A Ranger Retreat

By

A Warrior's Prophet

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Authors' Notes: We would like to apologize for taking so very long to update this story. Between the two of us, we have several stories going at once and then there's real life that frequently gets in the way! We do have quite a bit already written for this story, so please bear with us! Hope you're loving the Tommy/Eric pairing as much as we are!

Chapter 2—Decisions and Celebrations

Eric sighed happily before leaning in and kissing his lover softly. "That was a great way to wake up, thank you."

Tommy smiled at him. "You're welcome...my pleasure, believe me." He kissed him once more and stroked his thick, black hair. "I love waking up to you, baby."

"I know, just wish we could do this more often. I sleep better with you beside me."

"Mmm, me too. We're gonna work on making this happen more often... I promised you, remember?"

"I know." He kissed him again. "We should probably get a shower." A soft smile played on his face as Tommy's stomach rumbled. "And some breakfast. They have room service here."

"Do they? Good. I wasn't looking forward to going out in the cold this early in the morning. Let's order and then get in the shower."

"Anything special you want?" Sitting up a bit reluctantly, Eric reached for the menu that rested under the phone.

"No, just the usual I guess... unless they have something on there that looks really good." He slid up beside Eric and leaned in close, looking at the menu.

"They have crepes with fruit, omelets... pretty much anything. Even got eggs Benedict if you want to go for something more elaborate."

"Oooh, crepes sound good. What do you want?"

"That works for me. Any particular type of topping? They've got strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, cherry and peach."

"Blueberry, I think- and some juice and coffee. I'm gonna get the shower ready-you order and meet me in there, okay?" he said and kissed Eric lightly on the lips and then slid out of bed. They had been so preoccupied the night before that their bags hadn't even made it to the bedroom yet. Going out into the living room, Tommy gazed out the French doors at the snowfall that had piled up since last night. 'Man, we really could get snowed in up here!'

Eric called room service and ordered the crepes- blueberry for his boyfriend and peach for himself- along with juice, coffee and an assortment of muffins. Hanging up, he made his way out to the living room and spotted his lover at the doors. He walked up behind him and put his arms around his waist, holding him close. "It's beautiful up here."

Laying his head back against Eric, Tommy whispered, "It sure is. I don't get to see enough snow... it just fascinates me." He sighed and just continued to gaze outside. "If I ever came into some money, I'd have a vacation house in the mountains- something like this," he said and smiled up at his lover.

"Know what you mean." He was quiet for a moment. "It's not the same as having one for ourselves, but Wes' dad has a place up in the mountains. If we really wanted to get away for a while, I'm pretty sure that he'd let us use it. If I understand right, it just kind of sits up there unused." He laid a soft kiss on the warm lips. "We should probably get that shower now, before the food gets here."

"Yeah, you're right. Come on." As they started toward the bathroom, Tommy looked at Eric. "It must be nice to have so much money that you could have a house that you don't use."

"From what Wes told me, his dad bought it for his mom. They used to go up there during the summer and winter for the holidays, before she got sick. Said after she died, they quit going, but his dad could never sell the place. We went up there a couple of times. It's a nice place... quiet... there's a hot spring nearby."

"Sounds nice. We should definitely go up there sometime soon, if Mr. Collins will let us." Entering the bathroom, Eric started the shower and got in along with Tommy. The free-standing shower was plenty big enough for two and they wasted no time getting drenched under the warm spray.

Eric groaned softly as the warm water pounded his back. He was a little sore from all the time spent in the car yesterday and the day before.

"You alright?" Tommy asked when he noticed that his boyfriend seemed to be in a bit of pain. "Need me to rub something for you?"

"Shoulders and back are really tight. Guess all that driving is starting to catch up to me." He winced again, and then sighed. "Think you can try to get my shoulders to loosen up?"

"I'll definitely try. Come here," Tommy said and positioned him where he had enough room to work on his upper back and shoulders. "If this doesn't work, we'll try a regular massage after breakfast."

"Maybe we should see if they do those in-room couples massages." He tried not to flinch as his boyfriend hit a particularly sore spot, but had to move a bit. "Ow, easy."

"Oh, sorry. I'll be more careful," he said as he lightened up the pressure, but continued to work on those sore spots. "A couple's massage would be great! We'll have to check into that."

"It's not all you, Tom. That area was just really sore." He sighed as he lowered his head. "Probably going to have to. You're helping, but I don't think it's going to be enough."

Tommy leaned around and kissed Eric's jaw. "I'm sure an upscale place like this has a masseuse. Here, turn around and let the hot water hit your back for a few minutes.

Eric turned around, taking his lover in his arms. "So should we see if they have a spot available for this morning after breakfast? Then maybe take that hike."

"Sounds wonderful," Tom whispered into Eric's ear and continued to kiss all along his jaw line until he reached those soft, full lips that were waiting for him. He pressed his mouth to his boyfriend's, gently at first but increasing in pressure. Their tongues began to play and intertwine with each other as the kiss deepened.

Groaning softly, Eric let one hand trail to the small of his lover's back, pulling him closer. The other he let roam down Tommy's chest, tracing the contours of the muscled physique until it came to rest on their burgeoning cocks. Taking hold of them both, he gently began stroking.

Tommy moaned into Eric's mouth letting his hands roam free over the strong body of his boyfriend. Coming to rest on the firm ass cheeks, he gave them a nice squeeze.

Eric grinned at him when they broke for breath. "Find something you like? I did." He sped up his strokes as he found the other man's lips once more.

The Quantum Ranger could feel the pressure building and sped up his strokes on their hot, hard shafts. Moments later, he thrust his hips towards his boyfriend as he came, splashing his essence between them. Two strokes later and Tommy followed him. They stood there for several minutes, panting slightly, foreheads pressed together as they tried to catch their breaths. He sighed and placed a light kiss on the legendary ranger's lips. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good," Tom said softly, leaning into Eric. "We'd better hurry and get out. Breakfast will be here in a few minutes."

