Tanya squinted at the sun.

"What time is it?"

Her friend lazily reached for her watch, which lay on a small table next to her.

"Shortly after five."

"That means it’s about forty-eight hours since Jase drank that soda, right? You think he’s over it yet?"

Katherine thought for a moment.

"Maybe. He’s never slept so long before. Anyway, isn’t this the time frame Billy gave us?"

"Yeah."

Both girls fell silent again. They didn’t need to talk; both knew that the other was thinking back on the weekend, on what they’d been through together. Tanya smiled to herself. She never would have believed it, after the way things had started, that it hadn’t been all that unpleasant to make love to the former Gold Ranger. If she were honest with herself, she would have to admit that she actually had enjoyed herself -- a lot at times. A quick peek at Kat showed that the Pink Ranger was having similar thoughts herself -- if the sensual smile around her mouth was any indication. Tanya let her own smile become more pronounced, as the blue eyes wandered over to her.

"What?"

"You look like a cat that got into the cream."

Kat laughed softly.

"Well, who’d have thought that Jason would be such a good lover?" A faint blush stained the porcelain face, but her eyes danced merrily. Tanya joined in her laughter. With a slightly wicked smile, she propped herself up on one elbow.

"You must admit, he got in an awful lot of practice this weekend!"

"Tanya!" Kat tried hard to sound shocked, but couldn’t pull it off. As they’d gotten more comfortable, the girls had slipped slowly back into the easy banter they had often enjoyed when they spent time together away from the guys. Of course, they’d never dreamed that it could have come to this, but in all, they were at peace with their decision and the things they’d done to help their former teammate. Kat’s smile took on the same devilish slant as Tanya’s as a deliciously naughty thought occurred to her.

"Just think .... what if we had tied Jason up again at some point? Would it have been possible that he’d gotten over this sooner if, say, we’d both had taken care of him while he was restrained, like in the beginning?"

Tanya blushed hotly all over as she tried to picture the scene. It had a strange, almost forbidden appeal to think of herself and Kat moving slowly over the sculpted body of their friend, writhing in sensual abandon as the two girls caressed and touched him intimately. Her dark eyes sparkled with a momentary rush of excitement and Tanya could feel a low heat coil in her belly as she stared at Kat.

The blue eyes deepened in colour and Kat started to breathe just a tad faster as she tried to hold her best friend’s gaze. She could follow her friend’s thoughts with startling clarity -- almost as if they were telepathically linked. Before she could answer, though, a deep, sleepy voice, made all the more sensuous by the tinge of weariness, sounded from the sliding glass door.

"If the two of you keep on talking like that, I just might have to take you up on this."

Two lovely faces flamed with embarrassment as the girls jerked up from their comfortable lounges to face the third member of their party. Jason leaned against the doorframe, smiling devilishly at both. His midnight eyes gleamed with a tiny flame that both Kat and Tanya had learned to recognize, but he made no attempt to call on either of them. Instead, he made his way over and dropped down into a third deck chair, favouring both with an amused chuckle.

"I’m certainly not into bondage, or anything, but I have to admit, the thought of both of you having your wicked way with me like that has a certain ... appeal."

"Jason!"

The young man started to laugh as he heard the mortified chorus.

"Don’t worry. I don’t think I could get it up, anyway." He blushed slightly as he said that, but the girls accepted his words without protest. Yet another sign of how close they’d become that such statements were taken in stride.

Tanya sat up, hardly daring to hope.

"You ... you think it might be over?"

Jason sobered at the question, but the smile never left his eyes.

"I think so. I’ve slept longer than before, and I sort of feel different. Like you do once you get over a fever, or something."

Kat swung her long legs down from her recliner. She didn’t bother to tug down the roomy t-shirt she wore, though; they’d all gone way past such modesty during the weekend. She and Tanya wore tiny panties and shirts, and Jason had just slipped on a pair of comfortable boxers, since it was too hot in the afternoon to be wearing robes outside. His muscled chest gleamed in the sunlight as he leaned back, sighing contentedly.

"Does that mean we can go home? I’ve been sort of wondering what the others have told our families."

Tanya grinned slightly.

"It’s no problem for me; my parents are both gone ‘til Tuesday -- they’re giving a presentation at the Smithsonian, on the Amazon dig they’re planning."

Jason closed his eyes and lifted his face towards the sun as he thought briefly about his family.

"I’m sure Tommy covered for me; it’s not that unusual for either one of us to spend the weekend with the other on short notice."

"That leaves only my folks," Kat said, a tiny frown creasing her smooth forehead.

The former Ranger reached out and patted her arm reassuringly.

"Don’t worry, kitten. It wouldn’t be the first time that Billy used the Power Chamber’s resources to recreate someone’s voice patterns and make excuses for our absences. I’m pretty sure your parents were given a reasonable explanation."

"Oh. Good." The Pink Ranger thought for a moment. "Speaking of the Power Chamber .... shouldn’t Alpha and Zordon check you out, to make sure you’re allright again?"

"In a while. Do you mind if we just relax a bit together?" Jason pleaded softly with both girls. He was glad that he -- that they seemed to have come through his ordeal so well, considering, but he was strangely reluctant to let go of the easy intimacy they’d achieved with each other. Both Tanya and Kat seemed to understand what he was asking for, and with indulgent smiles, they leaned back in their seats. All three teens lost themselves in their thoughts, memories of the past forty-eight hours wandering slowly through their minds. Finally, though, the moment came to an end. Imperceptibly, the mood changed, and they became a bit restive. Exchanging glances, they rose almost simultaneously. An awkward silence threatened to settle over them, when Jason suddenly reached out, gathering both girls in his arms. Kat and Tanya didn’t resist as he drew them close, cuddling them against his broad chest. His voice was a bit hoarse and even deeper as usual as he buried his face first in Kat’s sunny locks, then in Tanya’s dark curls.

"You guys .... I don’t know how to thank you. If it hadn’t been for you .... both of you..." he choked, overcome with emotion.

Katherine smiled and gently touched his flushed cheek.

"It’s okay, Jason. We understand." She exchanged a look with Tanya, and saw that for once the dark-skinned girl had let go of her slight reserve and rested as easily as herself in Jason’s embrace, smiling just as understandingly.

"We’re friends. Friends are there for each other, no matter what it takes. Tommy showed me that, when he told us he’d offered himself to you. If he could do that, I knew I could, too. Besides, as I’ve said before, you would’ve done the same for any and all of us."

Jason looked at her with serious eyes.

"I know I could have done it for you guys, and for Tommy, certainly. Billy, probably, too. I just hope that I would have found the courage if it had been Rocky, or Adam."

It was Tanya’s turn to offer her comfort. Turning Jason’s face towards her with gentle fingers, she smiled reassuringly.

"I’m sure, if push had come to shove, you would have. Like all of us. We’re Rangers, remember? We don’t abandon our own, no matter what it takes."

The young man’s eyes were suspiciously moist as he looked into the lovely faces of his friends and temporary lovers. He hugged them both closer and felt two pairs of soft yet strong arms slide around his waist. The three stood for a long while in their warm embrace, reaffirming what had brought them here together and saying good-bye at the same time. At last, Jason felt that he could control his voice enough to speak again.

"If you say so. But still .... what the two of you did for me ... you’re the best."

Giving in to an almost irresistible impulse, Jason bent his head first to Tanya, then to Kat, kissing them with all the emotion he felt unable to express otherwise. Both soft mouths opened readily under his for what each knew would be the last time. An innocent kiss had brought them here, and it was strangely appropriate that it should end with this loving exchange among friends who had shared so much in such a short time. When it was over, he gazed deeply into smiling dark and blue eyes, not bothering to hide the few tears he’d been unable to suppress. The dark voice shook slightly as he told them what was in his heart.

"Kat, Tanya .... I love you. Both of you. I ...." he couldn’t go on. Instead, he gathered both girls to him once more, trying to convey by his touch what their friendship meant to him. At long last, he drew a deep breath and slowly released them. The girls smiled at him once more, both just as profoundly touched by what had just transpired between them. It was Kat who, after a silent exchange with her best friend, gave their answer to him.

"We love you, too, Jason. We’re glad we could be there for you."

Tanya just nodded. She gently disengaged herself from the three-way hug and stepped back. Her own voice was slightly husky as she tried to lower the charged atmosphere.

"Let’s pack up a bit and go the Power Chamber, okay? We’ll have to make sure that Jason’s really allright."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Jason agreed readily. In the privacy of his own mind, he was a bit reluctant to have this end. After all, he was a healthy, normal young man, and what he’d told Tanya in the beginning was certainly true -- it was a situation straight out of a favourite fantasy, to be marooned (sort of) with two gorgeous girls in an isolated place, doing nothing but making love to them all day and night. He fought down his slightly guilty blush as Kat’s suggestion from earlier made another appearance before his mind’s eye -- he lying on the bed, arms tied, and both Kat and Tanya pleasuring him with soft hands and moist lips, helpless to do anything but submit to their caresses.

*These are your friends -- the girlfriends of your friends -- you have no business even thinking of them that way! Not even after what they did for you!*

However, the images wouldn’t go away. Jason wasn’t totally surprised to feel a fresh surge of arousal seep into his groin, but to his relief it was easily controlled. Kat and Tanya were two of the most gorgeous girls he knew, after all, and he’d experienced the touch of their skin, the taste and feel of their mouths extensively over the last couple of days. He smiled secretively to himself as he wandered off towards the bedroom to get dressed. Although it made him feel somewhat guilty, he knew he was going to have some ... interesting ... dreams in the near future.

Kat and Tanya watched Jason disappear through the bedroom door, admiring once more the play of impressive muscles under his sleek, tanned skin, and the way he moved in his dark shorts. Then they looked at each other. Kat began to grin.

"Is it just me, or does this feel awfully familiar?"

Tanya started to grin as well.

"You mean, you’re wondering when he turned into such a hunk?"

"Yeah," the Pink Ranger laughed, remembering their conversation at the lake, two days ago. Only this time, she didn’t feel embarrassed any more.

Tanya chuckled a bit wickedly as she gathered up the cushions from the deck chairs. They weren’t going to do a lot of clean-up right now, but they didn’t want to leave stuff outside, where it could be damaged or stolen.

"You’re right, it’s almost like déjà vu, isn’t it? Only now we don’t have to wonder anymore ...."

"Most certainly not," Kat agreed as she helped her friend. Within a few moments, the porch was cleared, and they shut and locked the door. As they sorted out their clothes and began to get dressed a bit more decorously, Kat shot a glance at Tanya.

"Tanya? Are you going to be okay with this?"

The Yellow Ranger didn’t pretend to misunderstand. Giving her best friend’s question some serious thought, she slipped into a pair of shorts before she answered.

"Yes, I think so. I’m pretty sure about myself, but I’m a bit worried about Adam. He was taking it so hard ...."

"You’ll get through this." Kat spoke with conviction as she exchanged the oversize tee with a pale pink blouse. "After all, you two love each other, right? I’m certain Adam will get over whatever it was that was bugging him so much. Tommy and the rest of the gang will help him, I’m sure."

"That’s what I’m counting on," Tanya confided. "I think once Tommy told him that you’ve been here as well, it’ll make it maybe a bit easier for him."

The two girls regarded each other in silence for a moment. Just as Jason opened the bedroom door, dressed in his customary black shirt and jeans, Tanya quickly asked Kat before he joined them.

"What about you?"

"I don’t think it’s going to be all that hard for Tommy." She had confided her boyfriend’s reaction to her decision to her friend during one of the times when Jason had rested. Then, a slightly mischievous smile played around the soft pink lips.

"Besides, I think Tommy is in for a few surprises the next time we have some time alone."

Tanya stared at her friend, barely able to close her suddenly gaping mouth. Kat couldn’t be serious, could she? Then, a few memories rose in her mind. While she sincerely felt that she was not going to be in the mood for intimacy for some time, she couldn’t help but remember at least some of the things she’d shared with Jason. The thought of doing these same things with Adam, out of love rather than lust, was ... rather exciting. With an effort, she recalled herself to the present.

"You’re ... sure about this?"

"Oh, definitely," Kat all but purred, but turned serious as Jason approached them a bit hesitantly, duffel bag in hand.

"Why don’t you leave this here with our stuff? Just in case we need to come back once more."

Jason felt his cheeks colour up slightly, but met Kat’s blue eyes openly.

"I really don’t think it’ll be necessary, but you’re right." Depositing his bag next to the couch, he inhaled deeply and squared his shoulders.

"Let’s go home."

Kat and Tanya each laid a hand on his arm and touched their communicators. In a stream of pink, yellow and gold-tinged white, the three disappeared from the cosy cabin, to rematerialize in a hidden structure somewhere in the desert.

***

Tommy was running up to the basket, lining up for a hook shot, when his communicator chimed a familiar six-tone signal. The Red Ranger dropped the ball, unheeded, as the other three gathered round him. Raising his wrist to his lips, he spoke into the small device.

"Yes, Zordon? What’s up?"

"Rangers, please come to the Power Chamber." Alpha’s tinny voice sounded quite normal, lacking the customary urgency whenever their planet was under attack from evil forces. The four young men exchanged puzzled glances. Shrugging, Tommy answered the summons.

"We’ll be right there, Alpha."

They left the basketball court quickly for a more secluded spot, then teleported away. Once they rematerialized in the dimly-lit Power Chamber, the first thing Adam and Tommy saw were Katherine and Tanya. Both girls looked somewhat exhausted, but cheerful as they greeted their friends.

With a muffled exclamation, Adam fairly flew over to Tanya and drew the Yellow Ranger into his arms. He hugged her for all he was worth, burying his face in her curly hair, as he revelled in the touch and feel of her. Tanya returned his embrace with equal fervour.

Tommy, too, drew Kat into his arms, kissing her briefly but soundly. However, he almost instantly looked around. If the girls were back, then where ....

"Where’s Jason? Is he allright?" He gazed into the azure eyes of his girlfriend. "Are you allright?"

Kat smiled indulgently; she couldn’t begrudge Tommy his concern for his best friend. She squeezed his waist gently.

"He’s fine. Alpha has already checked him out -- the potion’s out of his system."

Tommy’s shoulders sagged with relief. He hadn’t wanted to alarm anyone, but the last two days hadn’t been as easy for him as he’d pretended. Hearing that Kat and Tanya had indeed succeeded in helping Jason rid him of a lot of tension he’d refused to acknowledge, even to himself. Now he too buried his face in the sweet-smelling locks of his girlfriend, drawing her closer in gratitude.

Billy and Rocky exchanged delighted glances. The Blue Ranger pumped his fist in the air once, triumphantly.

"Yes! We did it!"

"We, Rocky?" Billy couldn’t keep his amusement out of his voice as he took the readouts of Jason’s examination from Alpha. "I wasn’t aware that you, or any of us male Rangers, had anything to do with curing Jason."

Rocky blushed, and a sheepish grin spread over his face. He scowled playfully at the young genius.

"Aw, c’mon, Billy, you know what I meant!"

The former Blue Ranger just favoured him with a knowing grin as he immersed himself in the test results. To his joy and relief, it appeared that whatever the girls and Jason had done while at the cabin, had in fact succeeded in negating the alien potion’s influence on his old friend’s hormones. As far as the sophisticated machinery could determine, Jason was completely recovered, if exhausted. Billy smiled in the privacy of his mind.

*Small wonder; he hadn’t completely overcome the effects of losing the Gold Powers yet, and now this .... even without any potion, I should think that engaging in sexual intercourse for two days straight would exhaust even someone with Jason’s great stamina!*

However, such idle speculation on the three’s activities would lead nowhere. Billy turned away from Rocky and his printouts to watch the two couples. Adam and Tanya were still locked in each other’s arms, just holding on and apparently reaffirming their relationship in silent communion. Tommy held Kat no less closely, but even as the remaining two looked on, the Red Ranger disentangled himself from his girlfriend’s embrace. Taking a small step away from her, he was about to speak, when Kat kissed him lightly on the lips and smiled understandingly. Nodding her head towards the Power Chamber’s exit, she released Tommy completely.

"He’s outside. Go to him."

Tommy blushed slightly; he hadn’t thought he’d been that obvious. But then, Kat knew him fairly well. Smiling his thanks, he trailed gentle fingers down her soft cheek in gratitude, then turned and hurried after his best friend.

***

Jason was sitting in the same spot he’d occupied two days ago; only now he felt immeasurably better. The nagging pressure of arousal was gone -- instead, all he felt was a pervasive weariness of body and yes, spirit. His emotions were rather in a turmoil and he knew it would take him some time to put everything in perspective again -- not least his feelings for the Pink Ranger. He couldn’t help indulging in some wishful thinking .... while he would never want to intrude on Kat’s and Tommy’s relationship, it was harder than he’d thought it would be to let go of half-formed dreams and fantasies. The memories he carried of how it had felt to hold the lovely blonde in his arms, of kissing her sweet mouth and exploring her soft, creamy skin didn’t exactly help matters. While Jason certainly did not dismiss Tanya and her darker, more subdued charms -- after all, the Yellow Ranger had been the first to offer her help to him so generously -- he felt nothing more than deep gratitude and a very profound friendship for this special girl.

