Winter Faeryfly
This is a private 1x1 roleplay between Ruche Evermehr and myself, Winter Faeryfly. Don't see your name? Then do not post. It is as a simple as that.
Winter Faeryfly
Jason Scott
How long had it been since Jason had last seen his best friend? The former red ranger honestly could not recall the last time he had seen Tommy since they all went their separate ways. Jason’s path had sent him to Angel Grove Hospital where he was training to become an EMT for he had come to realize that if there was one thing he loved most in the world, it was helping out those in need. Because he was no longer a power ranger, Jason felt as though the only way he could carry on with his dream was to become an EMT which had turned out to be the best decision that he had ever made. Even if it left the former ranger feeling slightly alone for his decision to become an EMT had left Jason making a rather hard decision. He had been given the choice to stay in Angel Grove and train to become an EMT or to go with Tommy to a town called Reefside. Jason had chosen to remain in Angel Grove and it was a decision that he had both come to accept yet hate at the same time. It left the young man conflicted but there was nothing that could have been done about it now.
Jason had made his decision and after a while, he had soon completed his training and became an official EMT. It had been the happiest day in Jason’s life however it still didn’t make him feel complete. It felt as though something was missing or rather it felt as though somebody was missing and it didn’t take Jason long at all to realized just who that somebody was. Tommy Oliver. The man he had practically grown up with and had gone through many trials and tribulations together. The man he had secretly come to fall in love with and never once say a word about it.
It had been three months since becoming an EMT that Jason realized that he had made a mistake. He should have went with Tommy to Reefside and done his training there at the hospital. Why he had been so foolish and stubborn by wanting to remain in Angel Grove had been a mystery to the former red ranger and now Jason had made another decision. He would move to Reefside and try to reconnect with the one man had had completely cut out of his life. Whether or not Tommy would ever wish to speak to him again had been a mystery to Jason but he knew that there was no way he’d ever know unless he went and spoke to the man himself.
Three more months soon passed since Jason moved to Reefside and he had yet to find any sign of his friend. It was as though Tommy had disappeared off of the face of the earth completely and Jason was starting to wonder if he was wasting his time. For all he knew, his friend could have gone off and moved to a different city altogether and Jason wouldn’t have known of course since he had cut ties with the other male. It was certainly a frustrating situation and Jason found himself pausing a moment on the middle of the beach to stare out to the ocean before him with a small frown on his face.
The cool ocean breeze felt good against his skin however Jason didn’t care about that His mind was heavy with a deep sadness and a deep regret that had been unable to leave his heart since coming to Reefside. The fact that he still hadn’t been able to make amends with Tommy left Jason feeling at a loss. What could have possibly happened to his friend that it would seem as though he had fallen completely off the radar. Maybe he really didn’t wish to be found. Maybe Tommy just didn’t want to see him again which Jason would have understood whole heartedly and the young man moved to show his hands into the deep pockets of his gray sweatpants before moving to look up at the starry night sky then with a frustrated look upon his face.
”Where are you, man? I would have thought that you’d be here somewhere…somewhere I’d be able to find you…” Jason whispered softly to nobody in particular.
A hand slowly worked its way out of one of the pants pockets then to reach up and gently curl around a necklace that had been Tommy’s last gift to him before they parted their separate ways. The necklace had never come off not even after Jason’s supervisor had threatened to terminate him from the training program if he didn’t take the necklace off. The necklace had meant too much to Jason to part with and he couldn’t help but wonder if Tommy had kept the necklace he had given him as well.
Probably not but it was still a wishful thought and Jason let out a soft sigh as his thumb ran lightly up and down the smooth pendant of the necklace before he slowly moved to take a seat on the soft sand to stare out at the ocean once more.
”It’s like I’m chasing a ghost or something.” Jason muttered softly to himself as he allowed his hand to drop away from the pendant then so that he could rest his hands behind him then on the sand so he could keep himself in a sitting position.
Perhaps taking a little break from his search was in order and so Jason decided that he’d simply spent a few more minutes at the beach before heading home to his apartment for the rest of the night. Tomorrow would begin a new day for his search and Jason slowly closed his eyes then as he tilted his head back to feel the cool breeze continue to flow past him as though it was trying to comfort him. Since when had things gotten so out of control?
”Well, I guess that there’s always tomorrow.”
Jason had made his decision and after a while, he had soon completed his training and became an official EMT. It had been the happiest day in Jason’s life however it still didn’t make him feel complete. It felt as though something was missing or rather it felt as though somebody was missing and it didn’t take Jason long at all to realized just who that somebody was. Tommy Oliver. The man he had practically grown up with and had gone through many trials and tribulations together. The man he had secretly come to fall in love with and never once say a word about it.
It had been three months since becoming an EMT that Jason realized that he had made a mistake. He should have went with Tommy to Reefside and done his training there at the hospital. Why he had been so foolish and stubborn by wanting to remain in Angel Grove had been a mystery to the former red ranger and now Jason had made another decision. He would move to Reefside and try to reconnect with the one man had had completely cut out of his life. Whether or not Tommy would ever wish to speak to him again had been a mystery to Jason but he knew that there was no way he’d ever know unless he went and spoke to the man himself.
Three more months soon passed since Jason moved to Reefside and he had yet to find any sign of his friend. It was as though Tommy had disappeared off of the face of the earth completely and Jason was starting to wonder if he was wasting his time. For all he knew, his friend could have gone off and moved to a different city altogether and Jason wouldn’t have known of course since he had cut ties with the other male. It was certainly a frustrating situation and Jason found himself pausing a moment on the middle of the beach to stare out to the ocean before him with a small frown on his face.
The cool ocean breeze felt good against his skin however Jason didn’t care about that His mind was heavy with a deep sadness and a deep regret that had been unable to leave his heart since coming to Reefside. The fact that he still hadn’t been able to make amends with Tommy left Jason feeling at a loss. What could have possibly happened to his friend that it would seem as though he had fallen completely off the radar. Maybe he really didn’t wish to be found. Maybe Tommy just didn’t want to see him again which Jason would have understood whole heartedly and the young man moved to show his hands into the deep pockets of his gray sweatpants before moving to look up at the starry night sky then with a frustrated look upon his face.
”Where are you, man? I would have thought that you’d be here somewhere…somewhere I’d be able to find you…” Jason whispered softly to nobody in particular.
A hand slowly worked its way out of one of the pants pockets then to reach up and gently curl around a necklace that had been Tommy’s last gift to him before they parted their separate ways. The necklace had never come off not even after Jason’s supervisor had threatened to terminate him from the training program if he didn’t take the necklace off. The necklace had meant too much to Jason to part with and he couldn’t help but wonder if Tommy had kept the necklace he had given him as well.
Probably not but it was still a wishful thought and Jason let out a soft sigh as his thumb ran lightly up and down the smooth pendant of the necklace before he slowly moved to take a seat on the soft sand to stare out at the ocean once more.
”It’s like I’m chasing a ghost or something.” Jason muttered softly to himself as he allowed his hand to drop away from the pendant then so that he could rest his hands behind him then on the sand so he could keep himself in a sitting position.