"Probably right." He kissed him again, and then stepped back. Washing quickly, he let the water sluice the suds away then stepped out. Grabbing a towel he grinned. "Well, heated towel racks." He passed one of the warm, fluffy towels to his boyfriend and took another for himself.

Tommy laughed. "This place has everything!"

Quickly they dried themselves and dressed in something comfortable. Not a minute later, there was a knock at the door. "I'll get it," Eric said as he started out of the bedroom and towards the front door.

Opening the door, he grinned at the service boy. "Ah, morning." He held the door open for him. "Please, come in."

The young man walked in quickly and put the big tray down on the table. He went over the order with Eric to make sure it was correct. When he was satisfied, he started for the door. "Hang on a sec," Eric said and jogged into the other room to retrieve his wallet. Pulling out a few bills, he handed the nice tip to the boy and watched him leave. "Tommy, breakfast!" he called to his lover.

Coming out of the bedroom, he raised an eyebrow. "You know, I was just in the next room. No need to bellow." He walked up to his lover and wrapped his arms around his waist. "Unless you're just that hungry."

"I am, actually," Eric said with a smile. "And it all looks really good."

"Then let's eat and afterward we'll see about getting you a massage for that stiff back of yours."

-o-O-o-

Eric sighed softly and gently rolled his shoulders as Tommy shut the door behind the two masseuses. "That was definitely worth the money."

He carefully tucked the tail of the towel back into place as it rested low on his hips.

"Oh yeah...absolutely," Tommy replied. "Wish I could get a massage more often. So, shall we get dressed for our hike?"

The Quantum Ranger grinned and walked over to his partner, slipping his arms around the trim waist. "Probably. Think you'll be warm enough?"

"Well I suppose that depends on what you packed for me, now won't it, Mr. Travel Agent?" he said with a smile. "Regardless, I'll bet we can keep each other warm if it comes down to it." With that, he slapped Eric on the butt and headed toward the bedroom to get dressed.

Chuckling softly, he followed the other man into the bedroom. "I think you'll like what I packed for you." Once he was in the bedroom, Eric dropped the towel from his waist, and then walked up behind Tommy. "You know, we could always just stay in. Catch up a little more." He slid his hands around to the front and undid the towel slung low on the former Ranger Commander, letting it fall to the floor. He leaned in and placed a light kiss behind the man's ear.

"Tempting..." Tom said, laying his head to the side to allow his lover better access. "...but it'll be fun to get out in the snow for a little while, don'tcha think? Besides, we've got plenty of time for 'catching up'," he chuckled.

"Hmm, probably right." He dropped a few more kisses on the tanned skin. "Just want to spend as much time with you as I can. It'll be a few weeks before I can get another weekend off and come up."

Tommy thought again about telling Eric what was on his mind. He was very quickly coming to a decision regarding his career and he wanted to discuss it with his partner, but he decided to wait for now. "That long, huh?" he sighed. "Well, maybe I can get away for a weekend between now and then and drive over."

"I'm really starting to hate this only being able to see each other around our schedules." He let go of Tommy and walked over to the dresser he'd put his clothes in and pulled out a pair of boxers.

"I know. I feel the same way, Bear. But we're gonna get it worked out soon-I just know it," Tommy responded, finding his clothes and starting to dress.

"I hope so. Otherwise Mike or one of the others will end up taking my spot in the Guardians." He pulled on a pair of jeans, and then sat on the bed to pull on his socks.

The former Ranger Commander turned his head quickly. "Seriously? Are you that close to packing it in with them?" he asked, wondering which one would be making the career change.

Sighing, Eric looked at his lover. "I can't do this much longer, Tom. Every time we part ways after a weekend together, I wonder what's gonna come up or if we're going to be able to see each other like we'd planned. I don't want to leave them. The job is something that I really love doing." He raised his head and met the former Green Ranger's chocolate eyes. "But I love you as well and not being able to stay with you on a more permanent basis is killing me. Waking up without you," he shook his head. "No job, even if it makes me happy, is worth it."

After pulling on his pants, Tom took a seat beside him and put his hand on Eric's back. "I can't tell you how good it is to know that you love me that much. And you know that I feel the same way, right?"

"Yeah, I know you do. I just wish it didn't come down to one of us having to give up something they love." He raised a hand and cupped the other man's cheek. "But you are worth so much more than a job. I'll find something to do in Reefside. Might not pay as much or anything, but at least I'll be close to you."

Sighing, Tommy smiled. He knew now that he couldn't wait any longer. "Eric, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. I was gonna save it for dinner tonight, but we may as well discuss it now."

He raised an eyebrow. "Sounds kind of serious." He turned a bit so that he was facing Tommy more. "What is it?"

Tom shifted a bit to get more comfortable. "Well... lately I've been thinking a lot about teaching... and how I'm not sure I want to do it anymore." Eric started to speak, but Tommy silenced him with a finger to his lips. "Hear me out. Maybe things would be different in another school, in another place, I don't know... but as it is, I'm getting really tired of it. Never knowing if I'll have a job the following school year, afraid of the school board finding out that I'm bi, kids that don't wanna learn... it's not what I signed up for," he said, sounding depressed about the whole situation.

Eric was quiet for a few moments, and then nodded. "Any thoughts about what you want to do instead?" The Quantum Ranger had already talked to his co-Commander many times about adding the other former Ranger to their teaching cadre. He was just hoping that the other man would be open to the idea.

"To be honest, I've spoken with someone at the Guardian headquarters and he's offered me a very nice position." He stopped and grinned as Eric's eyes got bigger. "So I'm thinking that I'll turn in my notice when we get back-finish out the semester and then move to Silver Hills with you. Whatcha think?"

