A/N: Aren't you guys lucky, two chapter updates. Love the reviews
A/N: again, I know the departure and arrival of the planes are way off, but it is my story, so I made him arrive quicker
Connor arrived at Reefside Airport about an hour earlier than he had told the guys that he would be there. He had called them as soon as he landed to let them know and knew that they were on their way; so he grabbed his luggage and settled in a chair until they got there. He pulled a book from his backpack, and had just started reading when he heard his name.
"Connor!!" Ethan yelled.
He looked up and around to find the voice, when he looked behind him, he saw Ethan, Kira, Trent, Krista and Angie all running towards him. He stood up, and started their way. As they reached him, he pulled Ethan into a huge bear hug.
"Ethe, it's so good to see you."
"Likewise bro," Ethan replied.
After he let go of Ethan, he turned to Trent, "Trent, my man, what's up bro?"
"Nothing, but it's good to see you too."
Kira hung back and watched as Connor greeted their friends, when he finally turned towards her, she felt her heart skip.
With a teasing smile on his face he said, "Hey babe, did you miss me?"
"What did I tell you about calling me babe?"
"Do it more often?" he asked.
Rolling her eyes, she stepped into his embrace, "Welcome home Connor."
"It's good to be home," he said, "Now what do you say we get out of here? I'm craving one of Hayley's smoothies."
"Always thinking with your stomach, huh?" Ethan teased as he elbowed him playfully in the ribs.
"You know it."
"Come on guys, let's grab his stuff and head out," Trent said. So they grabbed what they could and headed out towards the parking lot to Trent's car. The six friends chatted on every single topic they could find, it wasn't until they started teasing him about TC that he remembered.
"So Connor, I'm surprised to see you in one piece," Ethan said.
"Why do you say that?"
"Well from what I heard, it seems that you pissed that girl off 'til she threatened to kill you."
The others laughed as they remembered what he had told them of the conversation between Connor and Belle. As it was that remark prompted Connor to smack his forehead as he remembered he was supposed to call her.
"Oh shit, I'm supposed to call her," he groaned, "She's probably going to kill me or something."
"Well do it now," Trent said.
"Alright, hold on let me call her real quick," he said. He dialed the familiar number and waited for the voice of his little sis.
"Hello?"
He smiled, "Hey it's me."
On the other end of the phone, Kim smiled as she heard his voice. It's only been a few hours, but she already missed him. So with that, she teased, "Connor?"
Hearing the smile in her voice, he replied dryly, "No, it's the tooth fairy."
"Really, does that mean I can finally get all the money that you owe from when I was a kid?"
"Belle!!"
"Sorry," she laughed.
"You're not."
"Ok, I'm not," she said, "So what's up?"
"Nothing just called to let you know I'm here safe and sound."
"That's good, and I'm glad," she smiled, "So who picked you up?"
Throwing a glance around he answered, "Everybody came."
"Everybody, huh"
"Yes"
"Does that mean that Kira's there as well?" she teased.
He didn't answer, but the guys could see a faint blush covering his face.
"So I'll take your silence to mean that she did come, and she is in the car with you," she said, "So did you kiss her senseless when you saw her?"
By now the blush was in full swing, "Belle!! Come on, nothing like that happened."
"Uhuh, but I bet your wishing it did."
"Why did I call you again?"
Her laughter could be heard by the others, and Connor had a soft smile on his face. He missed her.
"So how does it feel to be home?"
"It feels good; I'm with my friends and everything, so…"
"I'm glad you're happy, but I still miss you."
"I know, I miss you too," he replied.
"Well thanks for calling but I've got to go," she said, "I have some sketches to finish up, and I have to go by my mom's place."
"Alright, I'll talk to you later."
"OK, bye and I love you."
"Love you too."
"Of course you do, I'm me," she laughed, "Bye Con."
"See ya." And with that he hung up the phone not noticing he had a soft smile on his face until Krista pointed it out.
"Hey Connor, what's with that smile?" she asked, "I've never seen you with it before."
Kira, who had her face in the opposite direction when Connor started talking, turned around to see what Krista was talking about. Then she saw the smile that was on his face. It was a soft smile, and her heart clenched as she saw it, but it unclenched as she realized that it wasn't the same as the one she got. It was similar, close even, but not quite. And she smiled to herself as she realized it. They got back into talking, and before they knew it, they were already at the café. Connor got out of the car first, and practically ran up to the doors.
