Misery Loves Company

by

A Warrior's Prophet

Disclaimer:We don't own Power Rangers or any characters that you might recognize. Kyle is based on a real person who has given us their permission to use his name and likeness.

Chp 5 – Uncovering the Past

Hovering just between awake and asleep, Adam unconsciously decided that he was cold. His feet were cold, his hands were cold...he was shivering all over. This involuntary shaking is what finally woke him up. At first he was a bit disoriented, realizing that he wasn't in his own bedroom. 'What the...where am I?' and then he looked over at the sleeping form beside him. 'Jase?' He paused and thought for a moment, and then it all came back to him. 'Oh yeah... me being brilliant and drinking for days on end. That's why I'm here.' He pulled the covers up to his chin and tried to get warm, but he seemed to be chilled to the bone. He could, however, feel a distinct warmth coming from the body next to him in the bed. 'Wonder if he'd mind...' Deciding that he was too cold and sick to be shy, he scooted over slightly and tried to snuggle up to his friend without waking him.

Jason reacted automatically and let his arm come down to rest on the body next to him and pulled it closer without really waking up. It was the slight shaking and coolness that finally woke him up. Frowning, he looked down at the figure next to him. "Adam? You okay?" He didn't move except to pull the shaking form closer. That was when he noticed the sweat that almost covered the other man.

"I-I'm c-cold, Jase," the former Black Ranger said while trying to burrow under his friend.

"Yeah, but you're also sweating." He leaned over the side of the bed and dug through his kit. He'd pulled it closer during the night in case it was needed. Finding the ear thermometer, he put a probe cover on it, and then turned towards his friend. "Going to take your temp, so just hold still a moment for me." Carefully, he placed the thermometer in Adam's ear and hit the start button then waited for it to beep. Getting the reading, he sighed softly. "Well, it's not too bad, but not great, 102 there Froggy."

"Great. Why would I have a fever from getting drunk?" he mumbled, continuing to shiver. He felt mildly nauseous and the shaking wasn't helping. He was miserable.

Jason couldn't help it as he chuckled softly and pulled the other man back into him, holding him close. "Because you forgot to take care of yourself when you were drinking." He sighed softly. "You weren't eating and only drinking alcohol. When you passed out yesterday, you were only in your boxers and on top of the covers. By the time we got there, you were already chilled. The not eating, drinking only beer and booze plus getting sick like you did a few times, it dehydrated you. I gave you 2 bags of fluid last night, but that's still not enough to get you anywhere close to normal. So this is your body's way of saying it doesn't like being neglected."

"Mmm...Yeah, I guess you're right. I was an idiot." He paused when he shivered hard. "Damn it...I'm freezing. You're like a furnace though-don't mind me curling up, do ya?"

"No, I don't mind. If I did, I wouldn't have brought you closer after getting your temp. We'll give it a few minutes and if you're still cold, you can go take a warm shower and I'll make you some tea. Need to start eating again, bro."

"Yeah," he said simply and nodded. As he snuggled up, Adam moved his hand slightly on the soft t-shirt that his friend wore. Finally, he slid his arm across Jason's stomach and held onto the man's waist.

Sighing softly, the paramedic rested his head on the shorter man's while he wrapped his arms around him. "Want to talk about it?"

Adam took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I feel like such a waste of space right now. I'm ashamed of myself and now I'm ashamed of putting my friends through a bad time because of me. I can't do anything right."

"Oh Adam," He let his hands gently rub up and down the other man's back. "You are far from a waste of space. Right now, you're just going through a bad time and don't know how to really handle it. Everything's hitting you at once and it's overwhelming you. So you freaked out a bit, got really depressed and tried to drown your problems with alcohol. Only thing with that is that they're still there when the alcohol is gone. You let yourself get into a cycle that's hard to break, but we're here to help you. That's what friends do."

"And I appreciate it, I really do. But I'm also disgusted with myself for the way I let things end with Brooke. I didn't put up a fight...I didn't beat the hell outta that bastard like I should have...I just walked off and let him have her. I put my tail between my legs and ran. Some man I am," Adam said wearily, still shivering slightly, but beginning to still.

Jason was quiet for a few minutes. "Maybe you were falling out of love with her and that's why you let her go so easily."

"Humph...or maybe I was just a coward."

Frowning down at him, Jason swatted him mildly on the ass. "Enough of that, Adam. There's a difference between being man enough to walk away when your heart is no longer in something and fighting for something that no longer holds your heart."

"So why don't you fight for Tommy?" he asked, knowing it was a touchy subject but also knowing that Jason wouldn't yell at a sick man.

"Because right now, my heart is torn between my family and the man that I love. Until I can make the choice to leave my family behind..." He shakes his head. "It'd be unfair to Tommy. Aside from that, we're not talking about me. We're talking about you." He leaned back a bit, then tilted Adam's chin up so that he could look into his eyes. "I know that Brooke hurt you and that her family was no picnic either, but I promise you, things will get better." He grinned. "Just think of the hoops the next person that tries to marry her is going to have to go through. Or if they'll even want her." He winked at him. "After all, if she drops the office boy, whoever's next will be getting smelly thirds and probably have a lot less talent than you do."

"I don't care what she does. I just hope I never have to look at her or talk to her ever again. I just wish I'd handled things differently. Thanks for listening to me...and taking care of me, Jase...you're a good friend."

"Adam, if you had handled things differently, gone over there and fought to get her back, what is likely to have happened? Huh? Aside from you getting thrown in jail, having charges brought against you that, aside from assault, were probably faked and having a crap lawyer?"

"Oh I didn't really want her back...I just think I should've busted the guy in the mouth for fuckin' my wife."

"Yeah, and I can imagine him going to her dad or even her and telling them what a monster you were. That you attacked him for no reason." Jason shook his head. "You'd have been in jail Adam. Besides, like you just said. You didn't want her back." He gave him a small grin. "Feeling any better?"

Adam paused and thought. "Yeah...I am. I really am," he smiled weakly. "Still feel like crap, but not as bad as I did."

"Yeah well, part of that crap feeling is your body telling you how unhappy it is you abused it in this way." He ran a hand through the short, dark locks. "And you're probably going to feel like crap, physically for a few days. So, don't plan on going anywhere for a bit."

He wanted to protest, but he knew that right now, he couldn't really take care of himself. "If you insist... thanks, man."

"No problem." Jason winked at him again, then ran a hand down Adam's back and stopped at his waist. "Why don't you go ahead and get a shower? You're bag's in the guest room, but if Rocky's still asleep you can use something of mine. While you're doing that, I'll make you some tea and oatmeal."

"Okay, but not too much-don't think my stomach can handle it," Adam replied, moving to disentangle himself from the other man.

"Just eat as much as you can and if you're feeling nauseous, I'll give you something for it, but you need the nutrients."

"I'll try my best. Towels in the bathroom?" he asked, moving toward the door.

"Yeah, they're on a shelf above the toilet." Getting up Jason slid a sweatshirt on then went down the hall to the guestroom. Opening the door, he spotted Adam's bag just off to the side and grabbed it. Stopping outside the bathroom, he knocked on the door. "Adam? Your bag's just outside the door."

"Thanks," he called through the door. Starting the water, Adam sat on the edge of the tub until it reached the temperature he preferred. "Maybe this'll warm me up," he mumbled to himself, standing to pull off his clothes.

Going into the kitchen, Jason filled the kettle and then started it to boiling. He'd use the hot water for both the tea and the oatmeal. While the water started warming up, he started getting the rest of the stuff he'd need.

The warm water was making Adam feel a little better...warmer at least. He washed quickly and then let the heat soak into his body. His bruises still smarted and were plenty ugly, but they were beginning to fade at last. 'Now if this bump on the back of my head would go away,' he groused to himself.

Catching the kettle before it could whistle, Jason poured some of the boiling water over the loose tea in the infuser. It was a combination that would help settle Adam's stomach and let the man get a little more sleep. Letting that steep for a few minutes, he added some water to the oatmeal and stirred it. After covering the bowl to keep it warm, he added water to the other bowl, and then put the kettle back on the stove. He'd already taken a couple bottles of water and Gatorade to the bedroom along with a pack of crackers. Putting everything on a tray, he went over to the bathroom. "Are you doing okay, bro?"

The voice startled Adam and he jumped, grabbing madly for the towel that hung on the rack. Covering himself quickly, he answered, "Yeah, I'm okay. I was just getting out." He returned to drying himself off and then opened the door just wide enough to pull his bag inside to retrieve his clothes.

Jason chuckled softly. When Adam finally came out of the bathroom, he grinned at him. "Make sure you put a hoodie on. If you don't have anymore, I've got a couple you can use." He watched his friend. "So want to eat out here or in the bedroom?"

"Out here is fine. And yeah, I need to borrow a hoodie if you don't mind," he said, taking a seat at the kitchen bar. "I don't know what all Rocky grabbed for me and really don't feel like looking at the moment."

He set the bowl of oatmeal and tea in front of Adam. "I've got one on top of the dryer." He went into the laundry area and grabbed one and brought it back out. "Probably gonna be a little big on you, but it's warm." He grabbed his own oatmeal and tea, and then took a seat beside his friend.

Before he even picked up his spoon, Adam took the hoodie and put it on, loving the way it felt. "Nice...this is warm, if a little big," he grinned at the fact that the clothing was at least 2 sizes too large on his smaller frame. After that, he set to eating as much of the oatmeal as he could. "Mmm, this is good. What kind of tea is this?" he asked after taking a long drink.

"It's a blend actually. Sam, think you met him along with David, gave Tommy the recipe. It's got something in it that will calm your stomach and also help you get some more sleep. I added it to a really good Darjeeling. Add in a little honey and there you go."

"Give me the recipe later; I'd like to make some of this at home. The oatmeal is good too, by the way." He really was trying to eat all that he could. He didn't feel all that hungry, but he knew that his body needed the food. That, and he really didn't want to listen to Jason lecture him.

The burly paramedic grinned. "That's from Quaker, but I like mixing the cinnamon and spice with the maple brown sugar." He watched him for a few moments. "Adam, don't push yourself to eat. I know you probably have no appetite, so if you can only manage half of what I gave you, that's fine."

He nodded and as he sat there eating one small bite after another, a thought occurred to him. "Jason, does Tommy know about this? About me, I mean."

"Yeah, we called him to see if he had talked to you. Made us promise we'd call him once we found you."

Adam wrinkled his nose. "And umm...what did he say when you called him back?" After the way he'd flipped out on Tommy about his drinking, Adam was embarrassed that he'd let himself get that drunk for that long.

"He's just worried about you Adam. What you did isn't normal for you and he knows for you to do something like that, then something's bugging you." He grinned slightly. "And he made us promise to take care of you."

"Great. I don't want him to worry about me...he's got enough on his plate. I guess I need to call him."

"We'll call him around his lunchtime. He said that Kyle's going to be gone then and you two can talk." Jason nodded at the almost finished oatmeal in front of his friend. "You had enough?"

"Yeah, I don't think I should push it any further," Adam said, leaning back a bit in the chair. He tried to stifle a yawn but was unsuccessful. "Man, I'm sleepy again all of a sudden."

