Misery Loves Company

by A Warrior's Prophet

Two former rangers are currently miserable in their lives. For Adam, love has betrayed him. In Tommy's case, physical pain has become a constant companion. Can they help each other overcome their misery? AU, Slash

7. Rebuilding Bridges

Misery Loves Company

By

A Warrior's Prophet

Disclaimer: See chp 1.

Author's note: Hope everyone enjoys this. Please, if you read the story write a review. Tell us what you like, don't like, or would like to see more of in future chapters. Reviews make it easier to keep writing because we know the story is being read by people who care. Thanks.

Chp 7 Rebuilding Bridges

The cell phone ringing in its holder woke Tommy and it took him a minute to remember where he was and why there was a weight on his chest. "Adam," he mumbled and then tried to get to his phone without waking his friend. He pulled it out just as it quit ringing. 'Damn,' he thought and rolled his eyes. A glance at the screen told him that it was Jason that had called. 'Probably getting worried. What time is it anyway?' He looked at his phone display as he called Jason back. 'Crap, we've been gone a while.'

Jason answered on the second ring. "Tommy? Where are you guys? Are you okay?"

"Hi 'Mom'...yes, we're fine," Tom said, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice.

He sighed. "I'm sorry, okay? It's just that you guys have been gone a while."

"No, it's okay...I understand," Tommy said with a chuckle. "I was kidding. See, we came over to the dojo so that Adam could show me around and well...we fell asleep, as odd as that sounds."

"Considering he's been taking a nap every day, it's not all that odd. Probably should have warned you he might get tired all of a sudden."

"That's fine," Tom whispered. "I was rubbing his shoulders and he just sorta nodded off right here on my chest. I guess I was more tired than I thought because I wasn't far behind," he said with a grin.

"When you consider I know how good you are with your hands, it's not surprising he fell asleep." He looked at his watch. "I put the lasagna in about 20 minutes ago. According to Rocky's instructions, it'll still be a couple of hours, so take your time."

"Okay. Did you get your errands done?" he whispered.

"Yeah, everything's taken care of." He grinned. "Have fun trying to wake him up."

"Considering the position we're in, I don't think it'll be too hard to do," he chuckled.

Jason rolled his eyes. "All right, well, just be careful... both of you. I'll see you when you two get back."

"Careful? What could happen? We're alone in a locked-up dojo full of weapons. I think we'll be okay."

"He's had a couple of bad nightmares. I just want you to be careful when you wake him up."

"Oh? Okay, thanks for telling me. I'll be careful," Tommy promised. "We'll be 'home' in a little while-I wanna let him sleep a bit longer."

"All right, no hurry. Like I said, there are still a couple of hours until dinner will be done. I'll see you when you get here."

"Right, see you then," he said and then ended the call, placing his phone on the arm of the couch and looking down at Adam. He was still sleeping, apparently peacefully, on Tommy's chest with no indication of waking up anytime soon. "Poor guy, he's worn down," Tom said, stroking the dark, thick hair. He laid his own head back and closed his eyes, deciding not to wake him yet.

-o-O-o-

When Adam started waking up, one of the first things he became aware of was the arms wrapped around him. He looked down at the hands that rested on his hips and thighs. An eyebrow came up slowly, but he did nothing to dislodge them nor did he try to move from the solid warmth that surrounded him. Instead, he sighed softly and just rested there. For the first time in a while, he felt safe and wanted.

Some small movement stirred Tommy from his dream and as he opened his eyes slowly, he found Adam right where he'd been, still snuggled into his chest. He moved one hand up to the man's stomach to feel the steady rise and fall of his breathing, not realizing that Adam had awoken before him.

When the hand moved, the former Black Ranger looked down at it, and then moved his own hand to cover it. He gave it a soft squeeze. "You awake, Tom?"

That slightly startled the former Ranger Commander and he jumped slightly, but recovered quickly. "Hey...yeah, I'm awake. Didn't know you were, though."

"Mmm, woke up a few minutes ago. I was comfortable though and didn't feel like getting up."

Tommy chuckled. "Motherhen has already called wondering where we had gotten off to. How are you feelin'?"

"Better. Guess the day was a bit more than what I'm used to lately." He sighed softly, and then looked over at the clock on the wall. "Wow, guess he has called if we've been gone that long."

"I told him to stay on his nest-we'd be home in a little while. So if I put you out like that, I must be pretty good with my hands," he grinned down at his friend.

"Yeah, that might have had a little to do with it." He grinned softly as his hand absently moved back and forth over Tommy's.

With his free hand, he ran his fingers through Adam's short, dark hair. "You had any more headaches?"

"Had one yesterday. Haven't had one today though, which I like." He leaned in slightly to his friend's touch.

"That's good to hear. De-stressing will help that, ya know. As long as we're alone, is there anything you wanna talk to me about?"

The other man was quiet for several minutes, and then he took a deep breath and let it out slowly before speaking. "Did you know that Brooke refused to have a kid with me? Told me that if she wanted to have little brats, that she would have found someone else."

Tommy's body stiffened slightly. 'That bitch,' he thought, but realized that calling the girl names wouldn't help Adam any. "Do you mean that she didn't want kids or she didn't want kids with you?"

"Both, but mainly she didn't want kids with me." He snorted. "Said that she wanted her kids to look 'American'. Of course, none of this came out until we were in Boston."

"That doesn't make sense, Adam. Why would she have married you then?"

"I don't know. Kept asking myself the same thing. When we were out here, she was all for having kids. Soon as we started the drive to Boston, she began to change."

"Think it was her family's influence? Maybe they got to her."

"Don't know. I remember drinking that night though. We'd been talking about things and the conversation led to kids. That's when she told me that she'd never have my child. I said well what if you get pregnant without us trying." He shook his head. "She slapped me and said that if I expected to sleep with her anymore and to have sex, I'd better use a condom."

"I honestly believe that if I came face to face with her, I'd forget that I'm a gentleman. What a bitch," Tom said, a slight growl in his voice.

Adam nodded. "Guess I'm starting to realize that I am better off without her, but it still hurts."

"You are, you definitely are," Tommy said, wrapping his arms around his friend's waist once again and pulling him closer.

Sighing softly, he let himself be held. "Why did I ever marry her, Tommy?"

"I don't know. You loved her, I guess...or thought you did. Lots of people fall into the same trap." He paused and took a deep breath. "You're away from her now and you've started a new life...things are going to get better."

"That's what everyone keeps saying. Just wish it wouldn't hurt so bad in the process, you know?"

"Yeah, I know. Stand up," Tommy requested simply.

Slowly Adam got to his feet, and then stretched lightly before turning around to face his friend. "Okay, I'm up. Now what?"

Tommy stood slowly, his back catching halfway up. "Oooh," he said, a grimace on his face. He waved off help from his friend and straightened up. "Come here," he said softly and pulled Adam into a warm, tight hug. "I am always here for you, man...never doubt that." One hand went to Adam's head and he ran his fingers through his hair.

His arms wrapped around Tommy, holding on tight before resting his head against the other man's chest. "I know and I can't tell you how much it means to me to know that." He let his hands run up and down the former Ranger Commander's back.

They stood there for several minutes like that, a warm embrace shared by two men in need of some comfort. "Let's go back to Jase's and have dinner. Afterwards, we can spend some more time alone, okay?"

Adam nodded. "All right." Sighing softly, he turned his head to look at Tommy. Slowly, he leaned in and placed a light kiss on his friend's cheek. "Thank you."

A warm smile spread over Tommy's face. "You're welcome...and thank you, too."

Adam cocked his head a bit. "What are you thanking me for? I haven't done anything except show you around a bit."

"Oh yes you have, you just don't know it." Tommy rubbed Adam's back and looked him in the eyes. "You've given me someone to think about besides my poor ol' self. I need someone else to concentrate on."

"And I get to be the lucky subject." He shook his head. "Not sure I'm worth all that."

"I'm sure-don't put yourself down like that. You're worth every bit of attention someone can show you," Tommy said with a smile.

"Well, aside from Jason and now you, no one's really been paying me any attention." He sighed softly. "But thank you."

"Oh come on, don't tell me that Rocky and your parents haven't been somewhat hovering."

He blushed. "I haven't really told my parents much."

"Really? What did you tell them as to why you left her?"

"Just that I caught her cheating and we ended up getting a divorce. They didn't need to know all the particulars." He snorted. "They were never that fond of her anyway. I had to fight with her in order to have them at the wedding. Should have known then that something was up."

"Yeah, no kidding." After a momentary pause, he suggested that they get going to Jason's place. "Don't wanna be late for DeSantos lasagna," he smiled.

"True." He chuckled softly. "Hopefully he left some dessert, too."

"Ooh yeah...something chocolate," Tommy said, his eyes lighting up. They finally released each other, feeling the loss immediately. After turning out the lights and locking the door, they climbed in Tommy's jeep and started for their friend's apartment.

Adam was quiet as they made their way back to Jason's. "I need to go over to my place sometime. Get a few more things."

"Wanna go now? We've still got time before dinner is ready. I don't mind."

He looked over at him. "You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. Just give me directions," Tommy said with a smile.

Nodding, the former Frog showed him the way. When they finally pulled into the parking lot, Adam sighed. "Haven't been here since Monday when they found me."

"Yeah, I would've guessed that-you've been in no shape to travel."

"Still probably not in the best shape." He opened the door. "Come on, let's get this over with."

