Disclaimer: Power Rangers is not mine, never was never will be….

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Sorry for the bit of a delay. Holiday lag caught up with me and I didn't have everything edited, plus premiering my Billy/Kim story. So to make up for it, you'll be getting a bonus chapter this week! Read on and don't forget to review!!

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Tommy pulled in front of Billy's house and stopped. He felt like crap. They'd barely spoken a word on the drive home. Mostly idle chat about the karate tournament and stuff with the Rangers. He knew Trini had gone out of her way to arrange for him to have some alone time with Billy and he felt like he'd blown it. He'd tried, he really had, but he hadn't been able to find an opportunity to bring up the subject.

Just say it, Tommy, he said to himself. Tell him you miss him and you want another chance.

He knew they'd agreed to just be friends. He'd been patient the last two months, letting their relationship heal in its own time. He'd even tried moving on for a time. But nothing worked. It had been Kimberly that finally prompted him to say something.

It was after school and Tommy had gone to Billy for clarification on something from the homework assignment they'd been given. When Billy walked away he'd stood at his locker for several seconds just staring blankly at the books inside, wishing he could have said more.

"You're really in love with him, aren't you?" a soft voice had said from behind him. He turned to see Kim standing there. Her face was more serious than he'd ever seen it, even in battle.

"He doesn't want me anymore," Tommy had replied. He pulled out the books he needed and shoved them in his backpack. Kim's small hand had gripped his arm and pulled him back to face her.

"Why don't you tell him how you feel?"

Tommy had shaken his head. "I can't. You don't understand."

"Tell me." When he'd hesitated she went on, "We're friends Tommy. I won't tell the others. Please talk to me."

So he'd told her. He told her about how he'd fought the spell when he was on the cliff about to kill Billy with the Sword of Darkness. He told her how he'd been pinned to the floor of Rita's throne room while she tortured him. How he'd defied her by saying he loved Billy, which led to her putting the spell on him that resulted in him stabbing Jason.

She'd listened to it all with a calm face and when he was done she simply asked, "And Billy doesn't know any of this?"

Tommy had shaken his head, his mind too busy fighting the tears to say any more. Kim had hugged him and told him it would be alright. She told him to talk to Billy, to tell him everything. Tommy swore over and over that he just couldn't and finally Kim had just let it drop.

Two days later when he was eating dinner at the juice bar between lessons she had sat down with him.

"I know a way for you to get some time with Billy to talk to him," she said.

"Kim, I told you I can't."

"Just hear me out," she had said. She then launched into the plan involving the karate tournament and Trini's crush on Jason.

The next day of course had been when Jason had finally broken down and asked Trini out. Tommy didn't mention what a wonderful coincidence it was and how it would make the plan so much more convenient. If he knew Kim, she already knew Jase was close to breaking and had no qualms about using the situation to her advantage, or Tommy's.

So here they were, sitting in front of Billy's house, and still Tommy hadn't said what he wanted. He only had seconds to work with now and he needed to make his move. He couldn't remember being more scared in his life.

"Thanks for the ride," Billy said softly.

"No problem," Tommy replied.

Billy moved to open the door and Tommy saw his chance slipping away. He had to do something, fast.

"Billy, one more thing."

"Yes," Billy answered. He turned to face Tommy and Tommy crossed the space between them in an instant and kissed Billy for all it was worth.

For two very blissful seconds, Billy actually kissed him back.

Then he felt Billy's hand forcefully on his chest and he pulled away.

"Tommy, what are you doing?"

Tommy could barely catch his breath. "I'm sorry," he said. "I just, I miss you. I wanted you…I wanted us…"

Billy's face was horror-stricken and Tommy felt his heart sink. He'd messed up. He'd had his one chance, and he messed it up.

"I'm sorry," he said quickly. "I know you're not ready, I just…I miss you so much."

"What about your boyfriend?"

Tommy started. "What boyfriend?"

Billy's face went flush. "I heard Kimberly say you had a boyfriend."

"She told you I had a boyfriend?"

Billy looked down. "No, she told Trini. They didn't know I was there."

"When was this?"

"Friday."

For a second Tommy sat confused. Friday, that was the day Kim came to him with the karate tournament plan. He must have overheard her discussing it with Trini. That was the only explanation.

"Billy, she was talking about you."

"Me?" It was the Blue Ranger's turn to stop and stare.

"Yes, you." Tommy reached out and put a hand to Billy's cheek. "There's only ever been you."

There was silence as they looked at each other for several seconds. Billy's hand moved up to grasp the hand against his face, but he didn't pull it away.

"Do you think you give me another chance?" he said. "Can we start over?"

"Yes," Billy said.

Pure elation washed over Tommy. "Really?"

Billy smiled and let out a small laugh. "Yes."

"Can I kiss you again?"

"Yes!"

This time Tommy didn't hesitate, and neither did Billy.

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Painfully short. The next chapter is much longer, I promise, which is why you're getting it this week as well. Special treat! Don't say I never give you guys anything!

Reviews welcome! Thanks in advance!!