Perhaps taking a little break from his search was in order and so Jason decided that he’d simply spent a few more minutes at the beach before heading home to his apartment for the rest of the night. Tomorrow would begin a new day for his search and Jason slowly closed his eyes then as he tilted his head back to feel the cool breeze continue to flow past him as though it was trying to comfort him. Since when had things gotten so out of control?
”Well, I guess that there’s always tomorrow.”
Ruche Evermehr
Dedicated Detective
It happened again. They’d fought. Again. Just as it had been happening almost regularly ever since Anton had waltzed back into his life a solid month ago, demanding they pick up their relationship where it left off. At first it had been good, not great maybe, but not bad. Considering all that had happened in their time apart it was only natural there be a sort of adjusting period.
The blond man had always been a little cold at times and his view of the world was quite skewed, but the mogul had never been cruel or intentionally unkind to the younger man. Mercer was a genuinely good person, he thought. But lately that... seemed to change. Anton grew more and more stern with each passing day, brushing off any association with the horrors Mesogog had unleashed upon the world and insisted in no uncertain terms that Tommy back off, stick to looking handsome hanging off his arm at the next business party like a good boy and leave the worrying to the cities multicolored task force. It didn't help that the former green was the creator of, mentor of and now a member of that very team. Of course he hadn't told his partner that, but somehow it always felt like Anton knew anyway, and resented him for it. Or maybe that was just the teacher's guilty conscious getting the better of him.
Tommy just couldn't understand the man. Anton had been so witty and kind when they’d first met, prim and proper sure, and dangerous in the cooperate world, but he would relax around the ranger commander showing a humorous, human side he rarely showed to anyone else. The man had encouraged him when the once-leader had been nothing more than a dust-covered undergrad digging in the dirt while dreaming such big dreams, cutting his teeth on the big bad world of science. Had stood by him and urged him to try new experiments and create new biomachines back on the island. Mercer pushed him like no other, seeing in Tommy a potential to be far more than just a martial artist or fledgling race car driver that few ever had. And the former green had excelled under his tutelage. Of course, Tommy had been honestly surprised when the man first approached him, expressing an interest in exploring a romantic relationship with the brunette. Surprised, but not entirely put off. Anton was intelligent, successful, driven, handsome in a clean cut sort of way and shared Tommy's love of science. The twenty-something had been hesitant for a good long while, tentative about the idea. He hadn't honestly dated since high school never mind given any real thought to pursuing an out of the box entanglement like that even if he could admit, if only to himself, to being attracted to certain men here of there throughout his young life. But the blond scientist was suave and confident, patiently easing the younger man into the ways of same sex relations. It had been fun and new and exciting, mimicking their mutual genetic and technological research.
And then everything on the island went wrong and the former rangers world violently came crashing down around him. Anton disappeared and Tommy had been subjected to a living hell at his now enemies hands. He'd feared the man dead for so long, like so many others, had mourned his loss for almost two years only to have the mogul unexpectedly reappear in Reefside of all places like nothing happened. And with a kid in tow to boot; who just so happened to be one of the teacher's students. Talk about awkward.
That had been another source of friction between the couple. Trent seemed like a great kid, a little withdrawn at times, sure, but that was natural given his background. Tommy could relate, honestly. But Anton had a definite hands-off approach to raising the boy, often treating the kid as an employee and not a son. He'd gone so far as to forbid Tommy from ever mentioning anything about their relationship or mutual past to the teen. Not that he seriously wanted to share dating tips with a student, or televise his budding sexuality but sill. It was an utterly ridiculous command as far as he was concerned what with the blond dragging Tommy about every weekend, flaunting the paleontologist at all his corporate get together’s like some perfectly groomed and submissive, brainless piece of arm candy. The looks he received on those nights, even from his own boyfriend, always made Tommy feel just a little bit dirty. To be honest, the twenty five year old would not be at all surprised if Trent already knew about their ‘sort-of’ relationship.
Add in that awkward, somewhat unsettled feeling constantly tickling at the back of his brain, always leaving Tommy on edge and it seemed almost a given that they would butt heads every now and then. And to be fair, Tommy couldn’t blame their occasional spats all on Anton.
He'd noticed a change in himself these past two years too. As desperately as he wanted to deny it, those torturous weeks at that monsters hands had done something to him. He wasn't sure what exactly, but he knew it couldn't be good. Nothing borne out of pain and genetic experimentation was ever good. Mesogog being a rather blatant case and point. Rubbing pale fingers together as he shuffled through the sand, the teacher was still haunted by the ghost of scales polluting his flesh, the scrape of talons as they burst from the bone, tearing sinew and living tissue; leaving him twisted and unnatural. The mere memory made the man shiver.
And now this?
Tommy sighed, allowing the tide to wash over bare toes as he wandered aimless in a corner of the near deserted beach park. Gazing upon the silver cuff encircling his wrist, a finger idly traced the onyx stone set in its center. Bonding with that black DinoGem had made him happy in a sense. Now Tommy could be out there on the front lines where he belonged, helping to right the wrongs he felt responsible for. But at the same time it made him uneasy, stirred something primal deep within the teacher, and put him even further at odds with Anton. It had been an argument over the rangers and Tommy and Anton’s part in their current struggle that night which had led the blond to doing something he’d never done before. The man had struck him. Not hard enough to truly cause more damage than a slight bruise and the man had apologized profusely almost before the reeling young man had righted himself again. But the occurrence itself unsettled him.
Stubbornly, the paleontologist dropped the arm, tugging his shirt sleeve back over the wrist band and pushed such heavy thoughts from his mind. It had been a long day, full of new beginnings and new problems and right now Tommy just wanted to forget; if only for a little while. Cool fingers scrubbed across his features, as if to physically wipe away the unpleasantness before dark eyes rose, drifting off along the horizon. The waves were gentle, the tide low and the soft faint rumble of each surge was soothing. The newly dubbed black ranger allowed the serenity of his surroundings to take him, lulling the ache between his ribs until the man was once again calm and level headed.
He did not know how long he strayed, idly meandering along the shore. The world seemed so empty and calm here. He encountered not a soul for what felt like hours until a dark speck at last bloomed upon the sand. Tommy hesitated a moment as he came upon the frame of a well built man, reclining upon the beach and pondered turning around; leaving him to his relaxing observations. A glimmer of light from a passing boat playing across well chiseled features however quickly changed his mind.
It couldn’t be.
Widened eyes blinked, as if expecting the vision to vanish. He didn’t. Tommy’s heart skipped a beat and bare feet moved without his consent. Almost instantly he was at the side of his once-best friend. And lord did Jason look as gorgeous as he remembered. The paleontologist felt a sudden, definite attraction he couldn’t remember ever allowing himself to truly savor before, but he stubbornly refused to acknowledge it. He was after all in a committed relationship; Anton would not take too kindly to his straying attention. Never mind the fact that he wasn’t exactly sure where he stood with his once-teammate.