"You don't think he misses it do you?" Trent asked sarcastically.
"NO, what gave you that idea?" said Kira. They all laughed as they saw the joyful expression on Connor's face.
"Guys hurry up," he said. Connor opened the doors and stepped inside. As he moved so the others could come through, a wave of nostalgia hit him. He was home. He looked around at one of his most favorite places in the world, Dr. O's place was probably his favorite, and realized that it hadn't really changed. It was bigger, and it had more computers, but he could also see that she had included more stuff as well like, a few mats where people could do some karate, an arcade corner, and a balance beam, just because some of the girls practiced a few gymnastics, which reminded him of Kim. He remembered that they had told him that she had modeled it after the juice that Dr O used to hang out in when he was a teen. As he and the others walked through the door, Trent made his way over to the counter.
"Hey Hayley," Trent said, "Guess who's back?"
Hayley was working in the back on a few computers, and orders, and had just come out to take some more when she heard Trent. She smiled as she heard his question and turned to him and answered, "Hey Trent, so who's back?"
By that time the others had made their way to the counter with Connor in tow. He came out from behind the others and smiled and said, "Me."
When Hayley heard that very familiar voice, she dropped the dish towel and turned towards. Her eyes got wide, and to the others surprise, she flew from behind the counter straight into Connor's open arms.
"Ahh Connor oh my God, when'd you get back?"
"Just now," he smiled, "The guys just got me from the airport; hey where's Dr O at?"
"He's around here somewhere," Krista said.
"There he is over there," Angie said.
As he turned to where she was pointing, he saw the man in question sitting at one of tables with a woman, looking back at his friends he asked, "Who's that with him?"
"That's his girlfriend," Ethan said.
As he turned back to look at the table he was struck with a sense of familiarity. 'Something about that girl seems really familiar, though I can't say where I've seen her before.'
"Come on; let's go over there," Kira said, "I'm sure Dr O would love to see you."
He shrugged, and nodded, "Sure, why not."
They gathered the smoothies that Hayley had provided when they were talking, and headed over to the table.
Tommy and Kat were talking about their high school and college days, when he saw the guys heading towards the table; he looked up towards them and smiled, "Hey guys, what's up?"
"Nothing Dr O, just thought we'd bring someone over to see you," Trent said.
Both occupants had a puzzled look on their faces, until they moved aside and a young man in red stepped from behind them.
"Connor?"
"Hey Dr O"
Tommy stood up and embraced Connor, "Man Connor it's good to see you."
"Likewise Dr O," He replied. When he stepped out of the embrace, he casted a look to the female sitting at the table, and again, he couldn't shake the feeling that he knew her from somewhere, shaking the feeling away, he waited until he remembered to introduce him to the woman.
"Oh I forgot," He said and then smacked his forehead, "Connor this is Kat, the pink zeo and first pink turbo; Kat this is Connor, the red dino thunder."
"Looks like your forgetfulness strikes again," the Australian blonde said, "It's nice to meet you."
He shook her outstretched hand and replied, "Likewise."
Now the others were used to Connor's unfailing ability to flirt with beautiful women, as long as the age appropriate, so it was somewhat of a shock when all he did was shake Kat's hand and then sat down. Following his lead, they all pulled up chairs, and sat as well.
"So what have you been up to Connor," Kat asked.
"Oh nothing much, I used to play soccer, I actually just came back from a tour in Europe."
"Wow, that sounds interesting," she said, "I knew two guys in high school that were really good at it."
"Really"
"Yea, maybe I can introduce you guys."
"Yea, maybe," he replied nonchalantly. Connor had a feeling in his gut about the blonde in front of him, she was pretty, don't get him wrong, but his gut was telling him that there was something about her that rubbed him wrong, and during and after his tenure as the red ranger and leader of his team, he had learn to trust his instincts, and right now his instincts were telling him not to trust her. Meanwhile the others were still a bit puzzled about his behavior; they would have thought that he would've been a little more excited to meet some more soccer buddies. Kat felt a little put off by his lack of enthusiasm, she would've thought that by the way Tommy talked about his love for the sport, he would've been at least a little excited at meeting some others, but it was as if he was disinterested, whether it was about the sport or the fact that she brought it up, she was not sure. An awkward silence settled over the table for a short while and was only broken when Hayley showed up.
"Hey Connor, thought you'd like your favorite," she said as she handed him a blueberry muffin.