The other man said nothing as he closed the distance between them and captured his partner's lips.

Pulling back suddenly, he stared wide-eyed at Tommy. "Oh my God, I've gotta call Wes." He moved to get up and go to the phone.

Chuckling, Tommy laid back on the bed. "And just why are you calling Collins right now?"

The SG Commander blushed. "Because I dropped my letter of resignation on his desk before I left." He dialed the number to his friend, knowing the other man would be out and about with his own boyfriend for the weekend.

Tommy sat up like he had a wound spring in his back. "You what?" he said excitedly, looking at Eric with big eyes. When Eric just nodded and kept dialing, Tommy went on. "Well get in touch with somebody before we're both outta work!"

Mike growled as he reached over and grabbed the phone, pinning Wes to the bed with his eyes. Checking the caller ID, he growled. "Do you have any idea what you're interrupting?"

Sounding a little upset, Eric stuttered. "Umm, hey Mike. Yeah, I've got a pretty good idea and I'm sorry but I've gotta talk to Wes."

Shaking his head, Mike handed the phone to his partner. "It's Eric. He actually sounds a little upset." The dark haired man got up after kissing his lover and pulled on a pair of boxers. "I'll grab us something to drink while you talk."

The blonde nodded, taking the phone from him. "All right, thanks Mike." He sighed softly. "Eric? What's wrong? Is everything okay?"

"Well, that depends. Did you get the letter I left on your desk yesterday?"

"You mean your resignation? Yeah I did, but I haven't done anything with it. I was hoping to be able to talk you out of it when you got back to get your things."

"About that... umm... can you just tear that up? I've changed my mind," he said, turning and smiling at his lover.

Tommy smiled back and winked, keeping quiet while he was on the phone.

He chuckled softly. "Eric, do you honestly think I kept it? Or that I'd let you leave, especially when I've been talking to Tommy about taking up a position here?" He grinned as Mike came back into the room. "Just relax Eric and enjoy the rest of your weekend. I'll see you Tuesday."

"You've been talking to Tommy?" he asked in a surprised tone and turned toward his boyfriend winking.

For his part, Tom chuckled and lay back on the bed again, waiting to hear what Eric would say next.

"Who did you think was offering him a job that pays only slightly less than what you're making right now? And with all his benefits starting once he signs the papers along with a moving allowance?"

"Man, that's a pretty sweet deal," Eric said. "You guys have been holding out on me! How long has this been in the works, hmm?"

"Only a couple of weeks, Eric." He inhaled sharply as his boyfriend got tired of being ignored and bit lightly on a nipple. "Talk to Tommy and I'll see you on Tuesday. Enjoy the extra day off." He moaned as his shaft was lightly stroked. "Oh damn. Bye Eric." Hanging up, he turned his cell off and tossed it aside, and then looked down at his lover. "You don't play fair."

The former Navy SEAL grinned at the blonde. "Nope." He bent down and licked the head of his lover's shaft.

Wes groaned as they got back to what had been so rudely interrupted.

Eric held the phone for a few minutes, and then hung up and looked at Tommy. He raised an eyebrow as he crawled onto the bed beside his boyfriend. "Something you forgot to tell me?"

"Hmm?" he asked, pretending to ponder the question. "No... I don't think so. Why?" he asked with a sheepish grin.

Growling playfully, the Quantum Ranger quickly straddled his lover's hips. "Oh really?" He leaned down and gently nipped his lover's bare chest, making his way over to a dusky nipple. "So nothing you forgot to tell me? Maybe about talking to Wes?"

"Wes? Wes... hmm..." He laughed a bit, but then sucked in a quick breath when Eric's teeth started doing wonderful things to him.

"You know... blonde hair." He sucked lightly on the nipple he captured, and then blew across it. "I work with him and happen to be his co-Commander." He ground his hips slightly against his partner. "Offered you a very nice salary, moving allowances, and an immediate start to benefits once you sign the papers to join us." He pinned Tommy's arms to the bed and captured the man's warm, chocolate orbs with his own dark ones. "The person you've spent the last two weeks talking to without my knowing about it."

"Oh yeah, him. It's coming back to me now," Tommy laughed. "Blond guy that thinks he's God's gift? Him?"

"Well, I wouldn't say he thinks he's God's gift, but yeah." He leaned in and kissed his partner. When they were both breathless, he pulled back and looked down at Tommy. "I love you."

"I love you too, Bear. And I can't wait to move to Silver Hills and be with you all the time. Got a spare bedroom?" he grinned.

"Actually, I was thinking we should get a bigger place when you move in."

"Oh? Well, we've got time to look. It'll be late May early June at the earliest before I can move. And I tell ya, making more money will certainly help out."

"Very true." He sat up, and then moved off his lover and stood up. "Come on; let's take that hike and talk." His eyes sparkled like they hadn't in months as he spoke and it was easy to see the man's spirits had lifted greatly.

-o-O-o-

Both men finished dressing, taking care to put on enough layers to protect them from the cold. "Thanks for packing all this for me. I'm sure I woulda forgotten something," Tommy said, pulling on his jacket. "By the way, I don't think I've ever heard you stutter. What got you so flustered on the phone with Wes?"

"No problem." He blushed slightly as he zipped his own jacket up. "I kind of interrupted Wes and Mike. Of course, Mike is the one that answered."

"And what's this Mike like? Can't imagine anyone intimidating you."

Eric snorted and handed his lover a pair of gloves, putting his own in his jacket pocket. "Mike is an ex-Navy SEAL. He's been with us for about eight months and started dating Wes about six months ago. He's about Wes' height, bigger build but probably around the same weight." He grinned. "And the guy can give me a run for my money on the mats."

"Oh? Can't wait to meet him then. Wonder if I can take him?" Tommy said with a mischievous grin.