Tommy followed his friend into the apartment and was stunned by the scene of destruction that still existed there. "Damn man...you tore this place up, didn't you?" he said, looking around at the broken furniture, pictures, and shelving.

"Yeah, guess I did. Don't really remember doing most of it." He started walking towards his bedroom. "Remember drinking a lot, though."

"I guess between the two of us, we can really put it away. Don't think I've ever done this before, though," he smiled, trying to lighten Adam's mood.

"Well, I'm hoping to never repeat it." He started packing a bag and was quiet for a few moments. "You know, I know that Rocky and Jase were scared that I was dead when they found me." He turned and faced his friend. "But at the time, I didn't care if I lived or died. I just wanted everything to stop hurting so much. And then when I read your file, I realized that you're in more pain than I will hopefully ever know."

Tommy just looked at him for a few moments and then sighed. "Yeah, it can get bad at times, but for the most part, I'm okay. I can deal with it as long as I have some meds to take the edge off. Please don't worry about me, Adam. Just concentrate on getting yourself back together-that's the way you can best help me."

"I'll try." He finished packing a bag, and then looked at Tommy. "Let's get out of here."

"Okay, let's go," he replied, walking toward the front door. "You'd be better off at my house," he mumbled under his breath, walking toward his jeep.

After tossing his bag in the back, the former Green Zeo looked at his friend. "You say something?"

"Oh nothing...just thinking out loud," he hedged. "Ready to go?"

"Nu huh, I talked now it's your turn. What'd you say?"

Amused by the childish phrase used by his friend, Tommy turned with a smile. "You've been teaching the Lil' Dragons class, haven't you?"

"Yes I have, but that still doesn't get you out of answering the question." He shook a finger at his friend. "Don't make me put you in time out."

"Oh, punish me baby..." Tom replied in a sultry tone.

He raised an eyebrow. "And if I decided to spank you?"

"I'd let you...I'd even bend myself over your knee," he said with a grin, trying not to laugh.

"Uh huh. And I'm sure you'd enjoy every minute of it." He climbed into the jeep.

"Oh yeah... of course." Tommy figured that he'd distracted Adam long enough that he wouldn't remember that he hadn't actually answered the question.

Adam let his friend drive along for a few moments. "So, what did you say?"

"Damn..." Tommy uttered and dropped his head slightly. "You're not gonna let it go, are you?"

"No, I'm not. It's obviously something you didn't think I'd hear." He was quiet for a moment. "Is it really that bad that you don't want me to know?"

"No, I guess not. I just shouldn't have said it out loud." He kept his eyes straight ahead on the road and sighed. "I said that you'd be better off at my house."

"Really? Why do you think that?"

"I don't know. Maybe I think we'd both be better off if we had more company at home. I know I get lonely...don't you?"

Adam was again quiet, and then he slowly nodded. "Yeah, I do. Think that's part of the reason I'm not really fighting Jason about staying with him."

"I'm not trying to influence you. I mean, you just got back here and got the dojo opened. Just know that you're welcome if you wanna come up."

"I really appreciate that. Who knows, if I do decide to open a dojo in Reefside, I might be taking you up on that offer."

Smiling warmly, Tommy turned toward Adam. "Good. Until then you can visit, right?"

"Definitely. And we'll have to have your boy cook for us again." He shot his friend a grin. "But I'll definitely be back up to visit, I promise."

"'My boy', huh? He'll appreciate that," Tom chuckled.

"Well, the way he looks up to you and the trouble he goes through sometimes, it's kind of appropriate."

"Kyle's a good kid. I wish he didn't have all the problems that he does, so I try to help him out. I suppose he figures he owes me, but I don't think like that."

"Oh? How do you think about it then?"

"Well...the boy doesn't have any family and only a few friends, so I'm just trying to be there for him. I don't wanna be repaid in any way and I've told him that."

"Yeah, but from what little I know of the kid, he's got a strong sense of morals, almost to the point of being chivalrous."

"I know and that's a rare thing to find," Tommy said and then a big grin broke out across his face and he had to chuckle. "That's why I keep telling him that he'd make someone a good wife!"

Adam had to chuckle at that. "True and the boy does need someone that will take care of him." He grinned. "And that can put up with his smart mouth." The former Frog looked over at Tommy. "You know he hung up on Jase today."

"Oh yeah...believe me, I heard alllll about it!" he said, rolling his eyes. "Really chapped Jase's hide."

"Sure we'll probably hear more about it at dinner, too." He laughed a bit. "He honestly seems like a good kid though. Glad you've got some help when you need it."

"Kyle's gonna make a good teacher, I think. He helps me out a lot and catches on really quickly. I wish he wouldn't worry about me so much, but I'm afraid he gets to see the good, the bad, and the ugly because he's around me nearly every day."

"Yeah, but I think trying to tell that boy not to worry about you would be like trying to tell Jase that." He added silently. 'Or me.'

Tommy sighed. "I guess you're right. I suppose I should be thankful that I have friends that are concerned about me, huh? I guess I just don't like the idea that I cause anyone to worry," he said, turning into the parking lot of Jason's apartment complex.

"Yeah well, that's part of having friends. I'm not too fond of the fact that I caused everyone to worry like they did."

"I know...and Rocky and Jase know that too. Come on, let's get inside before Rex puts out an A.P.B.," he chuckled.

Adam rolled his eyes as he got out, grabbing his bag from the back. "Think Jase is the biggest worrier among us."

"Probably," Tom said, putting an arm around Adam's shoulders. "Good thing he's in the line of work that he is." A couple of minutes later they were inside the apartment, smelling the wonderful aroma of bubbling lasagna. "Honey, we're home!" the former commander called out and then grinned at Adam.

Shaking his head, Adam just stood there.

Jason came out of the kitchen, a dish towel thrown over his shoulder. "About time, I was thinking that I'd get to eat all this by myself."

"Oh no you don't! I'd be forced to hurt you if you tried to keep all of that for yourself. And Adam would help, right?" Tom asked, turning to look at their quiet friend.

"I don't know. Might just stand back and watch, then eat it myself while you're fighting over it."

"Uh huh, sure," Tommy said and noticed Jason looking at the bag in Adam's hand. "We went by his apartment to grab a few things while we were out."

The paramedic nodded. "Rocky was planning on going over there and getting it cleaned up a bit more, but he got sidetracked some."

"I don't want him doing that," Adam spoke up. "I'll clean up the carnage myself." He turned and walked toward the room that he was calling his own at the moment to put his bag away.

Tommy turned from watching Adam and looked at Jason. "Definitely not his old self yet, huh?"

"Probably going to be a while. He's cracking a few jokes though, which is something he wasn't doing earlier." He looked at his best friend. "You have anything to do with that?"

Raising his eyebrows and giving Jason a quirky grin, he said, "Mmm...maybe. He does seem to open up to me for some reason." If he had to admit it, Tommy himself was trying to figure out just why Adam seemed drawn to him. He wasn't complaining and in truth, the former Red Zeo Ranger was attracted to his old friend.

"Well, whatever the reason is behind it, I'm glad he's talking to someone." He walked over to the former Ranger Commander and put his arms around his waist. "How are you doing?"

Arms going up to rest on his friend's shoulders he said, "I'm pretty good, actually. Back's a little stiff, but that's not unusual. Froggy's gonna give me a massage after dinner."

"Good. Wish I had a hot tub we could use. Figure all of us could use a good soak." He grinned, and then met his sometime lover's eyes. "Now, about your teaching assistant. You might want to start looking for a new one."

Letting his head fall back, Tommy laughed out loud. "I knew this was coming," he said with a smile, gazing into Jason's dark eyes. "I need him, Rex...don't do him in just yet."

"Well, I might be convinced to let him live for a while yet." He shook his head and chuckled softly. "Boy's got a mouth on him." He grinned wickedly. "Can't wait to meet him in person."

"You have a gift for understatement, my friend. Yeah, he's mouthy." Tommy relaxed a little more into Jason's embrace. "You'd scare the hell outta him, though."

"And just why would I scare him that bad?" He moved a bit closer to his friend.

"Well, you don't affect me this way, but to a lot of people, you're kinda intimidating. Plus you're older and a lot more buff than he'll ever be. I'd say you might be able to shut him up," he said with a smile, turning his head to look down the hallway when he heard a door close. It was Adam, going into the bathroom.

"I guess I can understand that." He leaned in and gave him a light kiss. "Maybe I'll have to thank him for helping you out."

Though Tommy was beginning to admit to himself that he might be growing more attracted to Adam, he knew that the young man wasn't in the right frame of mind to even think about starting a new relationship right now. But here was Jason-available, very familiar, flirty, and sexy as hell-and it had been too long. Before he could stop himself, Tommy captured those full lips with his own, tasting and inhaling that 'familiarness' and enjoying it fully. Pressing himself harder against the strong body of his best friend, he felt the reaction that he was causing.

Jason groaned softly into the mouth that held his captive. His hands slid down to cup the firm butt and pull it closer, pressing in on his growing member. He let his own tongue join the play and when they had to break for air, he rested his forehead against Tommy's. Both were panting slightly and he sighed. "If we were alone right now, I'd take you right here." His voice was low as he spoke, full of the emotions running through his burly frame.

"Mmmm... not if I got you down first," Tommy replied in a low, sultry voice. "Maybe we can steal an hour or so sometime this weekend, hmm?" he whispered, his warm breath making Jason's face tingle.

