Disclaimer- Apparently I have to repeat myself, I do not own them! The song She Will Be Loved is Maroon 5's not mine, I just borrowed it for entertainment purposes. Got it?
AN- Here's Tori's chapter! Hope you like it!
Timeline- Set before Thunder Storm some of during and after.
Shoutouts-
Frog1- Thanks! Yeah, gotta love the Nick/Madison. OFC; other fictional character perhaps? I normally don't do that, all my OCs are evil. I'll see what I can do though.
CrystalClear444- Nick/Madison of course, as for the triangle I'll work something out.
Enigmaforum- Thanks! Glad you like it. Thank you for the parings. Here's more!
Carla- Thanks! Hope you like the first ten chapters. Bit of a warning, chapters one through seven are pretty much pure fluff, it was when I started this nearly two years ago.
cmar- Thanks you! Yeah, I didn't want to go for the "happily ever after" sometimes I can but times like this I can't.
Saralyn- Thanks for the parings! Udonna/Lienbow? That'll be a bit difficult since there were only a few episodes for them but I can do it.
Dany- Thanks so much! Well, the whole fic can't all be fluffiness. (Grins) Finally got to say it, I'm glad you did. Here's more!
garnetred- Thanks! Daggeron and Madison seem to be a new different popular one. Here's more!
Hunter- (Grins) Thanks!
datcaliboi13- Thanks, glad you liked the paring!
Cat2000- Wow, it's been awhile since I've written out a response to you. Glad to do it again! I think you'll like this chapter. (Big grin.) Thanks so much, so are you.
Etapa- You're very welcome! Thank you for reviewing and leaving me some parings! I will get to them as soon as I can.
Destiny45- Yeah, I know some people couldn't see chemistry between Tori and Hunter because of Blake and Tori, that's where I come in. I look for the more than "just friends" parts. Thanks so much for the compliment!
Kira- Very unique, I agree. Thanks for reviewing!
Quotes: "I'm am sorry." "I know, but you will be loved no matter what."
Chapter Twelve: She Will Be Loved
Beauty queen of only eighteen.
She had some trouble with herself.
He was always there to help her.
She always belonged to someone else.
It was raining.
Pouring actually, it had been like this for days now, ever since Hunter revealed his feelings for me.
He gently kissed my cheek, "I will always love you Tori Hanson" he murmured. He turned to walk away.
"Hunter, wait!"
I felt my heart leap when he stopped and turned. I dropped my board and walked over to him. "I feel something for you, more than friendship. Just please let me think this over?"
He nods. "I just want you to know, I'll never stop loving you."
I nod, feeling tears well in my eyes. "I know." I turn to go retrieve my board; suddenly I feel a large raindrop splash on my arm. I straighten, looking up I see dark storm clouds begin to form rapidly. "That's weird," I murmur. "The forecast said it was supposed to be sunny all day." I look to Hunter. "Hey Hunter…" But he was gone; I caught a flash of crimson streaking away in the distance. Then the heavens opened up and it began to pour.
That had been a week ago. The rain hadn't stopped since. Thunderstorms have been raging the city every other day. I know its Hunter, it has to be. Meteorologists had predicted cloudless, sunny days for the week. The pouring rain is my fault, see mine, as well as Shane and Dustin's powers had grown in the past year. No if we're experiencing something very overwhelming or emotional, they get out of hand. Sensei said this would be normal, but I'm so tired of being sad!
As much as I don't want to admit this, I feel like I have to. It's over between Blake and I. There's no spark, just a sparkler that will die out eventually. I will always care for him; that will always be there. There's only one problem.
Blake doesn't know.
I mean he does; sort of. He's being stubborn. I've tried to suggest seeing other people since we're so far apart. He insists that we can make it work. I don't want it to though. How can I when I'm falling for someone else? I'm terrible, I know.
I drove for miles and miles.
And wound up at your door.
I've had you so many times but somehow.
I want more.
Go ahead, say it, I know it. I feel terrible, but we're miles apart and barely talk as it is! I don't want to hurt Blake, that's the last thing I want to do. But I know I will; it's inevitable.
I let out a small sigh as I sit on the window seat of my room. The rain's coming down in buckets now; I can't even see Storm Chargers across the street. Thunder crashes, then lightning flashes across the sky, lighting it up. I don't flinch, all too used to it. "Let it out Hunter." I murmur.
A tap on the door makes me turn my head some but I don't say anything. A more insistent knock comes a minute later. I turn my gaze back to the angry elements. My door opens and in come Dustin and Marah, both soaking wet. I turn to fully look at them. "Look what the storm blew in."
Dustin glared at me, really glared at me. I raised my eyebrows, surprised. "Problem?"
"What do you think?" He snapped.
Marah placed comforting hand on his arm. "Calm down Dustin."
