A/N: well guys, here's the next chapter; finally. I am so sorry for taking so long. I hope you guys like it
Disclaimer: own nothing except the bartender and Steve
Kim walked off the stage laughing. She couldn't believe the song that she had been chosen to sing. 'That song was too close to home.' She looked over at the table and saw Trini and Aiesha with a mischievous smile on their face. 'I bet they had something to do with it.' She looked over towards Kat and saw her hold on to Tommy's arm. 'Man this is going to be fun. That girl is too insecure. I wonder how I can take advantage of that.' Kim walked up to the table with a smile on her face, "That was so much fun. I'm glad you guys talked me into it."
"We can tell you had fun," Tanya said.
"Yea, especially when you were dancing with that guy," Kat said with a smirk, "You guys looked so cute." Kim raised an eyebrow at her comment. She looked around at the others and realized that Trini, Aiesha and Kira were just as puzzled. When her gaze landed on Tommy she saw the way his eyes hardened. She smiled and said, "I know, he was really cute, and such a good dancer too." She giggled at the look in Tommy's eyes; it was pure anger and jealousy.
"And the way he was holding you when you were dancing, "Kat smiled even wider, "I swear I could see sparks." Kim chuckled and shook her head; she could clearly see what Kat was doing. She looked back at Tommy and said with a smile, "Well sparks or not, he was not my type."
"Well what is your type?" Connor asked with a smile.
"OH you know," she shrugged, "Someone tall, dark, handsome, mysterious." The others laughed. Trini and Aiesha picked up on the twinkle in her eyes, while Tommy was sporting a blush. Kat looked absolutely furious.
"Hey you know," Rocky said, "That sounds exactly like Tommy."
"Nah, really?" Kim smiled, "I didn't think so." She turned to Tommy, "After all, Tommy is my brother, right?" the others looked shocked that she would say such a thing, and was even more shocked when Tommy started chuckling, "Well then as your brother, I guess I have to check him out don't I? And warn him about you and your stubbornness…"
"Hey!"
"…and your shopping," he said. He started laughing at the look on your face.
"You know, maybe I shouldn't be your best friend anymore," she said pouting. Tommy moved from his place by Kat and walked around to Kim's side. When he got there he put his arm around her shoulders, "Hey now, you don't really mean that do you?" Kat raised her eyebrow at the sudden move. 'I can't believe it. Why does he always do that? He has a girlfriend that's standing right here, and it's like he doesn't care; he keeps choosing her.'
"Why shouldn't I?" Kim asked; a small smile playing on her lips.
"Because I'm your best friend, and I'm sweet, funny, nice…" he smirked. 'What am I doing? I have girlfriend, but yet I'm still flirting with Kim. She just makes me feel so relaxed; like we never broke up at all. I got so jealous when I saw her dancing with that guy. Ugh, it's so hard. Torn between two women; one who is completely in love with me and the other that I'm completely in love with, who knows me better than anyone; even Kat. What to do?'
"Sweet, funny, nice?" she said, moving out of his arms, "Now whoever told you that you were all those things?"
He reached out and pulled her back into his arms, "Aww Kim, come on, don't be such a…"
"Such a what, Tommy?" she raised an eyebrow, "And choose your words carefully Mr. Oliver."
The others chucked silently at the look on Tommy's face. Tommy looked around at them before bringing his gaze back to the beautiful woman in front of him. Very much aware that the wrong word could cause him to be on the receiving end of her anger, he said, "Such a wonderfully sweet woman yet feisty enough to kick my ass." Kim laughed, as did the others, at his answer, "Nice answer."
"I know," he grinned, "But your welcome."
"So, what now?" Caitlin asked.
"We're at a club," Kim said, "What do you think is going to happen next but dancing and drinking." Everyone cheered at that, even the DT gang.
"OH no," Tommy said, shaking his head when he say his kids excited, "You six are underage. There's no way that I'm going to allow to drink under my supervision."
"But Dr O..."
"Oh come one…"
They all started protesting until Kim spoke up, "Sorry guys, he's right. You guys got into this club and you're underage, I'm not about to get all of us thrown out or in jail for allowing you to drink."
"Sorry," Tanya said, "But if you guys want to stay, then you have to settle for non-alcoholic drinks."
"So what's going to be?" Angela asked. The six teens looked at each other, then back at the adults.
"I want to stay," Kira said, "So I'm cool with it."
"Same here," Cait and Krista said. The others turned to the three boys. "Well, what about you three?" Jason asked.
"Well, I guess if we really want to stay," Connor said, "then we have to listen right?"
"Right," Ethan and Trent nodded.
"So, no alcoholic drinks for the underage guys," Rocky said, "Well let's get this party started." Cheers went up around the table. Everyone sat down and started talking. Kim was seated between Tommy and Aiesha, who was sitting next to Trini, followed by Jason, Rocky, Tanya, Kira, Connor, Adam, Billy, Hayley, Cait, Ethan, Trent, Krista, Zack and finally Kat, who was sitting on the opposite side of Tommy. It was quite funny to Kira that Tommy would be sitting between Kim and Kat. The gang talked, laughed and ate. It was clear to anyone that it was a very tight group of people. You could see that there was something about them that just screamed love, friendliness, family. You could see how much they cared. But if you looked closer, you would see the turmoil in someone's eyes; the insecurity, the wariness. You would see how when they laughed, it didn't really reach their eyes. You would see the closeness between some, and the distance and coldness between a few. After awhile, Kim's phone went off. "Oh, I'm sorry guys, I have to take this."
"No problem girlie," Tanya said, "Just hurry back."
"Ok," she said, and then left to go outside.
"I wonder what that phone call is about," Kat said as she looked to where Kim had gone.
"Who knows?" Aiesha shrugged, "She'll let us know when she gets back."
"I'm going to try and find a bathroom in this place," Tommy said.
"Oh, just go straight through there, and then take a left," Kira said.
"Thanks Kira," Tommy told her before he took off. Kim came back to the table a few minutes later.
"Hey girl," Angela said, "What was the call about?"
"I'll tell you guys when we get home," Kim said. She looked around and aw that Tommy wasn't there, so she asked, "Where's Tommy?"
"He went to empty himself," Rocky said.
"Empty himself? What do you mean and where?" Kim asked as she raised an eyebrow.
"Rocky don't be a dick," Adam said.
"I don't have to be one," Rocky smiled, "But I do have one. Would you like to see?"
The adults chuckled, while the teens had looks of disgust on their faces.
"I'd love to but I'd have to get a large size magnifying glass to find it," Adam said. The others laughed at the look on Rocky's face. Rocky opened his mouth but was cut off by Kim, "As much fun as it is to hear Adam and Rocky discuss how much they want to see each other's dicks, can someone answer the question."
"Why do you want to know Kim?" Kat asked, "It's not like it's your boyfriend." The others looked a little shocked at what Kat said.
"No he's not, but he is my friend," Kim said, "Look, I was just asking. I went out, left all of you here, I came back and one is not. It was a legitimate question."
"Jeez Kat," Aiesha said, "It was just a question, no need to show your claws." She turned to Kim, "Fly boy had to go to the bathroom." Kim turned to Rocky, "Why didn't you just say that?"
"I was going to," he said.
"Uhuh, you know, I think that you just wanted to sneak by yourself and check on Tommy's…"
"Hey!" Rocky said.
"What?" Kim smiled, "You're the one that wants to play 'you show me yours, I'll show you mine' with Adam." The others laughed at the look on their faces. Rocky and Adam were protesting but no one was paying attention.
"Well I'm going to go get something to drink," Kim said she laughed at them, "Do you guys want something?"
"Sure I'll take a mimosa," Tanya said.