"Definitely. You won't go home unsatisfied, I promise." He ground himself slightly against his lover. "But it might take more than an hour."

"I'll hold you to that." He started to say more, but noise from the hallway made them reluctantly part. Immediately, Tommy began picking up plates and silverware to set the table.

Jason looked down the hall and grinned at Adam. "So Tommy brought a small box up that has your name on it. Figure it's got to be a present of some sort if you want to open it early."

"Should I?" Adam asked. "My birthday's not until tomorrow, ya know."

"Sure...if you want to. I gotta warn you though, it's from Kyle. No telling what's in there..." Tommy grinned, putting the last of the forks and napkins down.

"Well, okay. How much time before dinner's ready?" Adam asked.

"About twenty minutes. The lasagna's resting and I've got the bread in now." Jason grinned. "So open it. Wanna see what this kid sent you."

"Yeah, go ahead," Tommy said, encouraging him with a smile.

"All right." Adam walked over and picked the box up, raising an eyebrow at the weight. "Hope whatever it is doesn't explode." He used a knife that Jason handed him to cut through the tape and then opened it up. He grinned. "Nice." He pulled out two bags of coffee and two round tins. Opening one of the tins, he pulled out a chocolate-chocolate chip cookie. Pulling one out, he bit into it and groaned. "Oh man, that's really good."

Tommy reached over and snagged one. "Oh yeah, these are good. He makes these every now and then."

Adam handed one to Jason, then opened the other tin. "Very nice." He set that one on the table with the other and looked back into the box. "Damn, kid went all out, didn't he?" He pulled three small cookbooks out along with a wrapped package.

"Ah, he said he was gonna help you learn how to cook, didn't he?" Tommy laughed, looking at the cookbooks.

"Yeah, he did." He raised an eyebrow at Jason, who grabbed one of the regular chocolate chip cookies from the other tin.

"What? They're good." He bit into it, and then groaned softly. "Damn, got walnuts and everything."

"Wonder what's in the wrapping paper?" Tom asked. When Adam shot him a look, he held up his hands. "Don't look at me...I don't know what's in there. Honestly."

"Thought he was staying with you?" Jason asked. "Wouldn't you have seen him doing all this?"

"He is, smart ass, but that doesn't mean he tells me everything. I knew about the cookies because he made them in my kitchen, but I'm not privy to the wrapped stuff."

Adam rolled his eyes and opened the package, his eyes going wide. "Oh man, where the hell did he find something like this?" He pulled out a package of wrist bands that had the Korean symbol for 'friend' on them. Setting those aside, he pulled out a black hoodie. Opening it up, he could only stare at the silver frog that adorned most of the material, wrapping around from the back to the front. It was outlined in a green that reminded him of his Zeo suit.

"Umm Tommy...you been runnin' your mouth to that boy?" Jason asked.

"No, I swear," the former commander said, his own eyebrows lifted at the coincidence. "I haven't told him a thing."

Adam looked over at them both. "Somehow, I get the feeling that Kyle might know a bit more than he lets on." He shook his head. "Still would like to know where he found something like this."

"Well, either he got it in Reefside or he ordered it off the internet, 'cause he hasn't been out of town." Tommy fell quiet and thought for a moment. 'Does the kid know something that he shouldn't? But how would've he found out? Conner? Ethan? Would they've run their mouths?'

Jason shook his head as the timer went off. "Well, maybe we should find out exactly what it is he knows." Walking back into the kitchen, he turned the oven off and took the garlic bread out.

"Yeah, maybe so. But that's a cool hoodie anyway, huh?" he asked Adam. "Try it on," he said with a smile.

Unzipping it, Adam slid it on and was surprised to find that it fit perfectly. "Feels really good."

"He must have sized you up pretty good when you were at the house," Tommy said with a chuckle. "He did say that you were pretty hot," he added with a wink.

"Oh did he now?" Jason asked. "Looks good, by the way."

A blush crept over the former Black Ranger's features. "Kid also said the boxers I had on wrapped the package nicely." He shook his head, pushing the sleeves up a bit. "So? We eating or not?"

"Yes, yes...we're eating now. Get over to the table," Jason directed. Once he'd brought the food over and they had served themselves, everyone dug in. "Man...this stuff is so good," he remarked.

"Sure is," Tommy said. "I haven't had this in a long time. Wonder if Rocky would give Kyle the recipe?" he asked with a smile.

Adam shrugged. "It's possible. I'd like to see what kind of twist Kyle would put on it if he did get the recipe."

"There's no telling. It'd probably be good, though," Tom responded.

"So Tommy...I'm assuming by Kyle's remarks that he's bi? Gay?" Jason asked.

"Kinda gave himself away, didn't he? He's gay," Tommy said, picking up a piece of garlic bread and dipping it in the sauce.

Nodding, Adam grinned. "Yeah, and if those remarks didn't give him away, some of the ones he made to Tom at the mall sure did."

"Oh? Do tell..." Jason requested, looking at Tommy with a mischievous grin, propping his chin on his fist.

Tommy just shook his head and kept eating, refusing to comply.

The former Frog laughed softly. "I already told you about what happened that weekend when I got back. That's what I was referring to. Kyle's a good kid though." He chuckled. "Just got a mouth on him."

Thinking for a moment, it finally dawned on Jason. "Ohhhh, the pants incident. I remember now," he said, laughing out loud and staring a hole through Tommy.

The original Green Ranger wouldn't give him the satisfaction of responding and never looked up.

Shaking his head, Adam took a drink of the Gatorade Jason had given him. "Well, the kid did make up for it with breakfast and then all the stuff he did for dinner."

-o-O-o-

Jason watched as Adam started getting tired during the last movie. He nudged Tommy and leaned in. "If you want to give him a massage tonight, now might be a good time." When the former Ranger Commander nodded, Jason spoke to his friend. "Hey Adam, why don't you get a hot shower and when you get out Tom can give you that massage he was talking about."

Stretching slightly, the other man nodded. "Sounds good." He stood up and went to his room. Grabbing a pair of boxers and sleep pants, he went into the bathroom. After setting the shower to a temperature he liked, he stripped before stepping beneath the hot spray.

"I thought a massage might help him sleep. Besides, he promised to give me one too and I could use it," Tommy said, stretching his stiff, sore back.

Jason nodded. "Yeah, I could tell you were a little tight earlier." He grinned. "Well, Adam's better at it than I am. Maybe you can get each other to relax."

"Maybe... but there are things that you're very good at," Tom said with a leer.

"Mmm, so you keep telling me." He moved closer to the other man. "Guess we'll just have to see what those things are a little later, won't we?"

Nodding, Tommy placed a warm hand on his sometime lover's thigh, squeezing slightly. "Yeah...most definitely," he whispered, laying his head back against Jason's shoulder and looking up into those midnight dark eyes.

Leaning in, Jason captured the warm, soft lips. He kept the kiss light, but full of promise for what was to come later on.

Moaning into the kiss, Tommy opened up slightly, inviting Jason to explore him a little further.

Sighing softly, Jason dipped his tongue into that warm, moist cavern, teasing its partner that lay nestled inside. He let his hands start to stroke the body beside him, keeping the touch light.

Just as they were really getting into the kiss, the need for air became crucial. Resting his forehead against Jason's, Tommy heard the water turn off in the bathroom. "Think he's about through in there. Better make this do for a while," he said, capturing Jason's full lips and kissing him with renewed passion.

Groaning softly, the paramedic let the kiss go on for a few more minutes before he pulled back. He leaned his forehead against Tommy's, and then sighed softly. "Later, I promise."

Tommy just nodded, catching his breath. When Adam came down the hallway unexpectedly, they tried to act casual. "Umm, hey Adam. Nice shower?" Tommy asked, straightening his shirt.

"Yeah, helped me loosen up a bit." He could figure out what the other two had been up to and considering their past, he had halfway expected it. "Didn't help with me feeling tired though."

"That's okay, you need to be able to sleep tonight anyway," Tom said. "Ready for me to give you that massage?"

He nodded. "Yeah, then tomorrow I'll return the favor." He grinned. "And maybe for breakfast we can make some of that coffee Kyle sent."

"Good idea. Tommy, put him to sleep with a nice massage. Hope you have a good night, Adam," Jason said with a smile.

The former Frog chuckled softly. "Trust me, won't take much for me to fall asleep right now."

Getting up slowly, Tommy stretched a bit. "You ready?" he asked Adam, walking toward his friend.

"Yeah, I am." He nodded at Jase. "Night bro, see you tomorrow."

"G'night Froggy."

Adam led the way into the room he was using, and then took a seat on the bed. "Want me on my stomach?"

"Yeah, that'll be fine. Get yourself comfortable," Tommy said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Stretching out on the bed, he pillowed his head on his arms with his face towards Tommy. "I appreciate you doing this and tomorrow I'll return the favor."

"I know you will...it's okay. Now just try to relax," he said and warmed his hands a little before he put them on Adam's bare back.

"I'll try." He sighed softly as his friend started working on his back. "Don't hurt yourself. I'd feel bad if you did." He cut his eyes towards his friend. "Know you were stiff getting out of your jeep earlier."

"Oh no, I'm fine. Don't worry," he said softly. He took a minute to examine the tattoo on Adam's shoulder. "That really is a nice tat, bro. I'm tellin' ya, you need another one," he said as he worked the stiff muscles.

"Yeah, like I said, it's just a matter of finding one I like." He could feel himself relaxing under the steady hands. At the same time, he could feel something else happening.