*It certainly would be easier if Kat weren’t the exact image of my Dream Girl!*

With an effort, he wrenched his thoughts into another direction. Deliberately, he called up images of Emily: her more vibrant colouring, her slightly stubborn streak which could be equally exciting and exasperating, her fierce independence ... and the soft glow in her eyes when he’d kissed her for the first time, her mischievous smile when she teased him or badgered him into something he’d sworn he’d never do ....

The ex-Ranger had to laugh under his breath as he recalled the Fashion Show. He couldn’t recall when he’d ever felt this ridiculous in his life, as he marched down the catwalk in a silver lamé shirt, of all things. But it had been worth the delight in Emily’s warm blue eyes. So what if they didn’t turn a deep azure when he kissed her, but stayed the same colour no matter what she felt at any given moment? What did it matter that her hair wasn’t quite as silky, or caught the moonlight in silver reflexes? She was in love with him, she’d said so once, and Jason knew that he cared deeply for her, as well. He couldn’t say if it was love he was feeling, but after all, they were still teenagers, still in school.

*I’d better get used to it; I’m going to have to learn to trust and love without the immediacy shared danger brings. I won’t have to trust my life to her, or fear for hers ... and I’m not sure I could do that, anyway. How in the world do Tommy and Adam manage? It was bad enough being afraid for my friends, for Tommy. How am I supposed to handle sending the girl I care for against cogs, monsters or worse?*

His musings were interrupted as he heard the soft ‘whoosh’ of the Power Chamber’s sliding doors opening behind him. Jason didn’t need to turn to know it was Tommy, but did so, anyway. He smiled a welcome at his best friend.

Tommy paused for a moment, his chocolate eyes taking in Jason’s relaxed posture. He was sitting much as he had Friday night, but the tension was gone from the broad shoulders. Instead, his best friend offered him a warm if weary smile, as open as always, and it was then that Tommy finally was able to relax completely. He’d seen that smile before, after he’d joined the Rangers for the first time and the ‘old’ team forged their friendship; after he’d come back as the White Ranger and Jason assured him that he didn’t hate him for having been appointed the new leader, and lately after Jason had lost the Golden Powers and with them his last chance of ever being a Ranger again. True, there was a bit of sadness in that smile, but Tommy had every intention of cheering Jason up, once everything and everybody had been sorted out. For now, there was one thing he just had to do.

A few quick strides brought the Red Ranger across the remaining distance between him and Jason, who had risen at his approach. Without a single word, Tommy did what he’d desperately wanted to do two days ago -- he reached out and drew his best friend into a fierce hug. Jason never hesitated, but returned the embrace in equal measure. Tommy’s words to him echoed once more in his mind, and in that instant, the former Red and Gold Ranger let go of his lingering feelings for Kat, locking them up in the farthest corner of his mind and throwing away the keys. Not without a measure of genuine regret, true, but in the knowledge that Tommy’s and Kat’s peace of mind and their happiness was more important to him than his own. He would not, could not repay their caring and friendship by intruding on their relationship in any way.

*I’ll just have to believe -- and deep down, I do -- that someday I’ll find someone to love this deeply. Maybe it’ll be Emily, maybe even Kat, but then it might be someone else altogether. There’s time to find out .... now, when I’m out of the direct line of fire, when I don’t ever have to worry about getting killed or worse by Space Aliens anymore, I finally have all the time in the world to look for love!*

The two young men released each other at last. Both were blushing slightly, but they cared about each other too much to let something as small as embarrassment stand in their way. If nothing else, Mondo’s attempt to disrupt the team of active and former Rangers had stripped them of the necessity to pretend. Both Jason and Tommy knew that the words they’d spoken to each other the other night could never be taken back -- nor would they want that.

Tommy held Jason at arm’s length as he inhaled shakily. He looked his best friend over critically, but knew deep down that he needn’t worry anymore. Still, he just had to ask.

"Are you allright, bro?"

Jason gripped the strong hands in his own as he stepped back. Smiling his understanding at his friend, he nodded once.

"Yeah. Yeah, I am. Thanks to Tanya and Kat ..." the husky voice trailed off. Jason knew that they all needed to talk, especially him with Adam and Tommy, but it was rather difficult to find the necessary detachment right now. Everything was still too fresh in his mind. Consequently, he limited himself to telling Tommy the foremost thing in his mind.

"Do you and Adam have any idea how special Kat and Tanya are? If it hadn’t been for them, their trust and courage ... I don’t even want to think about where I’d be now!"

Tommy laughed softly, delighted that his best friend was fine, that he had his girlfriend back safe and sound, that the whole ordeal was finally over, even if it had only taken two days. It had been the longest forty-eight hours of Tommy’s life, barring the time Lord Zedd had held Kimberly captive while he was slowly draining her of her Powers.

"Forget it, Jase. It’s over, that’s all that counts." Tommy shook his head as he settled next to his friend. He could see Jason wanted to contradict, but this was not the time for a prolonged heart-to-heart talk. The signs of exhaustion in Jason’s and the girls’ faces were all too obvious. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to take a few more minutes for each other.

"I .... I’m not sure I can forget. Or even if I want to," Jason confessed hesitantly. He glanced sideways at Tommy, not sure if he’d understand. He needn’t have worried.

"I hear you, bro. I think, if I were in your shoes, I’d feel the same. Don’t worry -- Kat and I will be fine." Tommy deliberately addressed one of the things he knew must be on Jason’s mind. "And Adam and Tanya will, too -- in a while, at least. And yes, we both know how special the girls are." Tommy grinned reassuringly at his friend. "Why do you think we fell in love with them in the first place?"

***

Two weeks had passed, and life had gone on for past and present Rangers; the teens were slowly regaining their former ease with each other, although there had been many awkward moments between the two couples, Jason and the girls and most of all between Jason, Adam and Tommy. However, they hadn’t found the right time yet to talk it out and resolve the situation to their mutual satisfaction. It was as if each was waiting for the other to make an overture, but none seemed able to take that necessary first step. As a result, the group was not as tightly-knit as usual. Billy and Rocky, the only ones not directly affected, could do nothing but stand back and wait, willing to lend an ear if needed, but essentially unable to help their friends directly. It was a thoroughly frustrating situation for the former and the current Blue Ranger, but they both agreed not to step in ... yet.

It was Tuesday afternoon; school was over, and all of the Rangers and their former teammates were rested and ready to resume their lives as they had been before That Weekend. Somehow, without talking about it, they all tended to think about it in capitals.

Jason went home right away; his exertions while under the influence of the Ecstasy potion had set his recovery time back a bit, and he still needed his rest. He’d decided not to mention to the others that the muscles in his lower back had been aching rather fiercely, and that he had seriously considered looking for a therapist to massage the kinks away. A careful exercise program and judicious use of hot baths had taken care of the problem, though, and he was feeling more like his usual self with every passing day. Emily had returned after her one-week stay had turned into two, and he had a date with her as soon as her shift at the Beach Club was over. Somewhat to his surprise, Jason was experiencing almost the same kind of nervousness as just before the first time he’d ever asked her out, and his heartbeat accelerated when he thought of having time to hold her and kiss her tonight.

Adam and Tanya had gone back almost to the early stages of their relationship, just spending time together. Although, there was a marked difference -- they knew each other intimately after all, and it was very easy to slip an arm around the other, to kiss and cuddle before the awkwardness left in the wake of That Weekend returned. Tanya was rapidly revising her first estimation on wanting and needing intimacy any time soon; she loved Adam, and the distance between them was grating on her nerves. If something didn’t happen soon, she was going to have to take the initiative. Observing her boyfriend out of the corner of her eyes as he walked her home from school, a careful two steps beside her, she came to a decision.

"Adam?"

"Yeah?" The slim teen looked at her with a mixture of dread and hopefulness. Tanya thought that the latter definitely was something to build upon.

"Adam .... sweetie, I think we need to talk."

The Green Ranger paled. He stopped right where he stood and fixed stricken black eyes on the yellow-clad girl.

"W-what about?"

Tanya couldn’t help herself; although they’d never been overly demonstrative about their feelings in public before, she simply slid her arms around his waist and kissed him on the cheek.

"About us. About how much you mean to me, and how I’ve wished all during That Weekend that it could’ve been you with me up at the cabin."

Adam automatically drew Tanya closer to him. He’d wanted so much to hold her, kiss her during these last couple of weeks, but after their initial long embrace, he’d been reluctant to do so, thinking that she’d prefer to be left alone rather than be forced into a closeness she might no longer be comfortable with. It was also the reason he’d held back and retreated every time he’d been tempted to show her how much he still wanted her. Tanya’s words, though, removed some of his anxiety. And yet, he wanted to be very sure.

"Y-you did?"

"Of course. Jason is a good friend, and he was quite ... gentle, as much as he was able, but I don’t love him. Not the way I love you." There was no sense in pussyfooting around the issue, so Tanya came directly to the point.

Adam’s smile could have lit up half of Angel Grove at night. Not caring that they were in the middle of the sidewalk, he hugged Tanya for all he was worth, burying his face in her hair.

"Oh God, Tanya .... I ... I thought you might not want me anymore .."

"Not want you anymore?! Adam, what on Earth are you talking about?" Tanya could hardly believe her ears as she returned Adam’s fervent embrace.

The Asian teen blushed crimson as he peeked at his girlfriend.

"I ... I just thought that ... Jason is so good-looking, and a better athlete, and ... and probably more experienced than me ..." his voice trailed off as he saw the thoroughly exasperated Look the Yellow Ranger gave him. Tanya was very good at giving a person a Look. Adam smiled somewhat tentatively; it had been a while since he’d been the recipient of one of her Looks. His blush intensified as Tanya just shook her head. Her lips were twitching slightly, as if she were trying very hard not to laugh at him, and the Green Ranger suddenly felt like a five-year-old caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He hung his head.

"Oh Adam," Tanya sighed and cupped the bowed head in both her hands, tilting it up until she could meet her boyfriend’s eyes. She’d known that, because of his shyness, Adam had the lowest self-esteem of all the Rangers, but she’d honestly never imagined that he could think for even a minute that she’d prefer Jason -- or anyone else, for that matter -- over him.

"How could you even think that? Don’t you trust me at all?"

The mild reproof in her voice sent yet another rush of blood into Adam’s cheeks. He desperately wanted to turn away from the loving eyes, but Tanya’s grip on both sides of his face wouldn’t let him. Having no choice, he finally met her questioning gaze.

"I ... I do, really; it ... it’s just ...."

Tanya decided there and then to put things right between them. Not caring that they were in public, she threaded her arms around his neck and pressed herself against his leanly muscled body. Adam’s arms closed instinctively around her waist. She shook her head in fond exasperation and let her smile show in her voice as she earnestly looked into the black eyes.

"Adam ... oh Adam, honey, you’re an idiot. And a fool. And a sweetheart, and handsome, and brave, and any number of other things I can’t remember right now, and I couldn’t love you more if I tried."

With that, she drew the dark head with the longish locks down and fitted her full mouth against his, kissing him with a passion and tenderness she had shown him before only when they had been making love. The Green Ranger stiffened for a moment, then gave himself up to the kiss with a tiny, needy moan. He’d wanted to do this ever since Tanya came back from the cabin, but hadn’t dared; now, he couldn’t care less that they were right out in the open, in full view of Tanya’s neighbours. The two stood in a close embrace for long moments, even after their kiss had ended for lack of air, swaying slightly against each other. Finally, Adam lifted his head and the first genuine smile in days quirked his mobile mouth in a familiar expression.

"You ... you think you can forgive me for being such an idiot?" he asked, gently brushing a strand of hair out of Tanya’s eyes.

"Only if you promise never to do it again," Tanya demanded, a relieved grin slowly spreading across her face.

"I don’t know if I can promise you that. But I’ll try, okay?" The light tenor was hopeful.

Tanya pretended to think for a moment, then snuggled closer into Adam’s arms. He nuzzled briefly at her throat as he waited for her answer. Tanya chuckled slightly.

"That’s good enough for now, I guess." To her absolute delight, Adam then proceeded to kiss her almost senseless, only stopping when wolf-whistles from a passing car penetrated their absorption with each other. Breathless and giddy, they resumed their walk to the Sloanes’ house, their arms firmly around each other as their blushes slowly subsided.

When they reached their destination, Tanya ushered Adam inside, into the large kitchen. She automatically checked the answering machine; she made notes of a few routine calls for her parents who were in San Francisco on business for the day, when suddenly her mother’s voice sounded from the tiny tape.

"Tanya darling, there’s been a slight change in plans -- Professor Henderson wants to take us to a special fundraiser tonight where we can meet directly with some officials from Brazil who are in town just until tomorrow. This might actually smooth our way on the next dig. Anyway, don’t wait for us at the airport tonight -- we’ll catch the early flight tomorrow morning and be at Angel Grove International around lunchtime. We love you, sweetie -- see you tomorrow after school!"

With a click, the tape shut off and started to rewind. While the tiny apparatus whirred happily to itself, Tanya kept her back towards Adam, her mind and emotions in sudden turmoil. Her parents weren’t coming home tonight....that meant she had the house to herself .... she was all alone in the comfortable structure with Adam .... her heart started beating like a triphammer as she slowly turned around. She felt the blood rise hotly in her cheeks as she finally faced Adam.

The Green Ranger stood next to the kitchen table, having difficulties breathing. He’d heard Mrs. Sloane’s message, and suddenly he felt a desperate need to tug at the collar of his tee. His dark eyes fastened on the lovely features of his girlfriend as she slowly raised her eyes to his. With a voice he hardly recognized as his own, he whispered the one thing that was suddenly paramount in his mind.

"My folks are at a reunion back in Stone Canyon; they won’t be home ‘til late tonight."

Tanya swallowed once. All of a sudden, her nerve endings seemed almost electrified as she continued to stare into Adam’s black eyes .... which seemed to get hotter every second. She recognized the flame lighting them all too well; after all, she’d observed it a lot over That Weekend in another pair of eyes not quite as dark. But then, it hadn’t been quite as welcome, either. A slow smile began to play around her lips as her muscles began to relax. The expression on the beautiful dark face made Adam catch his breath as he felt other articles of his clothing become severely restrictive. Barely able to breathe, he was only capable of uttering a single word.

"T-tanya?"

She heard the hope and need in the way he almost-sighed her name. It was a perfect match for her own feelings. Thus, the Yellow Ranger gave the only possible answer to her teammate and lover’s unspoken question.

"Yes."

***

Tommy had told Kat he was heading up to the cabin to put everything in order again. There was laundry to return, the last foodstuffs to dispose of, the heater and water tank to shut down again ... on impulse, the Pink Ranger had decided to accompany her boyfriend, although she could think of more pleasant ways to spend the afternoon than doing household chores. Once there, the two divided the various small jobs between them. Tommy saw to the kitchen and appliances while Kat cleaned the bathroom and put fresh linens on the bed. She was currently yanking at the cloth ropes still tied to the headboard, grumbling under her breath. It was no use; the knots were just too tight for her. Shaking her head in exasperation, she straightened again; the Pink Ranger hadn’t thought that Jason had been straining that much against his bonds. However, she couldn’t just cut the ropes loose; they needed to be returned to the living room, to hold back the drapes.

Huffing slightly, Kat gave up the attempt before she broke a fingernail.

"Tommy?"

She heard him answer indistinctly from the shed just outside the kitchen, where he was shutting down the heater.

"Tommy, can you come here for a moment?" Kat called a bit more loudly.

"Sure; give me just a sec." Tommy’s voice was muffled. Within a few moments, though, he joined her in the bedroom. Kat was putting fresh slipcovers on the pillows and jerked her head distractedly towards the bed.

"Could you please get the ropes off the bedposts? The knots have drawn too tight for me."

"Sure." A bit bewildered, Tommy knelt on the mattress, already covered with a fresh sheet. Deftly, his strong fingers untied the brown cords. Smoothing them in his hand, he looked at them, then cocked a curious eyebrow at his girlfriend who was plumping up the pillows before depositing them on the bed.

"Whatever did you do with these? Where are they from, anyway?"

"They go around the drapes at the window behind the couch," Kat answered, mentally cataloguing what else needed to be done. She collected the water bottle and glasses from the nightstand and wandered off to the kitchen, Tommy trailing behind her. "We -- well, Tanya actually -- used them in the beginning to tie Jason’s hands."

An invisible observer would have been able to see and hear the Red Ranger’s jaw hit the floor. As it was, Kat was oblivious as she rinsed the glasses and dried them. Only the strangled sound of Tommy’s voice brought her back to the here and now.