"Sex on the beach," Trini and Aiesha said.
"I'll take a plain old Heineken," Billy said.
"Smirnoff," Zack said. He turned to Angela, "Bailey's ok?"
"Sure, a Bailey's for me Kim," Angela answered.
"I'll take the same as Zack," Jason said.
"I'll take the same as Billy," Adam said.
"Me too," Rocky added.
"Ok," Kim said, "Just to make sure, I've got a Smirnoff for Zack and Jason, Bailey's for Angela, Heineken for Rocky, Billy and Adam, a Mimosa for Tanya, and a Sex on the Beach for both Tri and Sha. What about the rest of you?"
"A Corona would be fine for me," Hayley said.
"Alright," Kim said, "Kat?"
"What?"
Kim sighed, "Do you want me to get you anything?"
"No thank you," Kat said before she turned her attention back to the floor, looking out for Tommy.
"Whatever," Kim said then turned to the others, "I know that you guys can't drink, but would you like something?"
"Nah that's ok," they waved her off.
"Ok," Kim smiled, "I'll be back."
"Wait," Kira said, "Won't you need help?"
"Nope," she shook her head, "they usually have trays at the bar. I'll just use those."
"OK," Kira said. Kim waved then made her way through the crowd. The others sat and waited for her to come back, and also wondering what was keeping Tommy.
"Wait," Hayley said, "Did anyone tell me Kim to get something for Tommy?" they looked around at each other, "I'll take that as a no."
"Don't worry about it Hayley," Jason said, "Kim will figure it out."
"How?" she asked skeptically.
"You'll see," Rocky said.
At the bar
"Excuse me," Kim said. The bartender made his way down towards her, "What can I do for you pretty lady?"
"Can I get a mimosa, two sex on the beach, a corona, a Bailey's, two Smirnoff, three Heinekens, a Cosmo and a José Cuervo please?"
"Sure," the bartender nodded. As he turned away, Kim looked around the club. She was amazed that she made it from their table to the bar so easily and quickly. The place was very popular and it was a little crowded. A voice on her left broke her out of her thoughts, "All those drinks for such a tiny lady. You sure know how to put them away," the voice said, "why don't you let me pay for them?"
She turned and saw a blond, good-looking but arrogant guy sitting there. She snorted as he relaxed into a pose that he thought was cute, "No thank you, I can pay for my own drinks." The man, not to be deterred leaned closer, "Now don't be so prissy; the name's Steve and all I'm asking is to pay for them and possibly have a good time." The bartender, at that time had returned with the drinks. When Kim reached for them, he grabbed her arm. She looked at it in surprise and rapidly approaching anger, "So, are you going to be nice?"
"No," Kim said, "But if you don't take your hand off me, I swear to you, I'm going to make you regret the day you became a man. Now let me go."
"Give me one good reason why I should?" he asked with a cocky smile. Kim opened her mouth to answer, but before she could another voice cut in, "Because if you don't, I'll break it." Both she and Steve turned to the voice of the newcomer. Kim smiled when she realized it was Tommy. Steve just narrowed his eyes, "Oh yea, and who are you?"
"I'm her boyfriend," Tommy said, anger coursing through him at the sight of the guy's hand on Kim.
"Hey babe," Kim smiled, though she knew he only said that to help her, she loved to hear it, "I was just getting some drinks for our friends. But Steve here wanted to buy them in exchange for something."
"You were propositioning my girl?" Tommy asked. He was beyond pissed. He was heading back from the bathroom when he saw Kim at the bar. As he made his way towards her, he saw the guy grab her arm. He was instantly filled with pure rage and anger.
"Look man," Steve started only to get cut off by Tommy.
"No you look, my girl asked you to leave her alone, and you didn't. Then you made the biggest mistake by putting your hands on her, so I suggest you let her go before they arrest me for murder." Seeing the look in Tommy's eyes, he dropped Kim's arm, "Sorry," he turned to Kim, "Sorry to bother you miss." When he left Kim turned back to Tommy. Seeing the look in his eyes, she leaned close and whispered so that he could hear, "Thanks, but you didn't have to go green ranger on him." When she pulled back, Tommy gave her a sheepish smile.
"Sorry," he said as he rubbed his neck, "I just saw him grabbing you and I guess I…"
"You don't have to apologize Tommy," she laughed, "I'm glad for the help. I was like a second away from going R.F on his ass."
"Well I'm glad to help," he said. He was going to say something else, but was interrupted by the bartender, "here's your drinks miss."
"Thanks," Kim smiled at him, and the guy lost his train of thought for a second, "How much?"
He shook himself off, and answered, "Fifty dollars." She opened her purse to take the money out, but was stopped by Tommy, "I got this Kim."
"You're sure? 'Cause I can pay for it," she asked.
"You're already letting us stay at you place," he said, "Let me pay."
"Ok," she said she put the money back. He opened his wallet and pulled the fifty out. He turned to the bartender, "Here you go buddy."
"No problem," the bartender replied, still looking at Kim.
"Hey can I have two trays?" Kim asked with a smile.
"Sure," he said and handed her the other one. Tommy didn't like the way the bartender was looking at Kim, so after splitting the drinks on the two trays, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and steered her through the crowd.
"Are you going to tell me what that's about?" she asked, though it felt good to have his arm around her shoulders.
"What? I didn't like the way he was looking at you," Tommy said, though he was wondering himself. 'Man I acted like a jealous boyfriend. But it does feel good to have her in my arms. I haven't felt so possessive in a long time. It only seems to come out around Kim though. This tells me that I still care about her; but I also care about Kat. So I know what I have to do. I hate to say this, but I have to choose between Kim and Kat. Man, someone is going to get hurt.' He was broken out of his thoughts by Kim, "Penny for your thoughts?"
"Just thinking," he said.
"Uh oh," Kim teased, "Should you be doing that?"
"Hey now," he laughed, "Be mean to the guy that just saved your life."
"Saved my life?" she said, "I'll have you know, I could have handled it."
"Yea but I didn't want those pretty shoes or your hands to get damaged," he said.
"Well since you put it that way…" she laughed, "I guess I have to thank you."
"Yes you do," he said.
"So thank you," she laughed, "Did you see the look on that guy's face though?"
"I thought he was going to crap his pants," Tommy laughed, "He looked so scared."
Kim laughed and nudged him with her free hand, "Well if some guy was speaking to you in such a cold, heartless tone that sounded a lot like 'I'm seconds away from kicking your ass', you'd be scared too."
"Whatever," Tommy smiled, "He knows better next time. When a woman says no, she means it."
"Ahh, so you were saving future women then?" Kim said.
"But of course," He smirked, and then he remembered what he wanted to ask her before the bartender interrupted him, "Hey, what does R.F mean?"
She leaned in as they walked and pitched her voice low so no one would over here, "Well it was before the moon mission. We were talking about past days and battles and the whole Murianthesis thing came up. Adam said that when I was evil for some reason he thought of the red firebird thunderzord. The others agreed, and Jason nicknamed me R.F.; said that's what he's going to call me whenever I get so mad I blow up. When Tanya asked why, we told her that when we had upgraded to the thunderzords, I got the pterodactyl-firebird thunderzord, and the home for it and all my zords, was a volcano."
"You know," he said, "I think it does suit you."
"Me too," Kim said.
The others looked up to see both Kim and Tommy approaching the table smiling.
"What are you two smiling about?" Jason asked.
"Tommy, I thought you went to the bathroom?" Kat asked. 'Damn it. Every time I turn around, those two are together. I swear it's like he doesn't even care that he has girlfriend.'
"I did," Tommy said, "But when I was coming back, I saw Kim at the bar."
