Author's Note: I've gotten really energized on this story. I lost my notebook I had written this story in and have been having a hard time remembering what I wrote. But now, I'm just cranking out the chapters, whatever block I hit I must have been knocked down. I'm back in the swing of things, YAY! Anyway, I can't guarantee fast updates since I still don't have internet at my house. Darn living in the middle of nowhere! So my updates will happen whenever I get the chance to take my laptop and hit a hot spot in town. So yeah, hope y'all stay put and wait on my slow butt. ^_^ Anyway, hope everyone enjoys the next chapter in my story!

Shoutouts: Sawyer. B. Scott- I'm glad that you enjoyed the last chapter, it's thrilling to me to know that I got to someone enough to effect them with my story! As for my sequel to Bond of Pink, I am working on doing a major overhaul on it. Once I took the time and sat down with it again after so long, I decided that I didn't like how fast the plot was moving or where it was going. Therefore I am going to redo the whole story. It's my next big project (along with Broken Dreams) after I finish this one. I have the first few chapters written and have worked out the next few. I'm probably going to pull the first draft and repost it. Hopefully you'll like the changes. I also plan to eventually redo Bonds of Pink... someday!

sz2000- Aw you make me blush! I'm so glad that I managed to pull you into this story. I had to include Charlie in all this someway and I couldn't think of a better way than to have him come to Lilly often. It's his way of watching over his parents and keeping a link to the real world. (Yeah I know I'm stretching the limits of reality but that's okay) I too am a student of psychology (as well as a secondary degree in social work), I haven't completed my degree as of yet, but the study of the human mind is absolutely fascinating to me! Anyway, I'm glad to know that I am keeping things fairly real, I did extensive research into the ways and outs of a standard investigation. Of course I had to tweak somethings to fit into my story, which I know I should tweak the story to fit the rules of reality but hey; my story, my world. LOL Good luck with the masters degree! That's just awesome!

Ghostwriter- You read my mind once again! I was thinking the same thing as I wrote this chapter. I could see Charlie being more of the 'big brother' sort toward Lilly had he survived, but instead now he befriends Lilly and uses her to maintain a link to the real world so that he can watch over his parents. Hope you like this next chapter!

brankel1- I'm glad that you loved the last chapter and that you finally got this chapter to load. I didn't get your message until after you had already reviewed this chapter so glad that the technical glitch was fixed. I apologize for loooong delay in updating last chapter, but sometimes there isn't much you can do about things like... real life and kids! Eek! Anyway, Kat's going to continue to mend as Jason struggles with the possibility of having to let her go... traumatic! Oh Drama! I do so love drama! Anyway off subject... I'm glad that you liked Charlie and Liz visiting Lilly. I went back and forth with having Liz there, but in the end I figured it would mean more to Lilly to see her mother again. Charlie has been seeing her for a while (see above shoutouts for reasoning LOL) and it was only so natural that Tommy and Jason's kids be friends somehow! Hope you like this next chapter!

Shievi- I'm glad that you enjoyed the last chapter, here's the next one. Hope you like it too! (although I'm sure you will) I saw that you added this story to your alerts after you've been following it for a while now lol, Thank you. And thank you sooo much for adding me to your Favorite Author's list! That just makes my day! Thank you!

Jeremy Shane- Got more for you! So... you remember like forever ago we had that small discussion about Kat's powers and getting the bad guy... blah blah blah... ANYWAY, I said that I had an idea thanks to that discussion and I would let you know when I got to that part. Well this is the chapter buddy! You'll get more of an idea of what's going on in the next chapter, but just thought you should know that a lot of this chapter was inspired by you. Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!