"You .... you tied Jase up? And then you ... and he ... oh my God ..." Tommy blushed fiercely as his mind was suddenly assaulted by images of his best friend stretched out on crisp white sheets, arms bound over his head and his body hard with need, with Kat bending over Jason, her long blonde curls trailing over his sculpted muscles. He swallowed hard and fought the urge to adjust his suddenly too-tight pants.

"Yes; it was Jason’s idea, actually, because he’d frightened Tanya a bit in the beginning."

Katherine had to struggle to keep her voice neutral as she observed Tommy’s discomfort, but perversely being back at the cabin helped. She hadn’t been able to talk to her boyfriend and lover about her experience before, although she’d wanted to; somehow, the words wouldn’t come, and Tommy had assured her right after her return that he’d wait until she was ready.

She lowered her eyes as the silence between them became somewhat oppressive. Suddenly, her breath caught in her throat. Kat hadn’t meant to, but her gaze had dropped below Tommy’s waistline, and she blushed hotly as she recognized the unmistakeable bulge in his pants. The blue eyes flew upwards again, to meet chocolate orbs which closed in momentary embarrassment. When they opened again, she gasped at the half-defiant, half-apologetic look Tommy gave her. Kat fairly flew back to the bedroom.

Tommy watched Kat disappear before he could say anything. He briefly argued with himself if he should follow her, she seemed so upset, but ultimately decided against it. Her revelation had thrown him for a loop, and it was unbelievable how much, or how fast, the vision of Jason tied up like that had gotten to him. Even now, he could feel his penis twitch in his shorts, and he adjusted himself self-consciously. It didn’t help much. Zeo Ranger Five knew that his girlfriend had noticed his sudden arousal, and he could only hope that it didn’t disgust her too much.

*Kat’s always been so shy about having sex ... making love ... although I‘d think she had to have gotten over it a bit, if she’s been with Jase like that ...*

A new, tiny spurt of arousal tingled along Tommy’s nerve endings. Sighing, he cast another glance in the direction of the bedroom, but Kat had closed the door behind her. Well, maybe it’d be better if he left Kat to calm down on her own. He wanted to hold her, to reassure her that nothing had changed between them, but maybe the time wasn’t quite right yet. Silently shaking his head at his uncharacteristic procrastination, Tommy took one of the soda cans out of the fridge and decided to take a short break. He wandered out on the porch, looking over the tiny lake as he gradually felt his erection diminish.

***

In the bedroom, the Pink Ranger took up the top sheet with trembling hands and tried to smooth the crisp linen over the mattress, but was too distracted by what had just happened; with a faint sigh she sank onto the bed, staring unseeingly into the room that had become so familiar to her such a short time ago. Her thoughts were whirling chaotically.

*Why am I so surprised that Tommy gets turned on by the thought that Jason was tied up while I was with him? Remember what you felt that second afternoon when you teased Tanya about it? What it would’ve been like if we had bound him again?*

Kat felt a rush of heat coil deep in her belly and her breasts began to tingle as images of That Weekend rose in her mind. She had tried hard not to think about it, but being back at the cabin, in the very room she had spent so much time with Tommy’s best friend, made it impossible to escape her memories any longer. She moaned softly as her pulse rate soared, and her eyes closed as she remembered...

*Jason bending over her, his eyes flashing dark fire at her ... his large, warm hands moving across her flushed skin ... the hot mouth devouring hers, then wandering down to her throbbing nipples ... licking, nibbling, suckling .... his skilled tongue lashing her higher into sexual frenzy until she could only sob out his name with need ... the hot, thick shaft opening her up, filling her body with its urgency ... their skin slick with sweat as they moved together as one, straining towards fulfillment again and again until they exploded into orgasm, their cries of release echoing around the room ....

Then there was the aftermath ... the gradual slowing down of hammering hearts as they kissed, hands once more roaming the other’s body in soothing caresses as their legs twined with each other and they relaxed against the rumpled sheets to drift off into sleep together, only to start the cycle anew as the Ecstasy potion claimed her as surely as Jason, even though it only coursed through his veins while he took his pleasure within her willing body ...

And there were the times in between, when they rested ... cuddling close in each other’s arms ... talking ... sharing ...the way Jason carried her to the couch ... how his hands felt on her wet skin as they showered together ... roaming her body and teasing her... the look in his eyes as he saw her naked for the first time ... his tears after they had found the right way to relieve his need ...*

With a violent shake of her head, Kat returned to the present. It was over; had been over for more than two weeks now, and it was time to resume her life. And her life did not include the former Gold Ranger, but Tommy. Zeo Ranger Five. The man who had trusted her enough to open his heart to her after his first girlfriend had let him go with hardly an explanation, cutting him to the quick. She had no business to relive her time with Jason -- Tommy’s best friend. A person her boyfriend cared enough about to offer himself to when the effects of the Ecstasy potion became known.

Katherine sighed heavily as she slumped on the bed, absently crushing the top sheet between her fingers. She had thought long and hard about what had happened between her and Jason, and reluctantly had to admit that he’d gotten to her far more than she was comfortable with. Otherwise, she was sure, she could never have opened up so much to him.

*Yes, Jason is attractive. Handsome -- extremely so. Also nice, funny, caring, intelligent ... sexy ... but so’s Tommy. And I’m in love with him, I know I am. I couldn’t have made love with Tommy in the first place if I didn’t love him.*

Another sigh rose from what felt like the soles of her feet as she slowly got up to finish making the bed.

*I wonder ... if Jason had been in Angel Grove when I moved here ... would I still have fallen in love with Tommy, or would it have been with his best friend?*

The Pink Ranger had no answer as she completed her chore. Uncomfortably aware that her memories had aroused her to the point that she could feel the wetness between her legs soaking her panties, Kat tried to concentrate on the task at hand. She looked around once more to see if she had overlooked anything; finding everything in order, she turned, but as she did so, her left foot hit against something that rolled over the hardwood floor with a faint clatter. Curious, Kat bent and from under the bed retrieved the dark glass vial Alpha had handed her before she teleported up. It rattled slightly. Kat worked the lid off and a last contraceptive-cum-stimulant rolled into her palm. The tiny white tablet seemed almost to mock her, and the blonde moaned again under her breath as a shudder worked its way down her spine. Clutching both the vial and the pill in her hand, Kat all but fled the bedroom.

She stood in the living room, trying to control her breathing, as she caught sight of Tommy. He was standing outside on the porch, slowly sipping a soda as he leaned against the railing. He had discarded his shirt a while ago, and his tanned, muscular arms contrasted nicely with his red muscle shirt as a light breeze stirred his long hair, blowing it away from his forehead. Kat watched, suddenly mesmerized, as he rolled the chilled can against his forehead before draining it. The muscles in his throat worked as he swallowed the cool liquid, and a few drops spilled over as he tilted the can up, coursing down his strong neck to leave a moist trail that disappeared down his torso.

As Kat stood and all but drooled over the handsome leader of the Power Rangers, she suddenly became very much aware of the small round lump in her fist. Slowly, she opened her hand and stared at the pill. The blue eyes turned once more towards the porch and the tall figure raising his face towards the wind and sun. The blonde felt her breasts grow heavy and begin to ache.

*Impossible ... I can’t just ... but why not? I love Tommy, and I know he loves and wants me .... what if he says no?*

Kat swallowed hard, barely holding back a needy sigh.

*What if he says yes?*

The thought intensified the ache in her already-throbbing nipples and sent a fresh, tiny spurt of moisture into her tingling folds.

*I’ve never done this before! I can’t ... can’t just ... seduce ... Tommy!*

However, once formed, the idea would not go away. Before more rational thought prevailed, Kat lifted the contraceptive to her mouth and lipped it from her palm. Swallowing it dry as she’d done that Saturday night before she went to Jason the first time, the Australian drew in a deep breath and absently let the glass vial fall to the floor. The muted clatter on the carpet brought Tommy around to face her, and the Red Ranger’s mouth suddenly went dry as he took in the flushed face of his blonde girlfriend.

Tommy was completely bereft of speech as Kat sashayed towards him, her full breasts heaving slightly under her coral- pink t-shirt, two hard little protrusions pointing directly at him. The azure eyes were dark with passion as Kat lifted her arms around his neck, rubbing her hips seductively against his own. The quivering rosy lips beckoned as Tommy instinctively grasped Kat around the waist, and he felt himself grow rock-hard the instant her pink tongue-tip moistened the soft mouth.

The Red Ranger couldn’t help the moan that escaped him as Kat kissed him, softly at first, then with increasing passion. She had never taken the lead in a kiss like this, although she certainly had not been totally passive -- but what she was doing to him with her lips and tongue now sent his hormones rocketing sky-high.

Kat let her tongue-tip trace the seam of Tommy’s lips as she undulated against him. The hard, tall body felt so incredible against her soft curves that she purred deep within her throat. The tiny vibrations sent shivers down the two teens’ spines, and involuntarily Tommy answered with a groan that seemed to rise from the deepest recesses of his soul. Almost immediately, Kat took advantage of the fact that the firm lips opened slightly under hers, and she slipped her moist oral organ inside, to duel with Tommy’s. He was unable to resist the blatant invitation and reciprocated. Within moments, the two were clutching hard at each other as they devoured their partner’s mouth almost savagely. Only when the need to breathe became too insistent did they separate reluctantly, bodies still pressed close, their breaths coming in short, fast gasps.

Katherine looked up into Tommy’s brown eyes with an expression in her sapphire pools that sent another surge of blood directly into his already-straining shaft. She felt the instinctive thrust of his hips against hers, and answered with a sensuous grind that provoked yet another deep moan. Barely able to keep his eyes open with arousal, Tommy watched his normally serene, calm, demure girlfriend transform into a sexy siren right before him. All the shyness and insecurity that Kat had displayed in their lovemaking before seemed to have vanished into thin air, and the sensual smile playing around the soft, moist lips was truly a sight to behold. Tommy captured it with his own lips.

Their kiss, like the ones before and quite a few after, lasted a long time. The two Rangers were lost only within each other as they explored, licked, nibbled and nipped at soft tissues and moist tongues until their bodies throbbed with need. Finally, Kat took a small step backwards, her hands still locked around her boyfriend’s neck and her hips once more swaying against the steel-hard ridge in Tommy’s pants. Her eyes sparkled with an expression he had never seen in them before, and she slowly licked her already-glistening lips again.

"Ohmygod, Kaaaaat ...!" Tommy moaned as he thrust his hips insistently into her softness. His head was swimming as he tried to collect his wits when he heard the Pink Ranger chuckle softly deep within her throat. The sound made his blood pressure soar.

"Kat .... oh God, Kat, please ... !" Tommy panted as he felt the smooth hands glide under his tank top, outlining and caressing the muscles on his back and chest.

"Hmmm? Please what?"

The sultry purr wrapped itself around Tommy’s consciousness, making it extremely difficult for him to concentrate. Kat had succeeded in pushing the thin cotton up and her hands roamed unhindered over the warm expanse of skin. Tommy gasped at the bolt of sexual energy shooting into his groin as she gently pinched a tiny nipple.

"Kat .... uhhn ... Kat .... w-what are you ... mmmmm ... d-doing?"

"Can’t you tell, Tommy?" the blonde seductress whispered into his ear, flicking a moist tongue-tip against the shell. The sensation was unexpectedly erotic, and Tommy angled his neck into the flirty caress. Because of that, he almost didn’t notice what Kat’s hands were doing to the front of his loose chinos. Before he could react, much less protest, she had opened the fly and was slipping those incredible hands inside his boxers, dipping over his asscheeks to grasp the tight muscles in a teasing grip. Then, Kat slid them towards the front and his throbbing erection once more. The Red Ranger moaned loudly as his girlfriend cupped his balls in one hand and skimmed along his rod with the other.

Kat watched Tommy’s reactions to her boldness avidly. A part of her was wondering why she was doing this, how she could be so forward, but it was drowned out by the thrill of reducing Tommy to a blob of simmering hormones. The feeling of sheer power it gave her was completely exhilarating, and the ache spread from her tits towards her pussy. A new idea occurred to her.

*You’re mad! You’ve never done this before!* The voice in her mind tried to dissuade her, but her own needs overruled it.

*So what? Tommy will love it, and it’s not as if he could tell, anyway!*

Before she could change her mind, Kat slowly sank to her knees before Tommy, pushing his pants and underwear down on the way. His engorged cock twitched as the air hit the heated skin, and the sight of a drop of clear fluid gathering at the very tip made Kat’s mouth water. She pressed a first kiss against the spongy head and felt it flare. Encouraged, she closed her eyes and opened her lips, reaching out with her tongue. A few tentative licks produced deeper moans from above, and Kat could feel tremors starting in the strong thighs. Inhaling a shaky breath, she opened her mouth wide and drew as much of the throbbing length inside as she could manage. Holding very still to get accustomed to the taste and feel of actually having Tommy’s cock within her mouth, she moved her tongue a bit against the satiny smoothness. Liking the sensation, she began to explore.

Tommy nearly went into sensory overload. As soon as Kat sank to the ground, he’d known -- prayed for -- what was coming, but nothing could have prepared him for the incredible feeling of having his cock deeply imbedded in that hot, wet cavern. He couldn’t help himself; he buried both hands in the silky strands of Kat’s hair as he stared at the pink lips wrapped so tightly around his length. When her rough/smooth tongue began lapping at the ridge around the corona, he almost lost it. Instinctively, his hips snapped forward, burying more of him inside that incredible orifice. Tommy felt himself hit the back of Kat’s throat, and withdrew again. His sighs and moans rose from somewhere deep within, and he grasped the blonde head more firmly, tilting it slightly upwards. The angle at which he thrust altered somewhat, and Tommy sensed Kat’s teeth grazing his shaft. He started to tremble with need, and groaned out her name.

"Kaaat ...!"

The girl slowly opened her eyes at the not-quite desperate sound and looked up into Tommy’s face, her own pools a deep blue, blazing hotly from within. Deliberately, she swirled her tongue around the silky head, finding the vee of the ridge and licking repeatedly against it. There was something incredibly thrilling about the fact that, although she was on her knees before Tommy, it was he who was at her mercy. It reminded her of the feeling that seeing Jason bound on the bed had left her with. Although she hadn’t acknowledged it at the time, it had sent a sliver of arousal deep into the core of her body. But, this was not Jason; this was Tommy who shivered under her hands. Kat could almost taste his desire to just thrust forward, to bury himself within her mouth until he came. However, she wasn’t ready for that. Yet.

Kat gently withdrew from Tommy’s cock, licking delicately until she only held the very tip between her lips. A steady flood of pre-come dripped on her tongue, and she swallowed it a bit gingerly. Finding the taste not too bad, Kat became once more aware of her own body’s desires. Her breasts ached with the need to be touched, to feel Tommy’s hot tongue wrapped around the hardened knots that were her nipples, and she knew she was soaking wet in her shorts. With a gentle, parting kiss she released the silk-covered steel from her wet oral embrace. Burying her face briefly in the dark curls at the base of the throbbing shaft, she nuzzled there for a few moments, then trailed teasing fingertips over the swollen testes and lithely got up again, to find herself caught in a crushing embrace.

Heedless of Tommy’s pants puddling around his ankles, the two devoured each other as Tommy yanked Kat’s t-shirt out of her shorts and burrowed upwards to her aching mounds. Almost roughly, he fumbled briefly with the front clasp of her bra and pushed the lacy cups aside, filling both palms with the soft weight. Tommy brushed his thumbs across the hard tips, causing Kat to suck in a sharp breath and grind her hips against his naked flesh. Tommy tore his mouth away, gasping for air. His eyes burned into their sapphire counterparts, and the fire in them fanned the flames of his own desire to new heights. Tommy had to swallow hard before he found his voice. The light baritone was hoarse with need as Tommy kneaded Kat’s heaving breasts.

"Kat .... oh God, Kat .... I want you ...!"

"Yessss!"

The sharp hiss was enough to bring their mouths together once more, tongues duelling with each other. A few awkward shuffles, since he didn’t want to let go of the young woman in his arms, enabled the Red Ranger to step out of his crumpled pants and underwear. He then swept Kat up into his arms and without a backward glance carried her inside, towards the bedroom. Once there, Tommy let Kat glide down his body and proceeded to take off her clothes with an urgency he’d never displayed before. The Pink Ranger revelled in his touch, moving with the marauding hands while still dusting hot, sucking kisses and licks all over Tommy’s face, neck and shoulders. Within moments, they were both naked and sank onto the freshly-made bed, where they writhed together with an abandon they’d never shared before.

Kat arched her back, moaning loudly, as Tommy captured a pebbled nipple between his lips. The rosy knot of tissue was hard as stone and ached fiercely, and the first wet swipe of his tongue brought only momentary relief. She thrust her breasts upwards, into closer contact with Tommy’s mouth. He got the blatant hint. Chuckling breathlessly, he bit into the small protrusion -- not enough to hurt, but more than enough to call forth a sigh that was halfway between torment and pleasure.

"Tommm--meeee!"