"Maybe. Either way, it'd be an interesting match." He grinned. "You'd probably be taking over part of what he's doing right now, because he doesn't really need to be over doing it. Guy's got a bum knee." He leaned in and kissed Tommy. "Come on; let's go make a few plans."

"You got it," he said and started toward the front door with his partner. "Got somewhere picked out already or are we just gonna follow the trail?"

"Let's just follow the trail. Anything else at the moment might be a little more than my back's ready for."

"Okay, that'll work. Let's go." They exited the cabin and walked up to the main lodge to ask about the location of the nearest hiking trail. Along the way, they spotted two or three other same sex couples all being very open about being together. "This sure is nice," Tommy commented, grasping Eric's hand. "Not having to hide or act like best friends."

"Yeah, it is." He squeezed his boyfriend's hand. "And just think when you finally move to Silver Hills, we won't have to pretend either." He looked over at the former Ranger Commander and shot him a warm smile. "Wes will be in your chain of command, so there's no conflict there. Just like Mike is in mine along with A-" He stopped, blushing slightly.

"Along with... who?" Tom asked.

He sighed. "I wasn't supposed to say anything, but we've been doing a major recruiting drive of former Rangers." He grinned. "Particularly those from Angel Grove."

Tommy stopped dead in his tracks, pulling Eric backwards a bit. "Oh? So who's been holding out on whom, I ask you?"

"What? It's Guardian business." He chuckled softly and wrapped his arms around his lover's waist. "Can I help it that Jason and Adam have qualities that we can really use? I mean Jase's skills as a paramedic will be most helpful and Adam's great at teaching meditation, which a lot of our recruits need."

"Jase and Adam? Have they signed on?" he asked, suddenly very excited.

"Yeah, they actually started last week. So they'll be old hats at this stuff by the time you get there."

Shaking his head, Tommy looked a bit stunned. "Wonder when anyone was gonna let me in on stuff? Why am I always the last to know?" he chuckled. "But it'll be great working with you, Wes, Jase, and Adam! Oh boy are we gonna have some parties!"

Eric nodded. "You and Jason are under Wes' chain of command while Adam and Mike are under mine. That way no one can say we're playing favorites with our boyfriends or anything like that." He took hold of Tommy's hand again as they finally started down the trail. "On a different note, do you want to buy or rent?"

"Good question. I'm not all that familiar with Silver Hills, so you'll have to help me out. I kinda like the neighborhood you live in now. Could we afford a house there?"

"That's kind of why I asked. Know that brick house at the end of the block? The one in the cul-de-sac?" When Tommy nodded, he continued. "Well, the owners are gonna sell it and I asked them if I could have first crack at it before they put it on the market." He was quiet for a moment. "It's got 2 bedrooms and a master suite, plus 2 bathrooms, a pool and a hot tub." He stopped and looked at the man he loved. "There's a living room, dining room, den and study. I know it might seem like a lot of room, but I think it'd be perfect for us."

"That's a big house, Eric. Could we even think of affording it?

"Considering that I rarely spend all of my paycheck and have been putting money back since I joined the Guardians?" He nodded, grinning. "And Mr. Collins has said that once I find a place I'm interested in buying to let him know and he'll write the loan himself. I've already told him that I'm interested and talked to the owners." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "They're asking $300,000 for it when it goes on the market, but I..." He grinned. "We can get it for $250,000."

Tommy nearly choked. "Two hundred fif...damn, Eric...that's alotta money!"

Shaking his head, Eric stepped closer to his partner. "Not when I have over $90,000 sitting in the bank. We can do it, Tom… and it'd be ours."

"I guess I'm used to living on a teacher's salary. That still sounds like a lot of money. I'll have to see it before I agree, okay?"

"No problem. We're here until Sunday and I don't have to be back to work until Tuesday. Since you don't have to be back until Monday, we can swing by if you want." He grinned. "How much do you think you're going to be making once you start?"

"Well, I only have a rough idea. I know it's more than what I'm making now, though," Tommy replied. "I'm glad about that, but I don't know if we can take on such a huge financial burden right off. I'm not saying no-we'll talk about it."

Eric leaned in close to his partner's ear. "Tom, Jason and Adam are making almost $100,000 a year now." He placed a soft kiss on his lover's neck. "You'll be making at least that."

Stopping in his tracks, eyes growing larger, Tommy stuttered. "Ho-how much? Are you serious?"

Nodding, the Quantum Ranger grinned at him. "Why do you think they left and joined us? We work hard, Tom. You've seen Wes and me after some of the training sessions: bruised and worn out. If we didn't get the pay we do and have the benefits that come with the job, which includes free medical care at the base, there's no way that we'd still be doing it. We help out the police, but most of our contracts are still private, which means they pay really well. That means we can pay our people really well. The lowest cadet, after completing the initial training makes almost $40,000 a year."

"So between the two of us, we'll be... pretty comfortable, huh?" Tommy asked as they continued to walk.

"Definitely. It means that we'll actually be able to take vacations and travel a bit." He grinned. "Won't even have to use milk crates and plywood for a table."

"I had enough of that in college. I like real furniture, thank you," he grinned. A little ways down the path, Tom turned back to Eric. "So...where would you like to see?"

Eric grinned and stepped forward, wrapping his arms around his lover's waist. "I'd like to see a bit of Europe. Sample some of the local foods and wine, do some exploring." He kissed him softly. "What about you?"

"Oh yeah, that'd be cool," he said with a nod, continuing to think. "Japan would be awesome!"

"We can do that. If we're going to Japan, we might as well hit China." He grinned. "Maybe take a walk along the Great Wall."

"Aww man... that'd be the trip of a lifetime," he said, a big smile breaking out all over his face. "And to take it with you would make it absolutely perfect."

