Sitting in his wheelchair in the seclusion of his room, David stared out the window up at the double moons. Medication carts trundled up and down the tiled hallway as nurses worked to dispense evening medications. The bedside table light was the only illumination in the darkened room; the watercolor sketch of Jamie lay under the edge of the lamp's base.
I wonder what my dear Jamie is doing right now, he mused glancing over at the portrait.
Discovering the other man had also survived ended up being the only bright spot in his day. He meant what he'd told the nurse earlier; Jamie would show up sooner or later. His curiosity wouldn't allow him to just tuck tail and run. It might take a few days but his pet would seek him out.
A smirk lifted the corner of his lips. The mad man greatly looked forward to seeing him again, even if Red was geared up to read him the riot act. Jamie was going to have to learn how to play ball. David reached out a finger to stroke lightly down the sketch's jawline.
Footsteps sounded on the floor outside his door seconds before a sharp knock announced the presence of the night aide. Squeezing hand sanitizer in her palm, she briskly rubbed her hands together. Another aide soon appeared over her shoulder.
"Ready for bed, David?" she asked bluntly, continuing to stand in the doorway until she gauged what kind of mood the man was going to be in tonight.
David was notorious for being a raging asshole in the evening time. After dinner, he would sulk and his demeanor grow darker as the hours ticked on. It was common for him to begin to rant and rave and curse as the staff worked to get him cleaned up and in his bed. His insults were personal and vicious.
Tonight, however, he gave a soft smile and waved the girls into the room. The taller aide glanced back at the other and raised her brow. They had been briefed that he'd had a good time out at lunch but was finally agreeable to speaking with Dr. Waters about his newest diagnosis. David did not get along with doctors; it was obvious he'd had an unpleasant past with healthcare workers.
The pair entered the room and began gathering up David's pajamas and turning down his comforter. Still giving the man a wide berth, the aides assembled everything they needed to get him tucked in for the night. David watched them impassively, still wondering when Jamie would make an appearance.
Noting the intricate drawing on the nightstand, the younger aide attempted to have a civil conversation with the usually grouchy resident.
"I heard you ran into your ex at lunch today, David," she started, hesitantly. "How did that go? Was it awkward?"
David chuckled as he pulled his arms out of his shirt and prepared to don his night clothes. He decided to satisfy their questions tonight; there was no harm in some light indulgence. With some careful edits, of course.
"Yes, I was surprised to see Jamie after all this time," he admitted, truthfully. "I wasn't certain I'd ever see him again. He was definitely surprised to see me."
He sighed as he was transferred into his warm bed and reclined so his colostomy could be tended to. Both aides continued to exchange looks at his about face in attitude. Surely this was some type of trick or game. David was never this friendly.
"We didn't get to talk long before I had to leave," he went on. "I didn't feel awkward but I'm sure he probably did. We didn't part on the best of terms when we last spoke."
The aide took another look at David's drawing.
"Is this him? He's cute. You were a lucky man!" she exclaimed.
David snorted.
"Well, my luck eventually ran out. But I'm hopeful he'll come see me in a few days. I'm sure he needs some time to think things through."
He laughed then.
"And yes, he is really cute." Here he winked up at the girl.
Once the colostomy was cleaned and secured, the pair assisted the man in maneuvering the sweatpants over his amputated legs. Finally, he was positioned under his comforter, his pillows fluffed up behind him and call light within reach.
"You know, we'd love to have a story time," the younger girl couldn't help but prod. "How'd you two meet? What did you do on your first date?"
"Sarah!" the older aide chided. "The man's getting ready for bed and you're up in his personal business!"
Truthfully, she was afraid the spell would break and David would turn back into an onion. An abusive, hateful onion. It usually didn't take much to set him off especially in the evening.
"It's fine," he laughed. "I actually enjoy reminiscing about my great love. Tell you what. When you're done, come by and I'll regale you with the story of our first date."
It wasn't actually a date, but David considered it the day he started falling for the Red Ranger despite his vehement denials. His 'dad' made it perfectly clear that he'd put up with plenty of the boy's antics but he drew a line at 'that bullshit'. Which was funny considering the parade of police and CPS involvement in his home. Oh, God forbid, he ever found out his 'son' was in love with another guy.
