neon blue. The club's sign too, in massive italicized fluorescent tubing, right above the doubled entry doors.

As if another venue from some bygone era had managed to escape complete annihilation and was resurrected in a sort of cyber techno landscape.

A thousand eyes seem to fall onto their group of friends as an entourage of muscled men and one ringleader stepped outside and met them with the brightest smile.

"Oh, now, y'all didn't think I was gonna make you stand here like you're just a bunch of background extras, did you?"

Zack, in all his glory, stepped up to his oldest friends and hailed them down from their place in line. The gang of nine followed him, backed up and protected by the bouncers that took up the slack behind them.

The friends felt the stares that accompanied their most auspicious walk, allowing them to eschew the waiting that befell most other patrons.

They ascended up the steps. Another bouncer at the door extended his impressive arm span to give Zack's VIPS the room to enter.

"Alright now, I got friends all over this place. Deejay, shot girls, bouncers, all friends of mine. Don't sweat a thing."

If they could have heard it, a collective gasp was made as the blackened doors shut behind them. Two stories, with a wrap around balcony that broke only in the center for the deejay. Behind that, giant LED panels lined the walls in the club's trademarked hue. On the entry level where they stood, alcoves sporting games and photos booths, and a smaller lounge and bar sat against the farthest wall to the west. To the east, the expansive bar rode from the deepest corner and wound its way nearly to the door. A small corridor to their immediate right subsumed at least two bathrooms. And of course, beneath them, the moneymaker. An illuminated dance floor, which seem to cover as much acreage as the interior allowed.

Zack turned around and faced his friends. His voice somehow breaking through the thick, his years of practice inside loud arenas just like this one.

"Go. Have fun," he instructed. He shot a hand at Kim, "Save me a dance."

Kim nodded dumbly as she looked around in awe. Zack was gone before any of them knew it.

"Holy shit," Rocky muttered.

"How is this place already this crowded?" Aisha wondered.

"And there's still that kind of line outside?" Trini mused.

Kim looked up at Tommy. He looked absolutely overwhelmed. He wasn't alone.

She nudged him with her hip. "You okay?"

He shook his head. "I hate being around this many people."

She snorted and held onto his arm for support.

"Well, what does everyone feel like doing?" Kat asked.

Rocky's eyes glazed over as he spotted a retrofitted arcade in the corner.

"Shut up! Ish, Do you see that?" He grabbed her hand and started to pull them away.

Aisha rolled her eyes. "Seriously? You are a thirty year-old man…"

Even as she protested, she let him drag her along. She called back over her shoulder. "We'll find you guys later!"

Jason shook his head. "This place is like an amusement park…"

Tommy scowled. "What happened to just sitting at the bar and having a few drinks?"

Trini and Kim leaned into each other and laughed conspiratorially. "Back in my day…" the both grumbled mockingly.

"That joke just never gets old…" Tommy grumbled.

Billy came up in between them. "What's so amusing ladies?" he wondered innocently.

Jason snickered and wrapped an arm around Tommy's back. "Old Man Oliver thinks it's too loud."

"Well it is!" Tommy all but shouted over the music to prove his point.

Jason shook him by the shoulder. "Come on, bro, let's go get you some liquid courage…"

Tommy slipped from Kim's hold as Jason pulled him off. He stopped to look back at the rest.

"You guys wanna snag a booth, we'll meet you?"

Kim scoffed, "If we can find one…"

Trini smiled at her husband. "Gimlet, please," she said.

Jason nodded in understanding and then pointed at Kim.

Kim shrugged. "Make it easy, same."

"Kat, Billy?" Jason asked.

Kat was staring out at the dance floor longingly. Billy opened his mouth to answer before Kat threaded her arm through his.

"Let's dance first," she said.

Billy balked. "Oh, I'm afraid I'm not terribly proficient with this genre—"

Jason ducked his head with a smirk.

Kat tightened her hold. "Oh, it's real easy. You just move back and forth against each other."

Kim locked eyes with Tommy who smiled, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously.

