Not Here III: Going Around
By SparklyTree3876
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Family
Pairings: Andros/Ashley, Zhane/Karone, TJ/Cassie, Adam/Tanya, Rocky/Aisha, Tommy/Kat, Jason/Emily, Zack/Trini, Leo/Kendrix, Mike/Maya, and Kai/OC
Summary: Hi, readers. I would like to present a Power Rangers fic in the form of a second sequel to "Not Here." It is AU set eleven days after "Not Here II: A Day in the Life" and shows Andros and Ashley happily getting ready for their graduation and being eager to give their teen parenthood speeches to their class, but things get complicated when her grandparents suddenly show up. I intended to start this fic after the first sequel, but I lost inspiration. I just got it back. I enjoyed the realism the first installment brought with the tension in Ashley's family. It will be a focal point in the third installment. This is probably the first Power Rangers fic where Andros, Zhane, and Karone are shown graduating from high school. I wish there were other fics like that as they would show how they have fully adapted to life on Earth. I hope you enjoy this fic. Constructive criticism is welcome.
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Chapter 1: Readying for Graduation
The early afternoon sun beamed its rays on the Hammond residence in late May. Trees dipped and swayed in the wind. A house sparrow sat on a branch near the middle of a tree in the front yard. It was poked in the back by another one. It chirped annoyingly and took flight. It headed to Ashley's windowsill. It landed with a soft chirp. It flapped its wings to air them out. It folded them against its back before tilting its head.
Eleven days had passed since Andros and Ashley experienced their rather eventful day. They, TJ, Cassie, Zhane, Karone, Leo, Kendrix, Justin, and Carlos were thrilled their high school graduation was finally here. They helped Kinwon and Tykwa learn Earth customs after they arrived. Kinwon and Tykwa stayed with Julian and Tracy Morgan, whom lived just three streets over from the Hammonds. They took part in activities such as building sandcastles, tasting beverages that included sprite and coke, playing pool, etc. They found them a little weird, but they enjoyed them.
Justin was revealed to be this year's valedictorian. This shocked him and his friends, but they became thrilled very quickly. This was especially true for the former Power Rangers. Zack, Trini, and Kim flew in from New York and Miami respectively to attend the gang's graduation. Tommy, Kat, Billy, Jason, Emily, Adam, Tanya, Rocky, Aisha, Mike, Maya, Bulk, Skull, Adelle, and Ernie would also be in attendance. They wished they did not have to bid farewell to Mr. Kaplan as they thought he was a great principal, even if he had the habit of jumping to conclusions. However, they wished him well in his retirement. They knew he would cherish his memories of Angel Grove High School forever.
The sparrow looked inside to see Andros standing in front of a mirror hanging on the closet door. He was wearing his black cap and gown. The latter was zipped up halfway. He tightened his red tie somewhat and straightened the collar on his white dress shirt. He zipped up the gown before touching the yellow tassel. He placed his hands in front of him. He stood straight and tall, his breathing soft and steady.
He couldn't help but smile. He never thought he would be part of a high school graduation in his life. He began to wish KO-35 celebrated birthdays and held proms and graduations. He was thinking of asking his girlfriend and friends if they could take various beverages and foods on their next trip there. He believed his people would be eager to try them, especially ice cream and coke. He had a feeling they would become popular.
His thoughts shifted to Ashley. He was eager to hear her speech on teen parenthood. He had no doubt she was the same way with his. He hoped no one would jeer while they were speaking. He was determined to keep talking if that happened. He was glad Mr. Kaplan promised the hecklers would be made to leave if they got too loud. He was sad the principal was retiring, but he was glad he got to know him in the nineteen months he had lived on Earth.
Andros shook his thoughts out of his head. Ashley came up beside him while putting a gold butterfly earing in her right ear. The other one was already in her left ear. She was wearing her cap and gown. The latter was zipped up nearly all the way. She fixed the collar of her black dress that extended just past her knees. Her stomach was clearly showing through the gown. She touched his shoulder.
"You look so handsome, Andros," she said sweetly.
"Thanks. You look so beautiful, Ashley," he responded and slipped his arm around her shoulder.
"Thanks," Ashley said, leaning into his embrace. "This seems like a dream, and I will wake up any minute."
"I feel the same way," Andros admitted. "However, it's real. We are graduating high school. We are expecting twins." He laid his hand on her stomach. "They are as healthy as they can be."
"The best part is we are giving speeches about overcoming teen parenthood," Ashley pointed out matter-of-factly.
