Minutes later, Tommy practically bounded up to Jason, a sly grin on his face. He deftly plopped two shot glasses and large bottle of caramel-colored liquid onto the table. Giving the Red Ranger a wink, he nodded at the bottle.
"Think you can handle some Buttershots schnapps, Red," he laughed, knowing full well it wouldn't take much of this high-content alcohol to land Jason on his ass.
This was going to be so fucking funny that it was worth the ass chewing he was going to get from Goldar. Tommy could always kill the Red Ranger later and that fucker had no room to be throwing stones.
Jason eyed the bottle warily. The Green Ranger had much more experience in unseemly behavior and appeared to know quite a bit about alcoholic beverages. Damn, but he hated feeling stupid and weak in front of this jerk. The way Tommy stared at him mockingly made it difficult to use his better judgement.
"I'm sure I can," he answered more confidently than he felt.
Tommy rolled his eyes and huffed.
"Bullshit, Jason. I'd bet my left nut you've never done a shot in your life. Right?"
The Red Ranger crossed his arms over his chest. He'd seen it done in movies and on TV. How hard could it be?
"No," he admitted, averting his eyes in embarrassment. If Tommy could do it, then surely he could as well.
Now, the green-clad teen grinned more widely. He spread his arms gallantly and chuckled.
"Well, then. I guess I can teach how to do it properly. The nachos are going to take some time so why we don't shoot a few rounds and get you more relaxed," he offered. "You're so fucking uptight all the time, I'm surprised you haven't pulled something."
This time, Jason rolled his eyes.
"It's a little hard to relax when your 'boss' keeps me so busy," he jabbed. "Oh, and when you've got some asshole actively trying to kill you."
Tommy skillfully poured the drinks into the shot glasses.
"All the more reason to enjoy a night off, right?"
He looked dubiously at Jason again.
"Tell me you've played pool before."
Dark eyes darted off, scanning the room, as yet another admission was going to be forthcoming.
"Are you fucking serious, Red? Goddamn, you need to branch out. Looks like I get to educate you in more than one area tonight. I might rather like that," he laughed. "Fucking wet behind the ears, little Ranger."
He motioned for Jason to have a seat at the table.
"Let's start loosening you up first. Watch and learn," he commanded loudly.
Jason slowly lowered himself into the chair across from Tommy as the other teen held up his shot glass in demonstration.
"You'll want to breath out before and after the shot. I find rolling my tongue helps. You know you're not supposed to hold it in your mouth like any old drink, right? It's supposed to be one gulp and done. You hold onto it, you'll really regret it."
He moved the glass in front of his mouth.
"Watch," he ordered.
His longish dark hair brushed his shoulders as he tilted his head back and downed the alcohol in one fluid movement. Clinking the glass back onto the tabletop, he lifted amused eyes to Jason's face.
"Think you can handle that," the Green Ranger dared.
Despite not feeling completely sure, Jason blustered.
"Yeah, it doesn't look that difficult," he exclaimed.
Tommy nudged the other full shot glass closer to the Red Ranger's arm.
"Well, then. Let's see you handle it, big boy."
Picking it up hesitantly, Jason peered at the clear liquid uneasily. Tommy grinned as the other teen gingerly sniffed it; dark eyes widened at the burning aroma.
"Go on, Red. Don't be a pussy," he taunted, already refilling his own glass with gusto. "You managed to dodge both Goldar and myself all alone and powerless. Surely a little drink isn't so scary after all that."
Jason firmly held the glass in front of his mouth.
Here goes nothing, he thought worriedly.
Tilting his head, he attempted to duplicate Tommy's smooth unbothered action. Unfortunately, it didn't go as planned. Out of habit, Jason was unable to keep from holding the liquid in his mouth; he gagged heavily, choking as the alcohol burned his tongue and fired up into his nose. His eyes watered and he bent over, sure he was going to vomit.