Billy cleared his throat and turned back to his friends. "We'll rendezvous with you all in the subsequent hours."

Trini gave him a supportive pat on the back as Kat whisked them off to the dance floor.

Jason laughed. "Well, now I've changed my mind," he said, draping his arm around Trini.

"You want to dance now?" She stared at him in shock.

"No. I want you to come with me," he explained. He shot a look to Kim and Tommy.

"You two suckers can go find us a table."

Tommy groaned as Kim stuck her tongue out at Jason.

"Poison, bro?" Jason asked.

Tommy shrugged. "Beer, I guess."

"Lame!" Jason teased, spinning around as he led Trini off to the bar.

Tommy rolled his eyes. He felt Kim's hand take hold of his. "Come on, let's go find a seat."

He let out a shaky breath as she released his hand and started off in search of a place to sit.

It felt like every square inch was occupied. The gang could make fun of him all they wanted, Tommy hated clubs like this. He'd just never understood the appeal. He wasn't a big dancer, so the massive lit up dance floor barely made an impression. He disliked almost all of the music they played. The drinks were always overpriced and watered down. Lines for the bathroom were so long you might as well piss in the alley. And as novel as some of the amenities looked, they just added to the din and distraction. It wasn't even conducive for a date, privacy was a joke in this place, right?

Though as he muddle through the swarm, it reminded him of walking in a big city. You were almost more anonymous. There were so many people, they paid little mind to anyone else. Lost in the crowd, indeed. Even so, he maintained, if you did manage to find some secluded recess, the place was so damn loud, you'd still have to shout at your date to be heard.

Though he supposed any couple who found themselves in one of those concealed spots, probably didn't go there for conversation.

He shook his head. Maybe he was an old man.

He was about to shout for Kim to watch out as she narrowly sidestepped a random shoulder. More unknown hands rested against anonymous bodies as he tried to keep pace with her swift navigation through the crowd. He was not nearly as nimble as she was. Credit her size, he figured. Or with being a hot chick trying to get where she needed to go in a club filled with leering men and women.

He managed to gain on her, coming up right behind her. She glanced over her shoulder as he rested a hand on the small of her back. She smiled and kept moving only as fast as would allow Tommy to remain attached.

Finally, and after what felt like an eternity, they made it to the other side. Err, well, beyond the perimeter, of the horde.

He exhaled audibly and rubbed his forehead. This place was already starting to give him a headache.

"Welp, we're up in the cheap seats but at least they're seats," Kim said. She slid into the high back booth up against the wall.

Tommy glanced around as he slid in beside her. They were nowhere near from where they'd started. He couldn't even see the entrance anymore.

"Think Trini and Jason will be able to find us?" He asked.

"Maybe," she mumbled. She craned her neck to look out. Not that it mattered. She'd need to get up on Tommy's shoulders before she'd ever be able to see anything.

They could see the deejay, elevated on the balcony as he was. And their table was right off the dance floor.

"Think we'll ever see Zack again?" he mused. He looked over at Kim, absently bobbing her head to the music.

She hadn't heard him. He smiled. She caught him staring. She smiled back. "What?"

He rolled his eyes. He scooted closer and lowered his mouth to her ear. She leaned in at the ready.

Okay, okay. So maybe he hadn't given the club's set up enough credit.

"You look like you're having fun."

She smirked and cupped her hand around his ear to say. "You look miserable."

She pulled back to gauge his reaction. He laughed. She bit her lip and pulled him back again. "You smell good."

He mimicked her last move, cupping her ear before leaning in closer. "I'm wearing your gift."

"Good job me," she said. He couldn't stop smiling. He still felt a bit like an idiot. Voluntarily choosing to converse this way. But he couldn't stop smiling.

"You like this music?"

She shrugged. "Why, wanna dance?"

He reared back in feigned surprise, pointing first to himself and then to her. When she nodded he pretended to throw up.

She playful punched his arm as he laughed. He caught her hand and pulled her closer.

He leaned into her ear once more. "Maybe a slower song. I'm not as young as I used to be."

She bit her lip, turning his head to respond in his ear, "I'll go easy on you."