He didn’t answer verbally; instead, he gathered Kat’s heaving bosom up in both hands, pressing the firm globes close together so he could flick his tongue rapidly from one hard nipple to the other and back again. Their lower bodies were grinding against each other, almost humping in their eagerness to take and be taken. Nothing mattered but the pleasure they were giving each other, and Tommy finally released one rosy-white swell to cup the moist mound between Kat’s legs. They fell open at his first touch.

"Tommy, please," the Australian panted. The emptiness she felt seemed almost unbearable; she only knew that she needed to be filled by Tommy’s hot, throbbing shaft, now! Kat tugged impatiently at the broad shoulders, seeking out the ravenous mouth with her own once more.

"I want to make this last ..."

"No! Tommy, I need you within me, now!"

Since his own need was eagerly agreeing with the gasped demand, the young man acquiesced and moved between the invitingly spread thighs. Lifting them up towards his waist, he couldn’t resist the temptation to draw this out just a bit longer. He bent forward and licked roughly at the glistening folds gaping through the blonde curls. As soon as he made contact with the swollen pearl hidden there, he could feel Kat convulse in orgasm. She screamed softly as the waves of pleasure engulfed her, then collapsed bonelessly into his arms.

"Oooohhhh!"

Tommy couldn’t help himself; he laughed as he wiped the moisture off his lips and chin on Kat’s smooth belly and moved upwards. Despite her climax, she eagerly opened up to him as he entered her with one fluid stroke. They’d never before had been so much at ease with each other, and Kat clung to Tommy’s shoulders as he settled himself more comfortably within her. Both teens paused to savour the exquisite feeling as her velvety folds gripped the hard length of his cock. Sparkling blue eyes met glittering brown ones as the two undulated against each other. Mouths met in yet another searing kiss. Then, Tommy eased backwards and thrust his hips once, driving himself still deeper into the welcoming body. Simultaneously, they moaned. Another deep stroke sent shudders down their spines. Tommy paused once more, afraid he would snap.

Kat wrapped her legs high around Tommy’s torso and drew him down into another long, thoroughly arousing kiss as she clenched her inner muscles around the pulsating rod. When they came up for air, their hearts were thundering against each other.

"Take me, Tommy; make love to me. Please!" Kat shifted her hips slightly, eliciting a soft groan from her lover.

"Mmmmmmh!" The sensual sound was acompanied by a shallow stroke into her heat. Tommy couldn’t remember when being within Kat had ever felt so good.

*You’ve never been completely naked within her before!* his mental voice reminded him drily. That was the only reason which enabled Tommy to stop. Trying to withdraw from the delightful warmth, he gathered his spinning wits.

"Kat ... Kat, honey, wait...!"

He barely recognized his own voice, it was so raspy with need.

"Hmm? What?" The sexy purr was also almost unrecognizable.

"Kat, I ... I need to get a condom," Tommy panted. He didn’t want to leave the delicious heat surrounding his manhood, but a last shred of sanity remained. However, Kat’s next words destroyed even that.

"Not necessary. There was one of Zordon’s pills left ... I took it before I ...." Her breathless words were swallowed by Tommy’s mouth as he buried his tongue and his cock deeply within her mouth and pussy. Within seconds, nothing existed but the insistent desire to become one, to scale the heights of ecstasy together.

Lips caressed and teeth nipped. Hands stroked and glided. Legs entwined and hips thrust against each other as Pink and Red Ranger drove each other higher and higher, straining for that elusive spark that would ignite the universe around them. When they reached it, they cried out the other’s name as first Kat, then Tommy tumbled head-over-heels into climactic oblivion.

"Tommy!"

"Kat!"

Long-drawn out moans filled the air as they slowed down, still rocking against each other. Gradually, tight grips loosened and frantic kisses gentled as their thundering heartbeats subsided. Only when the last little spasm had faded did Tommy lift his sweaty face from Kat’s neck, to look into azure pools that glowed and sparkled with an inner flame that sent his pulse skyrocketing again. Still out of breath, he laughed softly as he observed the smug little smile play around her kiss-swollen pink lips.

"I know you don’t like it much, but right now you really look like a cat that has gotten the canary!"

"Mrrrreeouww!"

Kat growled at Tommy playfully, for once not chiding him about making a cat joke. Instead, she let the throaty sound roll sexily around her tongue and drew his head down to hers, to nip and nibble at his mouth. She arched into his chest as their tongues duelled, rubbing her still-throbbing nipples against the smooth musculature. The Red Ranger let himself be swept away by the exquisite sensations; however, a shift in position dislodged his softening penis from its delightfully warm, moist sheath.

"Uuhnn ...." both moaned simultanously, half with laughter and half with disappointment. Tommy finally rolled off Kat, only to gather her closely in his arms. He gently brushed back a few strands of hair that clung to her damp cheeks. She looked up at him with a look in her eyes that he’d never quite seen before. Normally, when they made love, the blue pools took on a deep glow, shining softly with love and satisfaction. All of that was there now, too, but overlaid with a kind of glitter that sent new shafts of heat into his belly. Tommy kissed Kat once more, taking her mouth slowly, sensually, until they were both breathless with laughter and not-quite satiated desire.

The young woman traced the strong features with her fingertips, until they wandered into the long mahogany locks. Tommy chuckled as he shook his head, dusting the fair skin with the strands. His hands roamed over Kat’s curves, gently tickling here, petting soothingly there, dipping into the sweet folds to trail moistened fingertips to the rosy nipples, circling them until they began to harden once more. He bent to take another taste, and Kat arched her back, offering her creamy globes to his mouth. Tommy couldn’t resist and took his time, exploring, kneading, licking and suckling. He stopped before things went any further, though. For one thing, he was still somewhat spent from the most intense orgasm he’d ever experienced, and for another, he was enjoying Kat’s uninhibited responses far too much. Making love to her like this was something he’d dreamed about, but hadn’t wanted to push her into.

Kat issued yet another sexy moan as her lover released her aching breast to move upwards again, claiming her hungry mouth as they aligned their bodies more comfortably on the rumpled sheet. She reluctantly opened her eyes as she felt Tommy draw away slightly.

"Tommy?"

He shivered at the husky tone. Their legs were still entwined with each other, and he propped his head up on one elbow as he let his free hand glide over the smooth skin, from shoulder to hip and back up again. He laughed gently at his girlfriend as he stole another kiss.

"You sure are a wildcat today."

"Do you mind?" She sent him a smoldering glance as she outlined his pectorals with a teasing finger.

"Not at all." It was Tommy’s turn to sigh sensually as Kat flicked a fingernail over his tiny nipple, sending little electrical sparks directly into his groin.

"I’m just wondering what’s gotten into you all of a sudden. I’m not complaining, mind, but ..." his voice trailed off as he felt Kat stiffen in his arms. The soft hand fell away from his chest and Tommy could just barely see the blue eyes shutter before Kat turned her head away.

"Kat?"

He gently took her chin in his hand when she wouldn’t look at him, lovingly forcing her to meet his eyes.

"What is it, honey?"

Kat swallowed as tears threatened to gather and spill over. She had known this was coming, but did it have to be here -- now?

"Maybe ..." she had to force the words through her dry throat, "... maybe you shouldn’t ask what has gotten into me, but who."

"Huh?" Tommy stared at his girlfriend uncomprehendingly. Then, the meaning of her words registered, along with the dull flush on the porcelain face and the anxious look she cast in his direction.

"I ... I see."

He sat up, running both hands through his hair as he brushed the long strands back.

"Jason, right?"

"Yes." Kat’s affirmative came in a very small voice. "Tommy, I ..."

The Red Ranger inhaled deeply. Seeing the trepidation in the lovely face, he forced images of Kat and Jason writhing on this very bed from his mind and lay down again, gathering the nude form close. He kissed her forehead.

"It’s okay, Kat. I ... you caught me by surprise, is all. I guess I should have expected something like this might happen, but ... I just never thought ..."

Her tears did spill over then. Kat tried to turn away, but Tommy wouldn’t let her. He pulled her back into his arms and held her wordlessly as she cried, trying to come to terms with the fact that it hadn’t been him, but his best friend who had been the one to unlock the sensuality of Kat’s nature -- something he’d more sensed than known about, but longed to experience. Well, now he had. Tommy gently stroked the trembling girl as he let his mind wander over the past couple of weeks, back to That Weekend. He hadn’t asked before because he wanted to give Kat time to regroup somewhat, but it seemed the moment had come.

"Can you tell me about it?" he asked quietly when he felt Kat slowly relax in his arms again. She shivered as she wiped her wet cheeks on the pillow.

"Do you want a blanket, or something?" Tommy inquired solicitously, thinking Kat might be cold.

A light breeze came in through the open window; it actually felt rather good to Tommy on his still-overheated skin, but if Kat needed the cosiness and security of covering up .... besides, she’d always been a bit hesitant about being naked with him outside of actually making love.

"N-no, I’m fine," she hiccuped as she snuck a peek into the lean face. The chocolate eyes were serious, but still warm; maybe this wasn’t going to be too hard, after all. Taking heart from the slight smile and gentle kiss Tommy brushed against her forehead, she rested her head against his shoulder and sent her thoughts back to the two days she had spent mostly in Jason’s arms. Drawing a deep breath, she unconsciously hugged Tommy’s waist as she launched into her memories.

"It ... it started out very much like we expected; I came up here just as Tanya and Jason had finished the first cycle. I..."

The Pink Ranger had to swallow several times as she explained the sequence of events, suddenly embarrassed. It was one thing to do what she had done and talk about the experience with Tanya and Jason, who had been there, but quite another to relate intimate details to her boyfriend. However, Tommy deserved to know. He already knew the basics, so to speak, and there was no real need to describe everything that had passed between her and his best friend. She forced herself to continue.

"...Jason said that it wasn’t really helping him when I just held still and just let him ... you know. Anyway, we both took a shower after the first time, and when we came back here, he sort of lost control for a while." Kat looked up into Tommy’s eyes just in time to catch the expression of alarm wash over his face. His arms tightened around her.

"God, Kat, he ...." Tommy’s voice suddenly was hoarse with strain. Had he let his girlfriend go into a situation where she had been hurt in any way? "Jase didn’t hurt you, did he?"

"No, no, nothing like that," she soothed him, smiling lightly. "It was just ... I was about to restrain him again when he suddenly couldn’t hold back any longer. I had no choice but to go along with what he was doing. Anyway, somehow or other, I don’t exactly know how or why it happened, but I began to respond to Jason, and that was sort of the turning point."

Katherine felt Tommy slowly relax beside her as her words sank in. It gave her the courage to tell the rest. Cuddling closer to the muscular body, she didn’t notice the slightly dreamy note in her voice as she gave Tommy a somewhat expurgated version of events. Tommy did, but decided not to pursue the matter right now.

He was silent for quite some time when she finished, thinking about what she’d said ... and not said. The Red Ranger knew that Kat had only given him the bare facts (he had to grin somewhat sardonically at the aptness of the expression), but he didn’t really need or want to know every tiny little detail of what Jason and Kat had done together. Finally, he turned towards the lovely face resting on his shoulder.

"So -- what you’re saying is that you and Jase didn’t just have sex, but made love."

It wasn’t a question, and both knew it, despite Tommy’s carefully neutral tone.

"Yeah. It was ... oh, Tommy, I don’t know! I really can’t explain this. It was the same as when we made love, but it was also totally different. It certainly was .... easier, in some ways. I didn’t have to hold back, physically or mentally. Not that I have to, with you, but ... And Jason was so relieved ... he actually cried after that first time!"

"Jase ... crying?" That was a thought that hadn’t occurred to Tommy before. Somehow, it felt strange to picture his best friend so emotional -- Jason had so much control normally, even if he tended to lose his temper in a fight every now and then. But there had always been extenuating cicumstances before.

*Like having to have sex with someone else’s girl ... girls ... or turn into a sex-crazed maniac does not qualify as extenuating circumstances? Get real!*

He shook his head and tightened his arms around Kat’s shoulders, hugging her to him.

"What .... what else happened? If you want to tell me, that is," he added hastily, not wanting to seem merely curious.

Kat thought for a moment. She had told Tommy most of the basic facts already; was there something else he needed to know to really understand? A memory of how she had come on to him only a short time before assailed her. Yes, he deserved an explanation for that -- even though he’d participated enthusiastically once the surprise wore off, Kat had sensed his underlying bewilderment. The question was, could she explain her changed attitude and uncharacteristic behaviour? She could only try.

"Tommy ... I guess you’re sort of wondering why I ... I mean, just now, on the porch ..." She blushed furiously as she recalled how brazenly she had come on to Tommy. At the same time Kat, with guilty pleasure, experienced a fresh surge of arousal as she remembered how it had felt to take Tommy’s pulsating rod into her mouth, listening to his moans.

"Yeah," he admitted, his own cheeks just as red. "I mean, it ... you were totally awesome, and I’ve wanted that for quite some time, but ... you always seemed so, I dunno, shy about us making love before, or experimenting a bit ..."

"I know," Kat grinned fleetingly, then sobered again. "But Tommy ... when I was with Jason ... his need was so great, and we did it so often ... there was no room to be embarrassed, or inhibited. I ... I guess I lost all that pretty fast. Tanya and I talked about that some; I think it was because it wasn’t just about me, about my desires. It was about saving Jason from the effects of that ‘Ecstasy’ stuff. And now I can’t exactly go back to the way things were ... before."

Before Kat could say more, Tommy drew her closer to him.

"I’m not sure I want you to," he mumbled into her hair as he let his warm hand glide over her back, down past her waist to cup a gently rounded buttock. Delightedly, Kat could feel the gradual lengthening of Tommy’s manhood against her soft belly. "I kinda like you this way."

She shifted slightly and moaned under her breath as the narrow hips ground minutely against her own.

"I just wish it could have been me to show you all these things," Tommy sighed, only half-seriously. He let his hands roam upwards again, to tease and explore the soft mounds with their hardening rosy tips. His own excitement rose another notch when Kat arched against him, offering herself to his mouth. Before That Weekend, she would have lain back more passively, letting him have his way. Now, she buried her fingers in his long hair, pressing him deeper into her bosom.

"Maybe ..." she moaned more loudly as his moist lips fastened over a throbbing nipple, "... maybe we can learn from each other?"

She laughed breathlessly as Tommy lifted his head briefly from the tempting feast, to look at her with eyes that began to smolder with renewed desire. He just cocked a questioning eyebrow at her as he bent once more to suckle her breast.

"There are a few things Jase and I haven’t done," she reassured him with a slightly naughty smile, giddy with growing excitement. Letting her hands drift down the muscular torso, she grasped her lover’s by now fully engorged cock in a firm yet gentle grip, causing him to draw in a hissing breath. Kat disentangled herself from the strong arms and pushed Tommy back against the pillows. Leaning over him, she slowly began to pump her hand up and down his pulsating shaft as she pressed a hungry kiss against his mouth. Tommy filled both palms with her swaying mounds as he delighted in her sure touch. Barely able to think coherently, he managed to gasp as she nipped at his hardened nipples.

"Like ... like wh - what?" Every nerve cell in him was rapidly drowning in sensation as things began to heat up once more.

"Like this, for example," Kat murmured thickly as she scooted down Tommy’s sculpted body, her mouth once more hovering only inches from his already-leaking cock. He waited with bated breath for the first touch of the soft lips and nearly lost it completely as the rosy tongue-tip snaked out to lick delicately at the reddened skin. Burying his hands in the sunny locks, he shelved everything else as he gave himself over to his girlfriend, wanting only to revel in her newly-discovered sensuality and hardly able to wait for his own turn -- to do at least some of the things to her he’d read about in magazines, fantasized about more than once ever since they’d become lovers, and what he’d assumed so far that Kat was too shy to agree to. As the waves of desire lapped higher, engulfing their writhing bodies, a last thought penetrated Tommy’s pleasure-fogged mind.

*I never thought there’d come a day when I might actually be thankful for one of Mondo’s schemes!*

***

Jason sat at a table at the Beach Club, watching Emily deal with the last few customers. She wove agilely through the jumble of chairs and tables, smiling occasionally in his direction. He slowly sipped his drink, thinking of nothing in particular except how good he was starting to feel again. His strength was gradually building up again, and regular checkups by Zordon and Billy monitored his progress so that he was in no danger of overdoing things. Sometimes, the Ex-Ranger chafed under the gentle restrictions, but he tried very hard to follow his mind on this, and not let his impatience win out. Jason was so lost in his musings, that he never noticed Emily’s approach until she tapped him on the shoulder.

"Where’ve you been, handsome?" she asked teasingly, laughing as he flushed slightly. It always amused her how easy it was to embarrass her boyfriend whenever she referred to his undeniable good looks.

Jason jumped almost guiltily. His mind had involuntarily strayed back to That Weekend, remembering the spectacular sunsets up in the mountains he’d shared with Kat and Tanya. Of course, he couldn’t tell Emily about that.