"And fortunately or unfortunately, however you look at it," she said, "He actually helped me and prevented me from trouble." The instant she said that, all the guys, except Trent and Ethan, slipped into big brother mode.
"What happened?" Tanya asked.
"Some guy at the bar was harassing me and Tommy stepped in," Kim said.
"What do you mean by harassing you?" Connor asked.
"The guy offered to pay for her drinks, when she refused, he grabbed her arm," Tommy said.
"WHAT?!" Jason, Rocky and Connor said together.
"Are you serious?" Zack asked.
"Let's go find him," Adam suggested. As the guys moved to get up, Kim placed the tray on the table.
"No one is going anywhere," she said, holding up her hand, "Tommy already chased the guy off. And you guys are not going to go look for him. We came here to have fun, and if you so much as move from the spot you're standing to go after him, then you will ruin the night and trust me, the wrath of Kim will have a whole new level."
"On second thought," Rocky said, "Let's just sit down and enjoy the drinks." The other guys nodded their agreements and sat back down.
"Scared?" Trini asked.
"Of Kim's anger," Jason said, "Hell yes. I'd like to enjoy this night in one piece thank you very much." They all laughed at that.
"She's not that bad, is she?" Krista asked.
"Are you kidding me?" Rocky asked, "After me, Sha and Adam joined the team, and before Jase, Tri and Zack left for Switzerland, the nine of us decided to hang out together and to pull a few pranks."
"We pulled pranks on each other except Kim," Adam said.
"Why not Kim?" Caitlin asked.
"Because she said she didn't want any part of it," Jason said.
"And besides, I was too busy with everything else," Kim said.
"So we decided to leave Kim out of it and pulled pranks on each other," Aiesha said, "But this guy here (pointing to Rocky), despite the warning of the others, decided to pull a prank on Kimberly."
"She got me good," Rocky said.
"I have never seen Kimberly so angry," Jason said.
"Well what happened?" Kira asked.
"I showed him why it wasn't a good idea to prank me when I say leave me alone," Kim smiled.
"Are you guys going to give us details?" Ethan asked.
"No not tonight," Zack said.
"How about never?" Rocky muttered, "Let's just say that I have a vague memory of that day. It's all fuzzy."
"Aww, cheer up guys," Kim laughed, "I've got drinks."
"Sweet," Adam said.
"Ok, so I've got Smirnoff for Zack and Jase, Heineken for Billy, Adam, and Rocky, Bailey's for Angela, a corona for Hayley, mimosa for Tanya, Sex on the Beach for Tri and Sha and a Cosmo for me and a Jose Cuervo for Tommy," Kim said as she handed out the drinks.
"Wait, I thought no one told you?" Hayley said as she took a sip of her drink.
"They didn't," Kim answered, "I've known since we were in high school, I just took a guess and hoped his tastes didn't change."
"Wait, you guys drank in high school?" Trent asked.
"Oh you guys haven't heard the best Tommy story," Kim smiled, and then she laughed at the look on Tommy's face.
"Tell us," Ethan said.
"No," Tommy said, "You are not corrupting my kids."
"Is this the one when you guys ended up at the park, and someone decided to take a swim in the lake?" Connor asked.
"Yep," Kim nodded.
"Oh man," Rocky laughed, "I remember that."
"That was just before we left, wasn't it?" Trini asked.
"Uhuh," Aiesha said, "Remember we had decided to have one last hurrah for all nine of us."
"Man I thought that those cops were going to catch us," Zack laughed.
"They probably would've," Billy said, "If it hadn't been for Kim."
"You were there?" Hayley asked Billy shocked.
"Yes," Billy said, "I tried to get out of not going, but…"
"But he was afraid of Kim, so he changed his mind," Adam said, "I tried it too."
They all laughed when he said that. You wouldn't believe that the first set of male rangers were afraid of the petite, bubbly woman.
"You know what?" Jason said, "On second thought, let's not tell that story."
"Why not?" Ethan asked.
"Because it implicates all of us," Zack said, "Not just Tommy alone."
"Hey wasn't it this same club?" Aiesha asked.
"You know, I think it was," Trini said.
"I can't believe we're back here," Jason said, "If I had realized, I never would've come."
Despite the guys' protests, Kira asked, "So what happened?"
"We were all hanging out at the gym," Kim said, "Just relaxing. And we need something to do…"
Flashback
A group of nine was sitting around two tables in the dark youth center. They were having one last celebration for three of their friends that were accepted in the Peace Conference. Two of them, a young man dressed in a white wife-beater, black track pants with a white line running down its sides; and a young man that was dressed in the same, except the colors were red, were in the corner on the mats sparring.
"Man, you're getting slow, now that you're leaving," the young man in white chuckled.
"You wish," the one in red said, "I think all that time with Kimberly has made you a little soft."
"I wonder how Kim will feel when I tell her that?" he asked, his thoughts drifting to his petite, spitfire of a girlfriend.
"You better not tell her Tommy," the guy in red said, "I want to leave here in one piece."
"Why Jason," Tommy smirked, "Don't tell me you're afraid of Kim?"
"Of course I'm afraid of her," Jason said as he dodged as kick, and came back with one of his own, "You know how Kim gets when she's pissed off."
"Yea," Tommy said, "She lives up to her zord, the firebird." With a sweep of his feet, he had Jason on the floor.
"Exactly," Jason panted, from his place on the mat, "And I would rather face Rita powerless, than a pissed off Kimberly." Tommy laughed as he offered his hand to help him up. The two grabbed their towels and headed over to the group. Tommy pulled up a chair next to Kimberly, as Jason sat in the chair next to Trini.
"Eww, you guys are so sweaty," Kim teased, "Why did you insist on sparring?"
"Had to make sure Jase is going soft," Tommy said then leaned over to kiss her on her cheek.
"Is that all you have for your girlfriend?" Kim feigned anger, "A little peck on the cheek?" the others laughed and started cheering when Tommy leaned in and gave her a very passionate kiss. Tommy usually wasn't very public with his affections for Kimberly, but for some reason, he decided to throw caution to the wind tonight.
"Is that better?" he asked when he pulled away, a little breathless.
"What?" she asked a little dazed, "Yea that's better. Wow that was some kiss."
"Yea," Jason injected, "One that I did not need to see."
"Oh shut up," Kim laughed as she threw a fry at him.
"So what do we do now?" Rocky asked.
"I have an idea," Kim said.
"Oh no," Jason groaned, "Why is it every time I hear you say that, it makes me want to run in the opposite direction?" the others laughed and Kim ignored him.
"What's your idea Kim?" Aiesha asked.
"Well, this new club just opened in town," she said, "And I think we should check it out." The silence that followed was deafening. They all looked at each other; each silently wondering what had possessed their pink clad friend to make such a suggestion.
"Are you serious?" Tommy asked his girlfriend.
"Yes," Kim said, and then looked around at everyone else, "Come on guys, Jase, Tri and Zack are leaving soon, and I think that we should do something memorable."
"And going to a club is?" Jason asked.
"Guys, we're power rangers. We save the world on a daily basis," she said very seriously, "Don't you think we deserve something for it?"
"Well I think we do," Zack said. The others looked at him shocked, but the smile on Kim's face made it worth it, "Look guys, she's right. We save the world, and we don't get anything for it; no recognition, no nothing. Now I'm not saying that we all went into this for the glory, we did it because it was the right thing to do and because we wanted to do it. But face it, we're still human and we're still teenagers that need to live."
"And Zordon did say that we should still have a life outside of being a ranger," Kim added, "So what do you guys think?"
"I'm in," Rocky said.