“Jason?” Tommy breathed, almost in disbelief. When again the handsome man did not disappear but remained whole and incredibly solid a surprised but utterly pleased grin crested the teacher’s features. “Man. I don’t believe it.” An almost amused chuckle bubbled up his chest, ringing through the still, cool night air. There were conflicting feelings simmering through his insides. The man had after all essentially cut Tommy out of his life for whatever reason. And it had hurt. That pain was still there. But he could not deny that he was in all honestly quite happy to see Jason again. It had been so long and he had so thoroughly missed the former red and their deep connection. Perhaps he should have been guarded. With all he had done and seen and been subjected to since their departure from one another, never mind the rather frayed emotions that day had wrought it was only natural. But he found he could not entirely be completely hesitant, tentative yes, but not blatantly so, despite the little voice in the back of his brain telling him he should be.
“It’s good to see you. What in the world are you doing in Reefside?” The teacher inquired, bravely offering one hand to the man. It was a simple gesture, a friendly, more platonic hand-shake as opposed to the hugs and affectionate touches of the past. Something that was less likely to hurt should the man turn it away.
Winter Faeryfly
Jason Scott
The beach had almost lulled Jason into a state of pure relaxation and he had almost failed to notice the change in his environment. The second figure that had also joined him on the beach almost went unnoticed and probably would have continued to go on unnoticed if it hadn’t been for the fact that the figure had started running towards him. It was the sound of approaching footsteps that snapped Jason from his relaxed state and his eyes flew open as his body immediately went into a defensive mood. All those years of training would never go away no matter how long Jason had been away from the ranger scene.
His fingers immediately curled around the soft sand beneath his fingers and Jason was just about to throw a handful of the sand into the figure’s face when the figure spoke. The voice alone was enough to cause Jason to freeze where he sat. The sand slipping through his fingers like sand in an hourglass. That voice…it couldn’t be…it just couldn’t…could it? Dark eyes widened slightly as Jason’s head tilted slightly upward to look up at the familiar face that he had been longing to see for so long now. There was a brief moment where Jason feared that this was some sort of dream.
Something that his mind had managed to conjure up thanks to the relaxed state in which the beach had seemed to place him in. However, the figure currently kneeling beside him was no mirage. Jason knew that right away for as soon as his gaze locked onto those familiar chocolate brown orbs, his heart knew right away. This was the Tommy that Jason had come to Reefside for. The friend that he had left behind in the hopes that Tommy would be able to move on and find a better life. The friend that Jason had come to miss so badly that he had come all the way to Reefside in the desperate hope of rekindling a friendship that he had snuffed out.
A small smile slowly spread across Jason’s face as he brought one hand up to gently curl around Tommy’s offered one while the other came up to rub the back of his head in a sheepish manner. “It’s great to see you too, Tommy.”And boy was that an understatement. Jason was practically ecstatic to see his former teammate and his heart pounding loudly in his chest was a clear indication of just how true that was. Still, Jason knew that it would be unwise of him to simply come right out and say that the only reason he had come to Reefside was because of Tommy. It just wouldn’t have been fair to the other male seeing as how it had been Jason that had essentially cut all ties with the raven haired male. It was a decision that Jason had come to regret every day but now it was his hopes that he and Tommy would be able to at least rekindle their friendship if nothing else.
More than anything else in the world that was all that Jason wanted and he hesitantly pulled his hand back at the thought. “And I came to Reefside for…well…” Jason hesitated for a moment before moving to shove his hands in his pockets. Should he tell Tommy the real reason he was there? Jason nibbled on his bottom lip for several seconds before clearing his throat then and managing a soft yet sincere smile.
“Hey, you hungry by chance? I know this great little snack shack not far from here on the beach that has the best shrimp platters this side of town. It will be my treat for we have a lot to catch up on.” The young man offered. Perhaps an invitation to dinner between old friends was the best approach to this situation and Jason glanced over at his friend hopefully as he waited for some sort of response.
Even though Jason would have loved for Tommy to accept his offer, he was also preparing himself for the possibility that the other male could turn down his offer as well. Jason supposed though that he would understand completely if Tommy were to refuse his offer for he would have probably done the same thing if he were in the other’s shoes. Jason had made a huge mistake by making the decision to cut Tommy out of his life completely and to show up out of the blue expecting to pick up where they left off was out of the question. He would have considered himself lucky if Tommy even agreed to acknowledge the fact that they were friends and so Jason shifted slightly where he stood on the beach, averting Tommy’s eyes as he braced himself for possible rejection.
Which he supposed he sort of deserved given all that had come to pass between him and Tommy. Still, that didn’t mean that Jason had no intentions of trying to make amends for the choices he had made in the past and so he simply stood there preparing himself for whatever reply his friend would give him.
His fingers immediately curled around the soft sand beneath his fingers and Jason was just about to throw a handful of the sand into the figure’s face when the figure spoke. The voice alone was enough to cause Jason to freeze where he sat. The sand slipping through his fingers like sand in an hourglass. That voice…it couldn’t be…it just couldn’t…could it? Dark eyes widened slightly as Jason’s head tilted slightly upward to look up at the familiar face that he had been longing to see for so long now. There was a brief moment where Jason feared that this was some sort of dream.
Something that his mind had managed to conjure up thanks to the relaxed state in which the beach had seemed to place him in. However, the figure currently kneeling beside him was no mirage. Jason knew that right away for as soon as his gaze locked onto those familiar chocolate brown orbs, his heart knew right away. This was the Tommy that Jason had come to Reefside for. The friend that he had left behind in the hopes that Tommy would be able to move on and find a better life. The friend that Jason had come to miss so badly that he had come all the way to Reefside in the desperate hope of rekindling a friendship that he had snuffed out.
A small smile slowly spread across Jason’s face as he brought one hand up to gently curl around Tommy’s offered one while the other came up to rub the back of his head in a sheepish manner. “It’s great to see you too, Tommy.”And boy was that an understatement. Jason was practically ecstatic to see his former teammate and his heart pounding loudly in his chest was a clear indication of just how true that was. Still, Jason knew that it would be unwise of him to simply come right out and say that the only reason he had come to Reefside was because of Tommy. It just wouldn’t have been fair to the other male seeing as how it had been Jason that had essentially cut all ties with the raven haired male. It was a decision that Jason had come to regret every day but now it was his hopes that he and Tommy would be able to at least rekindle their friendship if nothing else.
More than anything else in the world that was all that Jason wanted and he hesitantly pulled his hand back at the thought. “And I came to Reefside for…well…” Jason hesitated for a moment before moving to shove his hands in his pockets. Should he tell Tommy the real reason he was there? Jason nibbled on his bottom lip for several seconds before clearing his throat then and managing a soft yet sincere smile.
“Hey, you hungry by chance? I know this great little snack shack not far from here on the beach that has the best shrimp platters this side of town. It will be my treat for we have a lot to catch up on.” The young man offered. Perhaps an invitation to dinner between old friends was the best approach to this situation and Jason glanced over at his friend hopefully as he waited for some sort of response.