He looked up at her with a grateful smile, "Thanks Hayles, you have no idea of how much I missed your muffins."
"Well by the way you're going at it, I'd say I have a pretty good idea," she laughed, and then turned to go back to work.
"So what are you guys doing?" Connor asked.
"Hang out as usual," Ethan shrugged.
"Yea, at my place," Tommy said, "Which I'm sure I told you guys not to do anymore."
"Oh lighten up," Kat smiled at her boyfriend, "You know you love having them over."
They all laughed at the look on his face, but Kira was paying attention to Connor and saw that even though he was laughing, it didn't reach his eyes, and she made a note to talk to him about it. After that the talk turned towards catching, pretty soon Hayley came over and joined them, as they were sitting there, a familiar song came over the radio. Kat, recognizing the voice tried to change it, but was stopped by Connor.
"Hey I want to hear that song," he protested.
The others laughed at his enthusiasm and pretty soon the station was back to where it was.
"Alright for all you fans out there, this is 'I'm your Angel' by TCrane featuring CJ Knight.
(TCrane)
No mountains too high for you to climb
All you have to do is have some climbing faith (oh yeah)
No river's too wide for you to make it across
All you have to do is believe it when you pray
(Pre-chorus—CJ Knight)
And then you will see
The morning will come
And everyday will be bright as the sun
So all of your fears just cast them on me
I just want you to see
(Chorus--both)
I'll be your clouds up in the sky
I'll be your shoulder when you cry
I'll hear your voices when you call me
I am your angel
And when all hope is gone I'm here
No matter how far you are I'm near
It makes no difference who you are
I am your angel
I'm your angel (TC)
(CJ)
I saw your teardrops and I heard your cry
All you need is time, seek me and you shall find
You have everything and you're still lonely
It don't have to be this way
Let me show you a better day
(Pre-chorus 2—TC)
And then you will see
The morning will come
And all of your days will be bright as the sun
So all of your fears just cast them on me
How can I make you see…?
(Chorus--both)
I'll be your clouds up in the sky
I'll be your shoulder when you cry
I'll hear your voices when you call me
I am your angel
And when all hope is gone I'm here
No matter how far you are I'm near
It makes no difference who you are
I am your angel
I'm your angel (CJ)
(Bridge)
And when it's time to face the storm (CJ)
I'll be there by your side (TC)
Grace will keep us safe and warm (CJ)
And I know we will survive (TC last part both)
And when it seems as if your end is drawing near (TC)
Don't you dare give up the fight (TC) (no no—CJ)
Just put your trust beyond the sky (TC)
(Chorus—both) x2
"And that was 'I'm your Angel' by TCrane featuring CJ Knight. Now some fans are wondering if any more albums will be forth coming from the popular singer, but I'm sorry to report that no, there will be no more CDs. The singer stopped singing back in 2004, her whereabouts remain secret, but that still doesn't mean that she is forgotten. As always this 105.5 WRFSD; making waves across the coast."
"No offense Connor, but I didn't think you were the type to listen to those kind of songs," Angie said.
"I know huh," he smiled, "When I was in Paris, she was having a concert, and after the show, I talked to her."
BY now Kira was fully interested, and moved forward in her seat to better hear. It was no secret to the others that TCrane was quite possibly her most favorite singer.
"Whoa," Ethan said.
"Wait, are you telling me that you actually met TCrane?" Kira said excitedly.
"Yep," he smiled and nodded. At the looks on his friends and former teacher and teammates faces, he laughed.
"I don't believe you," Krista said.
"But I did," he said, "I asked her for an autograph and I told her that I liked her songs. When she asked why I told that she reminded me of a friend of mine who was also a singer."
Kira was beyond ecstatic. She couldn't believe that Connor had actually met TCrane. And she was dying for information, "And?"
"I told her your name and said that she was one of your favorite singers, and she said…" he paused.
"She said what man?" Ethan said.
"She said that's good because you became one of her favorite singers too and that there was something about you, about your music that she can relate. She also said that if she ever had to go back to singing that it would be cool to perform with you."
"Oh my God, are you serious?" Kira exclaimed, "She really said that?"
"Yea she did," he answered, "I even asked her why that was because usually singers are rivals, and her remarks were that not too many up-and-coming singers have what it takes and they sometimes let the fame go to their heads, and let others control their images, which is something she hates, but you don't, and that made you an ok person in her book."