He pulled back to study her face. His eyes fell onto her lips as he licked his own. She smiled.

"What did I say?" Jason's voice rang out as Trini laughed.

"He was very good looking, babe. You'd have my complete permission."

Tommy had never been so glad to see them. He practically shot out of the booth as his friends arrived. He extended his hands to help Trini as she carefully balanced the very full glass in her hands. Trini shot him a grateful smile as he set one of the cocktails down and gently slid it across to Kim.

Trini set her own glass on the table before taking a seat. Tommy stopped her and offered his former spot next to Kim.

"Here, you take the booth."

She frowned in confusion before deciding whatever and slid next to Kim. Jason and Tommy took the outer chairs that faced the wall, across from the girls.

Jason handed him his bottle of beer before smacking his own rocks glass against it.

"Cheers, bro."

Tommy raised his bottle, "Cheers."

"Wait, wait," Kim shouted, sitting up on her knees in the booth. She was too short to reach for a toast otherwise. She snuck a tiny sip from her cocktail to bring the level down before smacking her lips at the taste.

Her companions laughed as they held up the drinks in anticipation. The vinyl sank unevenly under her weight, Tommy's hand shot out to help steady her. She kept her hand braced against his and raised her drink with her free hand.

"Call it, Pinkie," Jason directed.

"Here's to….old friends and new memories—No, wait, that's dumb."

Tommy's mouth stopped abruptly at the lip of his bottle and shot her a look.

Jason shrugged and took a sip of his jack and coke. As Kim had done before her, Trini took a sip long enough to render her less fearful of spilling.

They poised their drinks again as Kim started back up. "Here's to—"

"Here's to figuring stuff out." Tommy said. He shot her a wink.

She smiled. "Here's to figuring stuff out with old friends," she amended.

"Cheers!"

Jason leaned over to give Trini a kiss.

Tommy watched Kim as she set her glass back on the table. He relinquished his hold on her arm. She was still kneeling into the vinyl.

He smirked. "You gonna stay in the seat like that all night?"

She glared at him. "Oh, you'd be amazed how long I can stay on my knees."

He went into a coughing fit.

Jason and Trini turned to look at the commotion as Kim sat back down properly in her seat and calmly took another sip of her gimlet.

"You ok, bro?" Jason asked, smacking him on the back a few times.

Tommy's face was red. Trying to catch his breath as he waved off Jason's concern.

"Well, hello you beautiful people."

The table looked up to see a shot girl standing over them.

Jason was all ready to say no when a hand at his back stopped him.

"We'll take four, whatcha got?"

Jason looked at Tommy in surprise. "Really?" Tommy was already up and out of his seat, inspecting the choices.

Jason sighed and gave a look to the girls. "Ladies?"

Kim nodded excitedly as Trini laughed. "Sure, why not."

Jason leaned away as the shot girl rested her hip against the side of his chair.

Trini laughed at her husband's sweet attempt to seem grossed out by the obviously attractive shot girl.

Kim smirked as Tommy kept pulling out the different vial-shaped glasses from their slots. He held them up to the light and sniffed their contents.

"Here, Jason, take my seat," Kim instructed as climbed out of the booth.

He accepted her mercy and scrambled over to sit next to Trini. He placed a kiss to her temple as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

Trini handed off his drink to him, lovingly replacing the napkin beneath it.

"You're such a coward," Trini chuckled. Jason frowned and whispered in her ear.

"Her crotch was very close to my face."

Trini laughed hysterically.

Kim slid up beside Tommy. "They're not lab samples, you dork. Just pick something."

He scowled. "I thought it was just gonna be like, tequila or vodka shots. These all have weird names."

Kim smiled to the shot girl, "Forgive my friend. He's new."

The shot girl laughed, her giant boobs bouncing. They rattled the tray in her hands.

Tommy stumbled. "What are the boob ones—uh, blue ones?"

Shot Girl raised the vial. "Kamikaze; vodka, lime and blue curucao."

Kim made a face. "I'll handle this. Does the club have a house shot?"