Even though Jason would have loved for Tommy to accept his offer, he was also preparing himself for the possibility that the other male could turn down his offer as well. Jason supposed though that he would understand completely if Tommy were to refuse his offer for he would have probably done the same thing if he were in the other’s shoes. Jason had made a huge mistake by making the decision to cut Tommy out of his life completely and to show up out of the blue expecting to pick up where they left off was out of the question. He would have considered himself lucky if Tommy even agreed to acknowledge the fact that they were friends and so Jason shifted slightly where he stood on the beach, averting Tommy’s eyes as he braced himself for possible rejection.
Which he supposed he sort of deserved given all that had come to pass between him and Tommy. Still, that didn’t mean that Jason had no intentions of trying to make amends for the choices he had made in the past and so he simply stood there preparing himself for whatever reply his friend would give him.
Ruche Evermehr
Dedicated Detective
That smile brightened noticably when Jason accepted the hand shake. It felt good, oddly familiar despite their seperation, and wholy pleasant. It was warm, in a world that had grown increasingly cold. Tommy was loathed to release the man's hand, but did nonethless; slipping it instead into a snug pocket when Jason withdrew.
Standing before the former red ranger waiting for his response then, Tommy allowed himself the time to truly take the man in. He hadn't seen him since the Serpenterra mission, and even then the encounter had been brief. They had spent the entire trip to the moon preparing for the upcoming red war and the trip back repairing any damage done during it. After, the paleontologist had departed almost immediately; needing to return to the island. At that time, Jason had looked great. But now, standing there in the moonlight he looked spectacular. He'd changed over the years, but at sime time he hadn't changed at all. Dark eyes lowered a moment, and an almost self conscious hand rose, scrubbing through short locks; haunted by the ghost of long auburn tresses he had missed more than once. The man certainly hadn't changed as much as Tommy had, but in his eyes that was a good thing. Jason had always been his own person and he stayed true to that. Sometimes the teacher wished he had too.
"Shrimp?" The dinner invitation surprised him. A million thoughts ran through the palentologiast's mind at once. Was it a good idea? Was it too late? Was he even hungry? Why was Jason here? Why now? And so much more. Tommy stood there, blinking blankly for a fraction of a second while his brain attemtped to assimalate all the quandries.
He honestly couldn't remeber the last time he'd eaten something. After returning from the island, Tommy had been too nausious from the experience and the unpleasant memories the man had been struggling to supress since his initial capture to risk consuming more than a few glasses of water. During those almost four days of captivity, he'd been given nothing; not that he would truly chance embibing it. It wasn't surprising though. Mesogog had never been a generous host. Something to eat right about then would probably be a very good idea. But gazing at Jason, his long missed once-best friend, he realized it wasn't even about the food really. I was just an oppourtunity to reconnect, to spend time with someone he could never forget, and maybe, just maybe it could be the begining of a rekindling of the special bond they had shared for so many years. But what about time? It had been a long day; a long weekend really. His body needed the down time, he knew that for a fact, not to mention he had to be up at the crack of dawn. Maybe it would be better to reschedule?
"Actually, I-" Glancing at his watch however, the newly minted black ranger was pleased to note it wasn't too late after all. It was well into the evening yes, but not terribly so. He did have to be up early to teach in the morning. And no doubt Randall was going to tan his hide for missing a days work without notice; Tommy was going to need at least a few hours rest to recooperate and be prepared. But he wasn't going to pass up this chance. After the day he'd had, honestly, he needed it.
Putting on a pleasant, sincere smile, the man nodded.
"You know what. That sounds great. I could go for some seafood and friendly company right about now. Its been a while." Tommy agreed, throwing caution to the wind. Just once, he wanted to do something for himself and simply enjoy the time with an old friend. He could worry about eveyone and everything else later. "Lead the way. I'm afraid I'm not up to date on great places to eat aroud here."The teacher suggested, motiong away from the surf and back towards the city beyond the sand.
Not being entirely familiar with the eateries the beach area had to offer, he relied entirely on Jason for direction; keeping his mind from drifting in favor of simply enjoying the compant.
"So how long are you going to be in town? Are you just visitng or-?" Tommy trailed off, pausing before they reached the end of the beach to brush the grit from his feet and slip previously discarded shoes back on. Or what? A little voice in the back of the former green's mind taunted, poking and prodding at his subconscious. Do you actually expect him to just up and move here after all these years? He turned you down remeber? The reminder almost made him frown. But he realized it was also quite true. Why would Jason drop a life in Angel Grove in favor of comming to this out there, monster-riddled beach town after all these years of no contact? Wait. Could that be it? Was his stop in Reefside perhaps ranger related? Could the attacks have drawn him here? No that didn't make any sense. Tommy was the only earth ranger on or off world who kept tabs on all the teams, past, present and future. And Jason had moved on from that life after giving up the gold powers. Getting him back for the red mission had been lucky, but beyond that the medic-in-training had distanced himself from that world. Idly a hand moved, tugging at a black sleeve; keeping the silver of his communicator well hidden. Turning his attention to their surroundings, the man filed those musing away for the time being; deciding to be cautious with that particular topic.
"So how did you find this place anyway? I have to admit I don't eat out much. And the kids haven't ever mentioned any hot spots around here." Tommy mumbled off handeled, shivering slightly as a cool breeze blew by; tickling the back of his neck.
Winter Faeryfly
Jason Scott
He had prepared himself for rejection. That was why as soon as Jason heard Tommy begin to decline his offer, he barely flinched. It was an expected response the more that the former red ranger thought about it for he had practically shown up out of the blue and back into Tommy’s life after he had been the one to cause the distance between them in the first place. To expect Tommy to accept his offer was a gamble and it was a gamble that Jason had been willing to take. At least now he could say that he made an attempt of repairing their broken friendship and all Jason could do was stand there with a false smile on his face.
“Alright that’s cool. I completely understand.” Jason had started to say once he had managed to find his voice. And at least he could say that he was being honest when he said that he understood.
What Jason wasn’t expecting though was to hear Tommy soon turn around and seem to change his mind in almost a second flat. The sudden change left Jason stopping where he stood and peered over his shoulder back at the dark haired male. The false smile that had been planted on his face all but melted away and was replaced with a sincere smile this time and Jason couldn’t help but muster a cheeky grin as he brought an elbow up to gently nudge his friend in the ribs.
“I should have known that you wouldn’t be able to turn down the offer of free food. No offense man but you look you need a little meat on your bones. Haven’t you been eating lately?” The former red questioned his former teammate as his gaze wandered up and down Tommy’s body observingly.
Now that it was brought to his attention, Jason did notice the subtle changes in his friend. Years of being a seasoned ranger had honed Jason’s abilities to detect the slightest changes in his friends and teammates and those senses had not changed. Jason frowned slightly at the thought but decided that for the time being he would simply remain quiet about the subject. If he knew Tommy as well as he liked to think the other male would have probably shrugged it off and tell Jason that he was just overreacting or to not worry. It was something that Jason had dealt with all too well in the past and he pulled his elbow back then to instead start making his way down the beach when Tommy seemed ready to head on out.