He sighed but visibly calmed down. He then gave her a wide grin. I felt a sharp pang of envy seeing this. I turned away from them, looking out the window once again, blinking away tears of sadness. Marah sat down next to me, her blue eyes trying to meet mine.
"Tori, what's wrong?"
My eyes meet her warm, caring, understanding orbs. I finally breakdown. Tears spill over my eyelids and down my face. Marah doesn't say anything; she just wraps her arms around me as I let it all flow out. She's soaking and shivering some but neither of us really notices.
I don't mind spending everyday.
Out on your corner in the pouring rain.
Look for the girl with the broken smile.
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile.
And she will be loved.
She will be loved.
I pull away a few minutes later. "I'm sorry you guys," I murmur guiltily, wiping my tears away.
Marah smiled, no anger just understanding. "Don't be, it was bound to happen sooner or later." She gives me a knowing look.
I blink, slightly confused. "What?"
"You and Hunter. I always thought you two looked so cute together!"
"How did you…" My head turns, my gaze narrowing on Dustin who's looking anywhere but at me. "Dustin…"
He grins unabashedly. "I think I'm gonna find us some towels." He makes a quick exit.
I roll my eyes, turning back to Marah. "Me and Hunter; it's not what you think. I mean not how I'd like it to be. Uh, I mean…" I trail off helplessly, not knowing what to say or how to say it.
She smiles. "I know what you mean. I used to feel the same way about Dustin. Even when I was still on Lothor's side I had feelings for him." She gives him a sunny smile at Dustin as he comes back in and hands her a… crimson towel? She doesn't notice my stunned look as she continued. "But after the Abyss of Evil we worked it out, just like you and Hunter will." She then takes note of the towel. "Isn't this Hunter's?"
I nod. "Yeah, he forgot it the last time he was here."
Both Marah and Dustin grinned widely. "Whatever you two are thinking, don't."
"Too late Tor," Dustin's voice was muffled some as he dried his hair. "Way ahead of ya."
I barely suppress a groan. "What did you do?"
Tap on my window knock on my door.
I want to make you feel beautiful.
I know I tend to get so insecure.
It doesn't matter anymore.
An urgent pounding at the front door interrupts any answer I would've gotten. We exchange a look before hurrying to see who it is. When I opened the door who was on the other side made me almost faint.
Almost.
It was Hunter.
Being supported by Blake.
He looked… lost. His normally pale skin was nearly translucent. His dirty blonde hair was plastered to his forehead. He was soaked to the bone.
"Uh, guys? Little help here." Blake grunted, holding most of Hunter's weight on him.
Dustin pushes past me and helped Blake carry Hunter over to the couch.
"Where was he?" I ask, kicking the door shut, making my way over to them. I grab a blanket off a recliner and draped it over Hunter's now-shivering body.
"Across the street, just outside of Storm Chargers, he'd been out there for hours at least. Kelly tried to get him inside but he wouldn't budge, he just kept staring at your apartment." His gaze met mine briefly before I turned my attention back to Hunter. He sighed. "She called me since she knew I was in town."
Marah had gone to get more blankets and towels. When she came back I took the blankets from her and gently put them on Hunter. Forgetting about everyone else in the room, I sat down on the couch, pushing a strand of hair off his head. The shivering had subsided. I lean over to whisper in his ear. "Please forgive me. Please wake up Hunter… I love you too."
"Tor… What are you doing?" I hear Blake, but I was only half paying attention. When I didn't answer I heard him ask Dustin or Marah. "What is she doing?"
"Uh… She and Hunter have been getting to know each other better since you've been gone." Dustin said.
I couldn't see his face but I heard anger in his voice. "Bullshit! She acts as if she loves him!" When no one says anything the anger escapes him. "What are you guys not saying?"
I gently caress Hunter's chilled cheek before turning. "Blake, I need to tell you something."
His face fell and my heart ached. "You love him, don't you." It was more of a statement than a question. I wordlessly nod, unable to deny it. "I'm so sorry."
"Me too." He said quietly, he then turned and walked out of the apartment and possibly out of mine and Hunter's lives for good."
It's not always rainbows and butterflies.
It's compromise that moves us along, yeah.
My heart is full and my door's always open.
You can come anytime you want.
"Go after him." Hunter's voice tried to growl but more like groaned.
I turn sharply. "Hunter…" I breathe.
"We can kiss and make up later. Now go!"
I nod and race after Blake. I managed to see him as he was going down the stairs…. At the other end of the building. "Blake wait!"
He ignored me and kept going. I picked up speed with some help of my Streaking skills. "Damnit wait! We have to talk." I got in front of him and blocked his way to the stairway.
His gaze narrowed at mine, brown orbs were filled with pain and anger. "We have nothing else to say to each other." He tried to push pass me.