The Green Ranger had started his own gulp as Jason lifted his glass. When the Red Ranger botched his shot, Tommy unfortunately slow rolled his own drink as he started to laugh involuntarily. He snorted the strong liquid up his nose and pounded a fist on the table, as he still heaved a raspy, hyena-like laugh. Eyes watering, obscuring his vision, he was aware that Red had jumped up from the chair. Tommy blindly snatched out at him, catching a handful of red cotton before Jason could run off.
"I literally warned you not to do that," he gasped, fighting to get himself under control.
Jason was still shuddering, his shoulders hunched as he bent back towards the floor again. Tommy's hand was still gripping the hem of his shirt and he tugged vigorously to get the Red Ranger's attention.
"Sit down. Everyone's going to look over here," he begged, still snorting as he giggled.
Blindly putting a hand out, Jason gripped the edge of the table and lowered himself back into his seat. He pulled in deep breaths and blinked the tears back as they rolled down his cheeks. Mouth and nose still burning, he tried to salvage his pride, noting Tommy's bright red face and irritating smirk.
Tommy regained his composure fairly quickly and attempted to refill Jason's glass. The Red Ranger's eyes widened and he shook his head.
"Try again, Jase," Tommy ordered. "Now you know what to expect. It will probably go a little better this time."
The Green Ranger was right; the next shot was better. Not perfect but Jason managed to avoid embarrassing himself this time. He still pulled a face at the burn in his throat.
"See?" Tommy goaded. "Not so bad that time."
Slowly, the Green Ranger's demeanor began to shift. His typical shitty, hateful attitude seemed to soften somewhat as he sat at the table with Jason. It was nice to not have to be on guard and consider ways to attack the Red Ranger. Being this close to his enemy, Tommy was usually triggered to fight; the alcohol seemed to quell that instinct. He found himself chatting about movies, martial arts, sports, leaning close to Jason's ear to be heard above the loud music.
Jason also seemed to relax back in his chair, his posture loose and muscles no longer tensed. He was surprised at Tommy's easy conversation and lessened abusive comments. So engrossed in getting to know the Green Ranger better, he made the rookie mistake of trying to keep up with Tommy, attempting more shots as the other teen did.
At first, the Red Ranger didn't feel any different. Besides the awful burning, nothing else seemed to be amiss. He also found this interaction much more pleasant than how they usually happened.
Tommy glanced over at the pool table then back to Jason.
"Looks like no nachos yet. Let's play a game while we wait. I'll show you how its done," he grinned.
"Lead the way," Jason gestured toward the table.
Tommy racked the balls and positioned the white ball in front.
"Show me what you know so far, Jase," he teased, offering the Red Ranger a cue.
Jason stood and was taken by surprise how unsteady he'd become. His head swam as he carefully picked his way to the pool table. Never in his life had he felt so disoriented and fuzzy.
The Green Ranger returned back to the table to watch the Red Ranger make an attempt.
Tommy reclined in the rickety wood chair, balancing his pool cue between his knees as he poured another glassful of beer from the pitcher, trying to keep from getting too shit-faced on schnapps. His hazel eyes danced merrily and he couldn't help the Cheshire cat grin from spreading across his face as he watched Jason struggling to aim at the billiard balls. It was painfully obvious that the Red Ranger was out of place and that he was acutely aware of it. The alcohol certainly didn't help as the dark-haired teen had never imbibed before tonight.
Crunching a mouthful of ice, the Green Ranger chuckled loudly making the other boy curse in frustration. Jason threw a hateful look over his shoulder before turning his attention back to the white billiard ball. The damn thing seemed to be subtly shifting position on the table as he stared at it intently.
His cheeks colored in embarrassment as he felt Tommy continue to watch his futile attempts with that shit-eating possum grin on his face. Jason pulled the cue back and sharply thrust it forward at the ball dancing on the green felt. He missed it completely and swore loudly.
Dammit!
The Red Ranger straightened and felt his head start swimming from the change in position. There was movement behind him and he felt hands grip him, pressuring him to bend back over the table. He flinched and attempted to whirl around but the pressure intensified.
"Chill out, Red! You really suck at this, you know. Allow me to give you a few pointers," Tommy's breath tickled his ear as he leaned close to yell over the music.