The girl nodded and pulled out a vial. "The Neon Bombshell; Midori, Sprite, and Sweet Revenge."

Kim cackled hysterically. She didn't know if the girl was being cute or if that was the actual name for a liquor.

"We'll take 'em."

Shot Girl nodded as she pulled out the drinks and handed them off to Kim.

Kim held up the drinks to the light. "Ope, look at that, they're green and pink." Kim gave Tommy a wink.

Tommy rolled his eyes and reached for his wallet.

Shot Girl nodded. "That'll be 20 bucks."

Jason and Trini took their vials as Kim sat back down, holding on to hers and Tommy's.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Danni, Danni, hold up. I got them. No charge for them."

The foursome's eyes lit up as Zack came sliding up behind the shot girl as he wrapped an arm around her.

Tommy put away his wallet. Kim, Jason and Trini greeted him from their seats.

"Zack!" "We didn't think we'd ever see you again!"

Zack winked to his friends. Danni, the artist formerly known as Shot Girl, spoke low in his ear.

Zack nodded as he grabbed a fifth shot for himself. "Yeah, yeah, just tell Akil I got it covered."

She whispered something else. Zack smiled.

"You'll get your tip later," he said quietly. Danni laughed and walked off.

Jason gave Tommy a sly look as Zack spun back around and clapped a hand onto Tommy's shoulder.

"Thanks, man."

"You got it." Zack addressed the group. "Hey, I can't pay for your drinks at the bar but I got you if you want more shots, okay?"

Tommy came to sit back down. Kim handed him his shot.

Zack looked around, "So you crazy kids explored this dance floor yet? Get your freak on?"

They all shook their heads in the negative.

"What?" Zack balked, "How are you going to come to a club like NEON with me and not have been out there to dance?"

The group just laughed. Zack shook his head ruefully.

"Billy—Billy, man—I saw Billy out there!" Zack sputtered, pointing to the crowd of gyrating bodies.

Zack threw his head back and pouted at Kim, "Kim, you're my girl, you wanna come out there with me and bust a move?"

Her face scrunched apologetically, "Dance card's full, I think I might have convinced this one to join me later," she explained, thumbing to Tommy.

Tommy gave a hopeless shrug.

Zack's disappointment was short lived. He smiled and nodded. "Oh, okay. Alright. Well then, you guys just keep having fun. Let's do this shot."

The group nodded. Shots poised at the ready.

"Any special instructions with this thing?" Trini wondered.

"Shoot it," Jason said.

They counted down and tipped their heads. An assortment of scowls and screwed up faces returned as the taste hit them.

Jason wagged his face. "Jesus, that is tart," he said, holding out his hand to rid himself of the empty vial as quickly as possible.

Zack nodded as made his rounds collecting the spent drinks. "Yeah house shots are usually saved for the ladies, no offense."

Kim clutched her chest and handed him her vial. "None taken," she coughed out.

"I kinda like it," Trini shrugged, licking her lips.

"Me too," Tommy nodded.

"Alright," Zack said, "Promise me you won't just stay in this spot all night?"

"We won't," Trini said.

"Okay, good. I'll find you guys again in a bit."

"Bye!"

"Why do I feel like we just got a visit from the manager?" Jason asked.

Tommy laughed and leaned back in his chair, resting his arm across the back of Kim's.

"I think he's just really smooth," Tommy offered. "Can't even help it."

Trini turned to Jason. "Well, whaddya say? Shall we get out of this booth for a bit? Stretch our legs?"

Jason nodded and gave her a playful kiss. "Sure."

She pried his arm from around her shoulders, holding onto his hand as she climbed out of her seat.

He quickly downed the rest of his earlier cocktail as Trini yanked him out of the booth.

Jason looked at Kim and Tommy. "You guys wanna join?"

Tommy opened his mouth to respond. Trini grabbed Jason by the collar and pulled him down to whisper something in his ear.

Jason blushed and gave the other pair a shrug. "Uh, you're on your own."

His arms wrapped about Trini from behind as she guided them off into the crowd.