The sand felt soft beneath his feet and it helped to relax the former ranger almost immediately as he started heading towards the shack that lay just at the very end of the beach. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too crowded that evening and Jason looked back over his shoulder to make certain that Tommy was still following him. After having found the other male again, the last thing that Jason wanted was to lose him and he gave a small smile when he heard Tommy ask him just how long he planned on staying in Reefside.
“Actually, it’s more of a…permanent stay.” He said with a small grin as he soon guided Tommy towards the shack where it seemed as though there were only two other customers at the moment. The dinnertime crowd had already parted probably for the rest of the evening and Jason moved to slide into one of the backless stools that sat in front of the bar of the shack.
It was only after Jason ordered two shrimp platters, one for himself and one for Tommy, that he spun around in his stool to face his companion with a soft smile. He supposed that now was the best time to be honest with his friend seeing as how Jason was tired of keeping secrets and tired of pushing those closest to him away. He had learned that mistake the hard way with Tommy and it was something that he came to regret every day of his life. Now though he had a chance to make amends and Jason could only hope that it wasn’t too late to start anew.
“Well, for starters, I’ve been living here for about three months now and you know how I love my food as well so it was only natural that I managed to sniff out the best food places in town.” Jason chuckled as the server brought them some water while they waited for their platters to be brought out.
“In all due serious though, I suppose I should probably fill you in on some things huh?” Not waiting for a reply from the other, Jason continued.
“Six months ago, I finally completed my EMT training and joined Angel Grove’s finest as a fully trained EMT. However…something was missing. Something that I didn’t know I was missing until I had everything I thought I wanted…” Jason fidgeted slightly before clearing his throat to continue. His gaze remaining locked on his friend’s so Tommy could see the honesty and the truth in his eyes.
“I realized that what I was missing…was you, man. I know that it sounds cheesy but it’s true. The day I said I wouldn’t go with you to Reefside was the day that haunted me since. I couldn’t believe how stupid I had been and once I realized my stupidity, I decided to come here to Reefside in the hopes of finding you. I’m not expecting you to welcome me back with open arms of course. All I want is the hopes of starting over again. To put this all behind us and become friends again. I moved here to Reefside three months ago and as long as you want me here, I would gladly stay…” Jason whispered as he finally tore his gaze away from his friend’s to look down at his glass of ice water with a sad look on his face.
“I guess in short the thing that I was missing the most was you and I’m so…so so so sorry for being so stupid.”
“Alright that’s cool. I completely understand.” Jason had started to say once he had managed to find his voice. And at least he could say that he was being honest when he said that he understood.
What Jason wasn’t expecting though was to hear Tommy soon turn around and seem to change his mind in almost a second flat. The sudden change left Jason stopping where he stood and peered over his shoulder back at the dark haired male. The false smile that had been planted on his face all but melted away and was replaced with a sincere smile this time and Jason couldn’t help but muster a cheeky grin as he brought an elbow up to gently nudge his friend in the ribs.
“I should have known that you wouldn’t be able to turn down the offer of free food. No offense man but you look you need a little meat on your bones. Haven’t you been eating lately?” The former red questioned his former teammate as his gaze wandered up and down Tommy’s body observingly.
Now that it was brought to his attention, Jason did notice the subtle changes in his friend. Years of being a seasoned ranger had honed Jason’s abilities to detect the slightest changes in his friends and teammates and those senses had not changed. Jason frowned slightly at the thought but decided that for the time being he would simply remain quiet about the subject. If he knew Tommy as well as he liked to think the other male would have probably shrugged it off and tell Jason that he was just overreacting or to not worry. It was something that Jason had dealt with all too well in the past and he pulled his elbow back then to instead start making his way down the beach when Tommy seemed ready to head on out.
The sand felt soft beneath his feet and it helped to relax the former ranger almost immediately as he started heading towards the shack that lay just at the very end of the beach. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too crowded that evening and Jason looked back over his shoulder to make certain that Tommy was still following him. After having found the other male again, the last thing that Jason wanted was to lose him and he gave a small smile when he heard Tommy ask him just how long he planned on staying in Reefside.
“Actually, it’s more of a…permanent stay.” He said with a small grin as he soon guided Tommy towards the shack where it seemed as though there were only two other customers at the moment. The dinnertime crowd had already parted probably for the rest of the evening and Jason moved to slide into one of the backless stools that sat in front of the bar of the shack.
It was only after Jason ordered two shrimp platters, one for himself and one for Tommy, that he spun around in his stool to face his companion with a soft smile. He supposed that now was the best time to be honest with his friend seeing as how Jason was tired of keeping secrets and tired of pushing those closest to him away. He had learned that mistake the hard way with Tommy and it was something that he came to regret every day of his life. Now though he had a chance to make amends and Jason could only hope that it wasn’t too late to start anew.
“Well, for starters, I’ve been living here for about three months now and you know how I love my food as well so it was only natural that I managed to sniff out the best food places in town.” Jason chuckled as the server brought them some water while they waited for their platters to be brought out.
“In all due serious though, I suppose I should probably fill you in on some things huh?” Not waiting for a reply from the other, Jason continued.
“Six months ago, I finally completed my EMT training and joined Angel Grove’s finest as a fully trained EMT. However…something was missing. Something that I didn’t know I was missing until I had everything I thought I wanted…” Jason fidgeted slightly before clearing his throat to continue. His gaze remaining locked on his friend’s so Tommy could see the honesty and the truth in his eyes.
“I realized that what I was missing…was you, man. I know that it sounds cheesy but it’s true. The day I said I wouldn’t go with you to Reefside was the day that haunted me since. I couldn’t believe how stupid I had been and once I realized my stupidity, I decided to come here to Reefside in the hopes of finding you. I’m not expecting you to welcome me back with open arms of course. All I want is the hopes of starting over again. To put this all behind us and become friends again. I moved here to Reefside three months ago and as long as you want me here, I would gladly stay…” Jason whispered as he finally tore his gaze away from his friend’s to look down at his glass of ice water with a sad look on his face.
“I guess in short the thing that I was missing the most was you and I’m so…so so so sorry for being so stupid.”
Ruche Evermehr
Dedicated Detective
Tommy shifted somewhat uncomfortably as the medic pointed out his appearance. It was done jokingly of course but still. He knew he looked far from his peek physical condition at the moment; he felt it too. Given all he'd been through though, the former green supposed he'd faired pretty well. Mesogog was capable of untold evil, his weekend captute seemed a pale comparrison to the imprisonments of the past. Shrugging the teacher smiled, tucking his hands back into deep pockets and continued on as if the ghost of previous horrors wasn't perched on his shoulder whispering such ugly things."You found me out. A free meal was the only reason I said yes." Tommy played along, the corner of his lips curling crookedly. Shuffling after the man, dark eyes took in their surroundings. He couldn't recall ever visiting this particular stetch of beach.
