A/N: Thank you for the reviews. Please keep them coming.

Comfort

Chapter 7

The early part of the day went by pretty uneventfully. The all-nighter the trio had experienced caught up with them, and they all took a mid-day nap. Adam had felt uncomfortable sleeping in the same bed as Rocky, though he knew it would have to happen sooner or later, so he took the couch to take his nap. He pretended that he had just gotten so comfortable that he didn't want to move. Katherine had raised an eyebrow at his excuse, but luckily Rocky hadn't caught on.

After their naps, the friends noticed clouds rolling in. Rocky ruled out a hike, so they decided to decorate the cabin. Rocky had held off on decorating until they had gathered, as he felt like it could be a fun activity in case they were bored. During the decorating, Adam's phone rang. He looked at the ID that came up, and gasped. Rocky and Katherine gave him quizzical looks.

"Um…" Adam stuttered. "I'll be right back." The former black ranger quickly exited the room into Katherine's room, shut the door, and answered the phone.

"Why are you calling me?" Adam whispered.

"What? I can't wish you a merry Christmas?" the voice on the other end replied.

"No, Derek, you can't. You don't wish your ex-boyfriend, who you cheated on, and walked out on, a merry Christmas!"

Derek laughed. "I'm trying to extend the olive branch, Adam."

"I don't want anything from you, Derek. Enjoy your new life, and lose my number." Adam hung up and threw the phone against the wall, trying to control the tears. He knew Derek was trying to get to him. The last month of their relationship he had started pushing Adam's buttons, and seemed to get great pleasure of it. He morphed into something that wasn't the man that he had fallen in love with. Adam sat down on the bed, and tried to clear his head, when he heard a clearing of a throat.

"Um… who is Derek?" Rocky said from the doorway. Adam looked up, and then looked beyond Rocky to Katherine.

"I tried to stop him from hearing," Katherine apologized.

"It's fine, Kat," Adam sighed. "How much did you hear, Rock?"

"Well I heard his name, and I heard that you were his boyfriend."

"Ex," Kat and Adam both said at the same time.

"Fine. Ex. So this is why you've been hiding it from me?" Rocky replied.

"I didn't know how to tell everyone, Rocky. Especially you."

Rocky sighed. "Kat, can you leave us alone for a sec?"

"Sure," she said, and shut the door.

Rocky sat down on the bed next to Adam. "Adam, I am your best friend. Have been since we were little. You have always been able to tell me everything."

Adam choked back tears. "I just… it is something out of left field. I didn't even know until Derek came into my life. I mean, looking back there were signs. But it just goes against everything everyone knows about me."

"But two years Adam?"

"I know!" Adam exclaimed. "I feel bad enough right now Rocky!"

Rocky put his arm around Adam. "Calm down. I'm sorry. Look, I accept you Adam. Trust me, I do. Yeah I'm a bit hurt you couldn't tell me of all people, but I understand."

The pair sat there for a bit, not saying anything, allowing Adam to calm down.

"Do I need to go beat him up?" Rocky asked. Adam laughed.

"Kim did a good job of chewing him out. I don't think he'll forget that."

"She is a feisty one," Rocky laughed. "C'mon. Let's go finish decorating."

The pair rejoined Katherine out in the living room.

The evening was fun. The three made dinner together, and started gossiping about the other rangers.

"So have either of you heard from Zach or Jason lately?" Rocky asked. The others shook their heads.

"I think Kim heard from Jason about three months ago. He really didn't say much, was just doing an obligatory phone call to check in. Ever since he lost the Gold Ranger powers, he has been standoffish to everyone. But this year was the first year it really became apparent to Kim and the other original rangers. Zack just told Kim when she asked that he was growing up and didn't feel he needed to be tied to the group anymore," Adam said.

Katherine shook her head. "No one tied him to us. Or Jason. I thought we were all friends."

Rocky shrugged. "I know what it is like to lose powers like that. But I guess I just didn't want to lose you guys as friends."

The trio continued their gossip until late into the night. Katherine was the first one to get tired.

"Okay boys, I'm off to bed. The no-sleep thing with an hour nap is catching up with me." She kissed each of the boys on their cheeks, and went into the guest room. Rocky stretched soon after.

"Yeah I think I should hit the hay."

Adam looked away from his friend. "Given what you've found out today, I can stay on the couch if you want."

Rocky made a face. "What? Adam what are you talking about?"

"Well I can see it being awkward…"

"Awkward? Adam we've shared a bed together since we were kids."

"Yeah but I just came out to you. And I can see how that would be uncomfortable for you."

Rocky smiled. "Adam, I'm not having you sleep on the couch. I'm not uncomfortable. Let's just go to bed."

Adam smiled an uncomfortable smile as the pair climbed the stairs. Adam went into the bathroom to brush his teeth, and when he came out, Rocky was just wearing pajama pants.

"My turn," Rocky exclaimed, brushing past Adam into the bathroom. Adam nervously went through his bag, and found his pajama pants and a t-shirt. He changed his clothes quickly and climbed into the bed. Rocky soon joined him.

"Night Adam," Rocky said turning off the light.

"Night," Adam said. The pair went silent, but a few minutes later, Adam felt the tears welling up. He let out what he thought was a silent sob.

"Adam? What is wrong?" Rocky said.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to bother you."

"You aren't bothering me. What is wrong?"

Adam sighed. "Nights have been tough for me since Derek left. Going two years never sleeping alone, and then having that ripped from you, kinda does a number on you. But I'll be fine. Go back to sleep."

Rocky remained silent. Adam thought that Rocky had just decided to let it be. Adam continued to softly cry, but stopped when he suddenly felt two arms wrap around him.

"Is this better?" Rocky whispered.

Adam didn't know what to say.

"Rocky? What are you doing?"

"I just don't want to see you upset. So, relax, and just know someone is here for you."

Adam started to slowly relax into the comfort of Rocky's strong arms. Soon he found himself in a spooning position with his friend.

"Thank you Rocky," Adam whispered as the tears dried up. He was surprised to then feel Rocky's lips against the back of his head.

"I'll always be here for you Adam," Rocky whispered back, and soon the two were sleeping comfortably.