Tommy snickered. "And that's how baby number three gets made."

Kim and Tommy laughed as they watched the couple disappear. Kim looked back at him.

"You look like you're having more fun now."

Tommy nodded. "I am."

"Good."

The scratch of a record sounded. A captured quote from some vintage audio began, followed by a low tattoo of a vocalized downbeat.

Tommy looked up at the deejay, a smiling curling on his lips before he turned to look back at Kim. They shared a small laugh as they listened to the bit of dialogue.

"I feel that you shouldn't get involved in an intimate relationship
Until you are emotionally mature enough to handle it totally
Able to cope with your feelings and your sexuality
Without guilt, inhibition or phoniness
But with love, tenderness and honesty…"

The lights in the club shifted in an instant, dropping down and casting a fuchsia glow all around. The moody synthesizer faded up, the lazy electronic pulse of the music wordlessly dictating the pace of the bodies that had begun moving on the dance floor. Tommy started bobbing his head, pleasantly surprised that he was enjoying the beat.

Throaty female vocals were heard, though it spoke more than actually sang. The lyrics drawled out in sultry breaths.

Things were disappearing
In my neighborhood
Once again somebody
Was up to no good
I saw that you were wanted
But not like I wanted you

Kim stood up and grabbed his hand with a soft tug. He rose from his seat with little resistance. He swallowed the lump in his throat, studying the back of her head as she led them out onto the crowded floor.

She turned back to face him, guiding his hands to lay about her waist, trapping herself in the loose confines of his arms. She held her arms above her head and shifted to the staccato tempo, her shoulders rolling as she swayed her hips. It might have been repetitive if not for the erotic undertones of the song.

And that's when I knew I had to be with you
And that's when I knew if I didn't I'd be through
To end my grief I'd have to catch a thief
Your love was my relief my love is your release

Come into my window
It's open every night
That's where I'll be waiting
I'll keep off all the lights
I'm lying on my bed
Crown jewels on my head

He stood lamely as she danced for him, her breasts skimmed against his torso as she moved. She lowered her arms as she turned in his hold, her back pressed against his front. She led his hands to lie against her stomach, lacing their fingers together as she rocked languidly in time to the ambient rhythm.

I'd never give you up
So come in from the cold, let your hair down
I'd hide you from the cops
Don't be frightened now my love
I'll take a life of crime
All to make you mine

She raised her left arm and reached up behind her, letting her fingers run against the side of his cheek, her head lolling to the other side and exposing the curve of her neck. He bowed his head, inhaling the scent of her hair as her fingers raked through his.

Come in off that roof top
You're so handsome dressed in black

His breath fanned across her neck and her eyes fluttered shut. She smiled as his nose nudged her ear and she turned her face to meet his. He leaned in closer, their mouths dangerously close to one another's.

See you in the shadows
I'd like to see you on your back

She dipped in a sudden burst, bending at the knees before twisting slowly as she slid back up the length of him. She arched her back and pressed the curve of her ass into him. His right hand held her tighter as his left hand shot up to grab the wrist still draped around his neck. He stroked the length of her arm, over her shoulder, dragging his fingers down and along the left side of her body.

Take this precious treasure
And I will treasure you

Still they rocked together as the unwavering hypnotic loop of music kept them in its thrall.

We'll run away my dear
Some place special have no fear
We'll even change our names
We'll be kinky, we'll be strange

She turned in his arms to face him once more. His hands dragged across her midsection before landing on the swell of her backside as she fisted the fabric of his shirt to pull him closer. Over and over, their bodies met and teased, rolling and winding slowly against the other. Their shared gaze intense and hungry.

I'll take a life of crime
All to make you mine
All to catch a thief
Your love was my relief my love is your release
Your love was my relief my love is your release
All to catch a thief

The last word swallowed by the final chord. Both of them left panting. Tommy licked his lips as his fingers flexed against her hips. She laid her palm flat against his stomach and let it slip before backing away slowly and disappeared into crowd.

The lights shifted into blue, the pounding bass line of a new and anonymous techno song already blasting through the speakers.