The encounter in the Dark Dimension brought out fantasies of sexual release and physical pleasure. He chalked that up to being evil and wanting to humiliate and dominate the Red Ranger, not actual desire. But this particular interaction was the start of more emotional feelings and attachment; this led to his being unable to execute his Red when he was done with him.
"Come back and see me," he smiled. "I'd love to share part of Jamie and I's love story.
Later that night, when the other residents were snugly tucked in bed, Sarah returned to room 210 and David dreamily recounted that day so many years ago. Again, with proper edits of course.
The day that David counted as their first date occurred a few days after the brawl in the Dark Dimension. Rita had sent him to Earth with strict orders to take a night off and relax, get himself together before the final showdown with the other Rangers. He'd went to his favorite bar in a seedy section of Angel Grove, where they didn't give his fake ID a second glance.
A night of pool, cheap beer, and maybe some other immoral activities if he was lucky.
Leaning over the scarred ledge of the pool table, Tommy expertly racked the billiard balls in preparation for another round. The heavy clatter barely sounded over the commotion of the other patrons and blaring music from the speakers at the sides of the bar's cavernous accommodations. Peals of sharp laughter cut through the chaotic noise as alcohol flowed and glasses clinked with the pouring from pitcher to glass.
Glancing up tauntingly at the other challenger, the Green Ranger smirked.
"Care to try again, Shane? I'm a little rusty," he yelled over the cacophony surrounding them.
The other man crossed his arms over his chest in mock irritation.
"Fuck you, Oliver," he yelled back, rolling his eyes.
Tommy laughed merrily as Shane moved round the table to clap his shoulder good naturedly.
"You're a regular pool shark, man. Who taught you how to play?" he yelled in the teen's ear.
Lifting his shoulders in a shrug, the younger man quipped, "Just natural talent, dude."
Returning to the table, both men scooped up their drinks, the yellow liquid topped with foam. Tommy took a deep gulp of the warm house beer and shuddered. It tasted like cat piss. He made a gagging gesture at his companion and leaned in to voice his complaint.
"Shit's awful, man. But it sure does the job," the Green Ranger laughed.
Shane sat his own glass back on the tabletop as he nodded in agreement.
"I think it's a law somewhere that bars have to have this skunk on tap," he answered.
The raucous bass from the music vibrated Tommy's skull as he let out a relaxed sigh. It was nice to have a night out, an opportunity to destress and recharge. God knew he needed a break from dealing with those fucking Rangers. Especially after the Red Ranger humiliated him by escaping the Dark Dimension.
That was some bullshit, he mused irritably.
Rita had been more pissed at Goldar fucking up such an easy kill; he'd cat-and-moused around too long with Red. He almost had the situation handled when his prisoner had been teleported out. His Empress was the one who insisted both he and Goldar take a night off to "get their heads out of their asses".
She was also aggravated that the Rangers discovered his identity. Not that it much mattered at this point. Honestly, he had thoroughly enjoyed the look on Jason's face knowing that his mortal enemy had eaten dinner with him and his parents. The Red Ranger looked like he was going to puke.
Tommy snickered as he hunted in his pockets for a cigarette. Coming up empty, he turned to Shane and yelled, "Hey dude, I'm out. Got one I can bum?"
"Here, man. I've got to head out. My girl's been complaining I'm staying out too late. I don't want to catch hell," he answered, handing over a ragged smoke.
A cig was a cig and Tommy snatched it appreciatively. He winked at his companion as he lit up, blowing out a contented ring of grey vapor.
"Sucks to be you, my guy," he teased. "I'm going to play a few rounds, get my drink on. See where the night leads me."
Shane shoved his arms through his leather jacket and grinned.
"You're my spirit animal, Oliver. But if you see blueberries-and-cherries, you get the hell out of dodge. They catch you with a fake ID again, you'll really get raked over the coals," he warned. "Remind me to hook you up with a better one."
Taking a last pull on his beer, he smiled.
"Good thing this place never gives a shit," he added, crunching his ice. "Catch you later, man!"