"Part of that is from the tea and the other part is your body needing its rest." He got up and put their dishes in the sink, then walked back over to Adam and put a hand on his shoulder. "Come on; let's get you back in bed."

"Yeah, good idea." As they walked past the guest room, Adam turned to his friend. "I'm surprised the smell of food didn't wake ol' Rocko up," he said with a grin.

"Yeah well, he had the Li'l Dragons before we went over to your place, so they kind of wore him out a bit." Entering the bedroom, Jase shut the door and then got rid of his sweatshirt before looking over at the other man. "You want me to put another blanket on the bed?"

"No, I think it'll be okay as long as I keep the hoodie on. Is it okay to sleep in it?"

"Yeah, no problem. I'll do a load of clothes later; add your stuff to the wash as well so we have plenty of clean ones for you." He added another blanket to the bed anyway, then climbed in and held the covers up. "Come on; stretch back out under here, Froggy."

Doing as he was asked, Adam crawled back into bed and let Jason help him get comfortable. "I feel a lot better than I did, Jase-thanks. Hopefully I can get some sleep now."

Jason pulled the other man back into him after turning the lamp off. "Just rest Adam. I'll be here if you need me."

Adam nodded slightly, letting out another big yawn. He was asleep in no time after that.

The Original Red Ranger wasn't far behind his friend. When Jason woke again, according to the clock it was almost 9. He stretched a little, being careful to not wake the figure that was still asleep beside him. Carefully, he eased himself out of the bed and then settled the covers back over Adam. He went to the dresser and got some of his clothes, then went to take a shower.

While he was gone, Adam began to wake slowly. He took stock of how he was feeling at the moment. 'Not too bad. At least I don't feel like I'm gonna hurl anymore. My head still hurts though,' he thought, rubbing the large lump on the back of his head.

Jason walked back into the bedroom, and then grinned when he saw Adam awake. He made his way over to the bed and sat down. "How are you feelin'?"

"Not too bad. My head still hurts, but my stomach's better. Rocky awake yet?"

"Haven't heard him moving around." He leaned down to his bag on the floor and picked it up, setting it on the bed. Removing the penlight, he looked at his friend. "Let's see how you're doing, okay? And I apologize in advance if this makes your head hurt worse."

"Alright, go ahead and do what you have to," Adam said, laying back to give Jason better access.

Grinning, Jason shook his head. "Least it was me you said that to and not Rocky." He started checking his friend out, noticing that he flinched a bit when the light was shined in his eyes. "Light bothering you?" He set it aside and grabbed his BP cuff and stethoscope.

"Yeah, a little bit. It makes my head hurt worse. About Rocky, what do you think he'd say?"

"Not sure, but you know with that mouth of his he'd find something to say about it." It only took a few minutes for Jason to finish the rest of his exam, and then sat back. "Well, you've still got a small fever and your blood pressure is still a bit low, but I was kind of expecting both of those." Jason put his stuff away and set the bag back down on the floor. "If you can keep stuff down the rest of today, I'll take the IV port out, but you've really got to work on at least getting some fluids down."

"I think I can drink something without too much problem. What would be best? Gatorade, you think?"

"Yeah, it'll help you rehydrate better than just water. Right now, that's what you need." He grinned at him. "So, want to veg out on the couch or be a bum in here?"

"On the couch, I think. Too lonely in here by myself and I don't expect you to hang out in bed all day. Got any good movies?" he grinned slightly.

The former Gold Ranger snorted. "I'm a bachelor; of course I have good movies." He grinned and stood up. "Come on, let's get you out there and settled. Need to make a pit stop?"

"Definitely, and you know what? I'm actually a little hungry," Adam replied, sure that that would bring a smile to his friend's face.

Jason smiled softly. "Good. Feel up to trying some eggs and dry toast? I don't want to push your stomach a lot, no matter how hungry you might be."

"We can try it-just not too much. I'm sure the smell of food cooking will wake Rocky up this time," he grinned.

"Probably." He chuckled softly. "Grab a pillow. You can use the blanket hanging over the back of the couch." Watching his friend, he was quiet for a moment. "Need some help?"

"Yeah, I might," he said, holding a hand out to his friend. "I'm still pretty weak, I guess."

"Kind of happens when you don't eat or take care of yourself." He helped his friend up, and then grabbed a pillow. "Come on, let's get the morning necessities taken care of and then we'll get you settled on the couch while I make breakfast."

Finally in the living room, Adam sat on the arm of the chair and looked over Jason's DVD collection. "You do have good stuff here-kinda heavy on the action/martial arts genre, but I guess that's to be expected," he laughed. "What do you wanna watch?"

"Hey, I've got a few comedies and horrors in there. Although, the comedies are mainly because of Rocky and the horrors are from Tommy. Pick something that sounds good, I really don't mind." He started getting the things out that he'd need for breakfast, then put a pot of coffee on.

Pulling one off the shelf, Adam giggled. "Oh my goodness...this has to be one of Rocky's!" He held the case up so that Jason could see the title. "I can't see you seriously going into a movie store to buy '3 Ninjas'."

Rolling his eyes, the paramedic snorted. "No, you're right. That's one of his." He blushed slightly. "I've gotta admit, it is kind of funny. The youngest reminds me of Rocky with how he's always eating."

"Let's watch it, I need to laugh," Adam said and handed it to Jason. He got up slowly and made his way to the couch, sitting down carefully. "Man, any movement makes my head just pound."

"I'll get you something for that in a minute." He popped the video in and went to the kitchen. Making two plates, he put them on a tray and took everything to the living room. Removing one of the plates and the cup of coffee, he handed the tray to Adam. "Here, just eat what you can." Once the former black ranger had hold of it, he went to the bedroom and grabbed a couple of Aleve. Coming back, he handed the pills and a Gatorade to Adam. "Here you go."

"Thanks," he said, carefully balancing the tray on his lap. "I can't believe ol' Rockwell isn't up yet." Just then, the door opened to the guest room and a sleep-tousled Rocky walked out into the living room. "I smell food," he said with a yawn and a scratch.

"Right on cue, I tell ya," Adam laughed and looked up at Jason.

Jason chuckled softly. "There's some left for you in the kitchen, Ape Man." He shook his head. "And if you hurry, you won't miss the start of '3 Ninjas'."

"Oh cool! Don't start it yet, gimme a sec," he said happily and ran down the hallway to the bathroom.

He looked over at Adam. "Now I'm really glad we got all of that done before he got up. Think he would have run in there without checking." He sighed and took a sip of his coffee, then shook his head. "Need to get some fresher stuff."

Without looking up, Adam said, "You need some 'Kyle Surprise', it's really good stuff-even if the name is lacking."

"Oh really? Good stuff, huh? Maybe if Tommy ever decides to drag his sorry ass down here for a visit he can bring some."

Putting his fork down and picking up his drink, Adam said, "It's not so sorry, actually. He promised me that he'd come down-he'll come."

"Good. It's been a bit." He hid a grin behind his cup as he took another drink.

Rocky looked over at Jason with a question on his face. He didn't say anything, but he didn't really have to-Jason knew.

They settled in and watched the movie, finishing up their breakfast and coffee. "Wanna watch another one, Adam?" Jason asked.

"Sure. You pick one this time."

The paramedic nodded and got up, then went over to the video rack. He grinned and held up a DVD case. "Lethal Weapon?"

"That's cool with me. What about you, Rocky?"

"Sure."

He nodded and changed out the discs, then rejoined Adam on the couch. "You get enough to eat?"

"Oh yeah, plenty. Could you get me another Gatorade please?" Adam asked.

Rocky got up. "I'll get it." He grabbed all their plates and the tray Adam had used, and then took everything to the kitchen. He refilled his and Jason's coffee cups, then grabbed a Gatorade for Adam. With some careful balancing, he got all the drinks out to the living room. He grinned as he passed them out. "Okay, time for some Mel.'

Jason snorted. "Gotta admit the guy has some pretty cool moves in this one. Definitely some crazy shit at the end."

"That's true, but I'll bet Tommy could kick his butt with some of the Muay Thai moves he's learned," Adam said, not taking his eyes off the screen.

"Considering your thigh still looks like a truck hit it, I can believe it." Jason took a drink from his cup. "Then again, Mel's got a pretty nice body for an older guy."

"If you say so," Adam chuckled. "He's not my type, though."

"Mine either," Rocky added.

Raising an eyebrow, Jason looked over at Adam. "Oh? And who would be more your type?"

"Well, I think I'm swearing off women, at least for a while, so I guess I would say tall, dark, and gorgeous. What about you?" Adam asked, turning to Jason.

"I might have to agree with you there." He grinned. "Although, height isn't everything you know." Looking over at Rocky, he caught his raised eyebrow and mouthed 'later' at him. "We'd better get the movie going before we embarrass Rocko too much."

Laughing, Adam glanced over at his old friend. "You don't have virgin ears, do ya?"

"No, not quite. Let's just watch the movie," he said, looking decidedly uncomfortable.

Jason hit play. "Gotta remember, Adam, the Ape Man is purely a ladies man."

"Yep, and look where it's got him," he said with a wink.

Adam liked picking at Rocky-it reminded him of old times. Times when things were simpler.

Rocky tossed a small pillow from the recliner at both of them. "Hush, you're gonna make me miss the movie."

The movie eventually ended, but with only two sets of eyes watching it. Adam had dropped off somewhere around the middle and the other two men had tried to keep quiet to avoid waking him. Getting up slowly, Rocky motioned for Jason to follow him as he headed toward the hallway. Once in Jason's bedroom with the door closed, Rocky turned to his friend. "Okay, give."

The former gold ranger took a seat on the bed. "What do you want me to say Rocky?"

Rocky paced back and forth. "Yesterday when we found him drunk out of his mind, he was crying over Brooke and what all happened with that situation. Now, less than 24 hours later, he's moonin' over some guy. A guy? And don't tell me I'm imaginin' things-I know Adam too well."

"Adam got hit with a lot in a few days. The divorce papers, learning more about Tommy's accident when he was racing, seeing Tommy and how bad things are starting to get with him and then the call from Xander." He shook his head. "It was too much for him all at once." He watched the other man for a moment. "As for it being a guy, you have to remember Adam testing the waters a bit with a couple of guys in college before he met that bitch."

"Yeah, I remember that. But it's too soon and who is this guy? How do we know he won't hurt Adam? I'd hate to have to kill somebody..."

Jason was quiet for a moment, and then sighed. "If I told you that I thought Adam had a crush on Tommy, would you feel the same way?"

Rocky's eyes widened. "Tommy? But...but Tommy's...damn it, Jase, Tommy's yours."

"Just because we've been lovers off and on for years doesn't mean he belongs to me Rocky, even if I really want him to." He looked up at the other man. "You know what Tommy means to me, but you've also seen the results of our fights when I let my dad's approval get between us."

Thinking for a minute, Rocky nodded at last. "Yeah but...he knows how you feel about Tommy, even if you guys aren't together on a permanent basis." He paused again. "Are you sure he's got a crush on Tommy? And would Tom encourage Adam?"

The paramedic sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. "I pretty much told him it was okay."

Plopping down on the bed next to his friend, he looked him in the eyes. "Seriously? But what about you? Have you given up on T?"