"Yeah well, we can talk to Robby and see if he has any ideas." He continued to work the shoulders for a few minutes and then moved slowly downward. "Any place in particular that's bothering you?" he asked, rubbing his lower back.

Adam flinched slightly. "Right in there is kind of tight."

"Oooh yeah, I can tell," he said, concentrating his efforts on getting those muscles to relax a little. "You haven't strained your back, have you?"

"Can you do that puking?" He sighed softly. "I mean, it's been tight, but I haven't been doing a lot of bending or anything since Jase and them found me. Guess it's possible I did it when I was trashing my place."

"I'll bet that's what you did and just don't remember it. Here, hang on a minute. I'm gonna see if Jase has any massage oil." Getting up slowly, he went out of the room and down the hall.

Jason looked up from changing into a pair of sleep pants when Tommy came into the bedroom. "Done already?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.

"No. Do you have any massage oil? I think Adam's managed to pull something in his back," Tommy stated, standing in the doorway.

He frowned. "Yeah, I've got some here." The paramedic walked over to the nightstand and pulled open the drawer. Pulling out a bottle, he took it over to his best friend. "He okay or do you think it's something serious?"

"Well...it's probably nothing but would you come look at it right quick? It'd ease my mind."

"Yeah, no problem." He walked back down the hall with Tommy and went into the room. "Hey Froggy, Tom said that you might have done something to your back. Mind if I take a look?" He took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"No, I guess not. Go ahead," Adam said, not moving from his spot.

Carefully, Jason put his hands on the lower back of his friend, and then frowned at the tenseness he felt there. "This may hurt a bit, but I want you to tell me where it hurts the most, okay?" He started pressing in different spots on Adam's lower back.

In several places, Adam either hissed or 'Ouched'. "It's pretty sore, Rex," he said in a tired voice.

Tommy stood by with a worried look on his face. "Think it's bad, Jase?"

"All right, I'm gonna go get something out of my bag. It's just a really mild muscle relaxer. I'm gonna give it to you and then let Tom finish working on your back, okay? Then you take it easy for the weekend and if it's still bothering you Monday, I'll take you to the doctor." He looked over at the former Green Ranger. "I think it's just a mild strain, but he needs to relax for the rest of tonight and then some mild stretching tomorrow. Kind of like what you do."

"Okay, good." He looked down at Adam. "The medicine will help tonight and we'll work on some stretching for both of us tomorrow, okay?"

Jason nodded and went to get what he needed.

Adam sighed softly. "Works for me." He raised an eyebrow when he saw the paramedic come back in with a needle. "Should have known."

"I know, I hate needles too. He'll be quick," Tommy said, looking over at Jason.

"Yes, I'll be quick," the Original Red Ranger agreed.

"I hope so." Adam closed his eyes as Jason rubbed a spot on his hip. He only felt a slight sting and then the paramedic was rubbing the spot again. He opened his eyes and looked at him. "Wasn't too bad."

Jason grinned. "Well, I try." He got up, capping the syringe. "That should start to work pretty quickly and it might make you a bit sleepy. Don't fight it and let Tom help you finish relaxing, okay?"

He nodded. "I will. Thanks Jase." He settled back as the paramedic ruffled his hair before leaving to dispose of the syringe.

Tommy sat back down in the same place he'd been and applied some of the massage oil to his hands. "You ready to be put to sleep?" he asked with a chuckle.

Adam chuckled softly. "Yeah, I'm ready. Send me to 'la la' land big fella."

"'Big fella'?" Tommy laughed, beginning to rub the oil into Adam's warm skin.

"Well, you are bigger than me." He sighed softly as his friend started working on him again. 'In more ways than one if those shorts were any hint.'

"Ohh, there's so many things I could say, but I won't," Tommy said in a low voice, still massaging his friend's sore back.

"Mmm, why's that?" He closed his eyes, relaxing into the massage.

"Because I shouldn't. Now shh! Just relax and let the medicine work."

"Okay." He sighed softly and could feel the pull of both the massage and the medicine. Unable to fight it, Adam let himself drift off to sleep, his muscles relaxing the rest of the way as he did.

Tommy continued working on Adam's back for several minutes even after he knew the man was asleep. Once he got up, he carefully pulled the covers up over his friend and turned the light out. "Goodnight, Froggy," he whispered and carefully pulled the door shut. Crossing the hallway, he entered the master bedroom. "Well, he's asleep."

"Good. If I'd known his back was that tight or even bothering him, I would have had the doc look at it yesterday." Getting up, Jason walked over to the door and shut it, then turned back to his friend. "If you want, I can work on your back a bit."

"Aww, could ya? I could use a bit of a massage," Tommy said, stretching and wincing.

"Definitely," He grinned wickedly. "Don't need you getting hurt when I reclaim you."

"Mmm... definitely not," he said, returning the grin. "We've gotta be quiet though-don't wanna wake Adam."

"I think we can manage that." He closed the gap and wrapped his arms around the legendary Ranger's waist, drawing him close. "But I think you're wearing too many clothes right now."

Slowly, Jase reached down and grabbed the edges of his soon-to-be lover's shirt. Sliding his hands beneath it, he began sliding it off the muscled torso and then tossed it to the side. Leaning in, he placed a light kiss on Tom's collarbone followed by a nip. "God, I've missed being able to do this."

"Mmmm...I've missed this too," he groaned, rubbing Jason's sides. He desperately wanted to get that shirt off his best friend's body. Taking hold of the hem, he pulled upwards as Jason allowed his shirt to be removed. Pressing their bare chests together, their lips met even as hands started roaming.

Moving slowly, Jason walked the legendary ranger back to his bed. When Tommy's legs brushed against the bed, he forced the man back onto the mattress, and then leaned over him. "I'm going to make you beg before the night is over, Tommy." He trailed a line of kisses down the other man's neck, pausing for a moment to nuzzle the hollow of his throat before continuing downward to latch onto a hardened nipple. At the same time, his hands set to work undoing the jeans that covered his ultimate prize.

Tommy laid back and just enjoyed the sensual assault. He grasped and rubbed at Jason's arms and chest when he could reach them and moaned softly. "Mmm... Jase." He wanted to get his hands on the man that hovered over him so badly, but he was trying to be patient.

He chuckled softly as he stood up. "Lift your hips." Waiting until Tommy complied; Jason could only stare down at the man. 'I love him so much.' Once those powerful hips were raised, he removed the jeans, but left the boxers for now. If he didn't, then the night would be over way too soon. He shed his sleep pants and socks before slipping between those powerful thighs, purposefully brushing his cotton-clad erection against the one belonging to his best friend. He rocked slightly before leaning down to capture those soft, warm lips. "Feels so good."

"Uh huh," Tommy groaned and caressed the warm skin of his lover. He intertwined his legs with Jason's and began to rub gently, causing a wonderfully warm friction.

Groaning softly, Jason pulled back a bit to look into the chocolate eyes. "Tom, I need to ask you something."

Surprised by the suddenness of Jason's question, it took Tommy a second to respond. "Umm... sure. What is it?" he asked. 'What is important enough to make him stop now to ask?'

"Adam said something when he came back. About how you woke him up one night with your back hurting you. That one minute you were fine and the next he could feel you trying to get situated to ease the pain." He paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "Did you sleep with him?" he finally asked.

"Did I sleep with him? As in having sex with him?"

Nodding slowly, he reached a hand out to take hold of one of Tommy's. "I want to know."

He looked up into Jason's eyes. "Don't you think I would have told you already if I had?" He paused for a moment. "No, Jason...I didn't have sex with Adam. He slept in my bed two of the three nights he was up there because we both decided it was just nice to have someone else there."

"Telling someone that you've been making love to on and off for years that you slept with someone else is always done better face to face." He ran a gentle hand along Tom's cheek. "Just so you know, he has nightmares. Monday and Tuesday, I kept him in the bed with me so I could keep an eye on him. Tonight's the first time he's gone around without a hoodie on because he's had a hard time getting or staying warm. The past couple of nights, after a nightmare, he's only been able to go back to sleep after I let him into the bed, but I haven't had sex with him either." He ran a hand down his lover's side, not light enough to tickle, but enough to tease.

"Do you know what the nightmares are about? Did he tell you?" Tommy asked, gently caressing Jason's arm.

"He keeps saying he doesn't remember. Somehow, I just don't think I'm the person he'll really talk to about it. You might be though, if he has one tonight." He let his hand slip under the waistband of Tom's boxers to gently stroke the velvety steel that they covered.

"Okay, we'll see," he said and then he grasped Jase's hand, effectively stopping what he was doing. When his lover looked at him questioningly, Tommy said, "Wait. There's something we need to clear up first." Jason withdrew his hand and waited to see what his best friend had to say. "Jason, I want you to know something. If I ever decided to have a relationship with anyone that involved sex, I would tell you, I promise. There is no way that I could keep that from you, okay?"

Jason nodded, leaning in to rest his forehead against Tom's. "Okay. And I promise the same thing." Jason kissed him softly.

Once the kiss broke, Tommy smiled at his on-again-off-again boyfriend. "Now, what was it you were doing?"

Jason chuckled softly. "You're weird." He returned to his gentle stroking of that thick cock. "But I love you." Once again, he captured those full, warm lips sliding his tongue inside to tease its mate into playing.