The last song's enchantment breaking left him no less determined. He pushed through the throng of undulating bodies that surrounded him. Kim was so small he'd lost sight of her as soon as she'd walked off. He squeezed between the backs of flailing dancers, wincing when he caught an elbow to the gut. Finally emerging on the other side, he scanned the club before his eyes landed on the far end of the neon- trimmed bar.

She was leaning over the counter. And despite the generous heels she sported, still stood on her tiptoes to accommodate her forwardly bent position. Her bare legs on display from the criminally short dress she'd worn tonight, the hem stopping mid-thigh.

He watched as she fell back onto one heel and propped the other leg on the foot rail as he made his approach.

The bartender placed a rocks glass before her. She produced a thin leather case from her cleavage and handed the man the bills. He nodded thanks as he took the money and left.

Her small wallet still clutched in her right hand, she pulled the drink closer by the napkin with her left. Propping the elbow onto the counter while lifting the drink to her lips, she took a slow, contemplative sip. She studied the amber liquid for a moment before curling her hand inward and resting it against her cheek, still holding the glass. She stared off into nothing.

Her eyes shot up as a hand grabbed her drink, tearing her from her thoughts. Tommy brought the glass up to his lips and downed the rest before coming to sit on the stool beside her. He sucked in a breath as the alcohol burned on his tongue.

He replaced the empty glass on the counter in front of her before signaling for the bartender.

"Whiskey?" he guessed.

"Bourbon," she corrected.

The bartender returned. "Two more of these," Tommy said. The man nodded and went off again.

He spun in his chair to observe the crowd, leaning an elbow onto the counter as he sprawled out in the seat.

Kim drew lazy circles around the rim of her spent drink glass as she watched him.

The muscles in his jaw ticked, highlighting his cheekbones. Her eyes dropped to the column of his neck before reaching his collarbone. The smallest expanse of extra skin exposed thanks to the top few buttons undone from his shirt. She tilted her head as she studied the way the white fabric clung to his muscled chest and arms.

He'd rolled up the sleeves at some point earlier in the night, exposing his sculpted forearms. She smirked as she considered he'd done it for her benefit. He'd worn a similar outfit when they'd gone out to dinner the night she'd arrived in town. She'd commented how much she loved that very specific part of his upper body, and especially when he'd cuff or push up the fabric to his elbow. Something about the way the veins and muscles twisted and flexed beneath the skin, strong and masculine.

Her gaze hovered even lower, the dark wash of denim pulled taut against his thighs as he reclined in the barstool. His bulge prominently on display while he sat with his legs fanned out.

"That'll be ten bucks."

Kim's eyes snapped back to the expectant bartender as she flipped her booklet open.

Tommy caught her by the elbow and lifted himself enough to reach into his back pocket for his own wallet.

He handed off his card to the man. "Keep it open."

The bartender nodded and left them once again.

Kim snapped her money case shut and slipped it back into a very particular crook of her dress, head bowed to examine herself to ensure the item was secure and wasn't causing any unsightly bulges.

Tommy reached for a glass as he watched her. He smiled.

"That's where you keep your money?"

She looked up. "Where else am I supposed to keep it, wearing this?"

He smirked, handing her the glass in his hand before reaching for the other one.

He raised his arm. "Cheers."

"Cheers," she echoed, their twin drinks clinking together.

He took a slow but wide mouthful, his lips pursed thoughtfully before swallowing.

Again, he gritted his teeth as the kickback from the drink buzzed inside his mouth.

Kim took a smaller sip, savoring the oaky fumes. It made her lips tingle, a sensation she knew might indicate a subtle poisoning, but she enjoyed it nonetheless.

"Thank you for the drink," she said.

He shrugged. "I owed you one."

She snickered, turning around to lean against the bar, one arm bent to rest behind her as she stole another sip.

She surveyed the crowd, the deep, funky bass of the current song contenting the sea of bodies in ceaseless gyration.

"So, where do you think everyone else wandered off to?"

He shook his head. "I don't know," he said, "I don't really care right now."