Jason shook his head. "I could never do that, Rocky." He looked at his friend. "Even if Tommy moved on with someone else, I don't think I ever could. He's too much a part of me, but right now, I still can't give my dad up. And it's not right for me to expect Tommy to wait on me... on us... until I am. As much as I love him, I want him to be happy, even if it's not with me."

Reaching out a hand and placing it on Jason's arm, Rocky shook his head. "Damn...that's very selfless of you. You must really love him." He stopped and thought for a moment. "Well, if it does come to be between them at least you'll know that Adam would never hurt Tommy. Small consolation, I know...but it's something. I just can't see Falcon boy with anybody but you...it'd be...weird."

"I know Adam wouldn't hurt him and maybe right now they'd be good for each other. It might even be only a short term thing with them ending as friends." He sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Either way, if they do get together, I'm not going to get in the way. I'll still be there for the both of them and that's not going to change."

"You're a good man, Jase. Thank you for everything you're doing for Adam. Don't know what we'd do without ya," Rocky smiled.

"I'm not that good of a man, Rocky. If Adam does get together with him, I can't promise you that I won't be jealous or that my moods will be consistent. I'm just saying that I'll do my best not to let it show." He sighed. "Besides, someone has to look after your asses."

"That's true. So I guess you're gonna stay with Adam today while I take the classes at the dojo, right?"

"Yeah, I want to make sure that he's drinking enough and the nausea's under control. He's also been running a low-grade fever that I want to keep an eye on."

"Alright, that'll work. I guess we need to go make sure he's okay, huh?" he asked, getting up and heading for the door.

"Guess so." He stood up and followed his friend out of the room.

-o-O-o-

Kyle made sure that all of the papers were collected from the Biology class, and then once the bell rang, he rolled his eyes after the last one was gone. Sighing softly, he put the stack in front of his mentor. "That's all of them." He went into the storage room and grabbed his bag. "Anything else you need me to do before I get out of here?"

"No, you're done. Get on out of here-see you tomorrow." He stopped, but then added before the young man could get out the door, "Kyle, I want to know what your doctor says, okay? If you can't make it tomorrow, just let me know."

He was about to protest until the saw his mentor's face harden slightly, then he nodded. "I'll call you tonight, tell you what he says. Don't think I'm going to be able to drive for long afterwards so going out to your place is out. I will call you though, I promise."

Without taking his eyes from the boy, Tommy said, "See that you do. Be careful-talk to you soon." He then turned back to the work on his desk.

Kyle nodded and then walked out of the school. He stopped in at the office to sign out and then left. Once in his truck, he shook his head. "If I don't call him, my ass will not be able to move without him wanting to know where I'm going, who I'm going with, how long I'm gonna be gone..." He chuckled softly, and then started for his doctor's office. "Actually kinda nice knowing someone cares."

Tommy sighed, thinking about his young friend's frequent medical tests. 'Damn, that's gotta get old...real fast. Poor kid.' He tried to turn his attention to the stack of papers on the corner of his desk that were waiting to be graded. Reaching for them, he mumbled, "These grades had better be an improvement over the last test or those kids are in trouble."

Jason looked at the time, then over at Adam, who was trying to pick out another movie after waking up from his nap. "Hey Adam, are you ready to give Tommy a call?"

Adam turned toward him, a small smile creeping across his mouth. "Yeah, sure...we can." Inside, he was excited about talking to Tom but it worried him. 'I think I'm getting in over my head here,' he thought.

"Take a seat and I'll give him a call." He grabbed the phone and dialed his sometime lover's cell, then waited for him to pick up.

Up in Reefside, Dr. Oliver felt his phone vibrating on his hip. He quickly pulled it from its case and looked at the caller ID. "Right on time," he said with a smile. Flipping it open, he answered, "Dr. Oliver."

"Yeah, Doc, I've got this pain in my shoulder and it gets worse when I raise my arm." Jason grinned, and then winked at Adam, who was watching him with a raised eyebrow.

Tommy laughed. "Oh I can fix that...don't raise your arm. Hey Jase...how's the patient?"

'What the hell is he talking about?' Adam wondered to himself.

He chuckled softly. "Frog Boy's doing well. He actually ate something and has been drinking Gatorade like he's supposed to. Took a nap and just woke up a bit ago. Figured I'd wait until then to call you." He grinned. "Your TA still around or has he already left?"

"No, he's gone. Glad to hear Adam's doing okay-how are you? Did you get any sleep last night?"

"Yeah, I did. He woke up about 3 this morning, but we were both asleep again by 4." He looked over at his friend. "Want to talk to him?"

"Yeah, I do, but I want to talk to you again afterwards, okay?"

"Okay, no problem." He handed the phone over to Adam. "It's Tommy."

Adam took it from him and settled back against the couch. "Hey Tommy."

"Hey man, how you feelin'? Jason says you're doing pretty good," Tommy said, noticing how rough his friend's voice sounded.

"Still kinda tired and I've been running a fever, but I'm hanging in there." He was quiet for a moment. "How are you doing? Heard I gave everyone a bit of a scare. I'm really sorry about that, Tom."

"You should be and don't think we're not gonna talk about it when I see you again," he said in his teacher's voice. "But I understand-you didn't mean to upset anybody. You know I'm here if you need to talk, right? Why didn't you call?" he asked, and then added. "I'm fine, by the way."

"I can't tell you why I refused to call you. Probably because I know you have enough things on your plate right now. Besides, you've got Kyle to worry about. You didn't need to add me to the list." He sighed. "I don't know, T. Guess I just thought that if I drank enough, I could forget. That's all I wanted to do, at least for a while. Just didn't realize how much time had passed."

Tommy nodded. "It's okay; I can pretty much understand all of that. But if there's one thing I can tell you for sure, it's that drinking doesn't solve your problems. They're right there waiting for you when you sober up. But we can get together soon and talk face to face, okay? Will you do that for me?"

"Guess I owe you at least that for scaring you." He went quiet, toying with a string from Jason's hoodie.

"Besides, we promised each other that we'd talk about our problems to each other, didn't we? Remember that?"

Adam sighed. "Yeah, I remember. Just easier to talk face-to-face, you know?" He looked over at Jason through the gap that led to the kitchen. "Guess I forgot that I can talk to Jason, too. Between you, him and Rocky, you were the first one that I really started talking to about..." He went quiet again, not wanting to bring her name into things.

"Yeah...and I appreciate you trusting me like that. But you're right; you can talk to Jase...and Rocky. Let your friends help you, okay? That's what we're here for."

"I will." He snorted. "Besides, I don't think Jase is gonna let me do much of anything for a few days."

Laughing, Tommy agreed. "Yeah, you're probably right. He's gonna sit on you for a little while-better get used to the idea. Anyway, I'm working on getting a little time off work so that I can come down and see you guys. It'll be soon, okay?"

"Really?" The former black ranger actually perked up a bit at that. "Maybe by then I'll feel a little better."

Tommy smiled. "Yeah, really. Now you get some rest and let Rex take care of you, okay? I'll talk to you again tomorrow or the next day. But if you need me-you call me. I don't mind at all."

He sighed softly while trying to fight down a yawn. "I will." He grinned. "Can you bring some coffee with you?"

"Some 'Kyle Surprise'? Sure. Now let me talk to Jase for a minute. Take another nap, okay? You sound awfully tired," Tommy said. "See you soon-I promise."

"Okay, see you soon, Tommy." He sat up a bit and looked over at Jason. "Jase, he wants to talk to you again."

The paramedic came back over and took the phone from him, but held up the thermometer. "Temp first." He cradled the phone. "Give me a second, Falcon."

"No problem," Tommy replied, knowing that one friend was busy taking care of the other friend.

Jason inserted the thermometer in Adam's ear, and then waited for it to beep. He shook his head and held out two Tylenol to him. "Take these, Adam. You're still around 100."

"And I feel every day of it too," he said and grinned up at Jason. Even if he didn't feel much better physically, talking to Tommy had lifted his spirits a bit.

"Ha ha, Froggy." He grinned at him and ruffled his hair. "Get some rest and when I get done talking to Tommy, I'll make you some tea." When he got a nod, he moved down the hall to his bedroom and walked in, shutting the door before taking a seat on the bed. "Take it you heard he's still running a fever."

"Yeah, has it been very high? I mean, 100 isn't awful, but it's higher than you want, I know."

"It was 102 yesterday, almost 103. Pretty much the same thing when he woke me up this morning in a cold sweat and shivering. I'm just hoping that it's just his body still leveling out and not him having picked something up while he was so drunk."

"But he was alone in his apartment...what could he have picked up?"

"He'd also been around his students that Monday and Tuesday. If one of them had something, like the flu or a cold, it could have just been incubating. He's not sneezing or coughing, so I think it's just his body trying to get back in balance." He sighed and stretched a bit.

"I hope you're right. The last thing he needs right now is to come down with something. I'm so glad you're taking care of him, though. It makes me feel better." He was quiet for a minute and then he softly said, "I miss you, Rex."

"I miss you, too. Can't wait to see you again."

"You're gonna see me this weekend. It was so hard not to tell Adam about my visit-hope he believes that I'm coming to see him soon."

"I'm sure he does. I think that's when he perked up a bit." He grinned. "So you alone in that classroom of yours?"

"Umm yeah, at the moment." Suddenly he got Jason's drift. "Why? Whaddya have in mind?" he asked with a wicked grin on his face.

"I'm feeling like a very bad student that might be in need of some extra lessons." He let his voice deepen slightly. "But Teacher, I think you might want to make sure the door is locked. You know how I can get distracted so easily during a lesson."

"Yeah...you are a baaad boy. I'm gonna have to keep you after class for some disciplinary action," Tommy said while moving over to the classroom door to lock it.

He'd gotten up and locked his own bedroom door, then went back over to the bed. Stretching out on it, he undid the button on his jeans. "Are you going to paddle me? Can I keep my jeans on or have I been so bad that I need to strip them off?"

"Oh, we're gonna have to take those pants down, I think. Now where's my paddle?" he asked with a grin and made his way back to the supply room that he used as a break room. "Now how many licks do you deserve? Hmmm?"

Raising his hips, Jason pushed his boxers and jeans down, and then let them slide to the floor. "Isn't there anything that I can do to avoid a paddling?" His voice dropped and took on a smoky quality. "I'll do anything."

Shutting the door, Tommy grabbed a bandana from his bag and a couple of paper towels. He wet the towels and set them down close to the couch along with the bandana. "Hmmm, anything, huh?" He used his free hand to undo his pants and slide them down along with his boxers, then settled back onto the couch. "How about if I told you to get on your knees and show me what you remember from Biology?"

(NC-17 Content Removed)

For several moments, Jason can't say anything, but by the heavy breathing on the other end of the phone, he knows that Tommy is in the same state. As his breathing slows down again, he sighs softly. "Friday night it's my turn to pound the teacher's ass when I see you, Falcon."

"It'll be my pleasure...literally," he stopped to once again catch his breath. "That was an interesting diversion from class...thank you," he grinned widely, cleaning himself up some.

"Well, I figured we could both do with some stress relief." He chuckled softly. "Although you might want to crack a window and let it air out a bit." He sighed softly, feeling slightly sated.