The Green Ranger stretched out along Jason's back, one hand overlapping the grip on the pool stick and the other gripping the opposite forearm. Jason could feel Tommy's sweat damp shirt pressing into him and smelled the strong aroma of alcohol on the breath ghosting his cheek.
"Like this," Tommy instructed. "Line it up like this."
He demonstrated, gently guiding Jason's hand into position. Eyeing the ball expertly, the Green Ranger continued, a smile curving his lips.
"Once it's in your sights," he whispered, "give it a sharp thrust."
He deftly struck the white ball, sending it flying into the assembled group on the table. It struck smartly with a loud clack, the other balls scattering across the table.
"Much better," Tommy chuckled, still pressed against the Red Ranger's body.
This close, he could smell Jason's scent, as intoxicating as the bottle of booze on the table. The hard muscles of his back flexed against the Green Ranger's chest, strong legs brushing Tommy's thighs. That tight ass trapped against the evil teen's pelvis.
Stifling a groan, Tommy released his enemy and straightened. He scooped up his cue and made his way around the table to take his turn. Jason pulled himself off the edge of the pool table, his face flushed. There was something sensual in the way the Green Ranger draped himself over his body.
Now, Tommy appeared agitated and annoyed as he cleanly landed a ball in a far pocket. His hazel eyes kept darting glances at Jason as he moved around the table for his next shot. Knowing that there was no way he would even begin to touch Tommy when it came to the pool game, Jason immediately gave up and attempted to sit back at the table.
The Green Ranger was keenly aware of the other teen's swaying as he walked, trying his hardest not to stumble or lose his balance. It was useless though; it was readily apparent the Red Ranger was more than tipsy. Tommy chuckled despite his angry, confused emotions toward Jason.
Jason carefully sat in the chair as Tommy cleaned house with the pool balls, not breaking a stride. His eyes continued to flit over to the other teen, sneaking appreciative looks at the beautiful features. Goddamn, he was gorgeous.
Just as quickly, he shook himself.
No, he's not. He's my enemy and I'm going to kill him, Tommy thought hotly. I fucking hate him!
But every time he looked at the Red Ranger, something in his stomach rolled over. He knew it wasn't just alcohol. Having Jason near felt calming and safe, something he wasn't familiar with.
No, it had to be the fucking skunk beer messing with him.
Finishing up, he noted a bar employee deposit a plate heaping with nachos on the table in front of Jason, who could only manage to stare at it blankly. Finally! They both needed some food to soak up the alcohol sloshing freely in their systems.
Working his way haphazardly back to his companion, Tommy abruptly took the chair directly next to Jason instead of the one he was originally occupying across the table.
Jason frowned at close the Green Ranger perched next to him, feeling Tommy's forearm brush his as the teen seized a few chips from the plate. His eyes felt heavy and the room seemed to swim every time he even barely turned his head.
"You should probably eat," Tommy spoke loudly in his ear.
Jason felt the Green Ranger's breath on his ear and could smell the scent of his shampoo. He turned his face to Tommy's, who remained balanced precariously on the side of his chair. Hazel eyes gazed back intently into Jason's dark ones before dropping down to his lips.
"You're staring at me," Jason accused.
Tommy blinked rapidly and turned his attention back to the cascading nacho chips. He was unusually quiet for several minutes as the Red Ranger maneuvered a few chips to his mouth. It wasn't easy with everything constantly vibrating and his hands shaking.
The Green Ranger grinned as he watched Jason struggle to navigate a nacho chip to his mouth, the toppings raining down back to the plate. The dark haired teen frowned at the chip and again attempted to scoop the tomato and shredded cheese.
"Little tipsy, are we, Red Ranger?" he chided playfully.
"Your fault, Green," Jason shot back, his words noticeably slurring together. "Bad influence."
"Well, I have to say I'm really liking this less uptight version of you."
He leaned closer to Jason's ear.
"Makes me glad I wasn't able to execute you in the Dark Dimension."
Dark eyes flashed in response as the Red Ranger glared at Tommy, the chip itself dropping back to join the others on the dish below.
"You're such an asshole, man. Why'd you have to bring that up?"