"Thinking about a certain lovely blue-eyed blonde," he grinned, suppressing the small pang his not-quite lie caused him.

*Well, it’s true,* he tried to console himself. *She doesn’t need to know that I still can’t get Kat out of my mind!*

He was rationalizing, and knew it. But it brought a delighted smile to Emily’s face, and she slipped an arm around his waist as the two of them wandered off down the beach, waving good-bye to Ernie in passing. Ruthlessly, Jason shoved his memories back into the dark corner of his mind where they belonged. Emily leaned her head against his shoulder as they ambled along, perfectly content in his embrace. She sighed happily, and felt the strong arm tighten around her shoulders. Both teens didn’t talk until they reached the small outcropping of rocks, where they’d had their first real conversation, just before Louie Kaboom showed up. Jason drew Emily down onto the same boulder they’d sat upon all those weeks ago. Before he could say anything, she turned towards him and pulled his head down, brushing a soft kiss against his lips.

"I missed you."

The soft confession was much gentler than she usually talked to him.

"I missed you, too," Jason replied, returning her kiss just as softly. He knew this to be true; if his situation two weeks ago hadn’t been so desperate, he’d never have considered going behind Emily’s back to seek sexual relief. Mentally shaking himself, he hugged her close, tucking her head under his chin as she snuggled into his chest. Was it his imagination, or did Emily seem more ... gentle, somehow, less inclined to assert her fierce independence? If that was the case, he heartily approved. While he had always admired Emily’s sheer spunk, he’d sometimes wished she were more attuned to his moods. What hardly anybody knew was the fact that Jason Scott, Red and Gold Ranger, one of the fiercest warriors of Earth, had a well-hidden strong romantic streak -- and it was hard to express that when your girlfriend tried at every opportunity to assert the fact that she very much was her own woman.

The blonde girl sighed happily. Meeting Jason and falling in love with him was turning out to be a wonderful experience; he was every bit as strong and independent-minded as Eddie had been, but he didn’t need to prove it constantly to everybody. He just ... was. There was a maturity and self-confidence in Jason that Emily had very rarely found in any of her contemporaries -- but come to think of it, all of his friends were like that. Emily felt very glad that the gang, as they referred laughingly to themselves, accepted her so unquestioningly. For once, she could just be herself, not needing to prove how tough she could be. She scooted deeper into Jason’s arms as they sat, kissing occasionally, and watched the sun slowly sink into the horizon, painting the water in vibrant pinks and oranges. They held each other as they cuddled, enjoying their closeness mostly in silence until Emily stirred in Jason’s arms.

"Jase?" Emily whispered his name, trying not to disturb the mellow mood.

"Hmmm?"

"Can ... can I ask you about something?"

Emily’s voice was uncertain, and a faint blush stained her tanned cheeks. Jason watched her curiously.

"Sure. You can ask me anything you want -- I won’t tell. I thought you knew that."

"I do; it’s just ... this is .... kinda personal."

Thoroughly intrigued, the young man sat up, to get a better look of the pretty face. Giving her an encouraging nod, he just said quietly, "Go ahead. If I can’t, or won’t, answer, I’ll say so."

Emily looked into her boyfriend’s dark eyes, seeing the warmth and sincerity in them. Gathering her courage, she blurted out the question that had had her wondering for quite some time.

"Have ... have you ever .... made love with anyone?"

Jason leaned back, slightly stunned. Of all things, he hadn’t expected this. He felt the colour rising in his cheeks as he briefly thought about what exactly to tell Emily. He finally settled on the truth, as far as his experience before That Weekend was concerned.

"Yes. There was a girl in Geneva ... Bernadette ... although, it wasn’t really making love. We were intimate, yes, but ...."

"I don’t understand," the young woman said, frowning slightly. Jason sighed, remembering.

"Baby ... I don’t know if I can explain it properly. Bernie and I ... we were friends, sort of ... we had a lot of interests in common, and liked each other very much .... We had dated before, nothing heavy, but ... the opportunity was there, we were curious, so we ended up in bed together. It was good, but we found out pretty soon that that wasn’t what we wanted out of our relationship. It was more than just sex, but not really enough, either. I’m lucky that we were able to remain friends, afterwards. I don’t regret sharing my first time with Bernie, but it should have been more than just affection and attraction, I guess. Why?"

The blonde thought about his words.

"I ... it’s just ... I’ve been thinking about doing it lately. Since I met you, to be exact." Emily blushed hotly and wouldn’t meet Jason’s eyes. He hugged her, touched.

"Oh baby ... but what about your pledge? I thought you promised somewhere to wait for marriage?"

Jason wasn’t sure what to make of Emily’s admission. Sure, he was attracted to her, but after experiencing Tanya and Kat’s generosity and caring, he was not at all certain he was ready for an intimate relationship right now. Emily’s pledge had been a good deterrent from letting his fantasies run amok. On the other hand, his hormones reared up with interest, and he became uncomfortably aware that his shorts were getting a bit tight in certain places.

"It ... it’s not permanent," the girl whispered, her face still buried in his broad chest. "I gave the pledge in our church, before we moved here, but the pastor wouldn’t accept permanent ones from anyone under sixteen. He thought we needed at least some maturity, in order to make an informed decision. I was only fourteen at the time, and we came here before I could pledge again. I really wanted to ... and it was a good excuse to give the people I was hanging out with at the time. They were into trying out everything, especially sex, and if you didn’t want to be hassled, you had to go along with the group. Talk about peer pressure!"

Emily sat up and brushed her hair back. She looked at Jason from under her bangs; seeing that he was raptly listening to her, she continued.

"Anyway, those kids respected one thing only, and that was if you had promised something. So, after I pledged at church, they stopped pressuring me. When we moved to Angel Grove, it was just as good an excuse not to give in to Eddie and his friends."

"Are you telling me that guy hit on you?" Jason straightened, indignant. He didn’t care much for the other boy, although he was civil to him for Emily’s sake when they accidentally ran into each other. True, he’d cleaned up his act some, but there was still too much of a rebellious streak in him for Jason’s taste.

Emily smiled at his reaction.

"Not really. He tried to persuade me, but I managed to convince him I was serious. He left me alone after that. Mostly. Then I met you, and ..." her voice trailed off. Jason knew that his girlfriend had severed most of her ties to the group of bikers, only seeing them occasionally for old times’ sake. Grudgingly, he settled down again. Emily took his hand in hers, tracing the palm with soft fingertips as she searched for the right words to continue.

"Jason .... what I’m trying to say is ... I guess if you wanted me to ... you know... I think I could give back my promise."

The former Ranger was stunned speechless. He never would have guessed that what Emily felt for him went that deep. A part of him couldn’t help but be flattered and interested -- what normal young man wouldn’t be, after such an admission from his pretty girlfriend, but another part was frantically searching for a way out, without hurting Emily.

*I’m not ready for this! Not now! Not when I’m still hung up over Kat! Besides, if That Weekend has shown me anything at all, it’s that I don’t want 'just sex'! And I don’t know yet if I really love her, or not!*

Jason turned more fully towards Emily and cupped her flushed face between both hands. Tilting it up, he kissed her very gently on the mouth, caressing the soft lips until they opened for him. While he explored the moist warmth, he tried to marshal his thoughts. It wasn’t easy, not with the way Emily was responding to him, moaning softly in her throat. Just before they were out of breath, he released the clinging lips with a last, gentle lick. Seeing the blue eyes open again, he smiled at the dreamy expression. Jason brushed his mouth over her cheeks, into her hair, and drew her back into his arms. Deciding that only honesty (as far as he was able to give it) would suffice, he thought for a moment before he began to speak.

"Emily ... baby, I don’t know what to say. No, hear me out, okay?" He smiled reassuringly at his girlfriend before she could say anything.

"Look, first of all, I’m touched, I really am, that you would want to be, uh, close to me like that. I know it’s a big step, especially for a girl. But ... I can’t help you with that decision. It has to be yours; if you feel being intimate with someone is right for you, that’s fine." He grinned a bit sheepishly.

"However ... Emily, I don’t know if it’s the right step for us. Not right now, anyway."

"I’m in love with you, Jase," Emily protested, slightly hurt at what she perceived as his rejection. "I told you so!"

"I know you did," he replied soothingly. "And I care for you, as well. A lot, actually. And you’re pretty, and funny, and smart, and everything I ever wanted in a girlfriend. It’s not that I don’t want you -- it’s just that I want to wait. We’ve been dating ... how long? A couple of months?"

"Almost three," she pouted. "And you’re using what should be my lines!"

Jason had to laugh at that and hugged her close.

"So I am," he grinned, planting a teasing kiss on the tip of her nose. She glowered at him, but her lips were twitching at the corners. Jason became serious again.

"Emily ... being with Bernadette has shown me one thing. I want a real emotional commitment before I make love to anybody again. I don’t necessarily want to wait ‘til I get married, but sex alone is not enough for me -- not anymore. I care about you, yes, but I want to be able to say ‘I love you’ ... and mean it. We simply haven’t been together long enough for me to be sure about that. You say you’re in love with me, and I believe you, but is it the real thing? Enough for a potential commitment to each other?"

It had been more the time he’d spent with Tanya and Kat that had brought Jason to that conclusion, but again, it was something he felt he couldn’t share with his girlfriend. Especially not now.

"I ... I don’t know," Emily admitted, reluctantly. "I think so."

"Well, why can’t we wait until we’re both sure? No pressure from both of us, we take things as they come, and if we find out along the way that we want to get together that way, that’s fine. If it turns out differently, that’s fine, too. That way, we’re not rushing into anything, and need not regret things we did or didn’t do."

The girl thought about what Jason said. He certainly had a point, but seeing her cousin with her husband, holding their tiny daughter, had awakened desires in her she hadn’t known before. Her cousin wasn’t that much older than her, and she had envied her the easy intimacy, the half-hidden caresses she exchanged with her husband. Emily longed for that, and she knew Jason would not take advantage of her. He was far too honourable for that. Having her wishes denied now by the very man she wanted to fulfill them, felt like rejection. She sighed, a bit angrily.

For once, Jason could follow Emily’s sometimes convoluted thought processes -- at least up to a point.

"Baby, I’m not rejecting you." He kissed her again. "I just want to be very sure this is right for both of us. Let’s take our time, and when we still feel that way about each other in a while, I’d be more than happy to oblige you."

Emily shivered at the husky tone. In her mind, she had to admit Jason made a lot of sense, but she’d agonized so over her decision, torn between her awakening desires, the promise she’d made and the strong feelings she had for her handsome boyfriend ... it wasn’t easy to step back again. However, deep down, a tiny part of her breathed a huge sigh of relief that Jason had made this decision for both of them, instead of immediately taking her up on her offer. Emily grudgingly admitted to herself that it was the right choice. Still, she couldn’t resist a parting remark, more out of slightly injured pride than anything else.

"Have I ever told you I hate it when you’re right?"

"Repeatedly," Jason grinned, relieved that he'd averted a possible fight. He settled back against the sun-warmed rock, drawing Emily across his lap. Tracing her features with a broad, warm fingertip, he turned serious dark eyes on her.

"Emily, I want very much to make love with you." Somewhat to his surprise, it was the truth. "If ... when we’re both ready, I’ll be honoured if you really want me to be the first for you. But please, let’s take this slow and wait a while yet?"

She looked at Jason for a long while, then nodded reluctantly.

"It ... it’s just not easy to wait," she admitted. "The way you make me feel when we kiss ..." Emily blushed hotly.

"I guess it’s about the same when I’m holding you like this," Jason conceded ruefully. "You’re so pretty ... at times, it’s very hard not to do something like this." Very carefully, he placed a hand over her breast, squeezing gently.

Emily sucked in a sharp breath at the sensation, feeling her nipple contract and harden. She stiffened instinctively, and Jason removed his hand in a gentle caress.

"You see? I don’t think you’re quite as ready as you thought you’d be."

The absence of that warm pressure on her body was at the same time reassuring and disappointing.

"How ... how will I know when I’m ready?" she asked in a small voice.

"I dunno. We can only wait and see, and maybe try a little, every now and then. Okay?"

"O-okay."

The two sat on the warm sand, holding each other, just looking into the other’s eyes. After a few moments, Jason chuckled and drew Emily closer to his chest.

"Meanwhile, why don’t we go with what we’re already comfortable with?"

With that, he captured the soft lips with his own and began to explore her mouth once more, delighting in the soft sounds and sweet surrender Emily granted him as they kissed, until darkness settled around them. Walking home hand in hand, they felt mellow and content -- even if a slight element of frustration had managed to creep in. They were healthy teenagers, after all, and common sense and resolve only went so far. Saying goodbye to Emily on her doorstep with a long, thorough kiss goodnight, Jason made his way to his parents’ house, thankful that at least one of his ghosts had been laid to rest. He felt a new sense of comfort and security in his relationship with Emily, and for the first time in days, he’d been able to banish images of the Pink Ranger from his mind. He knew he wasn’t quite over Kat yet, but his experience with Emily this afternoon gave him hope that he could let go ... eventually.

*Now if I only had that talk with Adam and Tommy behind me yet!*

Jason sighed as he unlocked the front door, went up to his room and flopped down on his bed. Hands laced behind his head, he stared at the ceiling. He was very much tempted to just let the matter lie, but he was well aware of the underlying strain between him and his friends. The former Ranger knew that clearing the air was the only way to regain their former ease with each other, and he wanted that above all. Jason missed his closeness with Tommy especially. He couldn’t help remembering Tommy offering himself to him; it still filled him with a feeling of awe and gratitude. However, the way things had turned out, he doubted he could have responded to the Red Ranger -- or Tommy to him -- in the fashion necessary to really break the potion’s hold over his system. In retrospect, Jason could envision himself taking Tommy -- he flushed a bit guiltily at the rush of arousal the image still brought to his mind -- but he had a hard time picturing the two of them just exploring each other, taking their time to evoke responses, caressing warm, damp skin with hands and lips ...

With a mental shake, Jason let go of his musings; they only served to arouse him further, and since his nocturnal fantasies and dreams were more than sufficient for the moment, he didn’t want to provoke his subconscious into something he was not at all prepared to handle. Deciding to leave well enough alone, he prepared for bed, slipped under the covers and soon fell asleep, his dreams for once populated not only by Tanya and/or Kat, but also the mischievous face of Emily as she, too bent over him with seduction in mind.

***

Adam watched Tanya sleep beside him, the gathering dusk gradually obscuring his view of her gentle curves, which were only partially covered by her floral sheets. They had gone to her room and undressed each other slowly, much like the first time they had made love. That had been at his house; today wasn’t the first time that he had entered Tanya’s domain, but they’d never been intimate here before. Their hands had moved over each newly-uncovered patch of skin, gently sensitizing each other until their breaths caught with increasing urgency. Moving as one, they had lain down on the soft mattress, and as Tanya’s scent surrounded him, Adam had reclaimed the girl he loved with a sense of awe and wonder, marvelling, as always, at her response to him.

They had rocked together slowly, sensually, both taking their time with the other, whispering words of love and encouragement, riding the gentle waves of desire until both Green and Yellow Rangers were pulled under into a friendly maelstrom from which they emerged sated and content. Afterwards, they had begun to talk, sharing their feelings about what had happened between them -- and between Tanya and Jason. Tanya had blushed to the roots of her hair and couldn’t look Adam in the eyes as she confessed to him that she had done more than just provide plain sexual relief to their former teammate -- that she had actually enjoyed making love with Jason, after that first near-disastrous coupling.

Adam had thought about that silently for a while, his eyes for once unreadable even to his girlfriend. Tanya tried to take comfort in the fact that his arms still held her close, a hand absently stroking her hip. Finally, the slim teen turned towards her. Kissing her gently on the forehead, he stared once more at the ceiling as he formulated his thoughts.

"You know ... if I had had any idea, before ... I think I would’ve had a bigger problem with that, while I was down here, wondering, worrying ... but from what you’ve told me, I believe I’m more glad than not that it was good for you."

"Huh?" Tanya raised her head from Adam’s chest, staring incredulously into the obsidian eyes.

He smiled at the lovely, dark-skinned girl in his arms.

"I know this sounds crazy, after the way I acted, but from what you’ve just told me ... if things had gone on like that first time ... I can’t stand to think of you in so much discomfort. The guys helped me to accept that you going with Jason need not make a difference between us, and I’d like to believe that. I don’t want it to make a difference. I know you had to offer your help. It’s in your nature, and I love you the way you are..." he couldn’t go on, because Tanya sealed his mouth with a deep, grateful kiss. When she let him up for air again, Adam laughed, a bit out of breath.

"I do, you know? Love you, that is. Maybe I’m not saying it often enough, but ..."

"You’re saying it as often as I need to hear it," Tanya replied, her voice husky with relief. "And I love you, too."

"I know," Adam murmured, nuzzling into the dark curly hair. He felt a pleasant lassitude steal over him, and Tanya had yawned delicately a couple of times already. But there were a few more things he needed to say.