"Yeah, you're right. All I need is for Kyle to walk in here and smell sex all over the place," he chuckled. "You'd better go check on Adam. I've gotta get myself together and get some work done now. I'll call you tomorrow or the next day, alright?"

"I work a shift on Thursday, but if you call tomorrow, use my cell. Rocky will be here with Adam and I'm heading to the dojo." He grinned slightly.

"Will do. Take care of yourself and Adam, okay? Talk to you then," Tommy replied.

"I will. Talk to you later, Tom. I love you."

Smiling warmly, Tommy answered him. "I love you too, Jase. Be good."

-o-O-o-

Kyle left Chris' office after promising to call when he got home. Today hadn't been too bad, just some lab work and a quick physical. Still, he was more than tired by the time he left. For a brief moment, he thought about calling a cab, but didn't want to have to take one in the morning to come get his truck. Shaking his head, he got in and buckled up, then headed home. After pulling into the drive, he didn't even consider going to check his mail. Instead, he grabbed his bag and went inside, locking the door behind him. 'So tired.' The young man sighed and dropped his bag by the door. 'I'll rest for a few minutes, then call Chris and Dr. O.' He kicked his shoes off, and then stretched out on the couch. In minutes, he was sound asleep.

Chris checked his watch again and went out to the front desk. Looking at Janice he raised an eyebrow. "Has he called yet?" When she shook her head, he sighed and went back into his office. "I'm gonna hurt that boy." For the past two hours, he'd been trying to get a hold of Kyle without success. 'Well, can't reach him, then we'll just have to try for his mentor.' Pulling up Kyle's info, he found the number he was looking for, then dialed it and hoped that Dr. Oliver wasn't busy.

Pulling his phone from the hip case, Tommy looked at the caller ID. 'Westside Physicians Group', he thought. 'What's that about?' "Dr. Oliver."

"Dr. Oliver, I'm sorry if I startled you, but this is Chris Walters, Kyle's doctor. I was wondering if he'd called you."

Looking at his watch, Tommy realized that Kyle really should have called him by now. "No, no he hasn't. Is anything wrong? Did his appointment go okay?"

"He was supposed to call me when he got back home and that was almost two hours ago. The appointment went fine. I just wanted to get some blood from him and ended up giving him a small physical while I was at it."

"I haven't heard from him. I'm leaving school anyway-if I can't get him on the phone, I'll go over there. I'll call you when I find out what's going on. Hopefully, it's nothing," Tommy said, quickly stuffing the last of his things into his briefcase. Once they'd hung up, he made his way quickly out to the parking lot, dialing Kyle's phone number as he went.

"Damn voice mail," he said when Kyle failed to answer. "Guess I'll have to go over there. Now where's that key?"

Chris shook his head. 'That boy's ass is grass and the good doctor is the lawn mower.' Grinning, he couldn't really find it in himself to feel guilty about what he'd done.

Arriving outside Kyle's house, Tommy went quickly to the front door and began knocking. It quickly became banging, but before long, Tommy took out the key and let himself in. Finding Kyle on the couch, the boy's mentor checked him over quickly to make sure that he was just asleep. "Kyle...Kyle...wake up," he said, shaking the young man gently.

Kyle had vaguely heard someone knocking, but thought it was just part of his dream and had stretched out more on the couch. The hand on his arm combined with the shaking and the voice had him opening his eyes.

For a moment, all he could really make out was someone standing over him and he threw himself back further on the couch, thinking that Jared had come back. He didn't say anything as he just stared at the man in front of him, shaking where he sat. A few moments later, he realized who it was that had shaken him awake. Putting his feet on the floor, Kyle rested his elbows on his knees and put his head in his hands. "You scared the hell out of me, Dr. O." He could still feel his heart hammering in his chest.

"Sorry kiddo, but you had me and Dr. Chris worried-I had to come and see if you were okay. Why didn't you call?"

Frowning at him slightly, Kyle looked at his watch before groaning. "Oh man. I'm sorry." He sat back a bit. "I was almost dead on my feet when I got home." Kyle fought back a yawn as he started talking. "Chris didn't do a lot." He snorted. "Well, aside from not lifting the restriction about working out and lecturing me about needing to gain weight, again. Still, by the time I walked in, I figured that I'd catch a quick nap then call you both before I ate, worked a bit on my paper and went to bed."

"As long as you're okay, that's the main thing. Sorry I scared you," Tommy said, trying to stifle the grin that was threatening to break out. "Feeling any better now?"

The blonde cocked an eyebrow at him. "You mean aside from my heart going about a hundred miles an hour while fighting the urge to go and check my pants?" He shook his head. "Still feel like ten miles of bad road, but I need to eat and work on my final paper for class."

"Tell you what-you go check your pants and I'll run down the street and get us some dinner, okay? I need to eat anyway and I also need to make sure you eat. Whatcha want?"

Rolling his eyes, Kyle sighed. "I'll check your pants." He chuckled softly, and then stretched a bit. "I had a sandwich for lunch, so I know you're not going to let me get away with that again. So, some of that lemon chicken with a couple of dumplings will work."

"Okay, I can do that. Be back in a few minutes," he said, heading for the front door. "And watch the cracks about my pants," he said with a grin.

"How about I just watch the crack and be done with it?" He laughed softly when the older man blushed and got up, intending to take a shower while he was gone.

'That boy ain't right,' Tom thought as he got into his jeep to go and get their dinner. Making it back in about 30 minutes, he managed to get inside and to the table without dropping anything. "Kyle, dinner's here," he announced since he'd let himself in again.

Yawning, the blonde came back into the living room, running a hand through his wet locks. "Smells good." His stomach growled a bit, causing him to blush as he detoured to get something from the kitchen. "Did you want something to drink? I've got sweet tea, juice, water and milk."

"Just water for me, thanks," Tom said, removing the various containers from the bags.

"Okay." He poured the older man a glass from the pitcher he kept in his fridge and a glass of juice for himself. Reaching into the cabinet, he grabbed the small box with his meds and took everything back out to the living room. "Here ya go." Taking a seat next to his mentor, he set the box on the table. "Thanks for doing this."

Tommy smiled at him. "It's okay-I don't mind at all. I'm just glad to know that you're okay. So the appointment was really that bad, huh?" he asked, picking up a container and a pair of chopsticks.

Kyle shrugged as he took two of the meds out of the box and opened them, downing the doses with a bit of juice before he grabbed the other set of chopsticks and one of the other containers. "Considering he didn't take any bone marrow or a biopsy, it was actually okay. Chris just keeps harping on me about the weight. Says if I don't start picking up again soon, we're going to have to try something else." He started eating.

"You know Kyle; I could probably help you with that. But, of course, that would mean that you'd have to do what I say. Interested?"

He was quiet for several minutes, pausing with each bite he took while letting his gaze drift a couple of times from what he was eating to the meds he had to take to his mentor and back. Finally, he sighed. "If it'll help me get off some of this crap or stop having to see Chris as often," His eyes rose to meet the older man's. "I'd do just about anything."

"Alright then, you'll have to eat what I tell you when I tell you-no skipping meals, okay? Oh, and you have to rest-you can't overdo it and run yourself ragged. Deal?"

"The eating I don't have a problem with nor the resting part. Right now though, that's part of the problem." Kyle sighed at Tommy's raised eyebrow. "I have been resting. After lunch, I've been taking naps in my truck. I've stopped helping out at Haley's except to go in and make coffee. That's it. No waiting on customers or anything. Still feel like I have no energy. That's why I've been seeing Chris so often lately."

"And what does he seem to think the problem is?" Tommy asked, taking a bite of the dumpling on his chopsticks.

"I'm not making red blood cells fast enough. None of them are dying off or anything, I'm just producing them really slowly. I've got about a month before he's going to try a different treatment. That one will last for a month, but I'll be seeing him three times a week." He took a drink of juice. "Not looking forward to it. Maybe after I get this final paper done I can relax a bit more and that might help."

"I see. Is there anything I can do to help with the paper? Besides writing it for you, of course," he grinned.

Kyle snorted. "I've seen copies of your rough drafts for your doctoral work, no thanks. The writing part I can handle. I'm just trying to find two more sources that I can use for references in showing the differences in educational tools necessary for a successful classroom environment in the science courses versus those of the literature department."

"I should be able to help with that. When is your paper due?"

"Next Monday. I've got about 14 pages written, but I still need at least another 10 in order to get a B on it." He sat back a bit, having finished almost half of what his mentor had gotten for him.

"We'll work on it this week. It'll help keep my mind off stuff anyway," Tom said, finishing up his dinner and sitting back in the chair.

"I noticed that you were kind of distracted today when you almost gave the General class the handouts for the Advanced. You seem more focused now though."

"Umm yeah...," he blushed. "I've been kinda worried about something but I think things are gonna be okay-just have to wait and see."

"Want to talk about it? Seems the least I can do since you've heard me whine and complain tonight."

"Oh...you don't need to hear about my problems. You've got enough going on. It's okay," Tommy said.

Kyle sighed and locked gazes with the man. "Tommy, if it worries you enough that it's distracting you in class, and then it's partially my problem as well. So if listening to what is going on will help keep things running smoothly in the class without worrying about someone dumping sulfur into hydrochloric acid, then I'll listen."

Dr. Oliver chuckled. "Okay, point taken," he sighed. "Well...you remember my friend Adam, right?"

The blonde blushed. "Yeah, I remember him, considering he chased me out of your place in his boxers."

"Yeah, that's him," Tom smiled. "He's been having a really rough time lately. His marriage ended rather badly and he got the final divorce papers last week-kinda sent him over the edge a bit. To make a long story short, he tied on a several day drunk and is now at Jase's house being taken care of," he said, shaking his head.

"Wow that really blows." He was quiet for a few moments. "Why don't you go see him? You two looked pretty relaxed together, maybe seeing you will cheer him up."

"I'm going to. His birthday is this weekend and we're throwing him a surprise party. I'm going down on Friday as soon as Randall will let me go."

"Well, tell her that you have a doctor's appointment or something that afternoon. The pep rally doesn't really require you to be there and you could cut out about an hour early that way. Beat the traffic in getting on the road. Or, since the Advanced class doesn't even come in on Friday, you could take off at lunch." He was quiet for a moment. "If I put something together for him, will you take it down with you?"

"Sure," he smiled. "As a matter of fact, he's been singing the praises of 'Kyle Surprise' to our friends in Angel Grove. Jase wants to try some."

He grinned. "I'll make sure to include a couple bags of that as well, but it wasn't what I was planning on."

"Oh? Dare I ask?"

"Come on, don't you trust me?" He raised an eyebrow, and then winked at the older man. Laughing softly, he leaned forward and picked up three of the other meds and shook out his doses before taking them with the last of the juice.

Tommy looked at him warily. "I don't know..." he said and paused for a moment. "As long as it'll cheer him up, I guess I can trust you," he smiled.

"I promise, no dildos or cock rings, now condoms that might be a different story." He said it all with a straight face, looking right at his mentor.

"Don't you dare! The last thing he needs is to be reminded that he's not getting any. Kyle..." he looked at his protégé with an eyebrow cocked. "You wouldn't..."