"So is it wrong of me to want the school year to hurry up and end?" The Quantum Ranger shook his head. "I'm gonna drive Wes nuts until you actually finish out the term and can move." He chuckled softly. "I might end up staying with you for a bit before school's out."

"Fine with me... you can help me pack!" he replied with a grin. "But I know what you mean, the more I think about it, the more anxious I'm getting."

"I'd help you pack, no problem." He nodded. "But yeah, definitely looking forward to June."

"Think we'll be able to live with each other day in and day out?"

The other man shrugged. "I'm sure we might have some rough patches at first, but I don't want us to ever go to bed mad at each other. Living with Wes for a bit taught me that.

"Yeah, that's a good rule to live by. For my part, I promise to try."

"That's all we can do. And all that I ask." He shivered a bit, and then grinned. "Think we should start moving again before we get too cold."

"Good idea," Tommy said, starting to move down the trail again. "So we're going to that nice restaurant in the lodge tonight, right?"

"That's right. Our reservation is for seven and dress is semi-formal. It's five courses."

"Any idea what they have? I'll bet its good, whatever it is."

"Not sure. I do know that they have Tiramisu and Chocolate Mousse on their dessert menu."

"Leave it to you to memorize the dessert menu!" he laughed.

The Asian chuckled softly. "Just means I have a sweet tooth." He looked over at his lover. "Besides, you as a chocoholic have no room to talk."

Grinning, his boyfriend replied, "True that. So what are we gonna do until dinner, hmmm?"

"Well, there is a light lunch that will be waiting for us back at the cabin. Other than that, I'm sure we can find something to do until dinner."

Walking along the trail enjoying the snow and the scenery, Tommy chuckled and grinned every time Eric stopped to snap more pictures. "It really is beautiful up here, isn't it? Are you getting lots of good shots?"

Eric blushed slightly. "Only around fifty or so at the moment." He straightened up after capturing a picture of the snowcapped mountains rising above a strand of pine trees that were dusted with snow.

"Oh? Is that all? You need to do better," he grinned. "At least we'll have a photo album full so that we can remember our wonderful weekend."

"I plan on it. Look at that open space up there." He pointed ahead of them on the trail to an open space that had a small cluster of rocks. "I want some shots of you against the background while sitting on the rocks."

"Well... my modeling career has been on hold for a while now. Are you sure you want pictures of me?" he kidded.

"Definitely." He dropped his voice a little bit. "Need something to keep me warm on those long, cold nights apart."

"That goes both ways, Bear. I want some shots of you too. And maybe later we can take the kind of pictures that shouldn't be shared with our friends..." he added, a mischievous grin on his handsome face.

Eric stopped and stepped closer to his boyfriend. "Hmmm, you lying in front of the fire with nothing on-hands behind your head so that your chest and abs just beg to be stroked, licked and nibbled. Could definitely get used to seeing that beside my bed."

"Oh I think that could be arranged... as long as I get a similar picture of you. My bed gets lonely too, ya know." He said and placed a warm kiss on his lover's lips before letting it deepen slightly, and then pulled back a bit. "Think I should get one of you when you're all wet from the shower. You can put your hands on the wall and look at me over your shoulder, and then turn just enough so that I can see all of you." He lightly nipped Eric's lips. "I'll be able to see the water as it slowly trickles down your chest and abs, over your thighs and all the way down to your feet."

Eric grinned and then leaned in and captured Tommy's lips once again, deepening the kiss until the need to breathe became necessary. He panted softly for a moment. "Think I can oblige you on that."

"Mmm... nice," Tom whispered. "I could make my own personal beefcake calendar," he grinned.

"As long as I get my own of you."

"Okay, no problem. We'll have to come up with some locales that we can shoot in. You know...places where we won't get arrested," Tom laughed.

"Well, there's a private beach on the backside of the Collin's mansion. Can always use that for some shots. Plus the woods behind your place would work really well." He grinned. "And that waterfall."

Raising his eyebrows, Tommy grinned. "Good idea... this is gonna be fun! We might have to wait for spring to get some of the outside shots, though."

"Well, it'll give us something to do to pass the time until you move in." He took hold of his boyfriend's hand. "Come on, let's start back."

"Yeah, let's go," the former Ranger Commander said, smiling warmly. "Let's get these pictures that you want and then get out of the cold."

For twenty minutes, Eric took pictures of his boyfriend. Then, another same-sex couple coming down the path offered them the chance to have one done together in the veritable winter wonderland.

"Thanks again." After showing the taller of the pair what did what on the camera, he joined Tommy on the rocks and sat behind him. Eric scooted until there was no room between them and leaned forward to rest his chin on his lover's shoulder, his arms wrapped around the man's waist.

"That should make a great picture," Tommy said once they had finished. Walking over to the other couple, Tommy offered to take pictures of them. "We'll be glad to email them to you."

They nodded. "We'd appreciate that." The man that spoke was taller than his partner with dark hair and green eyes. When they posed for the picture, nothing about the couple really drew you to watch them. Even the pose seemed half-hearted, but it was obvious that they cared for each other. After the picture was taken and email addresses exchanged, the two couples parted, going their own ways once again.

When they were alone once more, Eric took hold of his lover's hand and squeezed it softly. "I love you."

"And I love you too," Tom replied. After studying his partner for a minute, he asked, "What's on your mind? You look like you're processing something."

"Not exactly processing, but definitely thinking about a few things."

"Penny for your thoughts? Or is this more of a $5 thought process?"

He shook his head. "Nothing so spectacular. Just wondering how to make the time last longer until we have to go back to our normal routines."

"Well, we've got the rest of today and most of tomorrow up here. Neither of us have to work on Monday, so we can spend it at my house once we get back. Don't worry about it ending just yet-just enjoy it."