The others sat there in stunned silence. They still couldn't believe that he was actually telling the truth. As he looked around at their faces, he could see disbelief, "You guys still don't believe me?"
At their nods, he reached into his backpack, and pulled out a CD, and passed it around, "Read and see for your self then."
As they looked on the CD, they could see the words on the back cover; Ethan took the CD and read the words out loud:
To my fan Connor, hope you have a wonderful time here in Paris, I know you'll love it; oh and your friend, the singer Kira, tell her that I applaud her for not conforming to what record labels these days thinks that her image should look like, for that she's ok in my book; who knows, maybe sometime we can sing together.
Love TCrane.
"I can't believe it," Trent whispered, glancing from the CD to Connor and back, "You actually met her."
"Told you guys," he smirked, "Is it my fault you didn't believe me."
The others turned to Kira, who had the CD clutched in her hands and was re-reading the words like some sort of prayer, as if they would disappear on her.
"Kira honey, are you ok?" Hayley asked.
"Yea…I'm fine," she whispered, "I just still can't believe that she said that about me, that I'm one of her favorite singers."
"She did remind me of you, and you do remind me of her," he said.
'More than you know,'Kat thought to herself.
"That's probably the best compliment I've ever received," she said. Then she turned to Trent and said, "No offense."
"None taken," he chuckled, "I'd probably be the same way, hell I was the same way when Mr. Thompson said I reminded him of him at my age."
"Now that that's all out of the way, what's every body doing?" Connor asked. As if on cue, before anyone could answer, Tommy's cell phone went off.
"Sorry guys, let me take this," he said apologetically.
"No problem Dr O," they waved him off.
"Hello?"
"Hey bro, what's up?" Jason said.
"Nothing much, just hanging out," he replied, "one of my former students just got back into town today, so we're all catching up."
"Well how would you like to catch up as well?" Jason said.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm talking about having a reunion with the original twelve and your team next week."
"I could make it, hold on let me run by these guys first because they might have plans," he said, "Hey guys, how would you feel about taking a trip to Angel Grove with me for a family reunion?"
"Family as in….?" Ethan asked.
"Uhuh," Tommy nodded, "I'm on the phone right now with the first leader."
The young adults all looked at each other, and with a nod, confirmed that they would like to go.
"Alright bro, so it should be about nine of us, which includes Hayley and three others," he said with a wink to Kat, who had pouted at not having her name mentioned.
"Cool, well it should last about a week or two, 'cause that's how long the others can take off. And don't worry, there's only one person yet that I have to ask, and I know she'll be able to make it."
Tommy wasn't stupid, he knew that he was talking about Kimberly, and he wasn't sure he was all that prepared to see her again, but he pushed it out of his mind and said to Jason, "That's good bro, so when do you want us there; because we can be there as early as Sunday." (A/N: it's still Tuesday, this is just what happened when Connor got home that day.)
"Sunday's fine, see you then."
"Later bro," he said then hung up the phone and turned to the others, "So who's up for a road trip?"
All he got in response was enthusiastic yelling and cheering. The rest of the day went by fast, and the others talked long into the night. Ethan even remarked that Connor didn't have to unpack, just to pack again. Connor still couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen Kat somewhere before, and because his instinct was telling him that something was off, he couldn't bring himself to relax around. Kira had asked what was up with him and when he had told her, she said his instincts had never let him down before, but maybe this time they were off and if he still had problem, he should talk to Dr O about it. Which were why, two days after the call from Dr O's high school friend and a day after the talk with Kira that he found himself at Dr O's house early Thursday morning; he walked up to the porch and rang the doorbell. He faintly heard someone say come in, so he did. He poked his head through the door and call out, "Dr O?"
"We're down in the basement."
He closed the door behind him, walked through the kitchen, and over to the trap door, when the entrance was and proceeded down the stairs. As he got to the bottom of the stairs, he stopped and looked at the scene in front in stunned silence. They weren't doing anything, but rather it was position in which he saw them. Kat had her back towards Connor, with her hands on Tommy's shoulders (whose hands were resting at his side), and she had her head on the side, so that it looked like she was looking over her shoulder. Seeing them like that, jolted a memory out of him, and he finally remembered where he knew the blond from…
A/N: things are getting interesting. Connor finally remembers Kat. Read and review
Song used: I'm your Angel—Celine Dion feat. R. Kelly