"I think you're nuts and this idea is a bad one," Jason sighed, "But your my little sister and someone has to watch out for you. So…I'm in."
"Yay," Kim squealed. She turned to the others, "What about the rest of you?"
"You're my girlfriend, and I'll be damned if I let you go to a club where there will no doubt be drunk guys," Tommy said, "And someone has to help Jason and keep Zack out of trouble, so I'm in too." When he said that, Kim leaned over and kissed him, "Thanks Handsome."
"No problem," he replied.
"Well I'm in," Trini said.
"If you and Kim are going," Aiesha said, "Then so am I."
"Adam? Billy? What about you two?" Kim asked.
"Uhm, well, see the thing is Kimberly," Adam said, "I don't think I'm going to go."
"Yeah, me either," Billy said.
"And why not?" Kim asked as she folded her arms.
Billy and Adam looked at each other, "Well…uhm…I…uh…I have something to do and I need Adam's help with it," Billy said.
"What do you need to do that can't wait?" Trini asked, "And why do you need Adam?"
"You wouldn't be lying to me, would you Billy?" Kim asked.
"Kimberly, why would you think that?" he asked, his heart pounding.
"Because you're a terrible liar, and I know that there's nothing that you have to do, that can't wait until tomorrow," she said, "Look Billy, you're going; you both are. And if I hear one word of protest from either of you, I swear I will make everything Rita has done, look like a walk in the park, do you understand me?"
Adam and Billy blanched when she said that. They took one look into her eyes and knew she was serious.
"You guys might as well give up," Zack smiled, "You know she's going to make you go."
"Fine," Billy sighed, "We're going."
Jason leaned over towards Tommy and whispered, "Told you bro, firebird through and through." Tommy laughed, but covered it with a cough when Kimberly looked his way.
"So we're in agreement?" Kim asked as she looked around the group. She let her gaze stop on Billy and Adam and gave them a hard stare, "We're all going." The two gulped and nodded; fearful of what she would do if they refused. They hurried home to het dressed, and met back up at the gym. The guys were all there, they were just waiting on the girls. Tommy was dressed in a white t-shirt that hugged his upper body, with a long-sleeve white checkered shirt over it and blue jeans with boots; Jason was wearing a red dress shirt, blue jeans and boots, Rocky was wearing a red long sleeve sweater, jean shorts and black shoes; Adam was wearing the same thing as Rocky, only his colors were black; Zack was wearing long black jeans, with a long black and white shirt; and Billy was wearing a blue t-shirt with long blue jeans. They all stood outside waiting for Kim, Trini and Aisha. They checked their watches periodically, wondering if the girls had stood them up.
"Man, those girls are taking forever," Rocky said, "I want to go now."
"Hold your horses Rocko," Jason said, "You know girls are; always taking forever to get ready."
"Especially Kimberly," Tommy said. He then glanced around to make sure that she wasn't around to hear him.
"Looking for Kim?" Rocky asked.
"Yes," Tommy said, "The last thing I want is for her to be mad at me." The guys laughed as they heard him say that.
"She is a spitfire, isn't she?" Adam said.
"Is she ever," Jason said, "But you should know, you got a glimpse of it tonight."
Adam blushed, "Whatever man, but that girl is scary when she's mad."
"Yes, she is," Billy agreed, "I think Rocky knows that better than us right now." At that, they all laughed again as they remembered what Kim had did to Rocky when he had pulled a prank on her a few days ago, despite the warning from the others.
"Shut up," Rocky said, "I never thought she would be that bad, or that mad."
"We tried to warn," Zack said, "Whose fault is it that you didn't listen?"
"Yea I know," he said, "And now, I can barely remember the day." They laughed again.
"What's so funny?" a voice behind them asked. They turned around and their mouths dropped open.
"I think they like it," Kim giggled.
"I think you're right," Trini said and Aiesha nodded.
"You girls look incredible," Rocky said. Kim was wearing a pink strapless top, a white jacket over it, a blue jean skirt that fell mid-thigh and two inch wedges. Her shoulder length caramel-colored hair was done in layers. Trini was wearing long blue jeans, with yellow Nike sneakers, and a yellow halter top, with a jean jacket over it. Her hair was held back by hair clips and in curls (like Jennifer Lopez when she did 'Dreaming of You' in Selena); and Aiesha was a yellow v-cut sleeveless top, blue jeans with a yellow floral pattern that fell just below her knees, and yellow flip-flops.
"No, you are going home to change missy," Tommy said, "I do not need guys ogling my girlfriend."
"Same goes for you too Trini," Jason said, not realizing how his statement sounded.
Kim raised her eyebrow at him, "Why Jason, I did not know that Trini was your girlfriend." She turned to Trini, "How could you not tell me this?"
She sighed, "I don't know Kim, I guess I've just been so busy that I forgot to tell you." Jason by now was sporting a faint blush on his cheeks. He opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off by Zack, "As much fun as it is to tease Jase about him and Trini," both blushed, "We should get going."
"He's right," Aiesha said.
"Well then, let's go," Kim said as she took Tommy's arm. The nine of them walked off towards the cars. They had decided to use two cars, Tommy's jeep that he had just gotten, and Jason's car. Kim, Aiesha, Rocky, and Billy went with Tommy; while Zack, Adam and Trini went with Jason. They drove off and after about ten minutes of driving, they got to the club. Realizing that it was only a few blocks from the park, they decided to park their cars in the parking lot and walked to the club. When they got there, they managed to convince the bouncer to let them in, as it was, thanks to the make-up the girls had on, they did look a bit older than they were. The guy agreed to let them in on one condition, Kim couldn't drink. Despite her makeup, he thought she still looked a little young. Not wanting to be kicked out, Kim reluctantly agreed and they headed inside. Once inside, the group found two tables and pushed them together against the back wall of the club.
"Oh wow," Kim said as she looked around, "This place is amazing."
"Yea it is," Adam reluctantly agreed.
Kim heard him and giggled as she answered, "Now aren't you glad you decided to come?"
"Decided to?" He sputtered, "You practically—
He stopped talking as Kim gave him a hard look, "Yea, you're right. I am glad I decided to come." They all laughed at that. They just talked and danced, not really paying attention to anyone else.
"I still can't believe we're actually in here," Aiesha said.
"I know," Jason said, "So…what do you guys want to drink?"
"OH no, I'm not drinking," Trini said.
"Well, I can't," Kim answered.
"And I'm not either," Aiesha added.
"OK, so the girls aren't drinking," Jason said, "What about you boys?" the guys all looked at each other.
"Come on guys," Zack said, "This is practically a once in a lifetime thing. I mean, how many sixteen year olds can say they got into a club and were drinking? We should do it."
"I'm in," Tommy said.
"Me too," Rocky added.
"You know I'm doing it," Zack said as he practically danced in his seat.
"What about you two?" Jason asked. Billy and Adam looked at each other before nodding, "Alright cool. So what are we drinking?"
Kim traded glances between Trini and Aiesha, "How about Heineken?"
"What? That type of drink is for wimps," Zack scoffed.
"He's right," Jason said.
"I say we try tequila," Rocky added, "Since we're guys and all." Kim shared a secret smile with the two girls. That was just what she wanted. She knew the guys would object if she suggested a timid drink, knowing that they would want to prove themselves.
"Are you guys sure?" She asked. They all nodded their heads. She got up and headed to the bar. When she got there, she noticed the bartender was checking her out and decided to use it to her advantage, sorry handsome.
"Hey cutie," she smiled flirtatiously.
"What can I do for you?" the bartender asked, looking at her appreciatively.
"Well I was wondering if you wouldn't mind giving me a few drinks," she said as she twirled a strand of hair around her finger, "Some friends of mine are going away and I want this to be a night they'll remember."