"Don't worry so much. I've got plenty of meat on these bones." He mumbled, hedging a little but not being obvious about it. He really hadn't taken the time to truly examine his appearance after returning outside of the errant scrape or two. Did he really look so bad? Or did he just look different from three years ago? It was hard to say. Both were entirely plausible, but he kept those ponderings to himself.
"Permanent?" The man parroted, almost stopping short at the surpsing admission. Blinking, Tommy zeroed in on the once-rangers back, perplexed.
"You mean you're moving here? Why?" He couldn't help but ask. Jason however refrained from answering, seeming intent upon their destination. Obligingly, Tommy held his silence following just a step behind. They were a lot closer to the restaurant than he had initially thought. The place seemed quaint. Jason's description of a little snack shack on the beach was nothing if not accurate. The aroma of fresh seafood and fried offerings permeated the air. An upbeat little ditty played in the background, he couldn't quite place it as they claimed two empty seats at the bar but really it wasn't important. The former red took the initiative, ordering for them both and Tommy allowed it without fuss. The man after all was the expert on the place it seemed. He just hoped it wasn't all battered and fried. It's very unlikely his stomach would appreciate something so greasy at the moment. The paleontologist thanked the waiter as two glasses of water were presented and he eagerly scooped up his own, sipping the chilled beverage. At last Jason seemed ready to address Tommy's questions and the paleontologist turned slightly, giving the man his full attention. He had to admit, he was entirely shocked.
"You.. You came here for me?" Tommy asked stunned after the former red finished his explanation. Jason had actually come to Reefside with the soul intention of looking for him in mind? Not only had the man shown up out of the blue he'd apparently dropped his life in Angel Grove and a promising career to move to this beach town. He must have really missed him to give up so much and to go through so much trouble just to find him. A part of the paleontologist was absolutely elated and it showed in the somewhat lopsided smile curling his face unbidden. But another part of the man was utterly confused. Why would Jason push him out of his life in the first place only to go through all that just to find him again? It just didn't make sense.
"I'm confused." Tommy confessed softly, but hurried to reassure him that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. "I mean don't get me wrong. I'm glad you're here, I've missed you too man. I just.. don't understand. If our friendship really meant that much to you, why did you end it in the first place?" He couldn't help but ask. Staring at the older man, mindlessly fingering his glass the teacher frowned suddenly, realizing he'd probably over-stepped a boundary by asking that. Approaching Anton with a personal question like that would have been a sure fire way to start a fight and the young man just barely kept from wincing. Turning quickly, he almost submissively redirected his gaze behind the bar and took a quick sip of his drink.
"I'm sorry. That's a little rude of me isn't it? It's not my place to ask." The newly christened black ranger was quick to apologize. He appeared slightly apprehensive, as if he expected the paramedic to react poorly. Having lived so long around the blond mogul had conditioned the man to react quite a bit differently than he used to but he was swift to screw a new smile in place almost a minute after the last one went out. Pushing those thoughts from his mind, Tommy focused instead on the prospect of maybe having his best friend back. The notion was an entirely pleasant one; Jason's presence was something he had sorely missed for a very long time. When the man had initially broken away, erecting a wall to keep the paleontologist out the hurting young man had tried to find out why. It wasn't hard to track the former red down, he'd returned to Angel Grove after all. But he never managed to pin the man down and get the answers he needed. Even Jason's parents hadn't been able to explain. Eventually, Tommy had been forced to give up, respecting the man's desires for space and moved on with his life the best he could. Jason's absence however had left a permanent void in his soul. One Tommy had gone to great lengths to supress. Having the chance to reconnect again would be a very welcome opportunity. But was it safe? So much had happened in the black Rangers life, so much had changed and so much had gone wrong. Dark eyes dropped to light golden fingers, tracing the entirely normal looking flesh. How would Jason react if he found out what happened? What he had done? Tommy was not only responsible for the creation of the current rangers but their enemies as well. That wasn't exaclty an easy thing to swallow. Licking his lips, the teacher shook his head and washed such dark thoughts away with a quick mouthful of water.
"You know, I'm just glad to see you. It's been so long. I think... I'd like to try to salvage our relationship again. I mean, if you're staying." Tommy confessed, and every word of it was true. Despite that little voice nagging away in the back of his brain, insisting he be cautious, he was happy to have a second chance. Swivelling in the seat he leveled a smile on his companion. "It would be nice to have my best friend back... And congratulations on completing your course. That's exciting. Have you transferred to a hospital here then? I'm not familiar with Reefside general but I know Memorial is the top rated hospital in the city. I can imagine living in this town would keep you pretty busy."
Winter Faeryfly
Jason Scott
Jason probably owed a better explanation to his friend however he was struggling to explain himself. It wasn’t as though he could come straight out and say that the main reason he had sought Tommy out was because of his true feelings for the other male. The feelings that Jason had for Tommy had always been there, feelings of love and feelings of passion. They were feelings that Jason had originally tried to deny for fear of what might happen if his feelings were found out. As much as he cared for Tommy, the thought of losing him as a friend wasn’t exactly appealing to Jason so he would have rather remained friends than nothing else. However, on that same token, Jason has intentionally pushed Tommy away, cutting him out of his life almost entirely so his feelings were conflicted at best.
Their food soon arrived snapping Jason from his thoughts and he looked down at the shrimp basket with a small smile. At least now he’d be able to quell his every growling stomach and the former red ranger reached down to pick up one of the unpeeled shrimp to start peeling it. The simple gesture helped Jason to gather his thoughts and as he laid the discarded shrimp shell down in the basket, he turned to Tommy and plopped the now peeled shrimp into his mouth.
“I guess I’m not really making any sense huh?” he muttered with a sheepish smile before his hands came to fold neatly in his lap as he continued to gather his thoughts.
How much could he get away with saying? What was too much and what wasn't enough? Jason decided that he might as well be as forward as possible and hope for the best. This was Tommy he was talking with after all and if there was anybody he could always count on, it was his friend. It was with that thought planted firmly in his mind that Jason was able to take a deep breath to settle his nerves before continuing. It didn’t bother him in the least that Tommy had asked however what did bother him was just how quickly his friend had apologized to him. Since when did Tommy apologize to him for questioning him? Jason squinted suspiciously at Tommy for several seconds and even with that new smile on his face, it was quite apparent that something wasn’t right with his friend.
“Alright…so…who are you and what have you done with my best friend?” he asked in a half-teasing, half-serious tone as he leaned over to gently nudge Tommy’s shoulder lightly.
The fact that Tommy had apologized so quickly nearly caught Jason off guard and momentarily lose his train of thought. Just how much had the former green ranger changed since they had last seen one another? Jason frowned slightly at the thought before slightly taking his head and leaning over with one hand to rest on top of Tommy’s lightly. The other’s hand felt soft underneath his, a bit chill, but soft nonetheless and Jason gave Tommy’s hand a gentle squeeze.
“Look, you know you don’t have to apologize to me and you have a right to question me. I know that my actions are quite contradictory to one another but I wish to explain myself.” Jason said as he hesitantly pulled his hand back then to shift uncomfortably in his seat.
