Since a few people seemed to have seen me coming on this story, I've decided to challenge myself to write it a bit differently than I had originally intended to. Still, some things remain fact… Or do they?

The More Things Change…

"We're not those people anymore."

Kim was staring out the window again, with her arms still held across her stomach. A part of her hated that she was having this conversation with Jason while all their friends were over, but another part of her felt that it was necessary regardless of the timing.

Jason sighed to himself and stepped up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. The sun was setting, and they could see each other's reflections dimly in the window glass. Their eyes met, and Kim allowed herself a small smile.

"Kim, this is a chance to be a part of that world again. To be a Ranger again. Don't you remember how good that felt? Helping people? Being a part of something?" It was easy to see that Jason wanted more than anything to whip out a Power Morpher, shout "Tyrannosaurus!" and run off to fight the evils of the world. And the sooner, the better.

"Those times are over for us, Jason." Kim turned around, and her hands came to rest upon his chest as she looked up into his eyes again. "We have lives that don't involve putting ourselves in danger every day. And I like it that way. It's a better environment to have a relationship in. A better environment to raise a family in."

"Raise a family?" Jason asked, looking a little shocked.

"Never mind about that," Kim responded. "But I do need to tell you something."

"What is it? C'mon, Kim, you know you can tell me anything." Jason tried not to let his concern show, but he usually had trouble keeping his feelings from showing in his facial expressions, especially when something might be wrong with Kimberly.

"Well, two of my girls made it passed nationals," Kim said with a smile, perking up a little. It was hard to be morose with such exciting news to report. "They might be able to qualify for the Olympics!"

"Really?" Kim's smile excitement was infectious, and Jason felt his own mouth turning up in a smile. He threw his arms around her, hugging her tight. "That's great! So are you gonna be their trainer for that, or what?"

"Well, me and some of the other instructors," Kim admitted. "But do you see why I can't be a Power Ranger again? Gymnastics has always been important to me, and to be able to train these girls means a lot right now."

Jason nodded. "Yeah, I know. To be honest, there's no guarantee that anyone will ever use those coins again. The guys just want me to safeguard them. And if there's a call to use them, maybe we can find someone else who's worthy."

Now it was Kim's turn to sigh, dropping her shoulders a little in relief. She draped her arms over his shoulders, clasping her hands loosely behind his neck. "Well, that's good. I don't want to have to worry about you like that. Have I told you I loved you today?"

"Not enough." He grinned, and leaned in to kiss her. "Now come on. Our friends are waiting."

Hand in hand, they walked out onto the back porch.

"Hey, guys," Jason said, "Kimberly's got some great news!"

While Kim told her story and passed out drinks to everyone, Jason lit a few tiki torches and stuck them in the sand below the porch, then fired up the grill and threw some meat on. Placing his hands on his hips, Jason watched his friends all conversing together and heaved a deep sigh of contentment. Maybe Kim was right. Maybe this really was all they needed…