AlexAlexander- I'm so glad that my reviewers think adding Charlie in was a good idea! Jason and Tommy's conversation was actually a last minute add in because I didn't know where a good place to end the chapter was, so I'm glad to see that it worked out. Oh the things I think of at two am when I can't sleep! LOL Anyway... I love a good cliffhanger (except when they leave me hanging for months on end SORRY!) and things are going to get a little shaken up in the next chapter. So hang on tight cause I'm not letting you off the cliff just yet! Enjoy!

beast575- Thanks for adding this story to your alerts! Welcome to the club here! Enjoy your stay... and the story too... if that's any good! LOL

Author's Note #2- Wow! My shoutouts are starting to get longer and longer, sometimes I think my shoutout section is longer than the actual chapter! LOL yeeeaaaahhh... I'm wide awake at three am right now hoped up on coffee which for some reason I thought was a good idea to drink half a pot around midnight because I couldn't sleep anyway. I never do an AN#2 and I know some of you are thinking 'Dear God can this woman just shut up so I can read the chapter?' or even just skipping over this whole section and moving onto the chapter which is totally fine by me. But since a friend of mine tends to read my stories for my author's notes (can't imagine why but always glad to have a fan!) I figured I'd indulge him a little in this chapter... Okay I think I've tortured you all enough with my endless author's notes and bad humor so on with the show... err... Story! Yay!

Chapter 31

"Will you be here when I get home from school?" Lilly asked as she stood with her father waiting for the bus. Jason smiled down at his precious daughter.

"Yes, Lilly-pad, I'll be here. I promise." he replied.

"When you're arm is all better, you owe me a football game Daddy." Lilly smirked. Jason continued to grin at her.

"That sounds good to me."

"Maybe with Mitch and Bobby?" Lilly pressed, there was nothing Jason could deny her.

"Of course."

"I see the bus!" Lilly exclaimed as the yellow school bus appeared around the corner. "I love you Daddy!"

"I love you too, Lilly. Be good today."

"Aren't I always?" She batted her long lashes at him, a signature move of her mothers. It amazed him just how much Lilly acted like Liz, he hadn't really noticed until she was gone.

"Depends on the day." Jason chuckled.

"That's not what you're supposed to say Daddy." Lilly laughed. "You're supposed to say, 'You're always my good little girl'."

"Who made you the director of my life?' Jason raised an eyebrow as the bus stopped in front of the driveway.

"I'm your daughter, that's my job." Lilly grinned as she skipped toward the bus. "See you later Daddy!"

"Bye baby." Jason waved at her. He watched as Lilly bound up the steps and rushed to her seat with Rosa, Lucy rode a different bus due to the bus routes. Lilly waved at him energetically as the bus pulled away from the house.

Jason then turned and headed back into the house where Anna and Tommy were sitting at the table waiting for him with a cup of coffee. Tommy held his precious Godzilla mug tightly, not letting anyone if think of taking it from him.

"You know, you can take that cup home with you." Jason laughed. "I don't know how I ended up with it."

"Because I got sick of packing it back and forth between our houses whenever Kat and I came over, since you always made coffee." Tommy shrugged. "Actually it was Kat's idea to leave it. She got me a different cup to be protective over for our place."

"Makes sense I guess." Jason nodded. "So it's all her fault that I got stuck packing that mug with me the last few times I've moved?"

"Yeah, pretty much, but mine isn't the only mug that you have to pack for someone else. You've got one for Rocky and one for Trini, I think you still have that one I got for Kimberly back in high school." Tommy replied nonchalantly.

"So what's the plan for the day Jason?" Anna cut in as she leaned forward over her steaming cup. Jason's eyes drifted to the cup her long fingers were wrapped around. He felt a lump catch in his throat as he made out the sleek lines of the dolphin etching. Kat had been so surprised to find he still had, even after all the years she had stayed away from Angel Grove. Jason had bought the mug for Kat during high school, shortly after finding out that dolphins were her favorite animal. It had been the first thing he's seen with a dolphin on it.

Flashback...

"So let's see; you dance, you surf, you ride horses, you sing, you train dogs and monkeys, you dive, and you fight crime. Did I miss anything?" Jason laughed as he and Kat walked through the park toward her house. They had been talking, getting to know each other for the better part of the afternoon. Jason had offered to train her, mostly in hopes of getting to be alone with the gorgeous blonde, and somehow they'd ended up sitting against the tree sharing stories about their childhood and ranger experiences.

"That about covers it." Kat laughed. Her smile was intoxicating and her laugh so jovial. Jason couldn't help but want more.

"Is there anything you can't do?" Jason asked.