"I'm trying. It's just that knowing you're going to be moving down in a few months..." He sighed. "Just means a lot you know?"

"Yeah, I know. Believe me, I've been worrying over this decision for quite a while, but now that it's made... I'm completely confident that I'm doing the right thing. Getting really excited, too," he smiled.

"Good. Then we'll start worrying about packing your stuff starting in April. Winter clothes and stuff like that can be first."

"I'll be glad to have the help... I hate moving."

-o-O-o-

Eric grinned as he looked over at his lover. "I knew that shirt would look good on you." The legendary Ranger was dressed in a deep hunter green shirt, with black pants and a black jacket. A black belt cinched the pants around the trim waist, accenting the man's toned body.

Tom chuckled. "Been a while since I wore green...does it really look okay?"

"Oh yeah, really brings out the color of your eyes." He finished tucking in his own deep burgundy shirt. "Just didn't realize that I pretty much packed us Christmas colors."

"Hey, nothing wrong with that. It's just January- close enough. You look great in that, by the way."

"Thanks," He grinned and stood up, putting on his own black jacket. "Just glad we don't have to wear ties. Last time I wore one, fidgeted so much with it that Mr. Collins practically ordered me to take it off. Luckily the backers weren't put off by it."

"Oh man, I hate ties. I'll be so glad when I don't have to wear one anymore," Tommy said, messing with his hair in the mirror.

Chuckling softly, the Quantum Ranger walked up beside him. "Don't blame you one bit." He glanced at his watch. "You ready? We should get going."

"Yeah, I think so. My hair look okay?" he asked, still picking at the spikes.

"Your hair looks fine. Now, come on so we're not late." He grinned at his lover.

"Alright, alright. Let's go," Tommy said with a smile, turning toward Eric. "I wanna show off my handsome boyfriend."

"Can definitely agree with that." They walked together over to the main lodge and then Eric led them to the back before coming to a stop in front of a pair of onyx doors.

Admiring the beautiful entrance, Tommy stood back and waited for Eric. "Shall we go in?"

"Definitely." The Quantum Ranger opened the door and approached the maître'd. "Reservation for two under Myers."

Tom looked around at the decor while the man behind the desk looked up the reservation. 'Wow... look at all this rock work...and the carved wood. This must've been really expensive to do.'

The man nodded. "If you'll follow me." He led the pair to a table for two towards the back of the room near the fireplace. Nodding at the man, Eric grinned as he took his seat.

"Your waiter will be with you shortly." When the man left, the Silver Guardian sighed softly. "This place is really nice."

"It really is," Tom replied, still looking around. "And pretty exclusive-there can't be more than ten or twelve tables in here."

He nodded. "When I made the cabin reservations they recommended going ahead and making one for here at the same time."

"Yeah, I'd imagine it fills up pretty quickly." He stopped as something across the room caught his eye.

Eric tried to follow his gaze. "What is it?"

"Look at the size of those picture windows... and the view outside of them... wow," he said, shaking his head. "Can you imagine having a house in a place like this?"

"It is beautiful." He turned his gaze back to his boyfriend, and then reached out a hand and laid it on a smooth cheek. "I see something else just as spectacular though."

Tommy blushed in spite of himself and then smiled. "Stop it..."

"What? It's true. You are a beautiful person and I can't wait to spend every day with you."

"The feeling is mutual, believe me. I just hope we don't get on each other's nerves too bad," he grinned.

"That's why we'll set a few ground rules, like not going to bed angry." He looked up as the waiter approached, and then grinned at Tommy. "Jason made a suggestion about something to have for dinner from here. Figure if I trusted him before, it would be a good idea to do it now." He grinned a bit more. "So, do you trust me?"

"Hmmm... well, I trust Jase and I definitely trust you, so yeah... go ahead," he smiled.

"Good." He looked up at the waiter and grinned. "We'll have the complete beef medallions dinner."

The waiter nodded at them, grinning. "Very well, sir. Your first course will be out momentarily along with the appropriate wine pairings. My name is Mark and I'll be your waiter this evening." Bowing his head slightly, he left the pair alone and went to give the order to the kitchen.

"Beef, huh? Sounds like Jase," he said with a grin. "So, what's the 'complete dinner'? What do I have to look forward to?"

"Well, the appetizer is arugula, figs, and goat cheese, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice and wrapped in a slice of prosciutto. Then there's gingered carrot soup, and a salad of spinach, peas and feta cheese." He grinned at the look on his lover's face. "Then there are the beef medallions with morels, Marsala and crème fraiche served with smashed herb potatoes and sautéed green beans. Then of course, there is dessert that is served with either coffee or port."

Tommy listened, his mouth fully watering by the time his boyfriend was done reading. "Mmm... that sounds incredible," he said with a warm smile. "One thing though... what's a morel?"

Chuckling softly, Eric shook his head before answering. "And here I thought you were gonna ask what the dessert was. A morel is a type of mushroom."

"Ahh, okay. But now that you mention it, what is the dessert?"

"Tiramisu." He chuckled softly as the legendary Ranger's eyes lit up. "Thought you'd like that."

"Aww man... we're not gonna be able to move by the time we eat all that. How're we gonna get back to the cabin?" he laughed.

"I think we'll be okay, but we can always take our time getting back."

"Another leisurely stroll with you? I don't know..."

Eric grinned. "Well, I'm sure some of these people that are staring might be willing to walk with you."

"Staring? Who's staring?" Tommy asked, pleasantly clueless.

"Well, there's that blonde in the black dress a couple tables over and then the dark haired gentleman in the grey suit."

"I don't wanna look and make it obvious. What makes you think they're staring at us?"

"Because neither one of them have been able to take their eyes off of us since we walked in." He chuckled softly. "Of course, she just had to put her attention back on her own date."

"Well, I'm sure they're fine people, but... no one turns my head but you," he replied, reaching over and placing his hand on top of his lover's.