-o-O-o-

He could see the track, small shimmers of heat coming off of the surface underneath the sun that shone brightly overhead. 'Why am I here? What's going on?' Movement around his neck caused by the slight breeze made him look down at the pit pass that hung around his neck. 'John Oliver Racing? Oh no, please... please don't let me be dreaming this again.'

He watches the cars as they start around the track and can instantly pick out the one that Tommy was driving. His heart is in his throat as he watches his friend move up through the pack. Lap after lap, his stomach gets tighter and tighter. He can't scream... that will come later. For now, all he can do is watch in fascinated horror for words to come to life as the day that he almost lost one of his best friends replays itself in his mind.

"Just 50 laps to go folks," the announcer states. 'Yeah and less than one until it's really over.' The thought barely has time to pass through his mind before he hears it. That gut-dropping metal-on-metal grind that comes from two tons of metal colliding at over 200mph. The crowd gasps as Tommy's car is slung into the wall and then jerked away as it tries to ride out of the concrete barrier protecting the spectators. Another bone-jarring hit sends the car careening into a spin only to slam once again into that unyielding wall of concrete and reinforced steel.

He doesn't know when he started running towards the wreck, words still unable to come out of his tight throat as he sees all the people surrounding the car that holds his friend. There is an almost eerie silence that descends over the area, broken only by the harsh whispers of those watching and the frantic orders of the men working to rescue Tommy.

The smoke seems to appear from nowhere. What is worse, no one can see it but him. The distance to the wreck doesn't seem to be getting any smaller as he continues running, trying desperately to warn one of the rescuers... someone... anyone... of the danger they are all in.

In the dark of the bedroom, the form that resided in the queen-sized bed tossed restlessly, trying to purge and fight against the images going through its mind. Sweat soaked Adam's shirt and hair, plastering it to his body. His breathing had started to speed up and he moaned softly at what he knew was coming.

Adam slows slightly as he finally gets closer to the wreck. He can see them pulling Tommy's limp body from the mangled piece of steel that was once a stock car. Blood covers the side of his face and one part of his jumpsuit. They almost have him free... where they can try to help him... save him... when the world erupts into flame and noise as the car explodes, sending bodies flying in all directions.

He stares silently at the catastrophe in front of him until something lands at his feet. As the smoke that has drifted over him clears, he realizes that it is a body... carefully, he kneels down next to it and turns the figure onto its back. The face staring up at him is his best friend. Tommy's warm, chocolate eyes are now vacant and staring at nothing. Blood still slowly seeps from a gash in his head, covering that warm face in gore and finally…finally Adam can find his voice as he releases the anguish he feels at his friend's death.

"NO! NO! God, please! NOOOOO!" He can't stop the screams that erupt from him nor is he able to wake himself from the nightmare that holds him tight.

Suddenly, the sound of someone shouting reached the master bedroom. Tommy slowly tried to open his eyes, not sure what he had heard. He could feel Jason laying behind him, his arm slung over Tommy's waist. 'He's still sleeping-I can hear him breathing.' He heard it again. "Adam," he said in a low, sleepy voice as he started moving to get up and go check on his friend. Tommy's stirring woke Jason.

"What's goin' on?" he asked, but Jason then heard the same voice that had awoken his best friend. "Oh...not again," he said, not out of annoyance, but out of concern.

"Come on," Tom said as he quickly pulled on his boxers and dashed out the bedroom door. He could still hear Adam yelling as he got to the door of the guest room.

He didn't stop to knock-he went right in and found his friend thrashing about on the bed, soaked in sweat, still in the grips of a serious nightmare.

"Adam...Adam...wake up, man. Come on, it's just a dream," he said insistently as he reached out to shake his friend.

Walking over to Tommy, Jason put a hand on the other man's shoulder. "Don't shake him, bro. If he's having the same type of nightmare as last night, it's not going to do any good. It could also make him start fighting you."

Adam groaned and tried to fight the hands that held him. "No! You're not taking him! He's not dead! He's not!"

Tommy turned and looked at Jason and then went back to trying to wake his friend. "Adam... come on, man. Adam!" he said a little more loudly, "Please wake up."

Jason went around to the other side of the bed and looked over at Tommy. "Tom, put your hand in the middle of his chest. Just hold it there. Your other hand goes to the back of his head. Start stroking it like you would to soothe him. He had one like this last night and it took almost ten minutes before Rocky and I could get him awake."

Tommy did as Jason told him, placing his hands in the designated places. He tried again to wake his friend. "Adam... wake up!" Tommy turned to Jason. "What did you do to wake him last night?"

"Nothing, he came out of it on his own, but when he did he sat up screaming, and then almost fell out of the bed. About scared the shit out of Rocky."

Adam could feel pressure in his chest... his screams were being cut off once again as his throat began to go raw... the hands trying to force him away from Tommy's body finally stopped. Looking down at the body of the man that he called friend, he lowered his head to his and began to cry.

"Oh Tommy, I'm so sorry... so sorry." Hot tears began to slip from the former Black Ranger's eyes as the grip the nightmare had on him finally lessened.

The former commander shook his head, and then looked up at Jason. "Think he's starting to relax. Maybe he'll wake up now."

Before he had even finished speaking, Adam's eyes came open and he tried to sit up, but a pressure on his chest and arms kept him from being able to do so. For a moment, he tried to fight them.

"Easy Adam, just relax for me." Jason's voice was soft and low, not wanting to startle the other man any more than they had to. "Just breathe, Adam."

Tommy looked down into his tear-filled eyes. He had clearly heard his friend call his name while in the midst of that awful dream. "It was just a dream, bro. You're okay...everybody's okay. Understand?" he said in a low, gentle voice.

Slowly, Adam nodded his head and took a deep, shuddering breath. He tried to say something, but his throat was suddenly dry. Instead, he closed his eyes for a moment before re-opening them. The pressure on his arms was released and he felt one side of the bed shift. Then Jason was gently lifting his head for him to drink. After a few sips, he sighed and settled back against the pillow. "Sorry I woke you guys."

"That's okay. Are you alright?" Tommy asked, wanting to pull Adam into a big hug, but wasn't sure if he should.

"Other than the fact that I keep seeing you die in a fucking race car? Yeah, I'm okay." He shivered suddenly, groaning softly as he did. His hand went to his mouth and he started turning towards Tommy.

"Shit. Trash can, Tom." Jason stated, already moving to help Adam reach it. "Should have expected this."

Tommy quickly grabbed the trash can that was beside the bed and held it for his friend while Jason helped hold Adam up. Absently, he rubbed the other man's back and noticed the chill caused by the sweat-dampened shirt. "Need to get you in a dry shirt, Froggy."

Adam finished emptying the contents of his stomach, which was luckily only the water Jason had given him into the waste basket. When he was done, he sighed softly and let his friends help him back onto the bed. "This sucks."

Jason nodded. "Yeah, it does. Stomach still upset?" He was already checking the man's pulse, which was still a little fast, but it was the coolness of his skin that was starting to worry the paramedic. "Black bag over in the corner has his stuff in it Tom, if you'll get him a new shirt for me."

Tommy got up from the bed and grabbed a clean shirt from the bag. "You're gonna get over this, Adam. Don't worry." He stopped talking until he got to the bed and sat down. "Why were you dreaming about me anyway?"

Adam flinched away from the light Jason shined in his eyes and glared at him a moment. "Still a little upset, but I don't think I'm going to puke anymore. Least I hope not." He looked at Tommy, and then sighed. "I found an article in the file Jason gave me. It talked about the race and your crash."

The Original Green Ranger shot a look at Jason and then turned back to Adam. "I'm okay... yes, it was a bad wreck and it took me a while to recover, but...that was ten years ago. I'm alright now, okay Adam? You can see that."

Jason plucked at Adam's damp shirt. "Get this off, Adam. You're getting too cold again." He helped him out of his shirt and into the dry one.

He rolled his eyes at the paramedic, but the dry shirt did help a little. He met Tommy's eyes once again. "I know all of that, but the wreck... when it happens in my dreams… the car explodes... and you..." He started to cry again. "Your body lands at my feet... and there's nothing I-" He breaks off into soft sobs, his hands moving up to cover his face.

Tommy pulled Adam up into a warm, tight hug and just held him there. He stroked the man's dark hair and back. "It was a dream...nothing more."

Jason moved closer to the pair, putting an arm around them both. "Come on, you need to calm down, bro." He added his own gentle strokes to the man's back.

Adam said nothing-he just kept holding onto Tommy's strong, warm, and most importantly, alive body. They all remained in that group hug for a couple of minutes, until Jason made a suggestion. "Why don't we all go lie down in my bed? It's plenty big enough."

Shaking his head, Adam started to protest. "I'll be okay. You guys go back to bed." He was still shaking slightly in their hug.

"Oh no, no way," Tommy said. "You're coming with us. Now, come on," he said, leaving absolutely no room for argument. Jason nodded when Adam looked to him.

Adam sighed and got up, swaying for a couple moments when he got to his feet.

Jason grabbed onto one arm to steady him. "Easy. I need to know if your stomach's still bothering you. If it is, I can give you something for it."

"No, it's okay now," he said, taking a deep breath. "I'm just a little shaky."

"All right, then let's get going." He nodded at Tommy to take his other arm. Together they got their friend into the other room. "You're in the middle, Adam."

"Alright," he said in a low voice and climbed toward the center of the big bed. Tommy and Jason joined him on either side. "Now just relax and try to go back to sleep, okay?" Jason said, making sure that Adam was tucked in and comfortable.