"Tanya ... if you had known beforehand what was required, would you still have gone with Jason?"

The girl thought for a moment, cuddling closer to the slimly muscular body, so different from Jason’s, and yet so much more familiar and welcome. Adam’s wiry strength didn’t intimidate her as much as the older boy’s broader frame and more sculpted musculature had. Jason was certainly good to look at, she’d noticed that even before that afternoon at the lake -- after all, he and Tommy both liked to display their chests and arms by wearing tight tank tops not only while sparring, but also at school. Tanya wouldn’t go so far as accusing them of being exhibitionistic, but both former and current Red Ranger were rather aware of the envious and/or wistful glances they garnered from other teens of both sexes. Which brought her back to Adam’s question.

"I ... I think so. At least if I had had an inkling, I wouldn’t have needed to tie him up."

"You ... what?!?" Adam sat up with a start.

"Oops," Tanya murmured, blushing hotly. Somehow, she hadn’t wanted to let that tidbit of information slip and had carefully skirted around the issue. In view of the Green Ranger’s incredulous look, she hesitantly explained the circumstances. Before, she had only mentioned her physical and mental discomfort.

Adam shook his head in total amazement as he slowly sank back onto the pillows.

"I can’t believe Jason actually suggested that!"

"Neither could I, at first; but he’d startled me so ... and he was right, being in control helped, at least somewhat. Then, of course, once he and Kat had found out what we really needed to do, it was unnecessary."

"Wow," Adam breathed, as he tried to picture the scenario, but couldn’t. It just didn’t fit with his images of Tanya and Jason, much less of demure Kat.

They had talked more about their thoughts and experiences then, sharing with each other what they’d felt and learned about themselves. Tanya had been very grateful and relieved that the rest of the team had helped Adam cope with her decision, as she’d hoped they would, just as Kat had helped her. Gradually, they had become more drowsy as their sated bodies demanded rest. They knew that they would need to talk about That Weekend for quite some time, but they were back together, in each other’s arms, and right now, that was the most important thing.

***

Adam smiled once more as Tanya shifted in her sleep, dislodging the pastel-coloured sheet and baring her sumptuous breasts to his gaze. Unable to resist the temptation, he reached out with a gentle fingertip, tracing one soft mound. The dusky knot in the center began to harden, and Tanya sighed softly, rolling slightly over so that Adam had better access. Her breathing pattern was still regular and even, but Adam got the distinct impression that everything was not quite as it seemed. Testing his theory, he pinched the sensitive nub gently, and had to grin at the tiny hitch in Tanya’s breath. Feeling unusually bold, he leaned over her and placed a butterfly-soft kiss against the pouting lips.

"Hey, Sleeping Beauty," he whispered, the smile audible in his voice.

"Mmmm .... you know your fairytales," Tanya murmured, not opening her eyes.

"I sure do," Adam chuckled, kissing her more insistently. He was rewarded with a sexy smile that made his hormones sit up and take notice.

"But ... it’s not quite right." The sensual voice lured Adam into another kiss.

"What do you mean, not quite right?" he asked, playing along. This kind of teasing was new to both, but it was certainly enjoyable! "I know for a fact that Sleeping Beauty was awakened with a kiss!"

"Mmmm," Tanya purred, still with her eyes closed.

"Right method, wrong location. I’m still asleep."

"Oh?" he couldn’t help laughing. "Then let’s see if I can’t find a better place ...!"

He bent over the smooth dark skin and located the hardened tip of Tanya’s breast. Placing tiny, openmouthed kisses around the areola, he felt himself grow hard again as Tanya’s breathing accelerated. Feeling more than a bit giddy with renewed arousal and happiness, the Asian then began to lick teasingly at the sensitive nubbin. He drew it into his mouth and started suckling as her hands tangled in his locks. Soon, Tanya moaned deeply as she shifted closer against him, twining her legs with his. Adam feasted happily on the soft swell, moaning his own delight into the chocolate skin. His hands began to wander of their own volition, down the satiny skin of Tanya’s belly to the already moist nest of dark curls. Her legs fell open to his touch. Bold as never before, he slipped a finger into the swollen folds, seeking out her pleasure pearl.

"Ohhh, Aaadaammmm," Tanya sighed in bliss as he explored her sex. Jason had touched her like this, but he had lacked the delicacy of Adam’s lovemaking. Where her boyfriend coaxed her gently into desire, the ex-Gold Ranger had spurred her on to match his own need. While that was certainly partly due to the urgency caused by the Ecstasy potion, Tanya suspected that even under normal circumstances, Jason would be a more demanding lover than Adam. Which was nice in its own way, if you were in the proper mood, but Tanya much preferred the Green Ranger’s slower pace and the care he took with her.

She let go of the black curls when Adam moved his mouth to her other breast, gliding her hands over the smooth-skinned shoulders. He licked at the turgid little peak and teasingly blew a stream of cool air over her wet skin, sending pleasurable shivers from her breast directly into her pussy. Tanya sighed ecstatically once more. Suddenly, she arched off the bed, uttering a tiny scream. Her eyes flew open as she realised what her lover was doing -- Adam had bit delicately into her pebbled nipple, not enough to hurt but only to excite, and simultaneously thrust two fingers into her clenching channel. Tanya began to tremble as Adam’s black eyes captured hers with unaccustomed heat. Gleaming white teeth sawed gently at the hard point, a wet tongue traced circles around the areola, and his hand pumped insistently into her tight folds. She felt heat surge between her legs, and a fresh flood of moisture wetting her even more. Tanya closed her eyes for a moment, then clamped her thighs around the maddening hand, stilling its movements. There was an emptiness opening up within her that those fingers just couldn’t fill.

"Oh God, Adam ... come into me," the Yellow Ranger gasped, writhing sensually while he suckled once more on her heaving bosom.

Green Ranger used his free hand to cup one soft swell as he moved up to kiss Tanya again. Kneading gently, he stimulated his girfriend further before he spoke. The light tenor was a husky growl, unaccustomed to both, as he asked for her preference.

"How do you want it?"

Tanya shuddered; the sheer carnality of the sound and the question was unexpected, especially coming from Adam, but right now she didn’t care. She only knew that she needed to be filled with Adam’s hot, throbbing shaft, lying pressed in the crease of her thigh.

"I don’t know," she moaned as Adam released her momentarily to grab a foil packet from her nightstand. She tried to help him roll the condom on, but was trembling too much. The heated look she bestowed on his pulsating organ, along with the hunger in her smile, made Adam’s blood boil. Tanya had never quite reacted to him that way, and it was strangely exciting, making him more adventurous in his turn. Finished with the thin latex sheath, he drew Tanya against his chest. taking her willing mouth in a drugging kiss. Then, he released her and lay back on the rumpled sheet. Both teens were breathing hard. When had their gentle, playful lovemaking taken a turn into raw, hot sex? Neither had an answer, but that was unimportant right now. What mattered was fulfilling their mutual desire.

Adam issued his own ecstatic moans as Tanya ran her hands from his shoulders across his chest, down his washboard abs to his straining manhood. She sculpted the silk-skinned organ with teasing fingers. Then, she bent over and rubbed her breasts all over Adam’s sweaty skin. Suddenly, he knew exactly how he wanted to take her. He drew her between his legs and up, so that she was almost poised over his groin.

"Like this," he rasped. "God, Tanya, please, ride me!"

Tanya took one look at the black eyes blazing with need, and inhaled a shaky breath. For an instant, she was reminded of Jason, but this was Adam, the man she loved, and she couldn’t deny him. A wicked thought occured to her, and a secretive little smile curved her generous mouth upwards. Giving in to an almost irresistible impulse, Tanya decided not to banish her memories, but to draw on them instead, grasping Adam’s wrists and placing them above his head. In a graceful, fluid motion, she straddled the narrow hips, settling on the throbbing rod and swaying back and forth. Adam threw his head back and groaned.

"Tanya ...!"

She chuckled deep in her throat. The husky sound brought Adam’s eyes back to his girlfriend’s, and he watched with bated breath as she mounted him, holding his penis at an angle that provided maximum stimulation for both as she sank down, down, until their dark curls meshed and he was deeply embedded in her tight channel. Both teens froze.

The Yellow Ranger held perfectly still for long moments, relishing the feel of holding Adam’s cock within her body. Then, she slowly straightened, her own weight driving the hard shaft a final half-inch into her. Involuntarily, her love muscles clamped around the invader, and Adam groaned in sheer bliss. He reached unsteady hands to the heaving globes and tugged at the hard protrusions. Tanya reacted by throwing her head back, eyes closed to shut out everything but the incredible sensations racing through her body. When she opened them again, Adam caught his breath at the fire within them. He instinctively thrust his hips upward, and both gasped. Then, after another moment of stillness, Tanya braced herself against his chest and began to move.

Adam was torn between just rolling his eyes back and surrendering himself to the rocking motions, and the desire to watch Tanya impale herself over and over again on his pulsating rod. A light sheen of sweat broke out on the chocolatey skin, making it gleam in the waning light. Fascinated, Adam let his hands glide down the smooth body, coming to rest on Tanya’s hips. He moved into the rhythm with her, meeting her thrusts so that he never quite slid out of the heat and wetness surrounding his manhood. Fleetingly, he wished they could dispense with protection, but the slight increase in stimulation was not worth the added risk of pregnancy. The thought of one day creating a child with Tanya like this was not entirely unpleasant, though. His musings were interrupted when Tanya issued another needy moan, shifting slightly without breaking rhythm.

Zeo Ranger Four’s senses nearly went into overload as he watched his girlfriend take her hands off his chest, straighten once more and place slim fingers on herself. Tanya had never hesitated to make her wishes known to him, telling him gently what he could do to bring her the most pleasure, but she had never displayed herself quite like this. For she began to rub her own breasts, lifting them, pressing them together, pinching the straining nipples. Adam hardly knew what to do -- watch Tanya stimulate herself, support her while she was undulating on top of him, or roll her over and pump into her until they both climaxed. His breath came in short gasps, and he felt himself get slick with excitement. His heart was hammering against his chest, and he thrust harder into the moist channel, when he heard Tanya’s voice, raspy and low with sexual hunger.

"Touch me, Adam, please -- make me come!"

The sexy request could not be denied, and the teen moved trembling hands to the dark curls between his girlfriend’s thighs. Parting the wet folds, he unerringly sought and found the throbbing kernel of flesh, rubbing and pinching until he heard Tanya hiss sharply. She froze in mid-motion, then slammed down on him, hard, and convulsed in orgasm. As soon as she relaxed her inner muscles enough so that he could move again, Adam thrust upwards once, twice, and came with a muted shout that sounded hoarse even to his own ears. When the final spasm subsided, Tanya fell forward, dislodging his rapidly shrinking penis from her pussy. Adam moaned along with his lover, but it was unimportant next to the urgency with which they kissed.

The two Rangers lay in each others’ arms, waiting for their thundering heartbeats to return to normal and their heads to stop spinning. Hands smoothed idly along sweat-slick backs as they cuddled, elated and spent. Finally, Adam leaned up on one elbow. He was fairly exhausted, but just had to look into Tanya’s eyes. She met his slightly apprehensive gaze with a somewhat sheepish smile.

"What ... what happened just now?" he asked, still a bit out of breath.

"I don’t know, but can we do it again sometime?" she purred.

Adam had to laugh at that, his concern about having lost control at the last evaporating rapidly.

"If you want to," he smiled, kissing her gently yet passionately as he gathered Tanya once more into his arms and drew her head down on his shoulder. She slipped an arm around his waist and tangled her legs with his.

"Mmmmh ... I want to. Most definitely. Oh Sweetie ..." she sighed blissfully, hugging Adam and pressing a kiss on the muscular shoulder. "That was soooo good!"

"Mmm, yeah," Adam mumbled, a slight shudder working its way down his spine as he remembered how sexy Tanya had looked when she touched herself.

"You were absolutely incredible!"

Tanya grinned happily. Snuggling deeper into her boyfriend’s embrace, she felt almost giddy. It would never have occurred to her to make love to Adam like that before That Weekend, but she was glad she had. Jason had not been in the least shy about experimenting with different positions, and now that Adam had cooperated so enthusiastically, she couldn’t wait to try some others with him. While making love with him slowly and gently was wonderful, she was definitely looking forward to trying new things every now and then. She told him as much, and couldn’t help a tiny chuckle as Adam blushed.

"You ... you really like doing it in other ways?" The light tenor was a bit hesitant, dubious even, but her singer’s ear detected a decided trace of interest in Adam’s voice.

"Uh-huh. With you, I want to do everything," she breathed. "As often and as gentle, or as wild as you want!"

Adam inhaled deeply. If he hadn’t been so spent, he was sure he would have started a new round right away. As it was, he had to settle for crushing the soft lips under his in a kiss that was far more demanding than any he had ever shared with Tanya before. When they came up for air, both pairs of dark eyes sparkled with love and laughter.

"I’ll have to take you up on that -- the next time," he promised huskily. Tanya smiled at the note of possessiveness in Adam’s voice. For once, she didn’t mind. If this whole situation should succeed in reassuring Adam and helping him overcome his insecurities, then it was more than worthwhile. And if having a somewhat more exciting love life was part of that, she certainly wasn’t going to complain! Despite her conviction that she preferred slow and gentle to hot and wild, where was the harm in having a bit of both? She laughed to herself as she settled more comfortably in Adam’s arms.

"I love you, Adam," she sighed drowsily.

"I love you, too," he replied. Both lay contentedly on the rumpled bed, exchanging soft kisses and even softer caresses as the night settled outside, blanketing the cosy room in darkness. At long last, Adam reluctantly disengaged himself from his lover’s arms. There were many things he wanted to talk about, but they could wait. For now, it was enough that they’d found each other again. Besides, if he didn’t make tracks soon, his parents would send out a search squad. He bent over Tanya and kissed her droopy eyelids.

"I have to go, love," he whispered.

"Mmmhh....do you have to?" The sultry question made Adam seriously consider his options. However, there was no excuse for staying out all night that he could give his folks on such short notice. Now, if this were the weekend instead ... he sighed, more than slightly disappointed.

"I’m afraid I do. I wish I didn’t, but ..."

Tanya reached up and drew the dark head down to her mouth. Their kiss was long, and slow, and full of promise. Adam was almost reeling when the clinging lips released him.

"Just promise me one thing, Sweetie," Tanya murmured into his ear.

"Anything," he promised fervently, and meant it. She chuckled a bit wickedly.

"Just be glad I’m not going to hold you to that ... much." At his slightly alarmed look, her smile grew wider. "No, really ... all I want is for us to find some time for ourselves ... just once, I want to fall asleep with you, and wake up with you again the next morning -- that’s all."

"I think we should be able to manage that." Adam felt a pleasant thrill at Tanya’s request. He immediately began to think of ways, and times. However, the distant tolling of a bell tower reminded him that tonight, unfortunately, was the right time.

"We’ll make it happen," he promised. "Soon."

"Good. I can’t wait."

With that, the Yellow Ranger let her boyfriend go. She watched appreciatively as he dressed, admiring the play of wiry muscles under his honey-coloured skin. Adam blushed slightly under her scrutiny, but made no move to hide. Instead, he let his dark eyes roam once more over the lithe form with its generous curves. He liked the contrast her chocolatey skin made on the floral sheets, now that Tanya had turned on a muted nightlight. Sitting on the edge of her bed, Adam ran a gentle hand down the oh-so-tempting body, lingering tenderly at the sensitive nipples. Tanya stretched invitingly, giving him yet another sexy smile.

"Don’t," he admonished her, bending over to kiss Tanya once more. She pouted a bit, but let him draw the sheet up, covering her to the waist.

"Don’t ... what, Adam?" Tanya couldn’t resist asking, although she knew full well what she was doing to him.

Zeo Ranger IV just smiled.

"Don’t tempt me like this; don’t get up to see me out ... and don’t get dressed." The last request was made in a voice Tanya had heard for the first time the night they had become lovers. Then, Adam had asked her to let him enter her; now, he was asking .... what? She raised a questioning eyebrow. Adam let his lips wander over her face in a whisper-caress.

"When I get home, I’ll go directly to bed. I want to fall asleep thinking of you lying here naked, like this, the way I held you ... if we can’t spend the night together, we can at least do this ..."

"Okay," Tanya breathed, excited and touched by his plea. "Will you call me when you’re ready? To say goodnight?"

"Mmm-hmm."

They kissed once more, their tongues twining, tasting, lingering ... then, Adam tore himself away and quickly made his way out, before he really lost his resolve. Tanya lay back, a dreamy smile on her face. Who would have thought that her shy boyfriend would develop such a deliciously naughty streak that was incredibly romantic at the same time? She was going to love discovering new facets to Adam’s personality, for sure. Snuggling deeper under the covers, she snagged her phone closer and put it into easy reach, waiting for her lover to call.