“The truth of the matter was…that I just…I just wanted you to be happy and I thought that you wouldn’t be happy at Angel Grove waiting for me to finish my training. You had your own dreams you wanted to follow and I don’t think I would have been happy with myself knowing that the only reason you were staying because of me.” Jason’s gaze softened softly as he looked down at the sand then with a soft sigh.
“I thought…I thought that if I pushed you away that you’d eventually go on and follow your dreams which is exactly what you did. I couldn’t really be much of a friend if I kept you away from something you wanted to do. Not only that but…” The former red ranger paused a moment as he fumbled with his next words.
“Not only that but…but…I really…really liked you, man.” Like of course being such a loose word but Jason just wasn’t ready to come out and throw in the ‘love’ word yet. Rumor had it after all that Tommy did have a boyfriend and Jason supposed he shouldn’t have been surprised. Tommy really was a great guy. Not only was he attractive, he was also brave, intelligent, and caring to a dangerous fault. Even if Tommy wouldn’t admit it out loud, the former green ranger had a soft side that Tommy had fallen in love with and Jason spun around in his chair then so that he was now facing the inside of the shack. His cheeks were completely flushed in embarrassment as he fumbled awkwardly in an attempt to peel another shrimp. His fingers kept on slipping though making it nearly impossible for Jason to peel the shrimp and so he threw it down in frustration before bringing his hands up to run through his hair in frustration.
“Wow, I really sound like a fool don’t I? Here I am rambling on and on with poor excuses as to why I did what I did when all I want to do is see how you’re doing. I heard that you are doing quite well and that you even managed to find yourself somebody that makes you happy.” The words tasted almost bitter on Jason’s tongue even though he wasn’t bitter with Tommy. Instead he was bitter with himself for Tommy had moved on with his life while Jason had been wallowing in regrets of the past. Jason should have been happy that Tommy was doing so well yet for some strange reason he couldn’t.
“I’m sorry. Maybe…maybe this was a bad idea after all. Listen, you…you enjoy the shrimp and I’ll leave you be.” Jason muttered as he rose to his feet and reached into his wallet to throw down enough money to pay the bill and tip as well as a slip of paper with his phone number on it.
“If you ever want to talk, here’s my number. Now I should probably get going.” He said turning to leave.
Their food soon arrived snapping Jason from his thoughts and he looked down at the shrimp basket with a small smile. At least now he’d be able to quell his every growling stomach and the former red ranger reached down to pick up one of the unpeeled shrimp to start peeling it. The simple gesture helped Jason to gather his thoughts and as he laid the discarded shrimp shell down in the basket, he turned to Tommy and plopped the now peeled shrimp into his mouth.
“I guess I’m not really making any sense huh?” he muttered with a sheepish smile before his hands came to fold neatly in his lap as he continued to gather his thoughts.
How much could he get away with saying? What was too much and what wasn't enough? Jason decided that he might as well be as forward as possible and hope for the best. This was Tommy he was talking with after all and if there was anybody he could always count on, it was his friend. It was with that thought planted firmly in his mind that Jason was able to take a deep breath to settle his nerves before continuing. It didn’t bother him in the least that Tommy had asked however what did bother him was just how quickly his friend had apologized to him. Since when did Tommy apologize to him for questioning him? Jason squinted suspiciously at Tommy for several seconds and even with that new smile on his face, it was quite apparent that something wasn’t right with his friend.
“Alright…so…who are you and what have you done with my best friend?” he asked in a half-teasing, half-serious tone as he leaned over to gently nudge Tommy’s shoulder lightly.
The fact that Tommy had apologized so quickly nearly caught Jason off guard and momentarily lose his train of thought. Just how much had the former green ranger changed since they had last seen one another? Jason frowned slightly at the thought before slightly taking his head and leaning over with one hand to rest on top of Tommy’s lightly. The other’s hand felt soft underneath his, a bit chill, but soft nonetheless and Jason gave Tommy’s hand a gentle squeeze.
“Look, you know you don’t have to apologize to me and you have a right to question me. I know that my actions are quite contradictory to one another but I wish to explain myself.” Jason said as he hesitantly pulled his hand back then to shift uncomfortably in his seat.
“The truth of the matter was…that I just…I just wanted you to be happy and I thought that you wouldn’t be happy at Angel Grove waiting for me to finish my training. You had your own dreams you wanted to follow and I don’t think I would have been happy with myself knowing that the only reason you were staying because of me.” Jason’s gaze softened softly as he looked down at the sand then with a soft sigh.
“I thought…I thought that if I pushed you away that you’d eventually go on and follow your dreams which is exactly what you did. I couldn’t really be much of a friend if I kept you away from something you wanted to do. Not only that but…” The former red ranger paused a moment as he fumbled with his next words.
“Not only that but…but…I really…really liked you, man.” Like of course being such a loose word but Jason just wasn’t ready to come out and throw in the ‘love’ word yet. Rumor had it after all that Tommy did have a boyfriend and Jason supposed he shouldn’t have been surprised. Tommy really was a great guy. Not only was he attractive, he was also brave, intelligent, and caring to a dangerous fault. Even if Tommy wouldn’t admit it out loud, the former green ranger had a soft side that Tommy had fallen in love with and Jason spun around in his chair then so that he was now facing the inside of the shack. His cheeks were completely flushed in embarrassment as he fumbled awkwardly in an attempt to peel another shrimp. His fingers kept on slipping though making it nearly impossible for Jason to peel the shrimp and so he threw it down in frustration before bringing his hands up to run through his hair in frustration.
“Wow, I really sound like a fool don’t I? Here I am rambling on and on with poor excuses as to why I did what I did when all I want to do is see how you’re doing. I heard that you are doing quite well and that you even managed to find yourself somebody that makes you happy.” The words tasted almost bitter on Jason’s tongue even though he wasn’t bitter with Tommy. Instead he was bitter with himself for Tommy had moved on with his life while Jason had been wallowing in regrets of the past. Jason should have been happy that Tommy was doing so well yet for some strange reason he couldn’t.
“I’m sorry. Maybe…maybe this was a bad idea after all. Listen, you…you enjoy the shrimp and I’ll leave you be.” Jason muttered as he rose to his feet and reached into his wallet to throw down enough money to pay the bill and tip as well as a slip of paper with his phone number on it.
“If you ever want to talk, here’s my number. Now I should probably get going.” He said turning to leave.
Ruche Evermehr
Dedicated Detective
"What? He could feel the man's eyes burning into him from here. The teacher could all but taste the suspicion and it made him a little uneasy. What did Jason see when he looked at him now? What had he done or said to incite the paramedics curiosity? Sure, he had changed physically, but that was all right?
Nervous fingers moved towards the shrimp basket, plucking out one of the morsels and idly peeled the thing for lack of something better to do.
That warm hand lowering atop his own drew Tommy's attention, and dark eyes dropped tracing those familiar fingers where they grasped upon his own. The touch was warm, strong, comforting; it put him at ease without even trying. He had missed that, missed him for far too long.