"No, I wouldn't. I know that I've got a smart mouth on me and that I make a lot of sexually-oriented jokes, but-" He shrugged. "It's how I cover things. I might never have been married or in a relationship that it hurt me to lose, but I know what my mom went through after my dad left." The younger man was quiet for a moment before changing gears. "To me, Adam looks like the kind of person that would be into hoodies and that kind of stuff."

"You know, I'm not sure anymore. He used to wear them alot, though. Hey, speaking of gifts, you wouldn't happen to know where I could get something with Korean on it, would you?"

"Hot Topic, if you're looking for something off the shelf. Otherwise, there's a small store at the end of the road opposite the mall. They have a lot of Korean items. Teak wood boxes with kanjis, silk tapestries and that kind of stuff. It's not over the top price wise and some of the stuff is really cool." He got up and went over to shelf, coming back with a black lacquered box. "I got this for my mom the week I left for school. It was the last thing I got to buy for her, but it came from there. The shop owner says that the symbols on it represent love and family."

"That's really nice," Tom said looking at the box and then turning his gaze to Kyle. 'Poor kid-he's really had a hard life.' "I'll go over there and see what they've got-thanks for the suggestion. So, you feelin' okay?"

"No problem." He took the box back and replaced it on the shelf, then took his seat on the couch again. "Still really tired, but I need to work on my paper." He pushed the sleeves of his shirt up a bit, and then started pulling them back down when his bruises stood out. It wasn't hard to know what his mentor might be thinking. "No one did anything to me. I don't have anyone that I'm seeing right now and my latest ex isn't even in town. Least I don't think he is. They're just because of the anemia, I promise. So you're going to take off early Friday, right?"

Tom held his hands up. "Whoa whoa...did I say anything? Why are you being so defensive, Kyle?"

He blushed. "I'm sorry, just habit I guess. Considering my last..." He shook his head. "Not important, but I am sorry."

Fixing him with a serious look, Tommy changed the tone of his voice. "What aren't you telling me? Come on now, I told you what was going on with me...now it's your turn. It's what friends do-and you are my friend, right?"

"Guess I'm starting to see it that way." He sighed. "I've only had two people I've ever gone out with. The first one got accepted into a big school out east shortly after my mom died. The last one," He sighed. "Jared was okay the first few months we were going out. Then he'd get mad over stupid crap. Start yelling and throwing things. Hit me a few times. Then his 'tastes' changed and he wanted me to do things that I was uncomfortable with. Finally broke it off with him about a month before this school year started. The teachers I had though, that last semester I was just attending college, would ask me what the bruises were from. None of them saw me as anything but another problem to deal with."

Tommy sat up on the edge of his seat. "Is this fool still around? Have you heard from him lately?"

"I haven't talked to him since I broke it off. He's only been here, to the house, once. Most of the time, we went to his place in Angel Grove." He shivered and wrapped his arms around himself. "Broke it off after I finally saw what he had in a room he normally kept locked. That's when I realized he was deep into the dom-sub stuff."

"Got a picture of him?" Tom wanted to see what this jerk looked like, just in case he spotted him somewhere. Kyle talked a good game, but when it came down to it, he couldn't defend himself-Tommy knew that.

"Yeah, I've got one left. It's a group shot." He got up and went over to the fridge, coming back with a photo. "That's Jared." He points to the guy standing behind him, with a hand clamped almost vice-like to his shoulder. "We'd just finished a group project for a class. Jared wasn't part of it, but he invited himself along when we went to lunch."

"Uh huh..." he said, studying the picture closely. "Okay well, if you see him around Reefside, you let me know okay? I mean it, Kyle," he said and gave him a serious look.

"I will, I promise. Have no desire to run into that bastard again. Hell, he's part of the reason that I haven't even started trying to date again."

"Everybody's not like that-you'll find someone that'll treat you right. But you gotta look to find, know what I mean?"

Kyle snorted. "Not that many people are interested in someone like me. Besides, I've got enough on my plate right now. Don't need to worry about if my date's gonna be a sadistic bastard that wants to tie me up and beat me before screwing me and not caring if I'm enjoying it or not." He sighed. "Besides, you're not dating either."

"Damn...just lay it out there, Rip. Anyway, how do you know I'm not seeing anyone? You're not privy to everything about me, ya know," he said with a grin.

He raised an eyebrow. "I know that except for this afternoon, that it's been a little over a month since you've had that 'I've been laid' look. And I know that it wasn't Hayley either time."

"Oh my god...Kyle," the young man's mentor said, turning three shades of red. After a moment of slack-jawed staring and head shaking, he finally found his voice. "Now you know that I was at school right up until I came over here. Just when do you think I had time to get laid? Answer me that."

"True, but there's always other ways." He grinned at him unrepentantly. "Phone sex, fantasizing with pictures or maybe a quickie with someone in the janitor's closet or the storage room. Lots of doors that lock in the school you know."

Standing and taking his empty containers and glass into the kitchen, Tommy stalled a little. 'I can't believe him,' he thought while getting another drink of water. 'Am I that transparent?'

Gathering his own stuff, Kyle followed his mentor. After putting his leftovers in the fridge and refilling his glass, he looked over at him. "Look, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, but I've gotten pretty good at being able to read you. I know when you've got a headache because you squint more and get a crease in your forehead. You also make less eye contact with everyone. When something else hurts, you have me pretty much do all the writing on the board or passing things out." He grinned. "And when you're in a grouchy mood, you tell everyone to read the next chapter and be quiet."

"Is that right? Well tell me, how do I look now since you seem to think I 'got some' this afternoon?"

"Honestly? You look really content. Like you've had something really good happen to you that got rid of some of the stress you were feeling." He leaned against the counter. "You look like you've reconnected with someone that means a lot to you."

"You got a crystal ball somewhere, kid? Either that or you're extraordinarily observant." He paused for a moment. 'He's a good kid-I can trust him,' Tom thought. "Actually, you're sorta right. I did reconnect with someone special to me-not physically, but it did me good nonetheless."

"No crystal ball, I promise. If I did, I would have used it when I was seven to not go on that camping trip. And I'm happy for you." He grinned. "Maybe you'll have fewer grumpy days." The blonde went quiet for a few moments. "You know the one good thing that came out of that camping trip?"

"What's that?"

"I got to meet the Red Ranger. It was the only part of that whole trip that was even halfway decent, but not even that would've happened if I hadn't been bit."

Tommy's eyes opened a bit wider. "The-the Red Ranger, huh? How did you meet an actual ranger?" Tommy was quickly doing the math in his head to figure out what year that would've been and who said Red Ranger would've been.

"After I got bit, there was a lot of screaming and yelling. The snake was pretty big and it scared everyone. Guess we drew attention to ourselves, but where we were camping there had only been one other group in the area. We didn't see them, only heard them. Sounded like a group of boys, maybe older Scouts or something. Anyway, one of the assistant scout leaders started heading that way to see if they had a radio or something while another one started back to the ranger station for help. Next thing, there's two Power Rangers in the camp: the red one and the one in blue. Red asked what was going on and then Blue suggested that the one in red take me to the hospital. That's the last I really remember aside from the one in red picking me up and tell me it was going to be okay." He grinned. "One of the others on the trip though, told me later that the one in blue talked funny and used a lot of big words."

"Wow, that's pretty cool. So you only saw Red and Blue, huh?" He stopped and thought about what to say next. "I saw them a few times back in the day-the one in green was a cool guy, I think," he said, stifling a grin. 'Wait till I tell Jase...he won't believe this,' Tom thought.

"Yeah, I saw them fight a couple of times before I was bit." He took a long drink of the juice. "Sometimes I wonder what it felt like to be able to do something like that to help people." He grinned. "Still though, being a teacher is pretty cool at times."

"Yeah, I know what you mean about helping people, but being a teacher is helping people, right? We're not all cut out to fight monsters and stuff, but we can still make a difference." He paused and then added, "Boy, that was corny but you get the idea."

Kyle laughed softly. "Yeah, I get the point, trust me. Although I have to admit, I'd love it if there was actually a place to learn martial arts up here. Got to talking to Chris and he said that would be better for me than running." He grinned. "When he lets me start working out again that is."

"You want to learn? That's no problem-I'll be happy to teach you. And so will Adam and Jase. Adam runs a dojo, ya know."

"Yeah, I know. He told me and so have you." For a moment, he was quiet, and then he looked at the older man. "Yeah, I'd like to learn, but only if you won't hurt yourself."

Giving him a disapproving look, Tommy said, "Kyle, do you know how long I've been teaching martial arts? I believe I can handle just one beginner student without injuring myself."

Blushing slightly, he grinned and held his hands up. "Okay, okay. Was just saying with you being so much older than me and all, Mr. Experience."

"Okay, now you sound like Kira. Quit while you're behind. You want to learn or not?"

He grinned, and then grew serious. "Yes, I want to learn. It's something I've always wanted to do, but never really got the chance."

"Okay, then we'll set something up. Right now though, I have gotta get home-got work to do. You okay to be by yourself? Want to come stay over for the night? You're welcome to, ya know."

He hesitated. While he didn't mind staying alone, there were times that he'd rather be around someone and he really didn't want to be alone tonight. Finally, he nodded. "If you don't mind, but I'd have to get a ride with you. There's no way that I'd stay awake for the drive."

"I don't mind at all-that's why I asked. Get your stuff together and we'll go," Tommy said, walking back into the living room. "Anything I can get for you?"

"Can you put the meds that are on the table into a bag for me? I've got some under the sink." He followed the other man out. "Just need to grab a few things and then we can go." Going back into his bedroom, Kyle picked up a bag and tossed a pair of sweats and T-shirt in it to sleep in. He added a sweatshirt, socks, boxers and belt before going over to the closet and getting a pair of slacks and shirt for the next day. Once he had everything from his room and the bathroom, he went back into the living room. "Just need my bag from beside the door. It's got my research for my paper in it."

"I'll get that," Tom said, holding the bag with Kyle's medicine in it. "Come on, lock up and let's go." With that, he headed toward the front door and picked up the other bag. "I'll bring you home after school tomorrow, so don't worry about your truck."

"All right," He followed him out and locked the door behind them, then made his way over to the jeep. "Thanks for letting me do this." Tossing his bag into the back, he climbed into the front seat and put on his seat belt.

Shooting him a grin, Tom said, "No problem-us bachelors gotta watch out for each other."

"True. So what do you want for breakfast? Least I can do is cook for us before school."

Chris grumbled under his breath. "I'm gonna hurt them both. I swear, let me meet Dr. Oliver." He dialed the number he'd called earlier and waited for someone to pick up.

Tommy heard his phone ring and immediately knew who it must be. "Oh my god! I forgot to call Chris back! He's gonna kill me!" Flipping his phone open, he answered it sheepishly. "Dr. Oliver."

"You know, I thought because you were a teacher that you could remember something simple like calling me back." He sighed. "Did you find Kyle?"

"Chris, I am sooo sorry. Yeah, I found him-he'd fallen asleep on the couch. I guess I got so wrapped up in making sure he was okay and also making sure that he ate, that I forgot to call you back. Again, I am so sorry."

He sighed. "Just please don't let it happen again. I've pretty much watched the little shit grow up and I worry about him sometimes." He was quiet for a moment. "And right now, he's worrying me. Tell him to not fool with that damn paper tonight and get some sleep. He needs it."