"There's plenty I can't do." Kat turned very serious suddenly. "Like fix a broken heart. I wish I could, with all my heart. I wish I could make the pain stop and make everything better, but I can't."

Jason paused in his steps, it was like someone punched him square in the gut. "You're talking about Tommy, aren't you?"

Kat turned to face him, her bright blue eyes held a touch of sadness. "Yes." She replied quietly. "I worry about him, a lot."

"Kat, do you... do you like Tommy?" Jason dared ask. Kat was taken back for a brief moment, but quickly ducked her head to hide the slight blush already flushing over her delicate features. It was all the confirmation he need. Kat did indeed like Tommy, he wouldn't have a chance with her. "I promise I won't tell him." He offered her his most genuine smile as he lifted her chin to met her eyes.

"He's not ready for a relationship yet." Kat shrugged. "I figure that when he's ready he'll come to me. Until then I just have to be his friend and offer him my shoulder when he needs it."

"You are an amazing person Katherine." Jason said. "Tommy is lucky to have someone like you care so much about him. I'll tell you now, he's an idiot if he doesn't return your feelings."

"He's not an idiot." Kat let out a short bitter laugh. "He's hurt and confused and trying to shield himself from more pain."

"Still..." Jason paused in his sentence as Kat looked into his eyes. It was like she was reading his soul, seeing right through him. He felt his heartbeat quicken and his blood felt like liquid fire roaring through his veins. "Um... so...I almost forgot... Tommy asked me to ask you if you wanted to go with us next weekend?"

"Where to?" Kat asked as she took a step back and resumed her walk toward her house. Jason followed suit just a moment later, catching up to her easily.

"The aquarium. My mom had a friend there and I can get us back into the tanks. Tommy and I like to go swim with the dolphins occasionally."

"Dolphins? You really swim with the dolphins?" Kat's face brightened.

"I take it you like dolphins?"

"I love them! They're the most amazing creatures I've ever seen. I've always wanted to get up close to one."

"Well, come with us next weekend and you can swim with them." Jason laughed.

"Of course I'll go with you guys! Thank you so much!" Kat exclaimed as she threw her arms around Jason's next, nearly knocking him over.

"You're welcome Kat." Jason replied as he hugged her back. "Just remember it was Tommy's idea, but you're not supposed to know it was."

"He is so sweet." Kat beamed as she released him. "You two are the best guys I've ever known."

"We try." Jason shrugged. Kat was practically dancing in her steps the rest of the way home, chatting excitedly about the aquarium. Jason made a mental note to tell Tommy about inviting Kat to go with them. He knew that even if he couldn't have Kat, he was going to do anything he could to make her happy. Right now, it seemed that Tommy was what she wanted, and he could play matchmaker if it meant that she would be happy.

End Flashback...

"Jason? You okay?" Anna repeated for the third time. Jason just seemed to have zoned out as he stared at her hands. Tommy leaned over and gently shook Jason's shoulder.

"Huh? What?" Jason's head snapped up out of his daze.

"You okay bro?" Tommy asked, concern etched deep in his chocolate eyes.

"Yeah, sorry just... thinking."

"You don't have anything to be sorry for Jason." Anna shook her head. "You've got a lot on your plate right now and I'm sure you have a lot running through your head."

"It's just... Kat." Jason took a deep breath. "That's her cup, and I just... didn't realize how much the little things were going to remind me that she's fighting for her life. That I might lose her, for forever."

Tommy stared down into his half empty cup of coffee as Anna picked up the cup and looked it over. "I'm sorry." She said quietly as she set it down on the table and removed her hands from it.

"You don't have anything to be sorry for. You go ahead and finish your coffee." Jason protested. "A cup is a cup and not all of us are possessive over a piece of ceramic dishware, like the good doctor here."

"Hey!" Tommy looked up from his cup and shot Jason a sour look, earning a deep chuckle from Jason and soft laugh from Anna.

"I think you hurt his feelings." Anna giggled, her hazel eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Come on Dr. Oliver, didn't they teach you how to bandage your ego in your fancy PhD classes?" Jason laughed. Tommy crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at his best friend. "I've got a million of these gems Tommy, keep giving me those looks."