She turned to face him. He kept his eyes on hers as he raised his glass to take another pull.

She set her drink down and inched herself toward him. He finished off the rest of his and placed it on the counter.

He sat up in his chair and scooted himself forward in the seat as Kim came to stand between his legs. He held her gently by the hips.

Her hands rested on the tops of his thighs, palms idly massaging them over his jeans.

He leaned in, his lips slightly parted. She smiled as he ghosted his face across her own. Close enough to feel the heat from him, but never making contact.

He breeched the imaginary line as his nose brushed up against her cheek, his lips nearly grazing the corner of her mouth. Their eyes met time and time again, silently checking in on one another as they continued to hover. The anticipation of making a move now threatening to explode…

Mum-mum-mum-mah
Mum-mum-mum-mah
Mum-mum-mum-mah
Mum-mum-mum-mah
Mum-mum-mum-mah

"GIRL THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG!"

They pulled apart immediately, Kim turned to lean up against the bar as casually as she could while Tommy spun the stool around to face the bar.

Aisha stopped dead in her tracks. She shot a scrutinizing look at Kim who to her credit, looked a lot calmer than she felt.

I wanna hold 'em like they do in Texas, please
Fold 'em, let 'em hit me, raise it, baby, stay with me (I love it)
Love game intuition, play the cards with spades to start
And after he's been hooked, I'll play the one that's on his heart

Aisha nudged her head to indicate the man in the chair beside her. Kim gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head.

Aisha rushed her at that moment and grabbed her by the elbow. "Come on, let's dance."

Kat stumbled out of the crowd, still holding onto to Trini's hand as they'd done the moment Aisha had heard the start of the Gaga song and they'd decided to brave the mob in search of Kim.

"Kim!" Kat cheered, "You found her!"

Aisha pulled Kim along as the two other women smiled brightly as they drew closer. Trini looked over the heads of the two shorter women approaching and recognized the sulking figure at the bar.

Oh, whoa, oh, oh
Oh, oh oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Kim shared an impassable look with Trini before unthreading her arm from Aisha and held up a finger to signal her to wait.

Aisha smirked as she turned to watch Kim dash back to the bar. Trini and Kat came up to stand beside her.

"What happened there?" Trini whispered.

Aisha looked up at the taller woman and rolled her eyes.

Oh, whoa, oh, oh
Oh, oh oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Tommy gave a polite nod to the bartender as he set down another double shot before him. He reached for the glass almost immediately but didn't down it just yet. He stared down into the cup for a moment and exhaled sharply.

Steeling himself he brought the glass to his lips and knocked back the brown liquid before setting the glass gingerly onto the counter.

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

His fist flew to his mouth as he winced and sucked on his teeth. He'd never get used to that burn. He wasn't a big drinker, and he liked the taste of a few hard liquors but bourbon was not his usual choice. He supposed it was his fault. Bourbon was not meant for chugging. But he needed something to calm down, and he needed it fast.

A hand on his shoulder made him turn. Kim smiled back him, saw her old drink on the counter, and downed what remained.

Her eyes watered as she let out a single, strained cough. Tommy managed a small smile. "Serves you right."

She set the glass back down as he glanced over his shoulder. Three pairs of eyes watched them curiously. "You should probably get back over there."

"I'm going." Kim assured him. "You wanna join us?"

He shook his head and turned back toward the bar. "No thanks. One dance was enough for me."

Kim rolled her eyes as she watched him imbibe another sip of his bourbon.

Seeing her still standing there, he turned his head to look at her. "Seriously Kim, go. I can feel the girls burning a hole in my back."

She frowned but nodded, turning to leave. Satisfied she'd left for good, he turned back to his drink once again.

Oh, whoa, oh, oh
Oh, oh oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, whoa, oh, oh
Oh, oh oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

The girls exploded onto the dance floor, arms to the sky as they snaked and bobbed to the beat.

Aisha and Rocky had run into Zack once Aisha had insisted on corralling Kim. They spotted Billy and Kat who'd managed to snag a spot in front a half wall that separated the bar from the dance floor. Jason and Trini were just returning from parts unknown, Kat explaining to them where Aisha had gone in such a hurry.