That kindness and the medics reassurances drew an honest smile across the former greens lips. The man always had possessed a talent for saying just the right thing just when he needed to hear it and Tommy felt that previous tension seep away. The paleontologist quietly munched on the little morsel as he listened, a little hesitant at first, fearing his stomach might rebel. When it did not, he swallowed the bite before seeking out a second. True to his word, the food here was quite good. His hands seemed to move on auto pilot however, his entire focus firmly entrenched upon the man at his side. The more Jason spoke, the more Tommy felt his brow kink with confusion.
"I liked you too Jase. I don't understand how that would be a prob- oh." Realization donned suddenly, and try as he might Tommy couldn't quite keep the sudden rush of warmth from staining his cheeks. Jason liked him in a romantic sense? "I had no idea." It almost didn't quite seem possible. Jason was such an amazing person, what could he see in him? Growing up the former red had been the scarred greens personal hero, his advocate, then his best friend; the first and best Tommy had ever had if he were honest with himself. The paleontologist had been drawn to the man from the very begining, even if he'd never really understood why. It wasn't until some years later with some deep soul searching that revealed a few personal truths that he realized part of that draw had been attraction. Of course he'd never expected anything to come of it, what with the man cutting him out of his life and all. Not to mention he'd never really thought of the man as anything beyond a very dear friend, handsome yes, but still just a friend. But, now? Now Jason was back, seeming to want to repair their lost friendship and maybe more. Could they even be more? Could Tommy honestly see himself with Jason? The man was funny, kind, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous with a heart of the purest gold. You couldn't do any better than Jason Lee Scott. He'd be lying if he didn't admit that the idea had its appeal.
The man's pulse began to race, thoughts of possibility swarming through the Rangers head. Heat seeped through the skin the longer he pondered, that blossom of color in high cheek bones darkening with every notion. And then Jason just had to mention Anton, and the teacher came crashing back to earth rather violently. How could he forget Anton? How he could even think about someone else romantically? They'd been together for three years. Well, one year and some months, then the island went down. But still, they were together now and it was entirely wrong to even look at someone else. Shame quickly washed away all traces of color, leaving the teacher just a touch pale and he swallowed; hard. He may not be as carefree and happy as Jason seemed to think he was, but Tommy couldn't deny that he cared about Anton, and the man at one point had made the teacher very happy. It was that fact which kept him at the blonds side, struggling to readjust and find that joy again. And he was certain they could, it would just take time. Right? But what about Jason? Would Tommy's being in a relationship push the man away again? Just the mere idea had the teachers heart seizing in his chest. Even with all the unknowns in his life, all the darkness and evil deeds, and that little voice telling him he should let him go, Tommy found he couldn't. It didn't matter what he had done, or not done, or what had been done to him, when it came to Jason often logic took a back seat to raw feeling and that feeling was telling Tommy he wanted the man back in his life; perhaps even more than he should.
It seemed his fears proved true however when the medic turned away with every intention of leaving. His insides went cold and dark eyes widened. He couldn't let him leave, not like this.
"Wait." Tommy moved almost faster than thought, whirling about in his seat. A hand shot out, snagging the former reds arm and held tight. He could feel his heart pounding against his ribs, and a knot lodged itself in his throat. The possibility that the man was going to push him away again now had the teachers innards twisting. Standing, Tommy bravely faced the young paramedic.
"Jason Lee Scott don't you dare." Tommy commanded, his tone slipping into that familiar well used leader-timbre without even realizing it; the sort of tone that all but demanded it be obeyed without question.
"You can't just show up, say something like that and then run away, and expect me to sit back and let it happen. It doesn't work like that." The former green insisted, grasping strong shoulders and forcibly pulled the man back around to face him. Imploring eyes sought out his best friends gaze, the grip on the man firm but not uncomfortable. The head strong, determined young man Tommy had always been resurfaced once again, drawn out by the once-rangers plight. He stepped close, giving the slightly shorter man no choice but to look him in the eye. From so short a distance he could smell the man's cologne, feel the warmth of his skin, and the caress of breath across his face and the familiarity of it all had his heart aching. Lord, how he had missed this man.
"You said what you wanted to say, now you're gonna listen." The paleontologist insisted, voice firm with conviction. But there was nothing but honesty and compassion in his features. The determined sharpness of the former greens face softened, curbed by affection. "I understand that you didn't want to hold me back and I appreciate that." And he truly did, even if part of black ranger wished the man had done just that. Maybe he wouldn't have made so many mistakes if he'd just stayed home with Jason and stopped himself from dreaming beyond racing and martial arts. Perhaps so many people would not have lost their lives then. "I didn't want to get in the way of your dreams either you know, which was why I was happy you decided to stay in Angel Grove. Its where you belonged and I understood that... I suppose it was selfish of me to ask you to leave all that behind in the first place. And.. I'm sorry for that. It wasn't very fair of me." Tommy mumbled the last, seeming momentarily lost in thought before those dark eyes focused once again and latched onto that midnight pair.
"Regardless, you didn't have to push me out of your life just because you wanted to stay or.. or because you- had feelings for me. Honestly I.. I'm flattered. But, Jase you were my best friend, I would have understood- I, I do understand. You know.. life doesn't always have to be black and white. I would have been happy to stay if it meant I got to keep you in my life. Or we would could have easily maintained our friendship long distance, just like when you were in Geneva... But.. I suppose it doesn't really matter now though, does it?" An almost wry smiled curled one corner of the teachers lips, and he shook his head as if physically redirecting his mind to the proper topic. "What matters now is that I finally have an opportunity to get my best friend back.. I don't want to looss that chance Jason. I don't want to loose you. Please don't push me away again." Dark eyes searched deep, mapping the depths of those handsome eyes he had not seen nor lost himself within in so long. Tommy wanted nothing more than to keep this man at his side; to have again what he had missed most these last few years. But he realized then, perhaps that was him being selfish again. If Jason truly had feelings for him and chose to stay, how would he handle seeing Tommy in a relationship with someone else? That didn't seem entirely fair. Darkness clouded the young man's features for a moment, and softened eyes lowered. He could not quite find the courage to release him however, despite that realization. Was he being presumptuous, thinking the man felt more than passing attraction? Was he being naive believing he himself felt nothing more than attraction for Jason? Was it right to ask the man to stay despite whatever it was the former red truly felt? A real friend would not knowingly ask another to put themselves in a place that caused pain. He shouldn't expect Jason stay, he shouldn't expect him to even want to stay, not if Tommy could only offer less than what the man may have been hoping for.
"You're right, I.. I am in a relationship. I don't want that to drive you away. I would like it if we can still be friends. But.. I realize now that's probably an insensitive thing to ask. I wouldn't want to make you stay if seeing me with someone else might hurt you or make you uncomfortable. It's not right, and it's selfish of me. And I'll let go, if thats what you really want.. But... Tommy swallowed, pearly whites worrying that plump bottom lip before black chocolote eyes rose looking for all the world like a young man in dire need of a friend. "I can't help wanting you to stay." It was little more than a whisper; a soft confession he wasn't at all sure he should be sharing. But it was utterly honest despite.