***

Tommy lugged the last of the leftover supplies to his 4 x 4 and put them into the trunk. He straightened and watched Kat come towards him, a plastic bag with dirty laundry in her hand. They had needed another set of both sheets and towels to bring the cabin to order, and he would have to make another run up here once he’d taken care of the wash. He didn’t mind, though. Being with Kat this afternoon and early evening had fulfilled some of his wildest fantasies, and a few he hadn’t even known he’d had. Her experience during That Weekend sure had let loose the tigress under the pussycat.

A shadow flitted over his features. While they’d been making love, Tommy had been able to repress the memory of Kat’s dreamy tone of voice as she told him about being with Jason; now, that they were no longer in each other’s arms, he wasn’t sure what to think about it. A sudden fear gripped him.

*Have I lost her? Worse, lost her to my best friend? And what if Jase feels the same? Do I ...can I let her go, if that’s the case?*

"Tommy?"

Kat’s soft voice brought him out of his reverie with a start. He hadn’t even heard her approach. Wordlessly, he accepted the keys to the cabin Kat dropped in his hand. He pocketed them and turned away. Or at least, he tried to. Kat’s hand on his arm stopped him.

"What is it, Tommy?" she asked him.

"Nothing," he mumbled, suddenly ashamed of his suspicion. He wouldn’t look at his blonde girlfriend, though.

The Australian regarded him for a long moment, then sighed. She had a pretty good idea what Tommy was thinking about. The Red Ranger was far less inscrutable to his friends than he liked to believe.

"Can’t you tell me?" Her voice was soft and understanding.

Tommy blushed slightly as he raised his eyes to Kat’s.

"I ... it’s kinda silly, really," he tried once more to dismiss his sudden unease, but Kat would have none of it.

"Tommy, something is bothering you, and don’t try to deny it!" She stopped his protest before he could do more than open his mouth. "I thought we had all gone beyond the need to pretend."

Kat gentled her tone and placed both hands on the broad shoulders. Taking a deep breath, she decided to take the plunge herself.

*If I can seduce Tommy like I did this afternoon, I can surely make him talk about ... me and ... and Jason.*

She sighed inwardly, wishing she were clearer on her own reasons and motivations.

*No time like the present to find out!*

"It’s about what I did with Jason, isn’t it?"

The bald question hung between both teens, seemingly creating a zone of stillness that was only shattered when Tommy’s shoulders slumped in defeat. He didn’t want to talk about this, half-afraid of what he might hear, but knew he had to. In his mind, he sent a silent apology to Adam.

*I thought you were exaggerating your concerns, buddy; now, after the way Kat talked about Jase ... I know exactly how you must have felt!*

The Red Ranger echoed his girlfriend’s sigh. Guiding her to the porch steps, he plopped down, drawing her to sit next to him. He held her hand in his, but had to look down as he haltingly formulated his thoughts.

"Kat ... it’s not so much that the two of you made love rather than had just sex; I think in a way, I’m kinda glad that it wasn’t all bad for both of you. Come to think of it, I dunno if I could’ve done that, had Jase taken me up on my offer." He grinned fleetingly, finding the thought of actually making love to his best friend more than slightly disturbing. He pushed it away.

"No, it’s more ... I dunno ... the way you talk about it ... about Jase. It’s ... it’s almost as if ..." Choking slightly on the words, Tommy couldn’t go on.

He didn’t need to.

"As if I had fallen in love with him?" Kat asked very gently, finally seeing where this was leading.

"Yeah."

The Pink Ranger leaned back against one of the posts, lost in thought. Then, she looked at Tommy once more.

"Tommy ... I think that maybe, in some way, I have. Wait -- hear me out." She inhaled deeply. This had to come out right, or she would hurt Tommy worse than Kim’s letter had done. "Jason is a wonderful guy -- I don’t think I have to tell you that, right?"

There was no need to wait for the affirmative nod.

"What he and I shared during that weekend .... I’d like to think that now Jason is as much my friend as yours -- no longer just your best friend, whom I like for your sake. Being intimate with him like that, in more ways than just the obvious -- how could it not bring us close? When we three said goodbye to each other out here, Jason said that he loved both me and Tanya -- and I believe him. Just as Tanya and I came to love him. Only, I’m not in love with him; not the way I am in love with you."

Kat smiled as Tommy lifted his head at that, searching out her eyes.

"What I had to accept, though -- and believe me, it wasn’t as easy as it sounds -- is the fact that I might have fallen in love with him, had things been different."

"Different -- how?" Tommy asked hoarsely, barely able to think. His mind was whirling chaotically, and he had to try hard to get past Kat’s statement that she was still in love with him, Tommy Oliver, and not his best friend.

"Oh Tommy," Kat sighed, sensing his confusion. "If Jason had been here when I came to Angel Grove ... if he had been available then ... if Kim and you had never broken up ... and most importantly, if I hadn’t fallen in love with you, I think there might have been a very strong possibility that I could have fallen for Jason. But he wasn’t, and you had, and I had ... it was too late right from the start, when he came back. And as much as he’s come to mean to me, through you and by just being himself ... I don’t want things to be different."

The blonde paused a moment, to let her words sink in. She knew in her heart that she was telling the truth; a slight pang of regret for ‘what might have been’ made a brief appearance, but vanished almost as soon as it had come. Touching a gentle hand to the lean cheek, she said the rest of what Tommy needed to hear.

"I love you, Tommy. You, Zeo Ranger Five, faulty memory, warts and all. Not your best friend. I fell in love with you not because Rita put a spell on me, although she did tell me to make trouble for you and Kim. I knew it when I was free of her influence and still wanted to have you for myself. Only, you were happy with Kimberly, and that meant more to me than snagging you myself."

Tommy drew her into his arms, burying his face in her sunny locks.

"I don’t know that I could have coped with losing her, if it hadn’t been for you and Billy, and the rest of the guys," he mumbled. "I ... it’s just ... I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you, too."

"You’re not losing me," she reassured him. "Not to something like That Weekend, as long as you can understand why I felt I had to do it, and not to Jason, even though I’ve come to care about him."

He looked into the blue eyes then.

"I ... I guess I knew that. It’s just ... I know Jase, probably better than myself, and he’s such a great guy ... if it hadn’t been for him, way back when ... when he and the others freed me from Rita ... I guess what I’m trying to say is, I couldn’t really blame you if you fell for him. He deserves to find someone special just like you!"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," she teased. "But he has Emily; who knows, maybe she’s the one for him."

Tommy looked somewhat skeptical, but said nothing, waiting for Kat to continue.

"And maybe not," she conceded. Emily was nice enough, but sometimes it seemed as if she lacked a certain ... something ... that the female Rangers all seemed to share, but not very many others. However, that was for Jason to decide.

"Anyway, you don’t have to fear that I’m going to throw you over for Jason. He’s a good friend; the best, really, and I have to admit ... I won’t be able to pretend That Weekend never happened, but you won’t lose me to him. Not ever. I love you too much for that to happen."

Kat’s voice rang with conviction, and Tommy breathed a sigh of relief. He’d been more worried than he’d admitted to himself, especially since he had caught glimpses of smiles, shared looks and aborted touches between Jason and Katherine over the last couple of weeks that had nagged at his subconscious. He trusted both of them implicitly, but it had made him wonder ... he shook himself. If he knew one thing, it was that neither Kat nor Jason would ever betray him. Everything else, he could deal with.

"I love you, too," he replied earnestly, and was rewarded with a delighted smile and a soft, lingering kiss, far removed from the passionate exchanges of the afternoon. The memory sent a pleasant tingle down his spine, and he drew the lovely blonde deeper into his arms.

"We’ll sort it all out," Tommy promised huskily as he traced the delicate features with a gentle fingertip. "As long as I know you love me, I can cope with anything. Just promise me you’ll tell me if you ever change your mind."

"I won’t," Kat sighed, relaxing into the embrace. She knew they’d be talking about this some more in the future, but right now, there was no further need to ... snuggling closer, she let her eyes drift shut. It felt so good to be held like this by Tommy, almost like waking up cuddled close to a muscular chest, legs intertwined ... a tiny giggle escaped her.

"What?" Tommy turned to look at his girlfriend and lover.

"I was just remembering ... at the time, I was so embarrassed ... on Saturday morning, when I woke up, I actually called Jason by your name!"

"You did?" he asked, not sure if he should be delighted or uncomfortable. The sparkle in the sapphire eyes for some reason tipped the scale in favour of delight.

"Uh-huh ... Jason said he didn’t mind ... said it showed him that it was you I loved, and not anybody else. Besides, I wasn’t even fully awake yet ... I only knew I could have died!" She giggled again, looking at Tommy from under her lashes. Would he get the small irony?

For once, he did. A smile began to spread slowly over his face, and he kissed her again, this time a bit more playfully. Pretending to be scandalized, he made an effort to tease her a little.

"So you’re one of those hussies who can’t remember the name of the guy they went to bed with, huh?"

Kat elbowed him, mock-pouting. An enormous weight seemed to lift off her shoulders. If Tommy could joke about this ... not much, true, but it certainly was a start ... Her expression earned her another kiss, and Tommy soothed her ruffled feathers with an understanding smile and tender hug.

"I understand what you’re trying to say, honey. It’s okay."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." He got up, pulling the Pink Ranger along with him. He enfolded her in his arms, bodies pressing close. Serious once more, he tilted the porcelain face up, so that he could look deeply into the blue pools.

"I love you, Kat. More than I ever thought possible, after Kim left me. I ... I love Jason, too, as my friend and more -- I can handle that you two have become close. I think. I ... we, really ... may need some time to take it all in, but as long as we’re all honest with each other, we’ll get through this. All of us."

Kat just nodded. That Weekend had a pronounced influence on a lot of relationships, not least of all hers and Tommy’s, but he was right about one thing -- honesty and the love they all shared, as friends and Rangers, would see them through.

They kissed once more, slowly and deeply, but before it could turn into passion, they both drew back. Smiling at each other, they separated reluctantly, bodies still singing with remembered delight. Taking Kat’s hand firmly in his, Tommy led her to the car. Opening the door for her, he touched her smooth cheek in a gentle caress.

"Let’s go home."

***

At the Youth Center the next day, Billy and Rocky had taken a classic double-take at Jason’s rather dreamy expression whenever he looked at Emily, and when they noticed the somewhat dazed looks Tommy and Adam gave Kat and Tanya, coupled with the only half-hidden, smug smiles the girls bestowed on their boyfriends when they greeted them with very warm kisses, both former and present Blue Rangers had exchanged a single glance and started to snicker. The uncomprehending looks and questions from their friends had Rocky nearly dissolving into hysterical laughter and Billy grinning broadly, and for once the two friends had found themselves in the enviable position of being more in the know than the other male Rangers. Of course, both Pink and Yellow Rangers had caught on very fast to their amusement, and had threatened Billy and Rocky with dire consequences, should they even dream of enlightening their teammates.

"Don’t worry," Rocky had laughed, too overjoyed to see things back the way they wanted them to be.

"This is just too good! I just wish I knew what you did to poor Tommy and Adam!"

Before Billy could chastise him for his prurient interest, Tanya stole a glance at her best friend. The gleam in the blue eyes matched the sparkle in her own.

"Well, we’re not telling. Guess you’ll have to live with that," she told Rocky with some asperity, shaking her head in mock disapproval. The generous mouth was twitching at the corners, though. Katherine just gave the Blue Ranger a warning look, and sported a rather enigmatic smile. Then, she hooked an arm through Tanya’s, and the two beautiful girls sashayed off, oblivious to the plethora of wistful glances sent after them by every male in the vicinity.

Billy turned towards his friend and former teammate.

"It is really none of our business, you know," he said, trying to be stern, but a slightly wicked smile reached from his lips to the blue-green eyes.

"I know that; but don’t tell me you’re not the least bit curious about what those two were up to!"

"I do not speculate on the sexual habits of my friends," Billy intoned with great dignity.

"Hah! But you know, and I know that it has to have something to do with sex!" Rocky crowed, delighted to have caught Billy out. The young genius blushed. For a moment, it seemed as if he were going to decline to answer, but a brief reflection told him that the whole situation had progressed too far to retreat into proper decorum now.

"Well ... I would surmise that Tanya and Katherine have reestablished whatever kind of intimacy they have shared with Adam and Tommy, and I think that Jason and Emily have also reached at least some kind of greater understanding." He paused for breath. Before Rocky could say anything else, he forestalled him with a raised hand.

"However, I really believe that we should leave well enough alone. Whatever transpired between those six, it is none of our business, and we should respect their privacy in this matter. There has been a great deal of openness during That Weekend," -- even Billy tended to capitalize -- "and while it was good and even necessary at the time, I’d just as soon return to the previous state of affairs."

"You’re probably right," Rocky admitted reluctantly as he collected his things.

"But I sure wish I knew what they’ve done! Man, I’ve never seen such an expression on Adam’s face! Tommy, too. "

Billy could only nod in silent agreement as they left.

***

Jason threw the last of his books into his locker and turned towards the opposite row of metal doors. He still hadn’t had a chance to talk to Adam and Tommy, and he needed to, if he wanted to go through with what he’d planned. Besides, his conscience was somewhat bothered by the fact that both Tanya and Kat still made regular appearances in his nighttime fantasies. True, Emily was featured more and more of late -- ever since her confession that she was physically attracted to him, and their subsequent growing closeness. He still couldn’t quite get over the fact that his blonde girlfriend would even consider going back on her pledge -- even if it wasn’t as binding as he’d thought it’d be. Jason mentally shook his head.

*I have to be really sure if getting together with her is what we both want*, he mused as he waited for the rest of the gang to leave their respective classrooms. *Otherwise, we’ll both end up with a truckload of regrets, and I couldn’t do that to Emily. And I meant what I said -- I won’t make love to anyone again until and unless I’m sure it’s something real, and not just hormones!*

That thought firmly fixed in his mind, he straightened as his friends reached him. They shared their customary easy banter, and it was evident to all that the tension among them was slowly but surely dissipating. Jason watched Rocky get into a good-natured argument with both girls over the merits of home cooking versus big, juicy, loaded pizzas from his favourite takeout, and decided the time was right. Touching Tommy, who was listening to the exchange with half an ear, lightly on the shoulder, he simultaneously caught Adam’s eyes. Taking a step back, he waited until he had both Red and Green Ranger’s attention.

"Listen, guys ..." he had to clear his suddenly dry throat, "... can I talk to you?"

Adam and Tommy exchanged a glance. They both had been waiting for this particular request for some time, and knew they’d better acquiesce, no matter how uncomfortable it made them feel. Still, it just might be something else entirely ...

"Anything in particular?" Tommy asked, trying to be casual.

"Yeah." Jason looked at both his friends, then at his feet. "You ... you know what about."

The quiet statement excluded any possibility that Jason might want to discuss anything but That Weekend. Grimacing slightly, Adam just nodded. He was not looking forward to this. Tommy tugged at the collar of his tee. Like Adam, he felt he could do without getting Jason’s point of view, but he also couldn’t deny his best friend. Resignedly, he put an understanding smile on his face, hoping his bro wouldn’t catch on to his unease.

"Sure, bro. Shall we say around five, in the park?"

The three young men made their arrangements, then went to their respective homes. At the designated time, they met near the picnic area, and wandered off, meandering through the familiar landscape. Each was trying to find a way to bring up the reason for their meeting, but neither could find quite the right words. The silence between them grew, until it became nearly oppressive. At last, Jason couldn’t stand the tension any more. Stopping and leaning against a conveniently-placed tree, he drew a deep breath and met the other boys’ eyes. He couldn’t help the slow rise of colour to his cheeks as he started to speak.

"Guys ... I know this is hard for all of us, but I think ... I know we have to talk. I ... just wish I knew where to start."

To both Jason and Tommy’s surprise, Adam interrupted the former Gold Ranger.

"Listen, Jase ... this is about That Weekend, right? What you and the girls had to do?" He barely waited for Jason’s hesitant nod. "Well, I ... Tanya and I talked about this. Heck, we still do, from time to time. I just wanted to say that I know what I need to know, and as far as I’m concerned, there’s no need for you to bring it all up again."

"But Adam ... did Tanya tell you about ... well, everything, I guess? About how I scared her? I didn’t mean to, of course, but ..."

"Yes, she did," Adam uncharacteristically broke in a second time. "She, uh, also told me about your solution to the problem."

The Asian blushed a fiery red. So did Jason, as the import of what Adam had just said sank in. A peek at Tommy showed that the Red Ranger was more than living up to his title, but also the slight grin that played around his mouth. Jason felt his blush spread from his face down his chest, and groaned. The sound was such a comical mixture of embarrassment, chagrin and relief, that all three had to chuckle. The tension between them eased, and they sank towards the ground, sitting casually facing each other. Tommy was the first to recover his wits.

"I know all about that, too, bro," he admitted, smirking slightly as Jason rolled his eyes. "If it’s any consolation to you, I feel like Adam. Kat and I have talked, we’ll probably talk a lot more, but basically I’m okay with what happened between the two of you."