"I'd be willing to let you share those million jokes if it meant you'd laugh at each of them." Tommy said as a smile grew on his face.

"Ah, see it's not as fun if you're laughing too." Jason grinned.

"Boys." Anna rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"What are you guys going to do today?" Jason asked.

"I'm going with you to the hospital this morning." Tommy answered. "Then I'm meeting Anna for lunch and the rest of the day is whatever I think I need to do."

"Sounds good." Jason nodded.

"You going to spend the day at the hospital?" Anna asked.

"Until it's time to meet the bus. I promised Lilly I'd be home." Jason nodded.

"You want a ride, or you gonna try driving yourself with that bum arm of yours?" Tommy leaned back in his chair, it was Jason's turn to be made fun of.

"I can drive with one arm." Jason raised an eyebrow. "And I haven't taken my pain killers, so no worries about me falling asleep. I'm a big boy Dr. Oliver. I can drive myself to and from the hospital."

"Have it your way." Tommy held his hands up in surrender. "By the way, Micheal called while you were out with Lilly."

"Oh? Answering my phone calls now are we?" Jason laughed. Truthfully he didn't mind if Tommy took the call, he would have recognized the number on the caller id since the Hillard's were staying at the Scotts'.

"Yeah, do it all the time. Did I forget to mention to that you got a call last month that said you won a million dollars?" Tommy grinned, obviously pleased with his own joke. Jason just rolled his eyes. "Oh, I didn't? Shoot, you only had a limited time to call back too. Me and my silly memory."

"Tommy." Anna shook her head.

"Oh right, Micheal called." Tommy sat up straight in his chair. "He said that Kat's brothers are flying in and he was hoping that they could stay here."

"Of course." Jason nodded. "I'll talk to Mr. Hillard about it today. Is it all three of them?"

"I'm not sure." Tommy shrugged. "He just said 'her brothers', so I'm assuming it's all three."

"I've never met Kevin." Jason said.

"I did once, but he's pretty busy. If I remember right, he's a Captain in the military, but I can't recall exactly what his rank was."

"Does any of her brothers have families of their own?" Anna asked.

"Todd does, that's Kat's baby brother." Tommy nodded. "He got married last year. Sophia said that he and his wife are expecting a little boy in a few months."

"Well that's exciting." Anna grinned. Tommy knew that grin, it came out anytime there was a mention of a new baby. He knew she wanted children and the more he was around her, the more he wanted children with her.

"John's married too." Jason added after a brief pause in conversation. "I think Kat said his wife's name is Heather. They were in the process of applying to adopt when John was here for Thanksgiving. Kat said that Heather can't have children due to an injury she sustained as a child."

"That's sad." Anna shook her head. "But at least they're going to give a good home to a child in need."

"Very true. And I don't think that Kevin is married, or even dating anyone." Tommy continued. "Unless he met someone since the last time I saw him."

"Did Mr. Hillard say when they would be arriving?" Jason asked.

"No. Just asked if they could stay here when they get in." Tommy replied.

"Okay, I'll talk to him today." Jason shrugged. He quickly downed his coffee and rushed upstairs to shower and dress. As he stood looking in the mirror hanging above his dresser, adjusting his sling, Jason caught sight of a very important object. He silently reached down and grabbed the small gold coin from his dresser top. His thumb slowly traced the tyrannosaurus etching in his old power coin. It held some power still, but for most part it was nothing but a keepsake of times past.

Without a thought, he slid the precious coin into his pocket and left his room. Tommy was already sitting in his jeep with Anna when he walked out the front door. "Hurry up slow poke! Anna already did the dishes, showered, and dressed while you were getting ready!"

"As opposed to you, who just got dressed?" Jason countered with a grin.

"I took a shower too." Tommy gave Jason a lopsided grin, causing Jason to roll his eyes. That grin let Jason know that neither had showered alone.

"I so didn't need that information." Jason shook his head as he walked around Tommy's jeep to the drivers side of his truck.

"He didn't even say anything." Anna looked between the men.

"Oh did I forget to tell you that we're telepathic?" Tommy chuckled.

"Tommy's just pathetic, I'm telepathic."