"I'm glad to hear that." He put his other hand on top of Tom's. "Would hate to have to beat up on someone for trying to take you."

"No no... don't need any confrontations here. But it's nice to know that you'd fight for me," he grinned.

"Always." He let go of the hand he held as their first course arrived.

After their wine was served, Tommy picked up his glass and proposed a toast. "To us-may our future together be everything we hope for and that our love for each other never stops growing."

"I'll drink to that." He gently touched his glass to Tommy's and then took a drink. He nodded. "Very nice."

"Yeah, it is," Tom said, replacing his glass on the table. They enjoyed their appetizer and finished just in time for their next courses to be delivered to the table-soup and salad.

The Quantum Ranger chuckled softly. "Well, guess you're gonna be getting your veggies today, huh Doc?"

"I guess so," he grinned. "I think I'm gonna be needing my strength for the rest of this weekend. Good thing we're eating well," he added with a wink.

"Oh yeah, gonna need the strength, especially for later." He took a drink of wine before starting in on the soup.

"I'll hold you to that," Tom said, picking up his spoon. "Especially when you're tied to the headboard..."

"Oh really? And here I thought you wanted to be handcuffed and blindfolded."

"That too," he replied, raising an eyebrow. "Eat your soup."

Shaking his head, Eric grinned and went back to eating.

-o-O-o-

With the last of dessert wiped clean of the plate and their coffees finished, Eric chuckled softly at his lover. "So, feel up to a small walk or am I going to have to get a cart and roll you back to the cabin?"

Sitting back in his chair, Tom rubbed his full stomach. "Man...I am absolutely stuffed. Don't know if I can walk!"

"Well, if you can't walk, how are you going be able to do anything else once we get back to the cabin?"

"I'll recover... don't you worry about that. I have no doubt that we'll work off all this dinner tonight and tomorrow," he replied with a wink.

"If you're sure." He grinned, and then stood up and offered his hand to the other man. "Ready?"

"Yeah, let's go," Tom said, taking Eric's hand and slowly getting to his feet. He turned and looked at the man in the grey suit that his boyfriend had said was staring at them. Tommy smiled at the man as they walked by, still grasping Eric's hand.

Eric leaned over and pressed a kiss to Tom's cheek before opening the door that led to the path going back to the cabin. "So short way or long?"

"Long, I think-need to walk off some of that incredible dinner. That was a good suggestion of Jase's, don'tcha think?"

"I think both of the ones that he's made so far were good, especially about bringing you up here." He was quiet for a moment. "Guess I'm going to have to actually thank ole Rex."

Tommy noted something in Eric's voice that shouldn't have been there. Stopping on the path and turning his boyfriend's face toward him, he asked, "Eric... what is it?"

"Guess I'm just a bit jealous, you know? I mean..." He sighed. "I was getting ideas from everyone about how to make this weekend special because I wanted you to know that I love you and celebrating things, like your birthday, needs to be special."

"But why would that make you jealous? It just shows that you care enough to find out what would make me happy, right?"

"Yeah, but there's still so much I want or need to learn and the only way I can do it is by spending more time with you. On our weekends together, we spend most of the time in bed-not that I'm complaining about that-but it doesn't leave much room for anything else."

Tommy smiled, blushing slightly. "Yeah, we do act like rabbits when we're together, don't we?"

"And like I said, I don't mind that because most of the time we only really have Saturday as a full day. Friday evening whoever's doing the driving is usually tired, Saturday we really re-connect and then the last bit of time we have together is Sunday morning or maybe just after lunch."

"Well we do talk on the phone-you can ask me anything you want. If you feel like you don't know me as well as you'd like, we can fix that. And it won't be that long before we're together every day."

He nodded. "And I know that I don't need to be jealous of Jason, but I guess sometimes I remember all the years you two spent together, as both friends and then lovers." He stepped closer to the man that held his heart. "Makes me wonder if we're going to get that same kind of knowledge of each other."

"We will, I promise," Tom said, slipping his arms around Eric's trim waist. "And you're right; you don't need to be jealous of Jase or anybody else. I told you, you're the one I love- the one I want to spend my life with." He leaned in and gave his lover a soft kiss.

Standing there beneath the moonlight, under the snow laden branches of the pines, Eric relaxed into the kiss. Some of the doubt he'd been feeling lifted as he let Tommy set the pace with the kiss.

When the former commander felt his boyfriend submitting to him, he gently deepened the kiss, completely oblivious to the fact that they were standing outside with snow falling all around them. "Mmm," he moaned into Eric's mouth as he explored that warm cavern that he knew so well.

The Quantum Ranger's hands slid to the small of the former Ranger Commander's back. He offered no resistance to his partner, letting the other man have control.

A noise a few feet away reminded them that they were in public and they slowly broke the kiss. Foreheads touching and both of them smiling, they just gazed at each other for a minute or two while they caught their breath. "Let's take that walk now... I need to let some of that dinner settle before we get back to the cabin. You're all mine tonight," Tommy whispered with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Looking forward to being yours." He took hold of Tommy's hand and started down the path once again. He chuckled softly when his partner tilted his head back and opened his mouth to catch some of the falling snow. "You're such a kid sometimes."

"Yep!" the legendary ranger said with a big grin. "You don't mind, do ya? I kinda got the feeling that you like the kid in me."

"No, I don't mind at all. Just keeps you young. And I'm serious enough for the both of us as it is."

Tommy sighed deeply, feigning irritation. "You sure are- you need to lighten up, bud," he said with a mock scowl and then laughed in spite of himself.

Shaking his head and grinning, the Quantum Ranger slapped his lover lightly on the ass. "Behave or I'll have to punish you later."

