Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with PR. Not even a poster Oo

I am so, so sorry about the delay! I totally forgot all of my ideas! But they came back to me when I was on a football game... so yeah. Thank you so much for your reviews!

Warning: This chapter involves a mild cause of child abuse. It's not like, really graphic, but you're warned. So if it bothers you then you should leave.

--

Sidewalks
Chapter seven: Truth and Consequences

--

Tori and Kira sat cuddled together in Tori's bed as they talked. They didn't know eachother really good yet, and they had alot to talk about.

After a while Kira noticed that Tori's eyes held worry and concern.

"What's wrong?" she asked softly, reaching up to gently stroke Tori's cheek.

"My parents," Tori replied with a sigh, even though as she leaned into Kira's touch. "I don't know what to tell them. I hate lying to them."

"Then tell them the truth," Kira said.

Tori shook her head. "I can't! Mom and dad will freak if they find out their youngest daughter has a girlfriend."

"If they really love you then they'll accept it." Kira told her. "It doesn't change who you are."

Tori smiled and nodded. "Thanks," she said quietly. Kira smiled and kissed her lightly.

It wasn't long after that mrs. Hanson called up the stairs to the two girls that it was dinner. Tori had a uneasy feeling in her stomach as she lead the way down the stairs and to the kitchen.

They sat down by the table, and Tori hesitated, looking at Kira, who nodded briefly, but encouragingly. The blond took a deep breath, fiddling with her hands in her lap.

"Uh, mom, dad... meet Kira." she said quickly. Her father nodded with a smile, but her mother frowned. "You've already introduced us, honey."

"No, she's... meet my girlfriend Kira." Tori said, hesitating ever so slightly.

Her father stood abruptly, the chair falling back with a clatter. "Your WHAT?!" he demanded, his eyebrows narrowing as he looked at them. Michelle stood too, not quite sure what to do.

"Tori, honey, are you sure it's not just..."

"It's not a phase!" Tori cut her off abruptly.

She felt the sudden stinging pain before she really registered what had happened. It became evident though when she saw her father's raised hand. Less than a second went before yellow soundwaves rippled through the room, knocking both of her parents to the floor.

Tori sat there in silent shock, not moving. Then Kira grabbed her hand and dragged her with her out and the two hurried down the street.

Kira stood eventually, and turned to look at Tori, who was shaking slightly. Her cheek was already starting to show signs of a bruise.

The singer wasn't quite sure what to do, so she settled for the first thing that came into her mind and pulled Tori into a hug. Tori didn't return it, just continued to shake.

In reality, she felt numb. That was the first time that her father had hit her. The pain was still there, though not so strong, but the mental pain cut through her like nothing else had done to her before.

And she didn't know what to do either. She was as good as homeless, there was no way her father would let her in for a while.

"Tori?" Kira spoke carefully.

Tori slowly looked up at her, and then buried her face in Kira's chest. Kira rubbed her back gently, not quite sure what she could do to comfort her. And as she did so, she was struck by a feeling of hate. She wanted to hurt mr. Hanson for doing this to Tori. Though she kept calm.

"It's okay," she mumbled softly. "It will be okay. He'll come around, you'll see."

Tori shook her head, arms enveloping the yellow Dino ranger to hug her tightly. It kinda hurt, but Kira didn't really mind it, she just wanted to give comfort now. Which would be harder than one could imagine.

Tori slowly pulled away, her cheeks rather damp. "I'm sorry," she muttered, avoiding to meet Kira's eyes. She didn't want to see what Kira felt right then.

Kira shook her head. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Tor," she told her. "I don't care about them, I care about you, okay? I love you."

Tori smiled slightly, nodding. She hugged Kira again, but this time much gentler. Kira hugged her back, then took her hand.

"C'mon," she said and started leading Tori down the street.

"Where are we going?" Tori asked, frowning lightly.

"Well, we can't stand here in the rain," Kira replied with a warm smile to her.

Tori looked up. Sure enough, it had started raining. Her frown deepened. Had she done that?

"But where are we going?" she repeated.

"Since I can't get home yet, we'll need a place to stay," Kira explained. "So, we'll just ask Hunter and Dustin. I'm sure they won't mind."

She hesitated. "Of course, if you mind then we can find somewhere else..."

"No, it's okay." Tori said with a smile. "And you're right, they'll rather be thrilled to have us there."

Kira grinned and nodded, and the two hurried down the street as the rain continued to fall.

--

Hunh, I need to make my chapters longer. Oh well. Please tell me what you think

Oh, and if you're looking for something to read, then I suggest you read "Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles" by GriffinBlackwood. With slashyness, various teams and new morphers, time travelling and other excellent stuff, it is an extraordinare fic in it's own!