I block his way. "The hell we don't. Blake I still care deeply for you. But…"
"The timing is off…" He finished quietly, sadly.
I nod. "I didn't want to hurt you, not like this."
He sighed and jammed his hands into his jean jacket pockets. "Any way it would have happened, it still would hurt. I'm just glad I found out now instead of over the phone or in some 'Dear John' letter. I want you two to be happy."
I manage to smile. "I am sorry."
"I know." He leaned over and kissed my cheek. "But you will be loved, no matter what."
My smile grows.
He grins back. "C'mon, let's go nurse my idiot brother back to health.
So we do.
I don't mind spending everyday.
Out on your corner in the pouring rain.
Look for the girl with the broken smile.
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile.
And she will be loved.
And she will be loved.
And she will be loved.
And she will be loved.
Time goes by…
We were evil.
Shane, Dustin and me.
Lothor tricked us. I want to say that was low even for him but who am I kidding?
I knew what I was doing, but I had no control over it. I've never been so helpless in my life. I hate that feeling; I think we all do especially after we lost our powers the first time.
I feel Hunter's strong arm wrap around my shoulders as we made our way to Hayley's Cyberspace. I lean into him. These past three weeks have flown by, but they've been amazing. I love Hunter more than I could ever imagine.
After Blake and I returned to the apartment I made soup for my soggy friends while Dustin and Marah were looking for dry clothes. Which wasn't hard since the guys usually had a spare set of clothes here, just in case. Marah and Kapri are my roommates but the guys are here on a daily basis.
I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist, I couldn't help but smile. "You're supposed to be resting."
A set of warm lips brush on my neck. "Since when have I willingly rested?"
"Hm…" I turn my head and playfully grin at him. "Never."
He mock glared at me as he tightened his arms around my waist. "Funny…" He glanced toward the living room where Blake was. "You think he's okay with this?" He murmured.
I follow his gaze. "Yeah, I think so."
I know where you hide.
Alone in your car.
Know all of the things that make you who you are.
I know that goodbye means nothing at all.
Comes back and begs me to catch her every time she falls.
As we draw closer to the Cyberspace I can't help but notice the bantering between the Red and Yellow Rangers of the Dino Thunder team. Conner and Kira. From what I've gathered by watching them, they are complete opposites, yet they seem to fit. Just like Hunter and me.
"Yo, lovebirds!" Dustin shouts from behind us. "Are you going to socialize or are you going to give each other goo-goo eyes all day?"
I roll my eyes as Hunter turns. "You're one to talk Dustin." I can hear the grin in his voice.
We continue to tease and banter as we walk into the Cyberspace. When we'd been evil I really didn't take in the scenery, all my focus had been on the Dino Rangers.
"Get up; we have some unfinished business to attend to."
Small groans escaped them as they stood, I couldn't help but smirk, this was going to be too easy…
"Dude, she's kinda cute don't you think?" Conner asked with a grin.
"Yeah," Ethan grinned. "In a crazed Ninja-Terminator sorta way."
Kira slapped Conner's arm in irritation, almost jealousy perhaps? "Would you two focus here?" She snapped.
The Red Ranger nodded, "Right."
Now as we walked in and really got a good look, it was an awesome teen hangout. It reminded me of how we'd hang at Storm Chargers after school. I then saw the toppled over tables and chairs and felt a pang of guilt. I turned to Hayley. "Hayley, we're really sorry about this."
Dustin and Shane nod. "Yeah, we'll pay for any damages." Shane says.
Hayley smiles and shakes her head. "There's not a whole lot of damage. Besides, I'm insured. Lothor took advantage of you and tricked you. I don't blame you for this."
Tommy nods and places a hand on Hayley's shoulder. "Hayley's right. Don't blame yourselves. You thought you were meeting with Kanoi and he took it to his advantage."
Sensei nods in agreement as well. "You have done nothing wrong, so may I suggest we all take advantage to these festivities in honor of Blake's victory."
"Yeah!" The Dino Rangers cheer.
So we do.
Tap on my window knock on my door.
I want to make you feel beautiful.
Soon Dustin, Shane and Ethan are huddled around a computer, 'ooh-ing' and 'ahh-ing' at some game. Cam and Hayley are in a deep discussion over Zord technology. Sensei and Tommy are exchanging past battle experiences. Blake asking Trent about a design for his bike, Hunter scoffs though interested. As for Kira… I look toward the bandstand where the current Yellow Ranger is sitting and tuning her guitar. I make my way over to her. "Hey."
She looks up and gives a small smile. "Hey…"
My brow furrows, noting how she looks a little uncomfortable. "Something wrong?"
She shrugs lightly and continues to fiddle with the strings. I sit down next to her, "what to talk about it?"
She nods, her gaze meeting mine. "I have a problem…"
"Guy troubles?"
She nodded, "how did you know?"