"I will." Tommy paused. Not very often did someone have the opportunity or the balls to talk to him that way. But...he knew he'd messed up. "I'm glad you worry about him-I do too. He's staying with me tonight so I'll make sure he takes it easy."

"Good." He sighed. "I didn't mean to come down on you like that, but I really do worry about him being by himself so much. If he was in better shape right now, I'd probably worry less." The doctor was quiet for a moment. "Wouldn't mind sitting on him for a couple of days, would you? Until at least Friday? If he'll take it easy until then, I think it might help things."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. 'Sure is taking a long time for Chris to tell him off. Not really liking the way this could be heading. If they start working together, my ass is grass.'

"Yeah, I can do that. He won't like it much, but if that's what you want, that's what we'll do," Tommy replied.

"It'll help. He's got a month for something to change before we try something new and resting more will help. For some reason, he sleeps better with someone else around." He snorted. "I've let him sleep in my office some Saturdays or taken him home with me for a weekend or two. Once he relaxes, he sleeps better and deeper. That's what he needs right now. The term ending for him will help a lot as well. Your school year isn't as bad on him, but that and his normal classes are a bit rough."

"I can believe that-I remember what it was like. I'll take care of him, Chris. Feel free to call me any time, okay?"

"I'd actually like to talk to you face-to-face sometime without Kyle around. Maybe if you know what to look for, you'll be able to help me a bit better in looking out for him, but yeah, I'll call you. Tell Kyle to call me tomorrow."

"I sure will and again, I'm sorry I forgot to call you back-my memory isn't the best sometimes." 'What an understatement that is-if he only knew.'

Chris snorted. "Yeah well, from what Kyle says, you can be rather absent-minded." He grinned. "I'll talk to you later. Have a good night." Shaking his head, Chris hung up, and then grinned. 'Oh yeah, the kid's ass is most definitely grass and Dr. Oliver is an industrial lawn mower.'

"So what did he say that had you saying I wouldn't like it?" The blonde looked at his former teacher-mentor-friend, eyebrow raised, as he asked his question. Something told him the two men were going to end up working in cahoots about him.

"Well, he's just concerned about you," Tom began, not taking his eyes from the road. "He was very relieved to find out you were staying with me tonight." He paused for a moment, knowing what was coming next. "And...He wants you to stay with me until Friday. I told him that wouldn't be a problem."

Kyle sighed. "Somehow, I knew you two were gonna end up working together. Guess I can't really blame him though. I've scared him a few times." He snorted. "Chris keeps pestering me to find a roommate or something." He leaned his head back against the headrest. Yes, he was mad, but at the same time he knew that they were both trying to look out for him.

"It won't be so bad at my house for a few days-I'm not unbearable to live with," Tom said, smiling. He knew Kyle wasn't going to like the arrangement, but only because it was made without consulting him. "We're not trying to run your life Buddy, we're both just concerned about you and right now...well, you need some looking after."

"Did he tell you that I had to argue with him to keep helping you out in class this week? He wanted me to choose, but I agreed to skip out on Hayley's Thursday instead."

"No, he didn't mention it, but I'm glad that he agreed to let you keep helping me. Sitting around the house all day wouldn't be good for you either." He paused and smiled, turning to look at his protégé. "Besides, I need you."

Kyle snorted. "You need someone to make sure you don't forget to turn the Bunsen burners off or the wrong chemicals don't get mixed." He grinned at him. "And thanks again for letting me stay with you."

"No problem. Actually, it'll be kinda nice to have someone else in the house for a few days. I appreciate peace and quiet, but...sometimes it gets a little too peaceful and quiet!"

"Considering you live in the sticks, could always invite a 'coon or deer into the house. That'd liven things up a bit."

Tommy chuckled. "No kiddin'! I don't think I'm that desperate, though. If I wanna have a bull in the house, I'll invite Jase up," he said grinning. 'And what a bull he is, too,' Tom thought, remembering the episode from earlier that day.

"I've met Adam, but am I ever going to meet this Jase you keep talking about?"

"Yeah, of course you will. He comes up to visit me every few weeks or so-lives in Angel Grove. We went to high school together just like Adam and me.

"That's cool." He tried to fight off a yawn, but failed, then sighed softly. "We're gonna have to stop at my place on the way home from school tomorrow. Only brought clothes for the night." He closed his eyes as he finished talking.

"Okay, we'll do that," Tom said. 'I may end up carrying him into the house by the time we get there-he looks beat.'

He fought to try and get his eyes open again, then gave up. "Wake me when we get there?"

"Alright, just rest for now. We'll be there in about 10 minutes." Pulling up into the driveway exactly ten minutes later, Tommy glanced over at his young friend. 'I hate to wake him up-he looks so peaceful.' "Kyle...Kyle," he said softly, trying not to startle him. Adding a hand on the boy's arm, he tried again. "Kyle, wake up-we're here."

The young man opened his eyes slowly, then looked over at him. "Okay." It took him a couple of tries to get the seat belt off then he yawned again. "Might need a hand."

"Okay, let me come around," he said and got out. "Here we go, take it easy," he said, opening the passenger side door and supporting Kyle under the arm.

It took him a couple moments to feel like he could actually walk, then he nodded. "Thanks for the help." He managed to grab his bag from the back and walked with his mentor towards the house. "Been a while since I've felt this tired."

"Well once we get inside, you can either lie down on the couch or go on up to bed-whichever you prefer. You've already had your shower so just make yourself comfortable."

"Don't think I could handle stairs right now, so the couch will be fine." Kyle let Tommy help him up the stairs onto the porch and then inside.

'Damn, he sure is weak. I hope he's gonna be okay,' Tom worried to himself. 'If he's still this bad off tomorrow, I'm calling Chris.'

He dropped his bag close to the couch, then slipped out of his shoes before stretching out on the couch. "Thanks again, Tommy." He looked up gratefully at the older man, and then drifted off to sleep.

Making sure the door was locked, Tommy went upstairs to take a quick shower and change clothes. He had some work that he needed to get done, so he thought now would be a good time to get those things out of the way-while Kyle was asleep. 'Actually, I might call Rex tonight and ask him about Kyle's condition. Maybe there's something I can do.'

-o-O-o-

Jason walked back to the bedroom and checked on Adam. His friend had been fighting a headache off and on all day. Opening the door, he noticed that the other man was asleep. Nodding, he quietly closed the door and went back to the kitchen to finish dinner.

Once out of the shower, Tom wrapped a towel around his hips and walked back downstairs to check on Kyle. Finding him asleep, he walked into the kitchen and picked up the cordless, dialing Jason's number.

The paramedic flipped a dish towel over his shoulder as he reached for the phone. "Your dime, my time."

Tom chuckled. "Hey Babe, it's me again."

He grinned as he went back over to the stove. "Couldn't get enough of me, huh? I'd love to say I can play, but right now I'm making dinner for me and your friend."

"Oh, I see how it is...he's my friend when something's up and our friend when things are fine...I see how you are."

Jason chuckled softly. "Yeah well, considering I'm wearing sweatpants and a shirt around my apartment, then yes, he's your friend right now." He grinned as he flipped the chicken, then put it back in the oven. "So what are you wearing?"

"What am I wearing? Umm...actually I'm wearing a dark blue towel tucked loosely around my hips. It's catching the little trickles of water that are still running down my chest," he said alluringly, playing along with his longtime lover.

"That is so not fair. I'd be more than happy to catch any of those last trickles of water for you. Only I wouldn't be using a towel, I'd use my tongue." He chuckled softly. "So did you call just to get me all hot and bothered which would end up with me burning dinner?"

"No," he chuckled. "I needed to ask your professional opinion about something...Kyle."

Jason turned the heat down a bit under the rice and set the cover on it. "Okay, well, you're going to have to tell me a bit about him before I can really answer anything."

"Okay well, I'll try to tell you what I know. Oh by the way, do you remember a camp-out we went on a long time ago where the Red Ranger ended up taking a Boy Scout to the hospital after being bitten by a snake?"

He was quiet for a few moments, and then it hit him. "Yeah, it was shortly before you lost the Green powers because of that candle, why?"

"Hang onto the counter Jase...that Boy Scout was my TA, Kyle. Can you believe that?"

"Holy shit! You're kidding me! I knew that he'd survived the bite, but had developed some problems. Lost track after they moved." He ran a hand through his hair. "So, I'm guessing that's part of his problem now? Stuff that happened because of him getting bit?"

"Yep. From what I understand, he's pretty much permanently anemic now. He was so tired when we got to my place that I almost had to carry him into the house. He has no energy at all today. He had an appointment with his doctor this afternoon and he said that Kyle's body isn't producing red blood cells fast enough. He's going to have to try some pretty aggressive treatment if things don't improve. Do you think there's anything that would help the boy? He's gonna be staying with me for the week so I can keep an eye on him."

The other man was quiet for a moment. "Increasing his iron might help a bit along with upping his protein. Stuff like red meat, leafy greens and even a few of your protein shakes will help. Don't let him have a lot of caffeine. A couple cups of coffee a day should be the max for him." He sighed. "It's something that's going to take time, Tom. That was almost 14 years ago. The kid's body has been through hell during that time. This kind of stuff, it puts strain on a lot of things, including his heart so some exercise is good for him. Maybe not right now, but once he has more energy."

"That reminds me-he wants to learn martial arts. I told him that we'd teach him if he was serious about it. He's worried about me hurting myself, though."

"It's something we can do, but talk to his doctor first." He was quiet. "And if it's something that you feel you can do, then maybe you teaching him would be good for both of you. You won't be able to push it with him, but it'd still keep you moving. Just don't try to carry him, Falcon. I don't want you to risk hurting yourself."

"I'll tell you like I told him-as long as I've been teaching martial arts, I think I can handle one beginner student without injuring myself. And carrying him...Jase, you haven't seen him. He weighs a buck and a quarter, if that."

He sighed. "I'll ask a few people I know. See if there's something that he might be able to try. For now, I'd say try the diet changes, as long as it still meets his needs and let him rest as much as possible. If he still looks really weak to you, then call his doctor again. A plasma infusion might give him a temporary jump start, but it's got problems of its own."

"Alright. So, is Froggy doing okay? He sounded a bit rough earlier, but that might have just been his voice."

"He's been fighting a headache most of the day, but he's kept down everything he's eaten. Granted, he's not eating a lot, but I'm slowly building him back up. Think his voice was sounding rough because of all the puking he did yesterday."

"No doubt. I hope he's feeling better by the weekend-I'd hate for us to have to cancel his party. I'm coming down either way, but I think the get-together would do him good."

"Rocky and I were talking about that yesterday. We're going to give him until Thursday. If he's at least feeling better, but his energy is still down, then we're still going to have it. Definitely agree with you that it would do him some good right now."

"And I'm very excited about seeing you again...it's been too long," he said in a smoky-toned voice.

"I know and this afternoon was just a warm up." He grinned. "So you're walking around in a towel with your TA in the house? Trying to give the boy a heart attack, Falcon? Because if you scare him like that, I might just have to punish you when I see you."

"Promises, promises...and he's asleep on the couch, anyway."

"Just don't let him sleep there all night. That couch is comfortable for a few hours, but after that, not so much. Besides, he needs to be in a bed." He grinned. "And I plan on making good use of my bed Friday night when I drive you wild."