"I don't know," he said, "You look a little underage, and I'm not sure I want to."
She giggled, and he blinked, "It's not for me silly," she leaned over, knowing that he could see down her shirt a little. She then pitched her voice low, "Do you see that table by the back wall?"
He looked to where she was directing and saw it, "You mean the one with the two girls and the six guys?"
"Yep that's the one," she smiled, "The thing is the guys dared us that they can drink any drink, well because they're men. So we suggested some Heineken's but they wanted tequila. I don't want a full bottle, just maybe a couple shot glasses." She said, silently thanking her father for his appreciation of liquor.
"I don't know," he said. He was waging a silent battle with himself. She was very attractive and was obviously flirting with him. Kim looked at him and saw that he was close to giving in, so she reached over and traced his jaw with her finger, "Please. I promise I won't tell."
"Ok, but you cannot let anyone know I did this," he relented.
"Yay, and I won't," she said. He put six shot glasses, filled with tequila, on a tray and handed them to her. She reached into her purse to pay for them, but he stopped her, "It's on the house."
"Thank you," she smiled and then turned to walk off. She got back to the table and placed the tray in front of the guys, "Here you go boys."
The guys looked up at her in shock. They hadn't thought she'd be able to get the drinks because of how young she looked, "How did you manage to get them?"
"I have my ways," She said, "Now drink up." Tommy looked at her with suspicion. He didn't like the way that sounded, before he could say anything however, the others had already reached for their drinks.
"Well, bottoms up," Rocky said as he downed the drink. The others followed suit, but then grimaced as the drink made a little burning sensation.
"Wow," Adam said, "That was some drink."
"I know," Billy said. He was unused to drinking any sort of alcoholic drink.
"We should try it again," Zack suggested. This time Aiesha made her way to the bar and less than five minutes late, she came back with another tray. She placed a shot glass in front of each guys and said, "Drink up."
The guys took the drinks and downed them. Within minutes, it was clear to the girls that they guys were drunk. They were only used to drinking Heineken or Sam Adams, not tequila. So it was quite funny to watch the six of them act like fools. When they started talking about Zordon, the girls exchanged alarmed looks and decided to leave the club.
"Ok guys," Kim said, "It's time to go." She stood up and grabbed Tommy's arm to pull him up. Trini grabbed Jason and Billy and Aiesha grabbed Rocky and Adam. Zack stumbled up and Kim grabbed his arm and placed herself between him and Tommy. The girls led the guys out of the club and started walking towards the park. The guys then decided to start singing. Before Kim and the others could react, Tommy, Jason, Rocky, Billy, Adam and Zack had started singing Diana Ross' 'I'm Coming Out'. Kim, Aiesha and Trini stopped walking and just looked at the six guys as they sang and danced to the song. They looked at each other and started laughing, clutching their stomachs when it became too much. They watched as Rocky and Jason tried to do a spin and ended up spinning into Tommy and Billy. Kim bent over and held her knees as she laughed, "Oh my God, I can't believe this."
"I didn't even think they knew this song," Aiesha said.
"I wish I had a camera," Trini said before she collapsed in laughter as Billy tried to go up in a high pitch.
"Rocky what the hell are you doing?" Jason asked as he watched Rocky stripped.
"Man I'm going for a swim," Rocky said as he stumbled to get his clothes off.
"Why?" Adam asked.
"Because it is such a nice night," He answered as he pulled his pants down, "And I want to be free as a bird." And with that, he jumped into the lake in his boxers only. The other guys looked at each other, before stripping down to their boxers and jumping in.
"Should we let them do that?" Kim asked.
"I don't know," Trini said, "But who know, the cold water might make them sober."
"Oh my God," Aiesha said, "Look." The two girls turned their attention back to the boys and watched as they all started dancing, they laughed when they heard Tommy say, "I am a swan queen, and you are my princesses. Now let us dance the swan dance." Kim couldn't take it; she fell into the ground as she let out a peal of hysterics. Trini and Aiesha held on to each other as they dissolved into laughter.
"On second thought," Trini said between laughs, "I don't think it did." The girls continued laughing as the guys danced. Aiesha opened her mouth to say something, but a sound at her right caught her attention. When she looked, she saw two officers heading their way, "Oh no, guys look."
Trini and Kim, who was now standing up, looked to where she was pointing. They saw the cops and panicked, "What do we do?" kim looked at the guys, then to their clothes then to the cops, before bringing her gaze back to the two of them, "I have another idea."
"You know," Trini said, "I'm starting to see why Jase wants to run in the opposite direction every time he hears you say that."
"Do you want to know or not?" she asked exasperated.
"Fine," she said. Kim leaned in and whispered what she had in mind. When she was done, Aiesha turned towards her, "Are you sure this will work?"
"Positive," she said, "Now get going." The girls nodded and grabbed the guys clothes, except Tommy's, and ran to the water. They got the boys out, despite their protests and pulled them towards the parking lot. Tommy got out after them, puzzled as to what was going on. He stumbled up to Kim, who was holding his clothes, "What's going on?"
"No time for explanations," she said as she tossed him his pants, "Put these on and hurry." Still confused, he did as he was told. He pulled on his socks and boots and Kim helped him into his t-shirt. She looked behind her and realized that the cops were close. She dropped his over shirt and pulled his head down to hers. Tommy barely had time to get out a word before Kim crushed her lips to his. Even in his drunk state, his arms automatically went around her waist. Kim moaned in his mouth as his tongued traced her lower lip. She parted her lips on a sigh and moaned again when his tongue invaded her mouth. He knew he was drunk, but that didn't stop him from responding to his girlfriend. He ran his hands down her back, before coming to rest on her ass. Kim moaned appreciatively, Tommy had never done that before, and she knew it was because he was drunk. So caught up in the kiss, she completely forgot about the cops until she heard the voice behind her, "Excuse me?"
She reluctantly pulled her lips away from Tommy. She looked in his eyes and saw that he was slightly dazed. She shifted and turned her attention to the cops, "Yes? Can I help you?"
"Would you mind telling us what you are doing here at this hour?" one of the cops asked.
"Well, we just came from the movies with our friends," She answered, "And we decided to take a walk before we met up with them in the parking lot."
"And I'm so supposed to believe that?" the other one asked.
"Well then officer," she said, "If you don't believe me, then what do you think we were doing?"
The officer opened his mouth, but was cut off by a voice from behind, "Kim, Tommy there you two are."
They all turned and saw Trini and Aiesha running towards them. Kim smiled, "Hey guys, what's up?"
"What's up?" Trini said, "The movie ended and we're all waiting for two."
"So if you would stop making out with your boyfriend," Aiesha said, "Can we go meet up with the rest of the guys?"
"Sure," she turned to the cops, "Are we done here? Or do you need something else to prove that I was telling the truth?"
"No that's ok," the first officer said, "You can go. Sorry to bother you."
"No problem," Kim said. She grabbed Tommy's shirt from the ground and held his hands and walked off with Trini and Aiesha. When they were out of sight and earshot, they started laughing.
"I can't believe it actually worked," Aiesha said.
"Yeah, I take back what I said about you and your ideas," Trini smiled.
"That'll teach you," Kim giggled, "Come on, let's take these guys home."
End Flashback
The others were all laughing at the look on the guys faces.
"The swan queen?" Connor asked as he held onto the table, he was laughing so hard, "I can't believe it."
"Oh man," Tanya said, "You guys should've had a camera."
"I know," Kim smiled, "You don't know how bummed Tri, Sha and I were when we realized we had no way of filming it."
"Can we stop talking about this now?" Zack said.
"Oh man," Angela said, "I am going to remember this forever."