Feeling Adam shiver slightly, Tommy scooted a bit closer, then started running his hand through Adam's hair, helping the still slightly damp locks dry. "Close your eyes, bro. I'm right here and not planning on going anywhere." He kept his voice low and soft. "Just let go, Adam."

"I'm trying, but..." he stopped and sighed. "I feel like such a child-I'm a grown man, why can't I act like it?" he said, getting more and more upset.

Jason put a hand on his chest. "Adam, we all have stuff that makes us want to find someone to talk to or for comfort, even us grown men. Like me, I was almost a basket case until we figured out that Tommy was alive after That Damn Island exploded. There were a few days that if I didn't know where he was at all times, I'd start thinking the whole thing was a dream and would tear through his place looking for him."

"It took him a while to get over that. It might be the same way with you, but you will get over it, okay? You're a strong person-you always have been. Just try to relax now. We're right here...okay?" Tommy said while looking deeply into his friend's eyes.

Adam locked eyes with Tommy, and then sighed, feeling himself relax. "Okay." He forced himself to close his eyes and slowly deepen his breathing. Little by little he could feel himself starting to get warm once again and relax.

Jason turned out the light, and then stretched out beside the other man. Instinctively, he returned his hand to Adam's chest. The slowing, but steady beat beneath his hand helped to reassure him that his friend was okay.

A few hours later, Tommy opened his eyes slowly. Besides the light streaming through the window, the first thing he became aware of was a body tucked up close to his, with an arm and a leg thrown over him. He looked over to see that it was Adam, curled up with him and sleeping peacefully. Jason was behind him, and it looked as though he was trying to gather the both of them up into his arms. Tommy had to smile.

Jason sighed softly as he started waking up. He could hear the birds outside, but it was the warmth pressed against him that made him open his eyes. Looking down, he spotted Adam's dark head slightly below his own. He grinned slightly and raised his eyes, meeting Tommy's over the warm body trapped between them. He gave him a soft smile.

Tommy smiled back and then looked back down at Adam. Neither of them moved too much, they didn't want to risk waking him up. Finally, Jason had to move-he had to go to the bathroom and it couldn't wait any longer. Very carefully, he unwrapped himself from the other two and slid out of the big bed.

Adam shifted slightly, snuggling in closer to Tommy, but didn't really wake. The warm body next to his felt good and he didn't want to lose the contact only to wake up and find it was all a dream-that he'd be in his bed, alone, once again.

Not about to disturb him, the former commander held him close and just enjoyed the warmth.

Jason came back from the bathroom and knelt beside the bed. Leaning close to Tommy, he kissed him softly on the cheek before speaking quietly. "I'm going to start some coffee. It's a little after 8 now. Take your time."

"Okay," Tommy whispered. "I'll be up in a little while." Jason went out into the kitchen and picked up the phone. He had to get on with the preparations for the birthday party.

It was almost half an hour later before Adam stirred again. The warmth that had been against his back had faded, which had pushed him closer to the source of heat in front of him. Now, he was trying to stay asleep, not wanting to wake up and find it all a dream. His body, however, had other ideas and he sighed softly before opening his eyes and coming face to face with a chest.

It took a moment for Adam's mind to clear, but he eventually remembered being in bed with Jason and Tommy. 'So who's chest am I looking at?'

Tommy chuckled softly at the look on Adam's face. "Morning sleepyhead." He didn't move from his position.

"Tommy...hey," he said sleepily. "What time is it?"

"Probably close to 8:30 or 9. How are you feeling this morning?"

He considered that for a minute. "Umm...I'm okay, I guess." He realized then how tightly he was wound around his friend. He started to move away a bit saying, "Sorry...didn't mean to..." he trailed off.

Tommy stopped him. "Adam, if I was uncomfortable, I would have moved you when I woke up. Don't apologize, okay? You did nothing wrong."

Adam nodded and stopped moving. "Okay...if you say so," he smiled slightly. "So where did Jason go? Wasn't he here a minute ago?"

"More like half an hour or so, Rex had to go to the bathroom and then went to make coffee." Tommy was quiet for a moment. "You know that you have nothing to be ashamed of, right? We all have nightmares, Adam, and at one time or another, we've sought out someone for company when they've gotten really bad."

He nodded. "I remember you telling me something about having a lot of nightmares after Rita's spell was broken. That must have been tough to deal with," he said looking up into his friend's eyes.

"It was and for the most part, it was Jason that I sought out to help me deal with them. We hadn't known each other long at the time, but every night that I showed up at his window after having a nightmare, he let me in and we talked for a bit, then I would fall asleep in his bed. We woke up like this a few times before we ever realized that there might be something between us. He helped me out a lot." He ran a hand through Adam's hair. "We're both here for you Adam. So is Rocky. Any time you need to talk, whatever time it is, don't be afraid to call me."

"I appreciate that, but you might end up regretting it," he grinned. "I hope this doesn't keep up. How long did the nightmares stay with you?"

"I would never regret helping a friend out," he told Adam seriously. "As for the nightmares, I still get them sometimes, but it usually takes something to set them off. My last stint as a Ranger dug up a few of them."

"I can see where that would happen. I hope these don't hang around for long." He yawned and stretched. As much as he didn't want to move, he really needed to visit the bathroom. He rolled over and started to slowly get up.

Tommy watched him for a few moments, and then sat up himself. "If you feel like it, sometime this weekend, Jason and I can show you an old kata he taught me after they got me back from Rita's control."

"That sounds like a good idea. If I have the energy, I'd love for you to show it to me." With that, he left the room and Tommy got up out of the bed. Knowing he wasn't going to get into the bathroom for the next couple of minutes, he went to find his sometime lover.

Jason turned from where he was scrambling some eggs. A small stack of pancakes already rested off to the side. "Hey, I heard you guys talking and figured I'd start breakfast."

Tommy slipped his arms around his best friend's waist and nuzzled the back of his neck. "I love waking up to you making breakfast. You're so domestic," he said with a grin.

The Original Red Ranger chuckled softly. "You just like being fed and not having to make it yourself." He turned a bit, pulling Tommy around and kissed him softly.

"Okay, you got me there, but still...bet you'd look good in an apron," he said and playfully slapped his lover on the butt. Before Jason could retaliate, Tom scooted out of the kitchen and towards the bathroom.

Jason rolled his eyes at the retreating form and went back to making sure breakfast didn't burn. When he was done, he made three plates and took them to the table before going back for glasses of juice. "Come and eat, you two."

Adam made it to the dining room first and sat down at the table. "Smells good. I think I'm actually hungry this morning," he said sleepily.

"Good, hopefully it means that your appetite is starting to pick back up. That'll help you get your energy back. Speaking of," he handed Adam a small clear pack of vitamins. It was something that he knew would help his friend and the assortment would also help replenish what he'd lost over the last few days. "Think you should take these for a while."

Adam looked at it and nodded. "Okay, if you think it'll help. Thanks." He took a long drink of juice and started eating as Tommy came in and took a seat. "Heard from Rocky this morning?" he asked Jason.

"Yeah, I actually called him. Wanted to make sure that everything was okay at the dojo. He said that things were fine and if Adam felt like it, we should all stop by around noon. Seems a few of the students miss their head Master."

Jason took a drink of juice as he finished speaking. He knew that Tommy would understand that things were all set for the party and that everyone would be there around noon.

Tommy nodded. "That sounds like a good idea, Adam. Think you're up to it?" he said as he started on his breakfast.

Adam was quiet for a few moments, then nodded. "Yeah, I'd like to at least try. Besides, might do me a bit of good to get out of the apartment." He looked over at Jason. "Without having to be carried." He opened the small packet of vitamins and took them with some juice, then started eating again.

Grinning, Jason nodded, and then winked at Tommy across the table. They fell into a companionable silence as they ate.

-o-O-o-

By 11:30, they were getting in Jason's SUV for the trip to the dojo. "Any classes going on today, Adam?" Tommy asked.

"The morning ones should be done unless Rocky booked a private lesson."

"Rocky always was a good one-on-one teacher-even back in high school. I'll bet he's a big help," the Original Green Ranger stated.

"He really is and he's good with the kids. Jason is too, but I've found that Rexy likes the older kids a bit better." He grinned at the paramedic.

Jason rolled his eyes. "The little ones seem to think I'm their own personal jungle gym or climbing tree."

Tommy couldn't help but laugh at his sometime lover. "But you're so much fun to climb on..." he said, giving him a wink.

"Uh huh, right up until a little foot lands in a sensitive area. Let's see you laugh then, Rainbow Boy."

"You've been teaching long enough to know to wear a cup when you're teaching the Lil' Dragons. I have no pity for you, Goldie."

"I was wearing a cup, Falcon."

Adam was in the back, watching both men as they started a color fight, grinning.

Pulling up into the parking lot, Tommy noticed all of the cars around and wondered if it was gonna give them away. "Looks like he's scheduled something-a make-up class, maybe?" He shot a look over at Jason, wanting him to go along with it.

"It's possible. Could be he held a few of the senior kids over for a bit. We've been talking about putting a demo team together and that'd be the group to really start it," Adam stated, unbuckling his seatbelt.

"Demo teams are so much fun. Man... those were good times," the former Falcon said with a smile.

Adam snorted. "Yeah well, you haven't seen some of the kids that would be interested. I'd hate to have them try a flying kick over someone's back."

"Wish I had the time to teach again-I'd straighten 'em out," Tommy said, getting a look from Jason. "What? You think I'm not able?"