"Ha, you're so funny." Tommy rolled his eyes.

"Please insult the man some more Jason, I think I can still see his ego in the jeep." Anna giggled.

"Who's side are you on?" Tommy mock-glared at her.

"That would be which ever side is winning." Anna grinned.

"Remind me not to make you a ranger." Tommy raised an eyebrow. "You might jump sides if we ever found ourselves in a loosing battle."

"Ah, don't you think I'd make a good Rita Repulsa?" Anna batted her eyelashes at him.

"Please, I don't want to be picturing you like that when we're... you know..." Tommy shuddered. Jason laughed and leaned over to whisper something in Anna's ear, to which she laughed maniacally.

"Do I want to know?" Tommy raised an eyebrow.

"Tommy..." Anna took a deep breath trying hard to hold back her smile. "I have a headache!" She cried out in the most high pitched raspy voice she could manage.

"Jason! I swear!" Tommy glared at his best friend. Jason just grinned, quite satisfied with himself.
"I thank you for your spectacular help in driving my friend crazy, Anna." Jason laughed. "I'll see you guys later, I'm going to go see Kat."

"I'll see you there." Tommy replied. "But be expecting payback sometime soon."

"I always do. Keeps me on my toes." Jason beamed as he climbed into his truck. He waved with his good arm before setting the truck in reverse and backing out of the driveway. He hadn't counted on how hard it really would be to drive one handed, but he managed, making it to the hospital safely before Tommy and Anna. He had a feeling Tommy, who was usually a speed demon, was following him just to make sure he was doing okay in the truck.

Jason and Tommy walked into the hospital together, Anna took the jeep and went out to do some 'girl things' as she put it. Tommy understood it to mean, she went shopping at the mall. When they got to the ICU waiting room, they found Micheal and Sophia were already back with Kat, so they settled into a couple chairs to wait their turn to see Kat.

"Have you thought about... well... if you have to say good-bye to her?" Tommy asked after a few moments of silence.

"Only every time I have time to think." Jason replied quietly. He leaned back in his seat and stared at the ceiling. "I just can't do it, Tommy. I can't say good-bye... not yet."

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that none of us will have to say good-bye."

"Me too." Jason said. "But I think her parents are preparing for the worst."

"But that's probably the best way to handle a situation like this." Tommy argued. "Prepare for the worst but hope for the best."

"Mom said that Mrs. Hillard and Mr. Hillard were already looking at funeral homes in New York." Jason sighed. "It's like they've given up on her."

"They haven't given up on her Jase. If they truly had, they wouldn't have let you bring her here. The Hillards are very logical and practical. They were preparing themselves for the worst case. If they could handle setting everything up before they lost her, then they would be able to grieve later instead of trying to keep their wits and get everything ready. They don't want to lose Kat, but they know that there is that chance that Kat may never wake up."

"I know what your saying. In my head I already know that, but my feelings are screaming something else entirely at me."

"I know exactly what you mean. I can't bear the thought of putting Kat next to Charlie, but I know it's a possibility. There's only so much a human body can go through before it gives out."

"I just... I'm so afraid of what will happen if I lose her Tommy." Jason sat up in his seat and met Tommy's gaze. "I've spent so many years not realizing that I'm in love with her, and now that she returns those feelings, I just can't handle the idea of not having a long life with her."

"Years?" Tommy raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, years." Jason nodded. "I never realized it until I was alone with her. I always knew that Kat meant something more to me than just a friend, but I didn't realize that I loved her. Even if I had realized my own feelings back then, I would have never come between you two."

"I believe you." Tommy nodded. "Kat's very easy to love. She's independent, yet has this feel about her that screams for someone to protect her. She's understanding and caring."

"Don't forget absolutely gorgeous and intelligent to boot." Jason laughed sadly.

"Yeah, she's all that." Tommy smiled. "She's also stubborn and strong willed; not likely to listen to anyone once her mind is made up."

"I hear you." Jason shook his head. "It's those characteristics I both loathe and admire."

"I always hated how she would bottle everything up, it takes the jaws of life to get her to admit she's even having a bad day."

"She's gotten better though." Jason protested. "She had started to actually talk to me before she went back to New York."