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face (mum-mum-mum-mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face (mum-mum-mum-mah)

In turns as sexy as they were silly, they swiped a flat hand past their face, changing expressions from serious to smiling. Rocky strutted onto the floor and joined them, making them laugh with clunky robotic isolations. Aisha shook her head and playfully shoved him away. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him, stealing a kiss.

Mum-mum-mum-mah
Mum-mum-mum-mah

Jason frowned and sipped his drink, "Rocky had the right idea. Why are the rest of us just standing here like a bunch of love-struck idiots?"

I won't tell you that I love you, kiss or hug you
'Cause I'm bluffin' with my muffin
I'm not lying, I'm just stunnin' with my love-glue-gunnin'

Trini's moves were a bit conservative, rolling her shoulders and hips in a steady rhythm, but if anyone knew her she was thoroughly enjoying herself. Jason held up his drink in a silent toast of appreciation. Trini feigned indifference with an aloof nod of her chin, shrugged, and continued her low-key shuffle.

"Perhaps because we all appear to be?" Billy suggested, tipping his own glass back.

Kat put everyone else's moves to shame. She was incredibly fluid, as one might have expected. Aside from Zack, she was easily the best dancer in the group. Her sways and dips always completed in long pulls and strokes. No move made without grace, even the raunchiest bends and snaps were still marked by years of training and precision.

Kim and Aisha were the sloppiest, both of them more athletes than dancers, ever. And though they both possessed the grace, the objective of tonight was to let loose, and they'd jokingly enjoyed this song a few years back when it came out, pledging a silly allegiance that it become their theme.

Just like a chick in the casino
Take your bank before I pay you out

I promise this, promise this
Check this hand 'cause I'm marvelous

Kim jerked her neck back and forth as the winding synth in the song dictated. She raised her arms above her head and bent her elbows, pushing up the air above her.

Aisha held out her arms and beckoned Trini with the crook of her finger. They shot each other a deadly glare, sucking in their cheeks and pouting in mock intensity. Kim joined them moments later. They bungled what little Voguing they understood before doubling over in laughter. Trini braced a hand on Kim's shoulder as she wiped away hysterical tears.

"I'm getting too old for this!"

"Never!" Aisha shouted. Her legs bent in a shallow squat as she brace her hands on her thighs and thrust her chest in rapid succession. Her long braids swinging in time like a pendulum.

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Rocky bounded back over to the men, greeting Zack with an intricate series of slaps and high fives. The two of them shamelessly hooted and whistled at the girls.

Billy looked at Zack. "I'm surprised to see you not participating."

Zack bobbed his head. Tommy appeared at his side, a dark expression on face. Zack looked back to the dance floor, understanding the source of his friend's expression. Zack looked back to Billy and smirked.

"Sometimes watching is more fun, man."

Tommy stared hotly. His eyes roving up and down Kim's body as she moved. She'd given over to whatever thrill the song possessed of her. He couldn't say he minded.

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Kat extended a long leg and cocked her hip, Aisha rolling up against her as they danced back to back. "I think we have an audience…"

Aisha rolled her eyes. "Well, duh."

Kim dared to look over to where she knew the boys had gathered. The guys were ogling all of them, playful and amused.

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

To anyone watching out of context, Tommy might have appeared bored. Kim knew better. She'd seen that fixed expression too many times.

For all that he could be goofy and a bit of a smart-ass, he was just as intense.

But his seriousness could mean different things. Sometimes he'd held it in a moment of sobering truth. Sometimes it meant absolute resolve. Sometimes it signaled danger.

Right now, the look in his eyes was more like watching a hand on the nock of an arrow pulled taut against a bow.

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

His eyes twitched ever so slightly as she met his gaze, his position had been compromised.

She smirked and turned back to her friends to finish out the song. That arrow might be poised to strike. But Kim was the archer.

Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)
Can't read my, can't read my
No, he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Mum-mum-mum-mah

-x-