Tommy leaned back against the counter, crossing his free arm across his stomach. "I'm looking forward to it...did you ever get the headboard fixed from last time?" he kidded.

Jason snorted. "All that happened was we pulled it off the frame. Wasn't that hard to fix." The timer went off on the stove. "Hey Tommy, much as I'd love to continue this," He turned the timer off and removed the chicken from the oven. "I need to get Adam up and feed him. Plus I want to check him over again."

"Okay, I know you're busy. Take good care of Adam for me and I'll talk to you again before Friday. Take care of yourself too, okay?

"I will. You can call me tomorrow around lunch time if you want. I'll be free at the dojo." He smiled. "Just might not be able to have the same opportunity to relieve some tension as we did today." He paused. "Love you, Tom."

Tommy closed his eyes for a minute and drew a deep breath. "I love you too, Jase...always have. Talk to you tomorrow," he said softly, holding the receiver very close to his lips as if he could make Jason feel his breath through the phone line.

"Talk to you then, good night." Sighing softly, Jason hung up. Sometimes he wished that he could still teleport or that he didn't care so much what his father thought. Because some nights, he just wanted to wrap Tommy in his arms and hold onto him for as long as he could.

Remaining right where he was, Tommy hung up his phone and just stood there, thinking. There were so many things about life that weren't fair and he could compile quite a list at the moment, but normally he tried not to dwell on it. Eventually he turned and, lost in thought, stared out the window that was over the sink.

Kyle stretched slightly on the couch, and then got slowly to his feet. He was thirsty and figured he'd get a drink before attempting the stairs. Slowly, he made his way into the kitchen, yawning as he rubbed his eyes. Abruptly, he came to a stop, rubbed his eyes some more, then looked again.

Frowning slightly, he walked forward, wondering if the image of his mentor, standing at the sink in nothing but a towel was part of a vivid dream that he was having. The sculpted back begged to be touched and the trim waist tapered wonderfully into the towel. A toned thigh peeked out from the too-short overlap and had him licking his suddenly dry lips. Making his way over to the image, he stuck a finger out and poked it. His head cocked to the side as he felt warm skin beneath his finger and poked it again just to be sure.

Brought back to the here and now by a probing finger in his side, Tommy turned and looked down slightly into Kyle's obviously sleepy eyes. He then turned around to face the young man, saying, "Kyle...what are you doing?"

The blonde looked up into his mentor's eyes, then reached out and poked him in the chest. "Damn, guess this ain't a dream." He sighed. "You know, this just ain't right. No way should someone that looks like you still be single. Cause if I didn't see you as a brother, I'd definitely be willing to have you claim me."

Both of Tommy's eyebrows shot up and he cocked his head sideways. He tried to think of something to say, but was utterly dumbstruck by his teaching assistant's proclamation.

Kyle shrugged. "You've got a great body, Tommy. I'm not blind to that. Even during my senior year I recognized that. When I started assisting you at the beginning of the school year, there were several nights that I had to go home to a cold shower."

The blush started at Tommy's hairline and stopped at about the mid-point of his chest. The chuckle that escaped him was low and a bit nervous-sounding. "I-I don't know what to say, Kyle. I guess thank you, for starters." He was still fumbling around for what to say-Kyle had completely caught him off guard.

He grinned at him. "Not what you were expecting me to say, huh?"

"I would say that's a fair statement-no, I wasn't expecting that. And as for me being single, well...that's just the way things have worked out so far. I'm okay," he said, knowing that he really wasn't being completely honest.

"Uh huh." He grabbed a glass from the cabinet and filled it from the tap. He took a long, slow drink, almost draining the glass and then refilled it.

Tommy moved away from the sink a couple of steps and folded his arms across his chest. "I take it you don't believe me."

"Not particularly." He took another drink, and then leaned against the sink, facing his friend. "When Adam was up here, I watched you two in the store at the mall for a few minutes before I walked over. You were more relaxed... happy even. Around Hayley, you're okay, but not like you were that day. Then seeing you two in the bed," He shook his head. "You're far from happy being single."

"I was happy to be spending time with my old friend-that doesn't mean I'm normally miserable. Besides...there's someone I see on a regular basis, if you must know."

He nodded. "So does that mean you're bi? Or are you gay?"

"What makes you ask that? I didn't say who I'd been seeing. You didn't hear something at school, did you?" Tommy asked, suddenly worried about his job.

Kyle sighed. "Will you relax a bit? Remember, I'm really good at noticing things. And no, I haven't heard anything at school. It's the small things." He raised an eyebrow as some things fell into place. "It's this Jase person, isn't it?"

Tom sighed and looked away for a minute, then turned back to Kyle. "I'm not really...I shouldn't...damn..." he muttered. "What gives you that idea?"

He chuckled softly. "One, your reaction right now. Two, it's the way your eyes get after you've talked to him. Plus, I remember a Monday that you came in looking thoroughly sated after he'd been up. Add it all up," he shrugged. "Honestly, I don't think anyone would really suspect anything unless they knew what to look for, both from you and from people in a same-sex relationship."

Tommy lowered his head and thought for a moment. 'I can keep on denying things until I'm blue in the face-Kyle's just too perceptive. But can I trust him?'

Shaking his head, the blonde finished off his water, then rinsed the glass and put it on the side of the sink. "You know, if I wanted to blab a person's secrets, sexual orientation and who you're seeing would be the smallest ones that I could tell." He started towards the living room to get his bag.

"I'm sorry Kyle...I guess I've just never been real open about stuff like this. Let me put some clothes on and we'll talk, okay?" Tommy offered.

He didn't turn around, but nodded. "Fine." Moving over to the bag with his meds in it, he looked at his watch and started sorting a few out.

"Be right back," Tom called after him and then climbed the stairs to his bedroom. As he walked, he thought. 'You know, it would be kinda nice to have someone to open up to. Someone who hasn't known me for years and might have a fresh perspective. And Kyle is trustworthy, I know that.'

Once he'd pulled on his sleep pants and a t-shirt, he started toward the bedroom door. As he glanced at his dresser, he spotted the framed picture of him and Jason that sat there. 'May as well give him a visual,' he thought and picked up the frame.

Kyle took his last round of meds with a glass of juice, and then slipped off to the bathroom to change. When he was done, he leaned against the sink and sighed. 'I shouldn't have said anything. Should have just stayed at the house, worked on my paper and gone to bed. Stupid, Kyle!' For a few minutes, the blonde just stood there and then he finished what needed to be done for the night and went back out to the living room to wait for his friend.

Walking back into the living room a few minutes later, he found Kyle sitting back on the couch. He took a seat near him and put the picture face down on the table. "So, where to start?"

The younger man looked up at him. "Look, you don't have to tell me anything. Tomorrow just drop me off at the house after school. No big deal. I didn't mean to pry."

"No Kyle...it's okay. I was thinking about it and, well...it'd be nice to have someone to talk to about stuff. And either way, I'm not dropping you off at home and leaving you there. I promised Chris that I'd watch after you for the week and that's what I'm gonna do."

Kyle was quiet and drew his legs up, huddling into a corner of the couch. "Just don't want to be a burden. I know I'm a friend, but you shouldn't have to worry about me."

"I don't mind at all, really. Like I said, it's nice to have someone else here for a change. And you're not a burden-don't say that."

"Give me time, you'll probably change your mind about that." He sighed, then nodded towards the picture frame. "So you planning on redecorating or something?"

"No, just thought I'd give you a visual reference...in a minute. First I want to answer one of your questions," he said and then took a steadying breath. "As far as my orientation goes, I'm bi-have been since high school. I've dated girls on and off, but the only serious relationship I've ever had was with someone very special to me. And actually, I shouldn't be talking about it in the past tense because it's still going on. We're not together on a permanent basis because of some issues with his family, but so far, he's the only one that I can truly say that I love."

Kyle nodded, but kept silent. He was letting the other man go about this at his own pace, especially since he could very easily have just hit him and been done with it.

"And you were right about something else...it is Jase. In addition to being best friends, we've been together as lovers for years now-like I said, since high school." He reached over and picked up the frame and turned it so that the young man could see the photo. "This is Jase. The picture was taken at his birthday party last year." The picture was of Tommy and Jason, arms around each other's waists, standing in what looked to be the lobby of a very nice hotel. Both were dressed up a bit, like they'd been out to an expensive restaurant to celebrate.

Kyle stared at the picture for a few moments, and then something seemed to click at the back of his mind. 'Holy shit. I was right. Damn, I can't tell him or I'm liable to end up disappearing. Yeah, look where your powers of observation have gotten you now, Sorensen.' Shaking his head, the younger man sighed. "Damn, but that man has a fine ass."

Tommy grinned and looked at the picture. "Yeah...as a matter of fact, he does! And a lot of other fine attributes as well," he chuckled.

"I'll take your word for that. Although," He took another look at the picture, then remembered some of the pictures he'd seen of the first rangers in spandex. "He looks like he'd be thicker than he is long."

"Think so, huh?" he grinned again. "I'm not tellin'. Anyway, the important thing is that he's the one that I've been seeing all this time. So see? I'm not alone."

"Maybe not, but technically he's not here all the time, even if you're thinking about him a lot." He was quiet for a moment. "Have a blanket I can borrow? Only have a couple sweatshirts and I didn't grab one out of my bag."

"Oh yeah, sure-I'll go get one. Need another pillow too?" Tom asked as he got up to retrieve the things from the closet.

"Maybe, but I think I'll try to get up the stairs. Your couch is comfortable, but it's a little cool for me down here." He watched the other man for a moment, then grinned wickedly. "So you gonna get some when you go to Angel Grove on Friday?"

Tommy turned back and winked at him. "You better know it..." he laughed. "Come on, I'll help you up the steps. It's time for me to hit the hay anyway."

Rolling his eyes, the blonde got slowly to his feet. His last meds always seemed to make him cold, so he tucked his hands under his arms and joined his mentor. "What time do we have to leave in the morning?" He was starting to shiver slightly and looked forward to crawling under the covers.

"I usually leave at 7:15-gives me plenty of time to get there. Are you that cold?"

Kyle snorted softly. "Yeah, it's a side effect of the combination of meds I take at night, but I can't take them during the day because they can make me tired."

"There should be enough cover on the bed, but I'll check it to make sure. I've got extras in the linen closet," Tom said, walking into the guest bedroom and pulling the comforter back on the bed. "Does that look like enough?"

"With the extra blanket I asked for earlier, yeah, it should be. Been awhile since I've slept anywhere except home or Chris'." He crawled into the bed and drew the covers up tight around himself. "Thanks Tommy."

Smiling down at the young man, Tom tucked him in a bit more after adding another blanket to the bed. "You're welcome. Need anything else?"

"No, but thank you." He yawned. "If I do get cold later, where are your extra blankets?"

"The closet right across the hall," he replied and pointed toward the door. "I'll turn the heat up a little too. Come get me if you need me, okay?"

The blonde nodded, already starting to drift off to sleep. He sighed softly and gave in.

Tommy walked out and closed the door softly. 'He's a good kid,' he thought as he made his way to his own bedroom. Putting the photo frame down on the nightstand, he crawled under the covers and turned to gaze at it for a few minutes. As he reached over to turn the lamp off, he said quietly, "Good night, Jase."