"I know, you told me that." Tommy nodded. "You've gotten further with her in less than six months, than I did in years."

"I just have a way with women." Jason laughed. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Micheal and Sophia walk out the double doors of the ICU. "I think it's our turn."

Both men stood and greeted the Hillards. "Tommy said that you called this morning. Are all three of Kat's brothers coming?"

"Yes, but Todd and Katie are staying at her parents while their here."

"I didn't know Katie was from here." Tommy laughed.

"They went to high school together and just happened to go to the same college." Sophia explained. "I'm a bit nervous of Katie traveling during the last part of her pregnancy, but Todd assured me that Katie has already cleared everything with her doctor. Still, I guess I'm a bit of a worry-wart."

"It's only natural to be worried dear." Micheal assured her.

"I know." Sophia sighed.

"Heather will be coming with John this time." Micheal turned back to Jason. "And Kevin, as usual, will be alone."

"That boy is married to his job." Sophia rolled her eyes. "I just wish he'd met a nice girl and settle down, give me some grandbabies."

"Kevin will settle down when he wants to Sophia." Micheal laughed. "For now you can settle for two grandchildren as soon as John and Heather finish their adoption."

"So when's that supposed to happen?" Tommy inquired.

"I'm not entirely sure. You can ask John when he gets in." Micheal shrugged. "John and Heather will be here tomorrow at three if I remember right."

"You're right." Sophia nodded. "Kevin is arriving in three days. Early morning flight."

"They're all welcome at my place, I have more than enough room." Jason said. "How's Kat doing today?"

"She looks good all things considered. No real change though." Sophia admitted.

"She'll get better." Jason said sternly, more to convince himself than anyone.

"I sure hope so." Micheal nodded. "Thank you for at least bringing her home Jason."

"This is where she would want to be." Jason replied. "Surrounded by her family and friends, she stands a better chance of recovering than being thousands of miles away from everyone."

"Truer words have never been spoken." Sophia nodded. "We'll let you boys go see Kat. Micheal and I will be back later so take your time."

"Thank you Mrs. Hillard." Jason said.

"I told you Jason dear, call me Sophia."

"Sorry... Sophia. Old habits die hard."

"You'll get used to it." Sophia smiled as she patted Jason's cheek before she and her husband left the hospital. Tommy and Jason made their way back to Kat's room after the nurse buzzed them in. Jason moved to the right side and gently took Kat's hand into his own. Tommy did the same thing on her left side.

The two men spent nearly two hours chatting to Kat as if she were sitting up in the bed talking back. They took turns telling Kat of the stories that Lilly had told Jason. Tommy at one point, quietly wiped away a tear from his eye. Jason, being the friend that he was, remained silent about it; acting as if he has seen nothing.

Tommy left to join Anna, leaving Jason alone in the room with Kat. He wasn't sure what it was, but something was telling him to take out his old power coin. It was the same silent voice that had caused him to grab it that morning.

Jason held up the precious gold coin between his thumb and index finger. "I'm not sure why Kat, but something or someone is telling me that I should give this to you. If anything it'll be a way that I'll be here with you, even when I'm not." Jason said as pressed the coin into Kat's open palm. Slowly he curled her fingers around it, wrapping his own fingers over hers. "Maybe whatever power is left in this thing will help you."

Jason sat silently with Katherine for another hour before a nurse informed him that her parents were in the waiting room. He reluctantly placed a kiss on her forehead and gave her hand, containing the power coin, another gentle squeeze before retreating out of the ICU. A quick glance at his watch told him that Lilly would be home in two hours.

He said his greetings and good-byes to the Hillards before making his way back to his truck. As he stood at his truck, he stared up at the building to the fourth floor. He wasn't sure exactly which window but it was one of three, that he knew Kat was behind. He silently hoped that no one would notice the coin pressed into Kat's hand or he'd have a lot of explaining to do, but oddly enough he felt at ease knowing that Kat had his power coin. He climbed into his truck and drove off, a sense of peace and comfort settling into him that he hadn't felt for many months. Maybe Lilly had been wrong, maybe things were going to get better, not worse. He could only hope.