"That we are," Andros said with a smile. "I may not be the best at public speaking, but I am ready to do this."
"I am too," Ashley said. "We practiced several times in front of our families and friends this week."
"They were impressed every time," Andros commented, chuckling to himself. "Kinwon even joked about making me eat the speech, so I could remember every word."
"I never thought he could be a joker," Ashley commented, giving a shrug.
"He pulled the occasional prank on KO-35 during its peaceful days," Andros agreed. "He borrowed Mr. Morgan's whoopie cushion and placed it in my chair after one practice session. When I sat down, it deflated. I was really embarrassed because I thought I passed gas. I heard whistling and looked at him. I realized he had done it."
"You threw a pillow at him," Ashley said and giggled softly. "He caught it very easily. Then you two got into a pillow fight. That was fun to watch."
He kissed her forehead. He kept his lips there for thirty seconds before pulling away. He ran his hand over her hair. He slipped a lock behind her ear. He smiled at a contented sigh coming from her.
"I love you so much, Ashley," Andros said very lovingly.
"I love you too, Andros," Ashley responded with just as much love. "I feel like I am the luckiest girl in the universe."
"I feel like I am the luckiest guy in the universe," Andros commented and planted another kiss to her forehead.
"Who would've thought three otherworldly people would be graduating from high school?" Ashley wondered with a raised eyebrow.
"Crazy things happen in this universe every single day," Andros commented and rubbed his nose.
"People say this and that will never happen to them. Then it does," Ashley said, wrapping her arms around his waist.
He rubbed the back of his neck. "The quote 'Never say never' rings true."
"Mm-hmm," Ashley agreed with a nod. She walked over to her side of the bed and sat down. She ran her hands over her stomach. "I used to think teen pregnancy would never happen to be me. Then it did."
"Many people think teens ruin their lives when they become parents here," Andros said, going to her side and seating himself. "It isn't true. Their lives change drastically. They are not anywhere close to being ruined."
"Kinwon and Tykwa were amazed when we took them to visit a teen parent halfway house called 'Always Angelic.' Jared and Jerri Rayland run it. They are a Christian couple who were forced to give up their baby for adoption when they were sixteen. They found their son twenty-four years after he was taken. His name is Fred," Ashley explained.
"Unfortunately, several people have protested against the facility. They believe it promotes immorality," Andros said, shuddering in disgust.
She huffed. "It's not true. Jared and Jerri are just providing teen parents a place to stay after being disowned by their families. They are doing God's work."
Andros touched his girlfriend's stomach. He slid his hand over it at a very slow pace. He laughed at the babies moving against it and hers. They looked at each other, big smiles forming on their faces.
"The babies have been so active today," Andros commented, warmth echoing from his voice.
"I won't be surprised if they are like that while I am giving my speech," Ashley said, sniffling. "I bet they will be during yours."
"You have taken such good care of yourself throughout this pregnancy," Andros said while running his hand over her hair. "I have no doubt you will do the same with the next one."
"The next pregnancy won't be coming for several years," Ashley admitted and ran her tongue all over the inside of her mouth. "This one may have been good, but it has also been exhausting."
"I do not blame you for feeling that way," Andros commented. He saw her move her shoulders with a slight grimace. He began to massage them slowly. He clicked his tongue three times. "I do enjoy giving you massages when you ask for them."
Ashley sighed in relief as the pain vanished. "That feels so good."
Andros leaned close to her ear. "Some of these massages led to us screwing around."
Ashley placed her hand on her boyfriend's face and pushed him away. She shook her finger at him, a playful growl leaving her mouth. He raised his eyebrows while placing his hand on his leg.
"You need to keep your naughty words to yourself," Ashley teased and emitted a soft snort.
"So should you," Andros said, flicking her chin. "Of course, you have said more than I have."
"No, I haven't," Ashley said, shaking her head.
"Yes, you have," Andros said while nodding rapidly.
"No," Ashley answered.
"Yes," Andros said, giving her a wink.
She huffed and kissed him on the lips. She pressed her forehead against his. They stayed this way for twenty seconds before pulling apart. He touched his tassel. He rubbed his thumb against it.
"I find it interesting you move the tassel to the cap's left to show you have graduated from high school or college," Andros whispered with a soft chuckle.
"It's been tradition for as long as graduations have been around," Ashley said while touching her tassel.
"I have little doubt I will attend other graduations in the future," Andros pointed out and cleared his throat.