"Don't be pissy, Red. You only got nicked a little. There was barely any blood on my sword."
Laughing, Tommy seized the downed chip, sliding it cleanly under a mountain of cheese and lettuce.
"Here. This is me extending an olive branch for tonight. Cheer up, buttercup," he teased as he guided the loaded nacho chip to Jason's mouth, smirking.
His mind still clouded with alcohol, Jason accepted Tommy's offering without thinking. The Green Ranger's aim was a little off as he too imbibed more than he normally had in the past. Most of the food made it to its destination, but some of the toppings dangled from the corner of Jason's mouth and his cheek.
"My bad," Tommy snickered. "Allow me."
Grabbing a handful of napkins off the tabletop, he moved to wipe the Red Ranger's face. Giggling at the thought of what he was doing, the thin white paper fluttered between them and slid to the floor below.
The Green Ranger's thumb ghosted the Red Ranger's full lower lip, causing the innocent teen's eyes to widen and his breath caught in his throat. A heat rose in his cheeks and his heart hammered in his chest. Dark eyes raised to meet hazel ones.
Tommy's hand had stopped to cup Jason's jaw as he stared back intently. A longing look crossed his face before it was quickly replaced with a teasing grin.
"Anyone ever tell you that you're just precious, Red Ranger," he smirked. "Fresh from the cabbage patch."
He briskly lowered his hand away from Jason's face and he turned back to the nachos littering the plate. From the corner of his eye, he observed Jason self consciously lick the food from his lips. Something continued to prick at his guts as he watched Jason.
Suddenly, he felt a flash of irritation. Tommy was becoming very annoyed with being told what to do. Whether it was his parents or Goldar or even his Empress, it was starting to chap his ass that he never got what he wanted. Everyone else sure the fuck seemed to be rewarded for their shitty ass antics.
And you know what? Tommy knew what he wanted. He wanted the Red Ranger. Not dead, but permanently by his side. Why shouldn't he get something for all his hard work?
A hand found its way to Jason's knee under the table and gripped it firmly as it glided up his thigh. He felt Jason tense and turn towards him. Tommy looked up to stare back into those beautiful midnight eyes.
Then, there were loud shouts and people running madly in all directions. A blaring siren and flashing lights glossed across the windows.
Fucking goddammit! Every fucking time! Probably another dumbass picking a fight out front. Just fucking perfect.
Jason appeared oblivious to the commotion so focused was he on the nacho chips. While it would have been very satisfying to leave the Red Ranger behind, Tommy knew if he got thrown in the clink, it would delay their next battle.
The Red Ranger felt Tommy's grip move to his wrist and he was suddenly being yanked from the table.
"What are you doing?" he slurred, stumbling to run behind Tommy.
"We've got to get out of here before the po-po comes in," the Green Ranger yelled, growing frustrated that Jason's inebriated state was slowing them up.
Tommy turned and, using his Ranger strength, physically lifted Jason into his arms before darting down the back hall towards the bathrooms. Shoving the disgusting door open with his shoulder, he turned and kicked it shut before activating his teleportation.
Teleporting while drunk did not sit well with either teen. When they landed in the park, both stumbled wildly, grabbing for anything to catch themselves on.
"Goddammit!" Tommy hissed, nearly dropping Jason on the ground.
Jason's grip on Tommy tightened as the teen staggered dangerously to one side.
"Hey, you can put me down now," he mumbled, starting to annoyingly struggle.
And that was when Tommy noticed, too late, the shiny pallor of Jason's face.
Nope, teleporting while drunk was not a good idea.
Before he could toss Jason on the grass, the Red Ranger loudly puked, covering them both.
Fucking perfect.
Sarah's eyes were wide as she listened to David's rendition of the story.
"So you were a wild child, huh? And Jamie was all straight-laced?" she asked, giggling.
"You could say that," David chuckled. "That was a lovely first date. Getting drunk, running from the cops, puking. That's when I knew I found my soul mate."
The aide stood from her seat on the edge of David's bed.
"I'm surprised Jamie agreed to go out again after all," she smiled.
"Oh, he couldn't refuse," David grinned lightly.