-o-O-o-

Wednesday

Sunlight entering the room woke Kyle the next morning. He yawned as he stretched lightly, and then remembered where he was. For several moments, he just laid there, not wanting to leave the warm bed.

Softly knocking on the door, Tommy opened it slightly. "Kyle? Are you awake? Breakfast is ready."

He turned towards the door. "Yeah, I'm awake." He grinned. "Don't really want to get out of bed, but I'm awake. Give me a few minutes and I'll be down."

"Alright, don't take too long though-we need to leave in about half an hour."

"It's 6:30?" He scrambled out of bed. "Holy crap. Yeah, I'll be down in a minute."

Chuckling, Tommy replied, "Haven't seen you move that fast in a while. Man, I need some coffee." Heading down to the kitchen, he poured himself a steaming cup and sat down to eat.

Kyle made his way to the bathroom and quickly took care of the morning necessities, then got changed. Less than 10 minutes later, he was on his way downstairs, running a hand through his damp locks. "Haven't slept past 5:30 in a while." He walked over to the cabinet and got a glass out, then filled it with juice.

"Did you sleep okay?" Tommy asked over his glasses, coffee mug still in hand.

The blonde took a long drink, and then nodded. "Yeah, better than I have in a while." He took a seat at the table. "Tomorrow, I'll make breakfast for us."

"Alright, you got yourself a deal. For now though, eat your eggs and bacon so that we can get to school. I don't wanna hear Randall's mouth if we're both late," he grinned.

"She just needs to get laid." Grinning, he started eating. When they were both done, he took the plates to the sink and rinsed them off. Once finished, he went to the bag with his meds and opened a few of the bottles, then sighed as he started measuring out doses.

Tommy watched silently for a minute, but finally had to say something. "Wow, you sure do take a lot of pills, don'tcha? Wish there was something I could do to help." 'I guess I need to quit whining about the two or three doses I take daily.'

"Yeah, the Penicillin I have to take twice a day and it is two pills each time-makes about 1000mg. Then I've got stuff that's supposed to help with my appetite because the Penicillin can suppress it. Add to that a couple that are supposed to help with my bone marrow and red blood cell production." He looked over at him and shrugged. "Get used to it after a bit, but I don't like it." He recapped the bottles and took the meds with the last of his juice.

"Guess we better get ready to head out. Don't let me forget anything, okay?" he grinned at Kyle and then headed upstairs quickly to grab a few things.

He snorted, but shook his head as he went over and put his shoes on before grabbing his own bag.

-o-O-o-

Adam was sitting on the couch, staring in the direction of the TV, but not really paying it any attention. Sighing, he looked over at Jason who was busy preparing lunch in the kitchen. "Ummm, Jase?"

The paramedic looked over at his friend. "What's up, bro?"

"Well, remember you said something about letting me see that file that you have on Tommy? Still gonna do that?"

"Yeah, I just have to grab it from my room. I've got it stashed in the closet." He was kind of hoping his friend would forget about the file.

"Okay, well...I'd still like to see it, even though I know..." he trailed off. Adam was sure that the contents were going to upset him, but he felt this need to know what all was going on with Tommy. Why now, he wasn't sure.

"All right. Give me a second." He turned down the heat on the soup after sliding the last grilled cheese onto the plate. Wiping his hands, he went to his room. When he went into his closet, Jason pulled a box down and opened it. His hand shook slightly as he pulled the manila folder out. After putting the box back, he took a deep breath and walked to the living room. "If you have any questions after you read it, feel free to ask me." Jason held the folder out to his friend.

Adam reached out and took hold of the medical file, thinking how thick it was. "Wow, lots of stuff in here, huh?" he asked, looking at Tommy's name written on the cover in Jason's handwriting. He rubbed his hand over it a couple of times, waiting for the spirit to move him to open it.

"Considering that there's stuff in there from his days as the Green and White Rangers, plus Zeo and Turbo. Then you add in the stuff from the crash, plus Hayley's scans and everything since the wreck..." He nodded. "Makes a lot."

"Yeah, I guess so," he said, carefully opening the cover. Some of the first things he came across were scans done by Alpha on the then Green Ranger. "Wow, detailed stuff."

The first Red Ranger nodded. "Yeah. With Zordon having to charge Tommy's power coin, it started bothering him. So they kept a close eye on him."

Adam looked up and nodded, but then kept reading through the various reports. "So, he had some problems with the White Ranger powers too, huh? I never knew..." he said and then trailed off while he kept reading. "Was it because the White powers were created? They were sorta synthetic?"

"Zordon thought that it was because of how long he'd been sustained with energy directly from the morphing grid when his green powers were failing. Even though there was a gap between him finally losing the green powers and getting the white, it wasn't long enough for everything to settle down. Things improved a bit for him when he got the Ninjetti powers, but they still tired him a bit more than normal."

Continuing to page through medical reports, charts, and graphs that covered Tommy's time as a Zeo and Turbo ranger, he kept looking until a few newspaper clippings shifted and nearly fell to the floor. Grabbing them carefully, he opened them and gasped.

Jason closed his eyes, and then made his way back into the kitchen to finish up their lunch. He knew what had almost fallen out.

Staring with wide eyes, Adam took in the sight before him. The pictures were of Tommy's wrecked race car, presumably after they'd cut him free. It was a mangled mess of metal-how someone got out alive was a mystery. He slowly began reading the report of what happened and what the newspaper thought were Tommy's injuries. Then he came across the actual hospital records. As he went down the list, his eyes got bigger and his mouth opened a little. "Jase..." he simply said, looking up for some kind of support from his friend.

Jason brought the tray out with their lunch and set it down on the table, then took a seat beside the former Black Ranger. Sliding a bit closer, he put his arm around the other man. "I told you Adam, it was a bad wreck."

"Yeah, I know you told me, but...my god...he nearly died. How many times did you say the paramedics almost lost him?"

"Twice on the way to the hospital. If the doctors did once they started working on him, they didn't tell me. John, his uncle, had to put me on the list as an approved visitor after he got to the hospital. So all of the first info they gave went to him and I'm pretty sure he filtered some of the stuff out when he talked to me."

"How long was he out after surgery?"

"They kept him out for a few days, giving things a chance to start healing. He wasn't totally with it for about a week."

"Wow, that had to be hard on you. How'd you deal with it?"

He shook his head. "I didn't. Not then and for a couple of months afterwards." He sighed. "Remember shortly after Tommy and I started school, how I started losing weight?"

"Hmmm, yeah...I think so. I guess I just attributed it to having to cook for yourself," Adam answered.

"No, it wasn't that. I was having a lot of trouble sleeping. Started having nightmares. Some were about the wreck. Most of them were about stuff that happened to us as Rangers. Him fighting me in the Dark Dimension, when he got the Sword of Power and gave it to Robogoat. Stuff like that. Not to mention having to fight him in Gasket's arena. It took me a while, but I finally started talking to someone about it. Helped a lot."

"What about Tommy? How did it affect him? Mentally, I mean."

"He had nightmares about it. Still does sometimes. Took him a few months to get behind the wheel of a car again without breaking out in a cold sweat."

Adam glanced down at the papers in his hands and was struck with a question. "You said that he lost his sight for a little while, right?"

"Yeah, which is why he wears glasses sometimes."

Adam stopped and looked away for a few moments. He could tell that Jason was uncomfortable talking about this, but the former green Zeo ranger wasn't feeling real sympathetic at the moment. Turning back toward his friend, he cocked his head a little. "So...why on God's green earth didn't you tell anyone what was going on? Didn't we deserve to know? Tommy is our friend too, after all! You could've used the help, it sounds like!"

Sighing softly, Jason bowed his head slightly. It was something he'd argued with Tommy about for days at the time, but in the end he'd let the other man have his way. "Because he was scared Adam. I argued with him for days about telling you guys. In the end, he pretty much blackmailed me into not calling anyone."

"Blackmailed you? Oh, come on Jase. What could he possibly hold over your head? He was confined to a hospital bed!"

"Having my name removed from the visitor's list? And he could have done it." He stood up. "So what would you have me do, Adam? Huh? Call all of you guys, against his wishes and have him bar me from seeing him? Leave him there all alone? I'm sorry if you're upset about it, but there was no fucking way that I was going to leave him alone." He looked at his watch. "I've got to go." Turning he started down the hall to get his bag, the memories of that argument with Tommy running through his head.

Raising his voice so that Jason couldn't help but hear him, he said, "You can get mad at me all you want. And don't think I won't have this out with Tommy too, when I talk to him again. Friends support each other, they take care of each other...it's not fair that we were shut out and kept in the dark." He paused and thought for a moment. "And even after he was better, you guys didn't see fit to tell us even then! Making up excuses for his eyesight and the scars on his body...kinda makes me wonder what else you guys are hiding!" Getting up from the table and taking the file with him, Adam stomped off to the guest room and slammed the door.

Bag in hand the former Gold Ranger stopped in front of the guest room. He was tempted to continue the argument with Adam, but stopped himself from opening the door. "Rocky..." He had to pause and collect his emotions. "Rocky will be here in about 20 minutes. Try to eat something Adam." He left, locking the door behind him. When he got to his SUV and slid behind the wheel, his knuckles turned white as he gripped it. Lowering his head, he closed his eyes and tried to fight down the tears that had been threatening to fall since getting the file. It was a losing battle.

Sitting on the bed, staring at the manila folder in front of him, Adam felt like he wanted to break something. "I can't believe my supposed best friends would be so cagey. We're supposed to be like brothers-we fought together, put our lives on the line for each other...I was Tommy's second for a long time...how could they shut me out like this?"

Taking a deep breath, Jason was finally able to get the SUV started and headed for the dojo. Once there, he barely nodded at Rocky as he headed into the locker room to change.

"Hey Ja...Jase," Rocky said, starting to wave but only getting halfway through it before the door closed between then. "Okaaaaaay...wonder what's going on there?" He stepped back into the office to grab his things, wondering if he should go try to talk to his friend.

Changing quickly, Jason went out to the mats and wasted no time in beginning to pound on the heavy bag.

Rocky had seen moods like this before and he knew that he wasn't going to get any answers out of the man right now. 'Maybe Adam knows what the hell,' he thought as he started toward the door. When Jason stopped to take a breath and get a drink of water, Rocky quickly said, "Jase, I'm heading over to stay with Adam. You gonna be okay, bro? Anything I can do?"

The paramedic looked over at him. He knew that his eyes were red, but there was nothing he could do about it. "Make sure Adam eats something." His voice was flat and rough as he spoke. Taking another drink, he tossed the bottle aside when he realized his hands were still shaking and went back to the bag.

"You got it, man-food, I can do. Call me if you need anything, otherwise I'll see you later." Heading out to his car, the former Red Ranger continued to wonder what had upset his old friend. 'Jase doesn't get rattled that easy-must've been something horrible at work or something with...Tommy,' he thought and a cold feeling started in the pit of his stomach. 'But he'd have told me if it was Tom-he's my friend too.' He resolved to talk to Adam about it when he reached the apartment and go from there. If he had to make a call to Reefside, then he'd do it.