"Me too," Ashley agreed and held up her hand. "Some preschools hold their own graduations."
"Really?" Andros asked, surprise showing in his voice.
"Oh, yes," Ashley said, nodding and laughing. She looked at her nightstand and touched the top of it. "In fact, I had one at Rainbow Preschool when I was three."
Ashley opened the first drawer and reached into it. She pulled out a picture of her at three years old. She was standing on a grass and wearing a blue cap and gown. She held her diploma against her chest. She had a big smile on her face. She handed it to Andros, who furrowed his brow as he stared it.
"You look so cute, Ash," he cooed.
"Thanks," she answered. "Rainbow Preschool is the best preschool in all of Angel Grove. Many kids come out of it advanced for their ages."
"Were you advanced for your age when you left it?" Andros wondered.
"Some," Ashley admitted and took the picture from him. She put it back in the drawer and closed it. "Kindergartners were surprised I could pronounce some big words well."
"I would have been the same way if I had been a kindergartner," Andros commented and cupped her chin in his hand. "I think we should enroll our kids in that preschool."
"I think so too," Ashley agreed. "The teachers would be delighted to have the children of two former Power Rangers attending."
"Have they taught the children of former teen parents?" Andros asked and touched her back.
She smiled. "Yes, they have. They are accepting of all children, including those of gay couples."
"Wow," Andros said in amazement.
"Yes," Ashley said. "Wow."
He rubbed her neck. "Something tells me some preschoolers will be jealous the twins have parents who used to be Power Rangers."
"Most likely," Ashley said, placing her hands on the bed and pushing herself to her feet. "It does not matter. They are very lucky to have such a father."
"They are very lucky to have such a mother," Andros replied, standing up. He took her hands into his. "You will always be my Yellow Ranger."
"You will always be my Red Ranger," Ashley said, sniffling.
Andros chuckled. "Come here."
Andros kissed Ashley tenderly. He exhaled as he hugged her in a careful way. He rubbed her arms in a light manner. She wrapped her arms around his waist. They stayed this way for ten seconds before pulling apart.
"Ashley, I want to ask you something," Andros said and cleared his throat.
"What do you mean?" Ashley asked confusingly.
"From the moment I met you, I fell hard for you. You helped me to see it was worth working with a team. You stuck by my side through every battle we were involved in. When you told me that I was to be a father, I was determined to be there for you. My determination only increased after we learned we were expecting twins," Andros explained.
"What are you saying?" Ashely wondered.
Andros dropped to one knee. He reached into his pocket to pull out a small velvet box. It was brown with tiny diamonds around it. He opened it, revealing a silver ring that had tiny three silver stones embedded into its top. Ashley gasped, her breathing becoming heavier.
"Is that—" Ashley started.
"Yes," Andros said with a nod. "Ashley Hammond, will you marry me?"
Ashley choked back a sob while putting her hand over her mouth. Her heart began to beat a little faster. Tears slid down her cheeks. Some merged with each other.
"I don't know what to say, Andros," Ashley whispered.
"I don't expect you to answer right away. You can take as much time as you need to think it over," Andros replied.
She pressed her lips together. "No. I…"
"What?" Andros wondered.
"I don't need time to think it over," Ashley said, feeling a sob rise in her throat. "My answer is yes."
"You mean—" Andros started and smiled.
"Yes, I do want to marry you," Ashley replied with a fast nod.
He laughed. "Yes."
Andros rose to his full height. He took Ashley's left hand before getting the ring from the box. He put the latter down. He slipped the former on her ring finger. They kissed passionately before hugging tightly.
"I can't believe we are graduating and getting married," Ashley whispered, letting out a shuddering breath.
"I know," Andros agreed and pushed her back. "I do wonder what our families and friends will think. I mean, teen marriage is frowned upon here."
"I don't think Zhane, Karone, Kinwon, and Tykwa will have a problem with it at all. As for the others, they may frown upon it," Ashley pointed out.
"If they do, it doesn't matter," Andros said, giving a shrug. "We'll go on and get married, anyway."
"The question is where we will have the wedding," Ashley commented.
"We will worry about that later," Andros said, kissing her forehead. "We need to get downstairs. Your parents want to take pictures of us in our caps and gowns. Kinwon, Tykwa, and the Morgans will be here soon. I want to use the bathroom first."
Andros and Ashley headed out of the room. They went to the bathroom. He went inside, turning on the lights. He closed the door behind him as she crossed her arms.