"Same here," Adam agreed. "I don’t need to hear your version as well; to be perfectly honest, I don’t want to hear your side of it. As far as I’m concerned, Tanya ... the girls ... helped you out of a very tight spot, and all of you managed to find some good in it after all. Nobody was harmed, Tanya and I will get past this, and that’s all that matters."

Tommy nodded. "That’s how Kat and I feel, too," he assured his best friend. "I know there’ll probably be some rough spots ahead for all of us, but Kat -- and you -- mean too much to me to freak out over this."

Jason looked at both his friends wonderingly, hardly able to believe his ears. Could it really be this easy? He turned towards Adam.

"That’s not quite the way you felt when Tanya first offered, though," he reminded the Green Ranger cautiously.

"I know," Adam conceded. The memory of his first anguished reaction briefly shadowed his expressive face. "But I understand and accept her reasons for doing what she did. Tommy and the others helped me see that there really was no other way." The teen briefly smiled his thanks to the Team’s leader, remembering their conversation and the unstinting support the rest of the team had given him.

Tommy smiled back fleetingly, then they both returned their attention to Jason. Adam drew a deep breath.

"Look, Jason, I know you probably want to explain, or apologize, or whatever, and I guess I’d want to do that, too, if I were in your position, but there’s really no need. What happened to you was not your fault -- it was no-one’s really, if you don’t count Mondo. We’ve said it often enough, it could have happened to any and all of us. It just turned out it was you."

"Yeah, bro," Tommy chimed in, draping an arm around his best friend’s shoulders. "Adam’s right. The girls did what they felt they had to do, and I for one don’t blame you for accepting their help. We’re friends. All of us. Friends help each other."

Adam also rested a hand briefly on the black-shirted shoulder. Time to stop skirting the issue.

"Jason, let it rest, okay? Tanya ... well, she told me that you actually made love to her. I’ll be honest, at first it threw me a bit, but then all I could feel was relief that it was not as much of an ordeal for her as I’d feared. I know that you tried, right from the start, and also how you found out what would work."

Zeo Ranger Four cast an apologetic glance at Tommy, who just nodded. He could understand and accept Adam’s reluctance to mention his fears that Tanya might develop feelings for Jason, especially after what Kat had told him about her own reactions to being with his best friend. It was a bit embarrassing, but as Billy had pointed out to him in a private conversation, it was probably inevitable (and maybe for the best) that both he and Adam knew about what had happened to their lovers up at the cabin.

The former Ranger looked up then, searching his friends’ eyes. Finding only sincerity and understanding, he released a breath he hadn’t even been aware of holding, his shoulders sagging in relief.

"I ... I don’t know what to say," he said, his deep voice rough with emotion.

"You don’t have to say anything, bro," Tommy reassured him. "It’s over; we made it through, all of us, and it’s time to let it go. Otherwise, we’ll end up stirring up all kinds of things we don’t want to, and chances are, somebody will get hurt then." The long-haired young man briefly thought about Kat’s confession, that under different circumstances she might have fallen in love with his best friend. He’d caught a couple of wistful glances in Kat’s direction that Jason hadn’t quite been able to hide, and had wondered if those feelings might not be mutual. However, he trusted both.

"Y-you really mean that?"

The hope in the low voice brought a smile to Tommy’s face.

"Yeah, I do. Have I ever lied to you?"

"No." Jason straightened then, and gripped Tommy’s hand that still rested on his shoulder. Their fingers squeezed, hard, a look of understanding passing between them as it had countless times in the past. Then, Jason turned once more to the Green Ranger. "Adam, I ..."

"It’s allright, Jase. Really." Adam found a smile of his own, and slowly the three relaxed, relieved that neither would have to listen to or talk about things they all preferred to keep private. At last, Jason cleared his throat. There was still one matter he had to bring up with both Adam and Tommy....

"I ... thanks, guys. You have no idea what this means to me."

"I can imagine what it would mean to me," Tommy interjected gently. He knew the former team leader too well not to know what was going through his friend’s mind. Adam seconded his statement with a nod and soft affirmative. He was about to say more, when Jason fixed him with dark, serious eyes.

"There’s ... there’s something I have to ask you, though," he said, blushing slightly. The two boys exchanged somewhat uneasy glances. The way Jason was looking at them, it almost seemed as if he was .... well, not exactly afraid, but certainly apprehensive about something.

"What is it, bro?" Tommy was the first to find his voice.

"Well, I’ve been thinking ... the girls were so incredible ... patient, and understanding, and just all-around wonderful ... I wanted to, um, express my thanks to them somehow. Give them a small present ... if you two don’t mind, that is," Jason finished in a rush.

"Jase, Tanya and Kat didn’t help you and expect to get anything in return," Adam protested automatically. He wasn’t sure how he felt about this. And what exactly did Jason have in mind?

"I know that," the former Gold Ranger replied, grinning a little bit. "It’s just that I feel I have to repay them, as it were." He shook his head at both Tommy and Adam before they could utter a single word. "It’s not the right word, but ... I think you know what I’m talking about -- and don’t tell me you wouldn’t feel the same!"

The other two had to concede that -- albeit grudgingly.

"Don’t worry, I’m not about to go overboard, and I’m not going to give them jewellery, or anything like that -- I leave that to the two of you!"

Red and Green Rangers blushed, much to Jason’s amusement. He felt incredibly relieved now that this talk was behind him -- even if not an awful lot had actually been said, thanks to his friends’ understanding.

"No, I think I saw a couple of things I believe the girls will like, nothing too personal though, and if it’s okay with you, I’d really like to get them for Tanya and Kat."

Tommy and Adam exchanged a glance, then both shrugged.

"I agree that they don’t expect anything, but if that’s how you feel, bro, then go for it. It’s fine with me," Tommy finally said, after thinking it over.

"Me, too," Adam added, mildly curious now. What would Jason think was appropriate under the circumstances? However, when asked, the ex-Gold Ranger wasn’t telling. Instead, he put on an enigmatic smile as he levered himself to his feet again.

"You’ll just have to wait and see," he grinned. "I’m not risking you spoiling the surprise. And if you even breathe a word of this to either Tanya or Kat, I’ll make you regret it big time!"

Never one to pass up a challenge, Tommy got up as well. He punched Jason slightly in the arm.

"You and what army? You haven’t beaten me in a good long while, bro!"

"Oh yeah? And what about last week, when we were sparring, and you mistimed that hook kick? If that wasn’t ..."

Adam just sighed and shook his head, grinning as broadly as the other two. He followed Jason and Tommy as they made their way back, taunting and bickering in great good humour -- like a hundred times before. Things were definitely getting back to normal, and he couldn’t feel better about it.

***

The next weekend, the gang met at the Youth Center for another 'Late Night at Ernie’s'. Tanya had studied a new song and wanted to perform, and since they all loved to hear her sing, it was a foregone conclusion that they would be there, cheering her on. However, at Jason’s request, the two couples came by his house half an hour early. Jason let them in and guided them to the den, where he’d put two small parcels on the coffee table -- predictably wrapped in pink and yellow. His parents weren’t home, so it was safe to talk about things without giving anything away the adults needn’t know.

Tanya and Kat looked a question at their boyfriends as Jason briefly vanished into the kitchen. They’d noticed the gift-wrapped packages in their signature colours, and were understandably curious. Before either young man could say anything -- they’d scrupulously kept their promise to Jason not to say anything to the girls -- their host came back, carrying two small bouquets of flowers that had the girls’ eyes light up with delight. Presenting one to each girl, Jason cleared his throat.

"Kat, Tanya ... I talked about this with Tommy and Adam, and even though I know that you’ll probably think it’s unnecessary, I wanted to say ‘thankyou’ once more for what you both did for me." He handed the flowers to the girls.

"Jason ... you shouldn’t have ...! I mean, thank you, but ..."

"I know. But can you understand that I needed to do this?"

"Knowing you as I do now, I can," Tanya said quietly, her delight evident in the way she held the fragile stems. "These are so lovely! Thank you!"

"Yeah, well ..." He blushed a bit. Picking up the gifts, he handed one to each girl. "These are for you, as well. Hope you’ll like it. And -- thank you once again, from the bottom of my heart." They had rarely heard Jason speak so sincerely.

Curious, Tanya handed her bouquet to Adam, who smiled indulgently as she carefully undid the wrapping. From the shape, it was rather obvious that Jason had bought one or two CDs, and he certainly could live with that. Only, what kind of music did the former Ranger think Tanya would like? He watched as she read the label and squealed with joy, her eyes suddenly sparkling.

"Ladysmith Black Mambazo! Jason, where on Earth did you get these?!?"

"Over the internet," he explained, glad to have hit on the right thing. "I remember you telling me that you liked them, but didn’t have any of their recordings, so I did a little surfing, and got lucky."

"They’re a South African group, but one of the members is from the village I used to live at," Tanya told the others, still busily reading the song titles. "Of course, we didn’t have anything like CD players or stuff, but we had a transistor radio, and they were on practically every show! They’re very popular all over Africa!"

"They also worked on Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ album from years back," Jason added, for the others’ benefit. "Tanya’s seen that in my parents’ record collection, and told me about them."

"Oh, this is like a postcard from home," the Yellow Ranger sighed happily. "Sometimes I really miss the music, and the language so much ...! This is so great -- thank you!"

Tommy watched Kat turn her pink package over in her hands. It was more voluminous that Tanya’s, but not very heavy, from the way she handled it. It seemed as if she was almost reluctant to take a closer look.

"Go on, honey, open it," he encouraged his girlfriend. "I don’t think it’s gonna bite!"

"Of course not." Kat was carefully loosening the broad satin bow. "After all, this is from Jason, not Rocky." They all laughed at that. The Blue Ranger was famous -- or more accurately, notorious -- for his gag gifts, which often caught his friends unawares. The paper fell away, and Kat lifted the lid of the cardboard box. A look inside brought a pleased exclamation to her lips. She’d admired the item at the mall quite some time ago, and for Jason to have remembered ...

"Oh ... !"

Shiny blue eyes met warm dark ones.

"You like?" Jason asked, his voice gentle.

"Like? I love it! Thank you so much!" Kat gingerly lifted a small wooden box, made up to look like an old-fashioned treasure chest, out of the container and set it on the table. Unsnapping the tiny clasp, she lifted the domed lid, and a delicate tinkling sound filled the room. On a mirrored surface, a minuscule figurine of a ballerina in a frothy white dress began to move in small circles, turning around and around in a stylized dance. "Oh, it’s the ‘Flower Waltz’ from ‘The Nutcracker’! I love that music!" The Pink Ranger smiled as she watched the figurine twirl.

"It’s a music box," Tanya realized. "Kat, that’s just lovely!"

"Yes, it is, isn’t it? Oh Jason, it’s perfect! Thank you so much!"

"From me, too," Tanya added. Both girls moved forward, and before he knew what was happening, Jason found both his arms filled with lovely femininity and two pairs of soft lips were pressed gently against his cheeks. He blushed to the roots of his hair while Adam and Tommy looked on, grinning broadly at his predicament.

"Serves you right, bro," Tommy laughed, as he watched Jason trying to fend off the gushing thanks from his former teammates. He snickered as he caught Adam’s equally amused eyes. "You pick something like this for the girls, you’ll have to live with the consequences!" Jason’s gifts were indeed perfect -- personal, suited to each young woman’s taste, and yet nothing he and Adam could object to. Silently, he vowed that at the next opportunity he would find something to give to Kat that was just as thoughtful and fitting. Realizing he still held her bouquet, he thought that some flowers ... *Maybe just three of those pink roses she likes so much* ...might just be a step in the right direction. He looked over at the Green Ranger. Adam’s lips quirked in his trademark half-smile, a bit sardonically, Tommy thought. Seemed like Adam was having much the same thoughts as himself. He shrugged, a sheepish grin twitching the corners of his lips.

"You think there’s a message for us in there somewhere, buddy?" the Red Ranger asked drily, as Tanya and Kat hugged Jason again, who seemed torn between embarrassment and delight and was casting helpless looks in his friends’ direction.

"Probably," Adam agreed, shaking his head mournfully. "Otherwise, we’ll never hear the end of it."

"You got that right," Tommy sighed, crossing his arms over his chest as he continued to watch the little scene being played out only a few feet away. Both girls were no longer seriously trying to thank Jason, but seemed mischievously bent on deepening his blushes. Finally, it got to be too much for the former Ranger. Disentangling himself from the clinging embrace of the two gorgeous girls with some effort ( and a big show of reluctance that was not entirely feigned), he took a few steps back, out of both young women’s reach.

"Aw, come on, ladies, enough already! It wasn’t that big a deal!"

"Maybe not to you, but it was to us," Tanya purred playfully. She exchanged a teasing look with Kat, who smiled right back. Studiously avoiding to glance at Tommy or Adam, she once more snagged Jason and bussed him right on the mouth. Before he could protest, Kat did the same, which produced another flood of colour into his already flaming face.

"Guys!" Jason called plaintively, somewhat at a loss of how to deal with the girls’ exuberance in the presence of their respective boyfriends. "I could use some help here!"

The two Rangers looked at each other, at the tableau before them, and at each other again. Then, they broke out into laughter.

"Hey, you wanted to thank the girls like this," Tommy smirked, thoroughly enjoying Jason’s predicament.

"Yeah; you should’ve known them well enough to know what might happen," Adam added, but nevertheless started to pull Tanya back into his own arms. She pouted at him, but her dark eyes were dancing.

As soon as Kat found herself left behind, she backed off on her own, but not without teasingly ruffling Jason’s short hair. He groaned and closed his eyes, torn between laughter and chagrin. Stepping up next to Tommy, she shared a smug grin with the tall Red Ranger, who laughed even harder.

"Oh man, I wish I had a camera! Your face is priceless!"

Jason scowled at his friends, but had a hard time controlling his own grin.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want. Just wait ‘til the next time; I’ll get you for this somehow."

"Don’t say we didn’t warn you, Jase," Adam smiled, a hint of deviltry in his light tenor that made Tanya catch her breath surreptitiously. Ever since she and her boyfriend had resumed their intimate activities, she had come to recognize that particular note in his voice. A quick look into the obsidian eyes confirmed her suspicion that Adam had planned something more for tonight than just be an enthusiastic audience at her performance. It made her tingle all over. However, her attention turned back towards Jason who took a step forward.

"If either one of you dare say ‘I told you so’, you’ll be listening to Tanya from a stretcher tonight," he growled mock-menacingly. Gripping both Tommy and Adam by the shoulder, he turned them around and gave them a not-quite gentle shove in the direction of the door.

"But we did," Tommy protested, pulling Kat along with him. She just barely had time to collect Jason’s gift and her bouquet. "Is it our fault you wouldn’t listen?"

Tommy knew exactly how far he could needle his best friend, and both boys were grinning madly at each other.

"Go on, get outta here before I do you serious bodily harm," Jason groused, including a laughing Tanya and Adam in his threat. He gently but firmly ushered his friends towards the front door.

"Besides, if I don’t get a move on, I’ll be as late as Tommy usually is. And I don’t want to keep Emily waiting!"

"Come on, guys -- I can tell where we’re not wanted;" Tommy huffed. "Besides, you could’ve just told us you had a date with Emily. And I’m not usually late!"

"No, of course not," Kat soothed her boyfriend, dragging him along to his car. "You’re only almost always unpunctual!"

That set all five off again, and Jason watched his friends pile into Tommy’s red 4x4, a broad grin on his face. His world had been thrown badly off-kilter when Mondo had contaminated their drinks, and now, after anguish, turmoil, fear and a whole lot of love and support from his friends, it seemed as if his universe had finally turned right-side up again.

Still smiling to himself, Jason collected his jacket and keys and left the house, to pick up his lovely girlfriend. Then, they would spend the rest of the night with his special friends, secure in the knowledge that all was well again for the moment -- until some other crisis, personal or caused by some alien menace, would disrupt the Rangers’ lives again.

*I always knew life as a Ranger -- even an ex-Ranger’s -- was going to be interesting, but whoa! What a ride it’s been!*

Whistling to himself, Jason jumped into his car and drove off, contemplating how and when he could tell Tommy and the others that in a few weeks, just in time for graduation, Kimberly would be coming home for a visit.

*Maybe we can all go scuba-diving, or something ...*

Full of happy plans, the former Gold Ranger made the turn into Emily’s street. Life was certainly good; and surely, nothing could ever go wrong again.

The End ...

(as we all know!)

Note: This is the end of all the angst and turmoil; the story has certainly taken a *completely* different direction from where it was intended to go. But those kids always were a stubborn, independent lot...why am I so surprised? My heartfelt thanks go out to Cheryl, Naomi, Kathy and Jacqui, chief among others, who commented, nagged, encouraged and generally were there for me. Bless you, guys! This would have been much poorer without you. Comments, as always, are welcome.Spring 1999.DB

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