Tommy shook his head laughing as his friend exited. He made his way back to the pool table and prepared to run a solo game. His body swayed idly to the music, head bobbing as he snuffed the grody cigarette in an ash tray and picked up his cue again.
A bright flash of red caught his eye, like a flag before a bull. Between the dim lights and the throng of patrons, he thought he was seeing things. But the reserved, innocent body language made him sure.
Well, well, well….
The Red Ranger stood in a mass of loud, laughing patrons who easily shoved past him as they made their way to the bar or the dance floor or the pool tables. There was so much noise and not enough light as he was jostled and prodded. His dark eyes darted around the room, sure he'd seen the Green Ranger enter the establishment.
What was the evil Ranger up to in here? What was Rita planning?
The Red Ranger had stealthily teleported into the rough establishment and carefully made his way through the crowd, head turning slowly to scan the room for the green clad teen.
How was he even allowed in here? Did he just teleport in too? Wouldn't he be noticed?
The lights were dimmed and the loud music reverberated as people laughed, drinking and roughhousing. Jason had to find Tommy quickly; the longer he was in here the more he pushed his luck. His soft baby face was going to be a dead giveaway he had no business being here.
But the evil Ranger was no where in sight.
As he walked across the floor, he suddenly felt the temperature drop twenty degrees and the hair on the back of his neck stood on end.
"Lost, Dorothy? You're far from Kansas, aren't you?" a voice hissed, alarmingly close to his ear.
Whirling around, he found himself face to face with the smugly grinning Green Ranger. The teen stood defiantly with his hands on his hips, looking the other Ranger up and down.
"The fuck are you doing here, Red?" he yelled, leaning in to be heard over the bass.
"What are you doing here?" Jason shot back, glaring at Tommy.
The Green Ranger rolled his eyes.
"What do you think I'm doing here, Jason? Sitting with my thumb up my ass?" he taunted. "I'm enjoying a night off, dumb ass."
He turned and strode off back towards his abandoned pool game. Jason bounded after him, dodging a few tipsy patrons in the process.
"How did you even get in here? You're not old enough to drink," he pressed, confused.
Tommy glanced back over his shoulder as he scooped up mug of warm beer. Grinning he took a deep pull and smacked his licks despite it tasting like fresh ass.
"Of all my sins, you're going to bitch about underage drinking?"
The Green Ranger grinned smugly, amusement in his hazel eyes. Extending a finger, he pushed the other glass toward the Red Ranger.
"How many times have you almost died this week? And you're seriously going to be a baby about a little alcohol?"
Defiantly, he downed another swallow of the amber liquid.
"Pussy," he taunted.
Jason's dark eyes flashed in anger under the other teen's condescending accusation. The evil Ranger had a point, though. He had almost lost his life several times and not just counting this recent entanglement with the Green Ranger. What was he so concerned about? Memories of the humiliating way he'd ducked and dodged and sweated through the Dark Dimension continued to sting.
Still, he had to keep his hand steady as he reached out and snatched the glass on the tabletop. Tommy stared him down, fully calling his bluff, as he slowly crunched the ice from his drink.
Jason's pride wouldn't let him back down now. He quickly took a mouthful of the drink and immediately regretted it.
It was all the Green Ranger could do to keep from laughing good naturedly at the look on his enemy's face as the taste registered. The Red Ranger's eyes widened, and he fought to keep from spitting the warm, foul liquid on the floor.
He sputtered and coughed, gagging and feeling embarrassment flaming his cheeks.
Tommy leaned his head closer to Jason's ear.
"To be fair, Red. This is cheap, house beer. Its going to taste like warm piss."
Jason scowled back, trying to regain some dignity.
"If you've decided to stop being Zordon's little bitch, allow me to spring for something better. I think we can do better than this," he baited.
"Go for it," Jason challenged. He was fully committed now to showing the Green Ranger he could handle whatever he threw at him.
Tommy grinned.
"Save my table. I'll be back with a much tastier beverage. And I feel like some loaded nachos. My treat, Jase," he offered.
Before the Red Ranger could respond, he was moving off towards the bar to place his order. Jason stared after him, feeling guilty at what he'd gotten himself into.