"What I wouldn't have give to see you guys do the swan dance," Ethan laughed.
"But wait," Hayley said, "That doesn't explain how you knew that Tommy drank Jose Cuervos."
"Well after that," Kim said, "the guys swore off tequila until they were old enough to handle. But the night before Jase and the others left, we were at gym once more and talking and laughing about it. I had raided my dad's liquor cabinet and got some drinks. I got Smirnoff and Heineken and had brought a long a Jose Cuervo. I gave it to Tommy and told him to taste it."
"The guys were a little skeptical about taking a drink from Kimberly," Trini said.
"Did you blame us?" Rocky injected, "After what happened…"
"Anyway, Tommy took a sip and found that he liked that taste better," Kim continued, "And the rest as they say is history."
"SO you guys got drunk again?" Trent asked.
"No, we didn't want a repeat," Jason said, "So we didn't finish the drinks. We ended up dumping the bottles, but Tommy drank all of his because it was from Kimberly." The others laughed at the look on his face.
"You know that wasn't even the worst part," Adam said.
"It wasn't?" Krista asked, "What was worst than that?"
"Zordon found out," Kim said.
"WHAT?!" the DT gang asked.
"Are you serious?" Kat asked with a frown. She couldn't believe that Kim had gotten them to do something like that.
Tommy turned to Kira, "Do you remember when you told Trent that newbies had to clean the zords and I was laughing harder than anyone?"
"Yeah," she said.
"The reason was because we had to do the same thing," Tommy said.
"What? Really?" Trent asked.
"Yeah, Zordon had us clean all the zords," Jason said, "Thank God he never had us call on the thunderzords as well."
"Yeah," Rocky said. He turned to Kim, "We never thanked you for that, did we." Kim smiled and shook her head no.
"I think we were all to busy with the zords to remember that," Adam said.
"True, but anyway," Zack said, "Thanks to our baby sister for getting us to clean the zords."
"I don't get it," Kat said, "I mean she got you guys into trouble, why did you have to thank her for that? If anything, you should've been mad, I know would've been."
"Kat you don't even—
"I mean come on Kim," Kat cut her off, "First you put yourself in trouble in Paris, and now you're saying that you got everyone in trouble and almost caused them to lose their powers. Sometimes you're so damn irresponsible and you live up to that whole ditzy, valley girl routine." Everyone gasped at what Kat said.
Kim had enough of Kat's attitude. She stood up and said in a quivering voice, "You know what? I'm going to go outside for some fresh air, it just got stifling in here." And with that she made her through the crowd and headed outside. The others could see the tears in her eyes and heard it when she spoke. They all turned back to Kat.
"Jeez Kat," Tanya said, "What the hell's your problem?" Kat looked over at Tanya in shock. She never thought her best friend would be mad at her.
"What?" Kat asked as she looked around at the table, "She got you guys in trouble and you're thanking her for it."
"You don't know the whole story Kat," Trini said as she stood up, "You should've asked before you opened you damn mouth. I'm going after Kimberly." Aiesha didn't even say anything. She just threw a glare in Kat's direction and followed Trini.
Kira and Connor stood up as well. Kira grabbed her jacket and said to Kat, "You know, you didn't have to be such a bitch."
"I hope you're happy," Connor said before he and Kira followed the other two.
"Kat seriously," Tanya said, "What is your problem with Kimberly?"
"I…I…I don't have a problem with her," Kat said.
"Well you could've fooled me," Tanya snapped, "You've been acting weird ever since Kim got here. I mean, you even snapped at her earlier and you completely ignored her when she was getting the drinks. You're my best friend Kat, but right now, you're acting like a stranger."
"I'm sorry," she said, "I guess I was just angry because I thought that they could've lost their powers because of her."
"Are you kidding me?" Rocky asked, "We wouldn't have lost our powers, and if we had, it wouldn't have been Kim's fault. Sure it was her idea to go to the club, but she didn't make us drink; if anything she took our mind off of being overwhelmed at being rangers, and from being too upset about the others leaving." With that he stood up and grabbed his jacket from the table. He threw some money on the table and walked off, shaking his head all the while.
"Well, I'm not staying here," Ethan said as he and the others got up, leaving Tanya, Tommy, Adam, Billy, Hayley, Jason, Zack and Angela.
"I'm going to go check on Kim," Angela said. She turned to Kat, "That really was uncalled for. You didn't even let them finish the story. And you acted like a total bitch."
"You'd think you'd learn after what happened with me," Hayley said, "Hey Angela, wait up." Angela stopped to let her catch up and the two made their way outside.
"She's right Kat," Jason said, "I can't believe you. First, when she asked for your drink, you were practically ignoring her, and then when she asked for Tommy, you all but showed her your claws."
"What?" Tommy asked. He turned to Kat, "What happened?"
"Kim had come back after you left and when she asked for you, Kat told her that you weren't her boyfriend so she didn't have to know," Adam said. He got up, as did Jason, Zack and Billy. As they were leaving, Jason said, "And the reason we were thanking Kim, is because Zordon had wanted just us guys to clean not only the zords, but the Command Center as well. She had convinced him to let the three of them help and also to let us clean the zords only. Sure she got us in trouble, but she also helped us out." The trio walked off, leaving Tanya and Tommy with Kat.
"I don't get it Kat," Tommy said, "Kim has been nothing but nice to since she got here, and from what the others just said, you've been mean to her; almost angry. Why?"
"Tommy…" she trailed off as he stood up as well, "You're leaving?"
"Yes," he said, "I have to, otherwise I'm probably going to get really angry, and I don't think you want that. Kim's my friend Kat, she's a friend to all of us, and right now, you hurt not only her, but everyone else as well." He sighed, "I'll see you outside."
"See what you just did Kat?" Tanya asked as they watched him go, "You just got your boyfriend mad at you as well as all our friends. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Tanya, I don't get you," Kat said, "You're supposed to be my best friend."
"I am," Tanya said.
"SO why are you sticking up for Kim?" she asked angrily, "Why is everyone sticking up for Kimberly?"
"Damn it Kat," Tanya said, "DO you hear yourself? No one is sticking up for Kim. You're the one that's being mean to her, for no reason at all."
"Tanya—
"No Kat," She cut her off, "Seriously, what is your problem? I've been watching you since Kim got here; and you've been rude, distant and I hate to say it, but you've been acting really bitchy; especially when it comes to Tommy."
"Tanya," Kat said shocked, "I never thought you'd be so mad at me."
"Well what do you expect Kat?" she said, "Tommy's right. Kim has been nothing but nice and all you've been is mean. You cling to Tommy, almost as if you're trying to shove your relationship in her face. Something's going on Kat; and it has to do with why you're acting that way towards Kimberly. And I'm going to find out what it is."
"But—
"I'm leaving," she cut her off, "If you want a ride home, then I suggest you be out there in five minutes, or I'm sure no one will have a problem leaving you here." And with that, she turned and walked out, leaving a fuming Kat behind.
'You have got to be kidding me! What the hell just happened? It's always about Kimberly. I'm sick and tired of this. I'm not sorry for going off on her, but Tanya's now getting suspicious of the way I'm acting. I have to really tone down my attitude otherwise everyone will start to notice. I already have Trini, Aiesha and Connor against me, and it seems like Kira's there as well. I can't lose my friends.' She sighed, 'So that means I have to suck up and be nice to Kim.' "Ugh, why me?" Kat sighed and stood up. She gathered her stuff and headed outside.
…
"Hey girl," Tanya said as she came out. She saw Kim standing between Aiesha and Trini with the others around them.
"Hey T," she answered.
"How are you holding up?" she asked as she got in front of her.