I sigh, "Been there, done that, totaled a relationship."
She winces. "You and Blake? Then you and Hunter?"
I nod. "It just… happened. I don't know why, but I'm glad it did." I sigh again. "I just wish Blake was okay with it."
"He's not?"
"Sort of, I mean he gave us his blessing in a way, but I know I hurt him really badly."
She nods in understanding. "I don't want to hurt Trent, but… I mean it's not as if we were dating or anything it's just…"
"Conner snuck up on you, didn't he?"
Kira nods and blows out a breath of frustration. "Yeah, only problem is, he just thinks of me as a friend."
I manage to hide a grin. "Not from my point of view."
She throws me a confused look. "What?"
"He likes you Kira, he just wants you to see it."
Her hazel orbs turn to Conner's form. He turns his head, as if he felt her eyes on him. He gives her a heart-stopping grin, just for her. No one else.
I grin and nudge her side. "See? Go talk to him."
Kira smiles and gives me a quick hug. "Thanks Tori."
"Anytime," I murmur watching her make her was over to the handsome Red Dino Thunder Ranger.
I don't mind spending everyday.
Out on your corner in the pouring rain.
Look for the girl with the broken smile.
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile.
And she will be loved.
And she will be loved.
And she will be loved.
And she will be loved.
"Hey gorgeous," Hunter says as he sits down next to me. He gives me a crooked grin. "Gossiping?"
I smack his arm. "Very funny. No, more like guy advice." My eyes watch the two on the secluded side of the Cyberspace talking quietly. I can't see Kira's face but Conner's is in view. A sudden wide grin breaks out onto his face and envelops her into a tight hug. I can't help but grin as well.
Hunter then nudges me and gestures in Trent's direction. His face is a mask of hurt and fury. I wince at the pain radiation from the White Ranger. "Maybe I shouldn't have interfered. I mean it's not any of my business."
"Tori… you were trying to help a friend out. You weren't butting in. You do a lot more damage when you butt in. Ow!"
I smile sweetly at him. "Like just now?"
Hunter grumbles and rubs the spot on his thigh were my fist connected with it. I place my hand over his. Our fingers intertwine. He presses a kiss to my temple. "Better now than later, right?" He murmurs.
I nod. "Right."
Yeah.
I don't mind spending everyday.
Out on your corner in the pouring rain.
We go back to Hunter's apartment a few hours later. Blake was on the road again with promises to keep us up-to-date more often. Marah and Dustin and Shane and Kapri went back to our place to hang out. Cam back to the Academy, with Hayley's number as well.
When we get there we both collapse on the worn but comfortable couch, the long day catching up with us. I curl my legs up on the couch and snuggle into his side.
"What am I, a pillow?" He grumbled playfully.
I grin and snuggle closer. "Yep."
He smiles and gently places small kisses all over my face before giving me a deep passionate kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck and draw him closer to me. His tongue gently traces my lips and I part them slightly, opening up so much more. Our mouths duel for who-knows how long. When air is needed, we both reluctantly pulled away, our chests rose up and down slowly. My eyes met his and no more words needed to be said as he swept me into his arms and carried me off to his bedroom.
When we reached his room he kicked the door shut out of habit. He gently laid me on his crimson covered bed. His eyes never left mine as he tugged my shirt off; after he tossed it aside I sat up and pulled his t-shirt off him. I ran my hands over his chest and biceps before gently pulling him to me.
The remainder of our clothes seemed to melt away; his eyes met mine once again. They were tentative and nervous, yet they sparkled brightly. Even though we've been together for about three weeks, I've loved him for a lot longer than that. I smile at him and pull him to me. I've never done this before, but he knows and is gentle. But passion soon sweeps in and takes us both away. Our climaxes crash together almost instantly. We collapse, breathless, just gazing into each others eyes. He gently pulls away and out of me and we both wince lightly at the feeling, but it's a good feeling. He lies down next to me, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me close. Neither of us are modest with each other.
As sleep quickly comes over us I murmur sleepily. "I love you Hunter."
He yawns lightly. "I love you too Tori."
I fall asleep with a smile on my face.
Try so hard to say goodbye.
End Chapter
AN2- (Yawns) I've been working on this off and on all night since eleven something and now it's almost eight. Anyway, a few things: none of these chapters are interrelated unless I put in a note. Second, this is going to be co-written from here on out with a friend of mine Cori (Allie351). And here are the next parings coming up in no particular order: Kira/Trent, another Conner/Kira, Dustin/Marah, Sky/Syd, Nick/Madison, Cam/Hayley, Tommy/Hayley, Blake/Tori, Wes/Jen, Taylor/Eric, and Cole/Taylor.
AN3- Please leave some parings, all are still being in taken, within reason. Nothing totally out there, that okay? Okay, please leave a review, no flames please! Thanks!
CamFan4Ever