"Oooh, that sounds promising!" Tom replied, wagging his eyebrows. "And just what kind of punishment are you gonna give the teacher, hmmm?" Just to irritate Eric, he grabbed the next snow-laden branch that they walked under and caused it to drop its load on his boyfriend's head and shoulders.

Gasping, Eric's eyes shot open and he turned to face his lover. For a moment he said nothing, and then he grinned ferally. "Want to play that way, huh?" He quickly grabbed hold of Tommy once again, and then picked up a handful of snow and dropped it down the other man's shirt.

"Oh!" he exclaimed as the cold, rapidly melting stuff slid down his warm chest and stomach only to spread out around his beltline. "Ha... that's cold! You asshole!" he cried, pulling his now wet shirt away from his skin.

The Guardian Commander chuckled softly. "Now you know how I feel. And I have a lot more snow down my shirt."

"Okay fine... we're even. Let's start back toward the cabin before we freeze!" Tommy said, closing his jacket tightly around him to keep the cold wind from getting to his wet shirt. As they walked, they looked at each other and giggled. "Are you sure we're not seventeen-year olds? Cause that's just like something my students would do!"

"Guess we're both just kids at heart." They laughed for a bit as they made their way to the cabin. Once inside, Eric headed for the bedroom. "Come on, we need to dry off."

"Right behind ya," Tom replied, already pulling off his jacket. Once inside the bedroom, he tossed his suit jacket on the bed and started unbuttoning his damp shirt. "Oh look... the little elves have already gotten a fire going," he remarked, pointing toward the little fireplace in the bedroom.

"You could say that." He tossed his own jacket over a chair in the room and walked towards the fireplace. He grinned when he spotted the items that were waiting. "Seems they left a couple of presents as well."

"Oh? What's that?" Tom moved over to join his lover in front of the fire. "What did you do now?" he grinned.

"Nothing much. I just ordered a few massage oils, some pre-warmed lube and maybe some body chocolate for my resident chocoholic."

"Oh damn... they must think we're the horniest couple in the state," he grinned, picking up the chocolate and examining it.

"I doubt it. And it's something they add to the cabins after dinner each night. For regular couples they add a few other things."

"Regular couples? Does that make us irregular?" he kidded.

"No, but's it's easier to say that than heterosexual couples."

"Granted," Tom said and then turned back towards the bed. "Oh look, they've turned down our bed for us too. Wonder if they did anything out in the living room that I didn't notice." Tossing his wet shirt on top of his jacket, he walked out into the other room.

Tossing his own shirt aside, Eric followed him, and then came up behind Tommy and wrapped his arms around his partner. "You like?" Beside the other fireplace, the blankets that had been there the night before were replaced with clean ones. A bottle of wine rested in a bucket of ice and a small, wrapped package sat in the middle of the blankets.

Laying his head back on Eric's shoulder, Tom smiled warmly. "Oh yeah... everything is just sooo nice. Thanks again for such a wonderful birthday present, baby."

"Well, you have another present over there waiting for you."

"I see that. Want me to open it now?"

"Yes." Eric leaned in and placed a kiss behind his lover's ear. "I want to see your reaction."

Gently pulling away from Eric's arms, Tommy stepped over and picked up the beautifully wrapped gift and sat down on the nearby couch. "It's done up so well that I hate to open it," he said, smiling up at his anxiously awaiting boyfriend.

"Well, I think you'll enjoy what's inside a whole lot more."

"Yeah, me too," he smiled and began to pull the tail of the silver bow, letting the wide ribbon fall into his hand. Placing it aside, he found the seam of the paper and starting opening it, smiling over at Eric who had joined him on the couch. "Is this something you arranged or did you pick it out yourself?"

"No, this I picked out myself and had wrapped. Then I told them where it would be and where to put it."

"Oh, okay. I'm sure I'll love it," Tom said with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling. He discarded the paper and found a small black jewelry box which he slowly opened. Inside, lying on black velvet was a thick silver necklace with an intricate sterling and turquoise arrowhead hanging from it. "Oh my... Eric..." Tommy gasped his eyes wide.

Reaching over, Eric took it from him and undid the clasp. "I remember you telling me about the one you used to wear, but were afraid of it getting damaged if you kept wearing it." He moved so that he could put the necklace on his lover. "And I know what your heritage means to you." After putting the necklace on Tommy, he placed a light kiss on the back of the man's neck. "So I thought that this would make the perfect gift."

"It's gorgeous... where did you ever find anything like this?" he asked, holding it gently in his fingers.

"Remember that weekend we had plans, but I couldn't make it? We were following a suspect and ended up close to the Reservation. I convinced Wes to make a stop. Found it there and even got Sam to bless it."

"I remember that, yeah. Eric... this is just beautiful. Does it look okay on me?" he asked, letting the arrowhead rest against his olive skin.

"Oh yeah, definitely looks good." He leaned in and kissed him softly. "I'm glad you like it."

"Where's a mirror? I want to see this... David will be so jealous!" he grinned and got up, walking over to the big mirror on the living room wall. "Oooh, I like... thank you so much, Bear," he said, eyes still sparkling.

"Well, then I'm glad I had to cancel that weekend." He got up and walked over to his boyfriend. "And yes, your brother will be jealous of it."

Turning around from admiring his new pendant, Tommy slipped his arms around Eric's shoulders and pulled him in close. "Love you, babe," he said in a deep, sultry voice. "Want me to show you how much?"

"Mmm, most definitely." He leaned in and pressed his lips to the warm, soft ones of the man he loved.

After letting the kiss deepen slightly, Tom pulled back and whispered, "Let's go to bed then... I've got a few things I wanna do to you... you know, to show my appreciation." He then took Eric by the hand and led him slowly to the already prepared bedroom.

-o-O-o-

Authors' Notes: Please don't forget to review! We want to know what you think! Chapter 3 will be coming along very soon!