"I could be better," Kim gave her a small watery smile, "Thanks for whatever you said."
"How'd you know I said something to her?" Tanya asked. Kim raised her eyebrow and she let out a low chuckle, "Alright I did, and you're welcome, but you don't have to thank me." Kim opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted,
"Hey Kim?" Kat said tentatively. The others turned to look at her, "Look I'm sorry ok." Kim just looked at her. After a minute, she turned to others, completely ignoring Kat, "Can we go home? I'm really tired and I'm not in the mood for anything else."
"Sure Kim," Trini said, "Connor can you drive us? We each had something to drink and I really don't want anyone driving, even if we are just a little buzzed."
"Why don't we all take cabs then?" Ethan suggested.
"NO!" Kim and Connor said, "Absolutely no cabs."
"What's up with you guys?" Jason said, "Why are you against us getting cabs?"
"We can talk tomorrow," Kim said, "Right now, I really want to get home." She turned to Connor and held out her keys, "Will you please drive?"
"Sure no problem," he said as he took the keys from Kim. Kira and Aiesha got into the back seat, and Trini helped Kim into the front seat before joining the others in the back.
"Why don't each of the teens drive?" Angela said, "That way, Kim's mind is at peace."
"Sure," Adam said, "That sounds good. So how about Ethan drive my car with me, Tanya, Angela and Rocky; Trent can drive Connor's car with Krista, Jason, Billy and Zack, and Caitlin can drive Tommy's with the rest of you."
"What about my car?" Jason asked.
"We can come back and get it tomorrow," Trini said from her side, "Let's just get home, Kim's already falling asleep."
"Ok," he said. And with that, every one got into their respective vehicle and drove off. All the cars were silent, with just the radio going. They arrived back at the house within a half hour. Still a little angry at Kat, the others jumped from Tommy's jeep almost as soon as it stopped. Kat stayed a few seconds and watched as everyone walked up to the house. She saw Tommy go over and lift Kimberly very gently from the car. She couldn't even muster up the strength to be angry. She silently got out of the car and made her over to them. Trini was leaning on Jason who had his arms wrapped around her. She threw a quick glance Kat's way, before leaning further into Jason's embrace. Aiesha looked up from her spot in Rocky's arms before turning her focus on Kim. Connor opened the door and everyone silently made their way inside.
"How about we all just go to bed and figure out things to do in the morning?" Aiesha said.
"Sounds like a plan," Adam said. Everybody nodded their agreements and made their way to their rooms.
"I'm going to take Kim to hers," Tommy said. He walked off before anyone could say anything. Not even sparing a glance at his girlfriend.
"He's always her white knight, isn't he?" Zack said.
"Yeah," Jason nodded, "Let's go to bed guys."
"Can I stay with you?" Kira whispered to Connor, "I just want you to hold me."
"Sure," he nodded, "I have no problem with that." The two made their way upstairs, with the others behind them. Kira went to her room and grabbed her pajamas before going back to Connor's room. Caitlin saw her and stopped her with a question "Staying with Connor?"
"Yeah," Kira said with a faint blush, "With the way that Kat acted towards Kimberly, I just want to be with Connor, you know?"
"I understand," She said. She hesitated as she thought about something. Kira noticed it and asked, "What is it?"
"Do you think that Ethan would mind if I joined him?"
"I think he'd like that," Kira smiled, "Besides, I don't think that we are the only ones that will need the comfort of our boyfriends."
"True," Cait said, "Think Krista will stay with Trent?"
"If she sees Ethan going to our room, she'll probably ask and then Trent will probably want to keep her company," Kira said.
"Alright," Cait said, "See you in the morning."
"Bye," Kira waved as she opened Connor's door.
"Hey," he said when he saw her.
"Hey," she answered back.
"Come on," he said as he patted the room next to him, "Let's get some sleep."
"Ok," she said as she crawled in next to him. She settled her head on his chest and smiled as he wrapped his arm around her, "Do you think Dr O's going to come up to his room?"
"I don't think so," he said, "I mean he looked pissed when he came outside."
"I know," Kira said as she snuggled closer to him, "I think he's starting to regret being with Kat. I mean he's still in love with Kim. You know? I don't think he's going to leave Kim alone tonight."
"You noticed that too?" he asked as he looked down at her, and saw her nod, "I think that Kat's going to pissed when she's in their room waiting for him and realize that he's not coming up."
"I know," Kira said, "But I don't think that Dr O even cares right now."
"Let's not talk about it anymore," Connor said, "Because if I do, then I'm just going to get even angrier at Kat. Let's get some sleep, ok?"
"OK," she said before she leaned up and kissed him, "I love you Connor."
"I love you too," he said as he returned her kiss. They closed their eyes and settled on the bed, within a matter of minutes, they were both asleep.
…
"Hey," Trent said as the door to his and Ethan's room opened and Krista walked in, "What's up?
"Well, Kira's with Connor and Cait's with Ethan," she said, "I told Hayley I was heading down here because I wanted to be with you. Do you mind?"
"No not all," he said, as he made room for her on his bed, "Why's Kira with Connor?"
"According to Cait, she was feeling very frustrated and frazzled out over the Kat acted towards Kimberly and needed Connor's comfort," Krista said with a smile, "And She needed the same thing from Ethan."
"So you decided to come find me?" he smiled.
"Yeah," she sighed, "It's just that, everyone is really tensed and worn out and I just needed to feel safe and loved."
"It's ok," he said as he wrapped his arms around her, "I like the fact that my girlfriend came to me for comfort."
"Your girlfriend?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, you got a problem with that?" he asked.
"No," she shook her head, "None at all."
"Good," he said as he kissed her, their first kiss as a couple.
"Wow," she said as she pulled away, "What was that for?"
"Just thought it was the perfect way to seal the deal," he smiled. She laughed and wrapped her arm around his waist, "Let's get some sleep Krista."
"Ok," she nodded. She sighed as he pressed a kiss to her head and closed her eyes as sleep claimed her. He turned the light off and pulled the covers over the two of them before succumbing to sleep as well.
…
Tommy opened the door to Kim's bedroom and walked in. as he set her on the bed, he felt her stir, "Tommy?"
"Yeah Kim?"
"What's going on?" she asked puzzled, "What are you doing here?"
He chuckled, "I'm putting you to bed; you fell asleep on the drive home."
"OK," she said. Still half asleep, she started stripping out of clothes to put her pajamas on. He turned his head before she caught him staring. He stripped down to his boxers and moved the covers back.
"What are you doing?" she asked, her heart pounding.
"You're not staying alone tonight Kim," he sighed, "You need a friend and I'm still too mad for the way Kat treated to go to my room tonight."
"OK," she said as they settled onto under the covers. She yawned and buried her head further into her pillow. Tommy laid there thinking about the entire when he heard her voice.
"Tommy?" she asked, tears obvious in her voice, "I'm sorry for getting you guys into trouble and I'm sorry for not calling you before and for what happened in Paris…" she trailed off as she let out a sob.
In an instant he had her in his arms, "Kim, don't cry, please."
"But she's right," she cried, "You guys could've lost your powers, and I could've been hurt."
"She's not right at all Kim," he said as he ran his hand through her hair trying to calm her down, "She was wrong. You can take care of yourself and we would not have lost our powers. We were there as well that night Kim. We chose to drink, so don't let Kat get you down, ok beautiful?"
"OK," she nodded.