"No, I was just thinking about how much bruise cream we'd need for the Muay Thai kicks they'd be getting when they screwed up or mouthed off."

Nodding, Tommy said, "You got that right. I don't play that 'kinder, gentler dojo' stuff." He turned and smiled at Adam. "And I can't see you doing it, either."

Adam blushed slightly. "There are times that I use the one that's not listening or goofing off as a practice dummy."

An evil grin spread across the former commander's face. "That's my boy." Looking over at Jason, he asked, "So, you made examples of any of 'em lately? I hear there are a couple of teenagers that need to be scared straight, as they say."

"Not lately. Need to though. Just haven't gotten around to it." He grinned. "And yeah, there is a couple that could do with a bit of scaring."

"I think we could handle that," Tommy said with a grin.

Chuckling softly, Adam just shook his head as he started getting out of the car. "Need to let Rocky in on that or he'll have a heart attack."

"What? From me and Jase beating up on his students? He should've come to expect that," Tommy said, slowly getting out of the SUV and straightening up with effort.

Adam stopped behind his friend. "Tonight, it's your turn for a massage. Maybe we can do a few of those stretches while we're here, too."

"That would be great, Froggy. You have such talented hands," Tommy replied with a smile, putting his arm around Adam's shoulders and walking with him toward the front door.

"Well, you both need to take it slow when you do those stretches. And a muscle relaxer tonight wouldn't be out of order for either one of you." The paramedic stated, coming up behind them.

"Yes Mother...we'll be careful," Tommy said with more than a little sarcasm in his voice. He topped it off with a wink when Jason turned on him, ready to reply.

Rolling his eyes, the former Gold Ranger opened the door to the dojo. "After you two ladies."

Tommy and Adam both shot him a look and then walked through the front door of the dojo. "Okay, why's it so dark in here? I know people are here," Adam said, reaching around Tommy for the light switch on the wall. Just as the lights came on, everyone that had been waiting for Adam's arrival suddenly yelled, "Happy Birthday!"

"What the...when did...?" Adam stuttered, unable to formulate a sentence.

"Happy Birthday, bro," Tommy said with a big, bright smile and wrapped his friend up in a warm hug.

Jason chuckled softly at the look on Adam's face. Then walked over and shook hands with Rocky. "Nice job man."

Rocky stepped up and hugged his still-bewildered friend. "Didn't think we could surprise you, huh?" he said with a chuckle.

"Damn...this is great, bro," Adam said with a wide smile, looking around at all the friends, decorations, and food that were dispersed all over the front room of the dojo.

Eric came up to the younger man and rolled his eyes. "I told them we should just take you to an island and let you relax." He shrugged. "Then I was reminded about a certain someone that blew up the last island they were on and decided not to chance it."

Tommy cut his eyes around at the Silver Guardian. "Don't go there, Myers..." he said, trying not to smile.

"What? I mean, how many of us, particularly the Reds, can lay claim to destroying an entire island."

"And who better to do it than the 'greatest ranger'?" Jason smirked, making quote marks in the air when repeating the rookie Cole's words.

Tommy rolled his eyes. "Come on Adam, let's go see who else is here," he said, ushering the birthday boy off toward the food table where several more of their friends stood.

Laughing softly, Wes walked up to Adam and handed him a cup. "It's punch. Rocky made it with pineapple juice, Hawaiian Punch, ginger ale and sherbet. It's actually pretty good. And just ignore Eric. I think he's on a sugar high right now." He winked at Adam. "Happy Birthday."

"I should've known something was up when he actually smiled at me," Tommy said, trying the punch.

Adam chuckled softly and took the cup the blond offered him. "Thanks Wes. And yeah, he did seem kind of hyper."

"So Eric, how're you and Wes doing? Thanks for coming up from Silver Hills, by the way. Adam needs the support," Jason said, walking with the Quantum Ranger across the room.

"It's not a problem. Gives us a chance to get out of town for a bit and spend some time alone without worrying about one of us being on call or even the both of us getting called in." He nodded towards the man in question. "Rocky told Wes and me a little. How's he doing?"

Jason tilted his head to the side and shrugged. "Well, he's definitely better than he was, but...he's still not himself. It's gonna take some time, I guess."

"If you guys want, the three of you are welcome to come up for a few days and stay at the house. Wes' dad is out of the country for a few months handling some accounts overseas. We've got a hot tub, pool and a workout room if you need it." He grinned. "And plenty of recruits to take out your aggression on if anyone should need it."

The Red Time Force Ranger nodded. "Eric and sugar are like me and more than two cups of coffee: not a pretty sight. If the cadets really piss one of us off, we just give Eric a Mountain Dew and turn him loose."

Adam and Tommy both shivered and frowned. "Man...those poor cadets. I've seen what Eric can do when he's turned loose." Tom stated.

"Yeah, and I've heard stories. Lose many recruits that way?" Adam asked with a grin, taking another sip of punch.

"Only the ones that aren't really serious about it. Don't need those ones anyway. The others usually stick around to try and get a shot at Eric during our training sessions."

"I'd like a shot at him myself," Tommy said, turning and sizing up the Quantum Ranger who was standing nearby. When he heard Adam giggle, he turned back to see a quizzical look on Wes' face. "No! Not like that...damn," a flustered Tommy uttered. "I mean on the mats!" It didn't help. Now both of them were snickering at him.

Wes grinned, raising an eyebrow. "You know Tommy, it might be possible to see what Eric says about that. I mean, it would definitely give my ass a break." He knew that what he'd said could be taken a few different ways, but was totally okay with it.

Tommy's mouth nearly dropped open at that. Adam, who was quite well aware of all of his friends' orientations, decided that he needed to go talk to some of his other guests. "Umm...if you'll excuse me, gentlemen..." he said with a grin and walked over toward a little group that included Aisha, Rocky, Billy, and Trini.

The blonde bounced his eyebrows at Tommy. "What? 'Kat' got your tongue?"

Narrowing his eyes at Wes, Tommy shook his head. "And just what would you know about that?"

He held up his hands. "Come on man, you know how Reds talk. But it was nothing bad, I promise." He grinned. "I do like living, you know."

"Uh huh," Tommy said, not looking convinced. "So...tell me about Eric..." he quipped with a grin.

"What are you wanting to know? I mean, aside from the fact that I almost laughed in his face when he told me that he was interested in me."

-o-O-o-

Rocky grinned at his friend as he came up. "So, how does it feel to be another year older, Froggy?"

Adam looked at his old friend. "Ahhh...about the same. Just glad to still be here, I guess."

The former Red Ape nodded. "Think you gave me a few gray hairs that day."

Adam glanced down. "Sorry about that." He looked up at Rocky's date for the occasion, their old friend Aisha. "I'm sure you had a lot to do with all of this, 'Sha. Thanks," he said with a smile.

She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "You actually need to thank Rocky. All I did was pick up the party supplies." She gave him a small grin. "Happy Birthday, Adam. Now if you guys will excuse me, I need to check on a few things."

The second Black Ranger blushed slightly and grinned.

"Yeah, Happy Birthday Adam!" Trini said happily, hugging him. "Absolutely-what she said," Billy spoke up. "By the way, I really like the dojo. How's business?"

Adam snorted softly. "I'm already thinking about expanding, possibly opening another dojo."

"Really?" the original Blue Ranger said, looking impressed. "Here in Angel Grove?"

"Yeah, unless I employ like four more instructors here and even then I'd run out of room to hold classes. So we'll probably do a little expansion here and I was thinking about scouting a location in Reefside." He nodded at Tommy. "Our Fearless Leader said that there wasn't a school up there."

Both Trini and Billy both had to chuckle at the "Fearless Leader" tag. "Well, he should know. I'm actually surprised he hasn't started one himself," Trini offered.

"I don't think he really has the time. From what he says, there are nights that he's up until almost midnight grading papers and getting stuff ready to go for the next day." He grinned slightly. "When he's benched his TA, who has a mouth on him that's gonna end up getting his scrawny ass into trouble, Tom's got even more to do."

"Oh? Worse than Rocky here?" Aisha piped up.

Adam laughed softly. "Put it this way, my introduction to Kyle was when Tommy was buying a replacement pair of pants. Kid told Falcon that the pants made his butt look big and it just went downhill from there." He blushed a bit. "Next morning, I caught him running from the house after making a helluva breakfast. Told me my boxers wrapped the package nicely."

"I don't wanna know about that last part, but tell me...how is the kid still living? I would think Tom would have brought his miserable existence to an end," Rocky stated.

"Considering the kid cooks for Tom, and I mean, the boy can rival you Rocky," He grinned at the raised eyebrow. "I'm thinking that might have something to do with it. That and Kyle really does seem to help Tommy out a lot."

"Good. He needs some help. I've been worried about him being up there all by himself," Trini answered.

"Yeah, how's he doing?" Billy asked in a quiet voice, knowing that Adam and Rocky would know that he was referring to Tom's physical condition.

The former Green Zeo sighed softly. "He's got his good days and bad days, but he worries me."

"Oh? Worse than he was a few weeks ago?" Billy asked, having been informed of his former commander's last set of scans that Hayley had performed.

"Not sure about that, but I know that he woke up in pain so bad one night that I had to use a visualization technique, massage and give him his meds to get him to relax enough to be able to go back to sleep."

En masse, the four of them grimaced. Not having all that much contact with their friend in Reefside, they hadn't realized that Tommy's condition had progressed to that stage. "And there's nothing that can be done?" Trini asked, obviously worried about him.

"From what Jason has said and what little Tommy told me, nothing here on Earth."

Billy sighed. "No luck in convincing him to explore other options?"

Adam raised an eyebrow. "Remember who we're talking about here?"

Rocky rolled his eyes. "True. I don't know who has the harder head, Tommy or Jason."

"So, I guess it's just gonna take some convincing to get him to seek out other sources of help." Billy stated before taking a drink of his soda.

Aisha approached the small group as Billy finished speaking and gently laid a hand on Adam's arm. "Okay Birthday Boy, even Tommy's made the rounds of everyone more than you have." She grinned. "And now it's time to open your presents."

"Presents? You guys shouldn't have done that-this party is enough," Adam said with a grin, looking in the direction that his friend was indicating. There was a small table with lots of wrapped packages sitting on it.

Rocky frowned. "Bro, are you nuts? Presents are the best part about a party like this."

Billy cocked his head to the side, grinning. "And here I thought you were going to say that the food was the best part Rocky."

Jason nearly choked on the soda he was drinking when he heard Billy's quip. "Oh my god...somebody call Ripley's Believe It or Not."

Tommy looked at him questioningly.

"Our resident genius just made a joke!" Jason shot back.

"You're kidding...damn, I missed it!" Tom exclaimed. "What did you say, Billy?"

"He said maybe if your ears were as big as your ass then you'd have heard him the first time." With a smirk, Eric gently shoved the other man as he passed.

Wes' mouth fell open and he stopped beside Jason, staring at his partner.

"Ohhhh... nice one, Myers! I guess you have to compensate somehow, huh?" He cast a sympathetic look in the direction of the Quantum Ranger's crotch.

The Guardian Commander snorted. "If it wasn't for the presence of young eyes and ladies, I'd prove that assumption wrong." He walked closer to Tommy and leaned in. "And you know what happens when you 'assume' something." He lightly nipped the earlobe in front of him before going over to Wes and draping an arm around the other man's waist. "Come on, I want to get a good spot so I can see the look on Adam's face when he opens our gift."

Rocky could only stare in disbelief for a few moments and then he lightly clapped. "That was... that was impressive. I didn't know he had it in him."

Adam looked over at Tommy, grinning. "I think he just called your bluff, Tom."

Still recovering slightly from the unexpected nibble, Tommy nodded slightly. "Yep, I believe he did." He turned toward the Commander. "There won't always be young ones and ladies around-I expect to be proven wrong at your earliest convenience."

Eric winked at him. "Then I expect an invite to your BBQ and I'll be happy to oblige."

"Not a problem-you know you and Wessy boy over there are always welcome," Tommy said, giving Jason and Adam a mischievous grin.

Adam shook his head. "All right, all right let's get these presents opened before you both just drop trow right here."

"So which one you wanna open first, Froggy?" Jason asked, looking over the assortment.

The younger man shook his head. "I have no clue." He looked over at Rocky. "You pick one for me to open."

"Okay," Rocky said, perusing the table and finally settling on a nicely wrapped gift that was from Aisha. "Open this one first," he said, handing it to Adam.

Taking a moment to read the tag, he shot Aisha a grin. "Okay, so let's see what Mama Bear got me." He tore through the paper quickly and then set to work on the box, frowning when it clinked a bit. "I hope whatever's in here didn't break." Once he finally had the box open, Adam's mouth went a little wide. "Oh 'sha, they're beautiful."

He pulled a hand carved set of teak wind chimes out of the box. Each one had a small triangle of metal tied off of it with a Korean symbol on each one. Pulling it all the way out, he set it aside and looked back down into the box before grinning. "Very nice." Adding the chocolate and CD to the table, he shot his friend a soft smile. "Thank you, 'Sha."

"You're welcome, sweetie." She handed him another package. "Here, you can open this one next."

Looking at the tag on the smallish wrapped box, he looked over at the two Guardian Commanders. "Thanks, Eric and Wes, this was nice of you," he said, starting to tear away the wrapping paper. Once he'd opened the square box, he pulled out a black leather cord with a carved green jade circle pendant hanging from it. "Oh wow, guys...this is amazing. Really nice."

Wes grinned at him, nodding towards the little box. "Keep going."

"Hmmm? Okay," Adam said, getting the hint that there was more in the box. Once he'd removed the white tissue that the necklace had been wrapped in, he saw the gift card folder. "Oooh, Best Buy! My favorite store!" he stated with a chuckle, opening it and noticing the generous amount written on the card. "Oh guys...you shouldn't have."

Eric grinned. "It's from both of us and Mr. Collins chipped in a bit as well. He said that it was only fitting."

"Please thank your dad for me then, Wes. That was awfully nice of him...and you guys too." He smiled broadly, looking at all his friends standing around. "I am so glad to be back...I just can't tell you guys how much."

Billy stepped up, handing him another present. "We're all glad to have you back, Adam." He leaned in a bit and whispered in his friend's ear. "And on the road to recovery." Giving the man's shoulder a squeeze, he stepped back again.

Blushing slightly, Adam took the package and read the tag. His eyebrow rose a little as he wondered what Billy had gotten him. There was a little bit of heft to it and as he unwrapped it he found a book. After he turned it over, the younger man grinned. "Thanks Billy." When he opened the cover of the book on massage techniques, he found an envelope. Setting the book aside for a moment, he opened the envelope and pulled out the piece of paper. He had to read it twice before he turned to look at his friend. "Billy, bro, you shouldn't have done this, man."

"I happen to think it's quite appropriate," the first Blue Ranger said with a smile.

"What is it, Adam?" Tommy asked from his place beside Jason.

Looking around at the people gathered he gave them all a slight smile. "He paid for me to finish up my course work so I can become a certified massage therapist and I can do it either here in Angel Grove or Reefside, all my books and everything are taken care of as well."

"Oh that's awesome, Froggy!" Jason said, looking from him to Billy and giving them both a big smile. "Nice gift, Billy!"

"I think it's appropriate like Billy said," Trini stated, handing Adam another gift.

"You guys...this is too much," Adam said, blushing.

He began unwrapping the small, square box, wondering what was inside. As he pulled the top off, he saw the small, green crystal frog with ruby eyes sitting inside. "Ohhh...how cute!" he said, gently removing the creature from the box. "Thank you, Trini!"

She grinned at him. "I figured you could use something to throw at Rocky or Jason and he seemed to be perfect."

"Awww no...I wouldn't throw him. I've got some shoes that'll do just fine for that," Adam laughed.

Jason chuckled softly and shook his head before handing him another present. "Since a shoe is a little easier to take than that thing, you can open mine next."

With a soft chuckle the former Frog set to work. Each present was opened and admired. From his students that were attending the party, he received a frame picture of all the students with a border around it that everyone had signed. The ones he got from the rest of his friends, he would grin and thank the person before setting it aside, choosing to dwell more on them later.

As the last of the presents were being opened, Rocky excused himself and went to make sure that all of the food was laid out and waiting. Once Adam was done and had thanked everyone again for the presents, the former Ape called the party goers over for food and made sure that Adam got the first plate.

After that it was a free for all as people grabbed plates, helped kids fill theirs, and made small talk while eating. When the last of the food had either been consumed or packed up for someone to take home, Rocky finally brought out the cake.

"Now, I'm not a great baker, so I took the liberty of having this cake made. A special thanks to Trini and Billy for helping get the picture just right." Setting the cake down in the middle of the table, Rocky stepped back and let everyone get a good look.

It was a huge, double layer sheet cake that would more than feed everyone at the party. The top was done with a digital photograph of a jungle scene. Off to one side, a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex roared out over the other animals hiding in the dark green foliage. An ape and what appeared to be a tawny colored bear were just visible near some trees while a wolf stood on a small outcropping of rock near a flat blue pond. Overhead, a falcon dominated the skies. Near the center of them all, an Asian tree frog tried to make himself invisible on a fallen log.

To those that had never been Rangers, the assortment of animals might seem out of place. However, to those in the know, each animal held a special place in the owner's heart. Each member of the Ninjetti team smiled softly at the cake before looking at Rocky.

"You did good, bro." Jason stated, summing up how they all felt with a few heartfelt words.

It was easy to see the relief that spread over the other man's body before he nodded. "Okay Adam, I know how you are about blowing out candles on a cake, so I got you this." He pulled a cupcake decorated like a frog out from behind a stack of napkins. A solitary black candle stuck up from the green frosting. After lighting it, Rocky held it out. "Make a wish my friend."

Looking around at the faces of his friends and those that he considered to be a part of his family, the former Green Zeo ranger closed his eyes and thought about his wish. 'I hope this next year brings me peace and happiness in all that I do. Having a relationship with someone would be a plus.' An image of Tommy flashed through his mind before he opened his eyes again and blew out the candle.

Clapping his hands together lightly, Tommy grinned. "Now for some cake."

They all chuckled softly at that as Rocky began cutting the cake, making sure that Adam got the part with the frog just like all the other Ninjettis and Jason got a part of their animal. Aisha and Trini helped pass out the slices.

As he ate, Adam stood back a bit and watched everyone. A few days ago, he would never have thought that this many people cared about him enough to be here for something like this. The people he'd been a Ranger with were pretty much a given and he included the two Silver Guardians in that mix as well. Wes and Eric might never have been on a team with him, but being a Ranger linked them all no matter what team they'd been on. It made him feel a little better about his decision to come back home.