"Good," he smiled, "Now let's get some sleep." And with that, the two of them dozed off. All over the house, all was quiet. Everyone had settled in for a good night's sleep. Every occupant in each room was sleeping, except for one. A pretty, blonde Australian was sitting up wondering where her boyfriend was. She was also going over the night in her head, wondering if everything was over for her. She remembered how Tommy took Kim to her room and let images of the two of them making love torture her. After waiting up for a half hour, she closed her eyes to the tears and accepted that he was probably still with Kimberly and that he wasn't coming to bed. She also knew that after what she did tonight, everything was probably going to come crashing on her head. She reopened her eyes, 'Tanya's already starting to get suspicious of me. Ugh, what am I going to do?' she turned on her side and looked at the photo of her and Tommy, 'I love you so much. Everything I did was for you, for us. I don't know if I can lose you.' She placed a kiss on the photo and fell back against the pillow. She stared at the ceiling for a few minutes before closing her eyes. Her last thought before sleep claimed her, was if she would have enough strength to deal with the others in the morning.
…
The next morning, the others woke up and the mood in the house was a little somber. Trini walked into the kitchen with Jason behind her. She put a pot of coffee on the burner and placed a pot of water on the stove to hot some tea for Kim, Kira and Angela. She started getting some stuff together for breakfast. Five minutes later, everyone else minus Kim, Tommy and Kat, made their way into the kitchen.
"Hey," Aiesha said, "How are you guys?"
"Tired, and worried," Trini said.
"About Kim?" Kira asked.
"Yeah," she said, "What Kat said was beyond mean."
"I know," Kira said as she leaned into Connor. Hayley looked over at her, then to Krista and Trent and finally Ethan and Caitlin.
"Did something happen between all of you last night?" she asked, "I know that Krista didn't stay with me last night and I can only assume that she stayed with Trent, but what about the rest of you?"
"I stayed with Connor," Kira said, too tired and worried to care, "And Cait stayed with Ethan. We just wanted to be with our guys last night. Nothing happened."
"Good," Trini said, "Otherwise, Kim would probably kill you for having sex on her beds." The others laughed as they saw the blush that rose on the teens cheeks. There laughter was cut short by the arrival of Kat into the kitchen. She sighed as she moved forward, "Well don't stop laughing on my account."
Trini rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the stove.
"What are you making?" Kat asked. Trini ignored her and continued flipping the pancakes while Aiesha tackled the egg. "Fine, don't answer me."
"Do you really expect any different Kat?" Rocky said, "Especially after last night."
"I apologized and she ignored me," Kat cried.
"Kat," Tanya asked, changing the subject, "Where's Tommy?"
"How would I know?" she said to her and Hayley's surprise.
"He never came to the room?" Tanya said.
"No," she said. She looked around and saw that no one else was really surprised by it, "And it looks like no one expected him to."
"Well really Kat," Trini said, "Can you honestly tell me that that surprises you?"
"No, but I thought that you guys would be at least a considerate," she said.
"You mean like you were last night?" Kira said, "Like you've been ever since Kim came home?" Tanya looked from Kat to Kira to Trini to Aiesha to Connor and then back to Kat. Again she got the feeling that there was something going on that the rest of them knew nothing about. And she realized that whatever it was, had to do with Kim and Tommy. And she was determined to find out what it was, "Alright, what the hell is going on?"
"What do you mean Tanya?" Adam asked.
"I'm talking about the fact that ever since this reunion started, Connor has been rude to Kat," she said, "And Trini and Aiesha have been acting weird towards her and now Kira as well. And do you know what all these have in common; Kimberly. Something's going on and I want to know what it is."
"Well, it looks like everything's heading south," Trini shared a smile with Aiesha.
"Why are you so insistent on this?" Kat asked, "Everything's going ok."
"And why are you so insistent on getting me to let this go?" Tanya asked. Before she could open her mouth, a very excited squeal came from the living room. They rushed out of the kitchen, while Kat took her time. When they got there, they stood there in shock. They saw Kim circling a very beautiful black piano in good condition. Tommy was standing there watching her with a smile on his face. But that wasn't what made them stop; it was the fact that Tommy was only wearing a pair of black and white pajama bottoms and Kim was wearing the top with a pair of shorts. Everyone was broken out of their shock by Trent's question;
"Whoa," He said, "Where did that come from?"
"My uncle Carson dropped it off last night when we were out," Kim said as she ran her hands over it.
"The same Uncle Carlson that did your car?" Rocky asked.
"Yep," she said, "He said that he remembered it. It used to belong to my mom when she was a teenager. She used to play it all the time when I was kid. So did I, but when I got my first guitar I lost my passion for it."
"How did you know?" Ethan asked.
"He left a note with it," she said, "And he dropped the spare key off as well." She raised the lid off the keys and sat down on the bench. She let her hands flow over the keys before settling into a melody.
"Are you going to play us something?" Zack asked eagerly. The rest of them were excited as well.
"Sure why not," she smiled. When she said that, everyone found a place around the room and sat down. She thought about what song she wanted to play and when she figured it out, she smiled. She started playing a tune and Connor picked up on it. He got up from behind Kira and sat down on the bench with her; much to the other's surprise.
"I wrote this about a year and a half ago," she said. She wondered if she should tell the truth and decided to, "I actually wrote with someone in mind. I was thinking about what we went through when we first met." Tommy blushed as everyone else cheered.
"Alright Tommy," Rocky said. Kat frowned.
"And Connor helped me," she said, "And he was thinking about that someone special as well." This time, it was calls of 'Go Kira' that echoed through the room. Kim and Connor laughed. She played the intro before she started singing;
(Kim)
We were strangers
Starting out on a journey
Never dreaming
What we'd have to go through
Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you
(Connor)
No one told me
I was going to find you
Unexpected
What you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start
(Chorus—both)
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
A Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
Kira looked on at the two of them with a frown. Something about the way they sounded was very familiar. Noticing the look on her face, Krista asked, "Kira, are you ok?"
"Yeah I'm fine," she said, "It's just that…"
"Just that what?" Caitlin asked.
"Well, there's something very familiar about the way they sound," she said, "I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like I've heard them somewhere before." The two looked at each other and then back at her, "Well maybe it will come back to you," Krista said. Kira nodded and turned her attention back to the duo.
We were strangers (Kim)
On a crazy adventure
Never dreaming (Connor)
How our dreams would come true
Now here we stand (both)
Unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you
Chorus—both)
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
A Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
(bridge--both)
I knew there was somebody somewhere
Like me alone in the dark
Now I know my dream will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart
(chorus—both)
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
A Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
(yeah-ah-ah) --Connor
Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep going on....
Starting out on a journey (Kim)
Life is a road and I wanna going
Love is river I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you.
As they all cheered, some more in shock than others, Kira remained quiet. She couldn't get it out of her mind that there was something very familiar about their voices.
"Dude, what the hell was that?" Ethan said, "I didn't know you could sing."
Connor laughed, "Well now you do." He and the others looked over at Kira.
"Oh my God," she said softly.
"Kira? Are you ok?" he asked. She shook her as she looked between him and Kim, "Why didn't I see it before?"
"See what?" Hayley asked. Kim looked at Kira, a slow smile building on her lips. She waited to patiently for Kira to say it. Kira looked up at her and saw the smile on her face, "You're TCrane," she said and then she turned to Connor, "And you're CJ Knight, aren't you?"
"WHAT?!"
A/N: so how did you guys like it? Tanya's now getting suspicious and tired of Kat's attitude. I wonder how many people saw her as being the one. Everything's coming out. I just had to put some fluff between Connor/Kira, Trent/Krista and little of Kim/Tommy. If anything seems rushed (like Kim/Tommy) then I'm sorry. I just had to do this chapter like this in preparation for next chapter, all the secrets come out. So read and review.
Songs: I'm Coming Out—Diana Ross; At the Beginning—from the soundtrack of Anastasia