"Mmmhh, Tommy..." Kat murmured, as she slowly swam upwards from the depths of slumber, rubbing her cheek sleepily against the smooth hard chest she was resting on. She could feel the chuckle rumbling deep within, and shifted slightly, twining her legs around the strong thighs, as a smile played around her lips. She pressed a soft kiss against the warm skin, and a hand gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face, tapping her playfully on her nose. Wrinkling her brow, she protested with a delicate yawn.

"Tommy...!" The chuckle got more pronounced.

"Sorry, kitten--wrong guy."

The deep voice was familiar, but it didn't belong to her boyfriend. And what did he mean, wrong guy? Suddenly, the blue eyes snapped open, and a fiery blush stained the fair skin.

"Oh my God...! Jason?!" Kat tried to extricate herself from the close embrace, as memories of the night crashed in on her.

He released her willingly enough, his dark eyes sparkling with humour. As she tried to get her runaway emotions back under control, he propped his head up on an elbow and watched her, smiling slightly. Kat tried to cover herself with the rumpled sheet, but only managed to pull it off Jason, who yelped as the cool morning air hit his backside.

"Hey!"

The blonde felt as if she could die of mortification. Curling in on herself, she sneaked a peek at the former Gold Ranger from under her bangs while he distributed the covers more evenly, covering himself in back and leaving enough sheet so that it fell at least partially over her naked breasts, which still ached pleasurably from all the attention Jason had lavished on them during the night. The thought deepened the colour in the girl's cheeks as she simultaneously recalled that she had addressed him by the wrong name. Jason noticed, and guessing at the reason, he leaned over and brushed a quick kiss against her lips.

"Kat, it's okay," he reassured her. "Really."

"How can you say that?", she almost wailed. "We've just spent the night making mad, passionate love, and I can't even remember your name? What does that say about me?"

"Just that you love Tommy very much," he consoled her, getting serious as he saw how distressed she was.

"Actually, considering the circumstances, I couldn't be more glad that you thought you were with Tommy rather than me." "Huh?"

"Kat, my greatest worry was that you and Tanya helping me out would damage your relationships with Tommy and Adam. If the first person you think of in this situation"--his gesture encompassed them both, the bed and the whole cabin--"is Tommy, then that tells *me* at least that you're in love with him ... and not just out for some thrill, or something." He frowned slightly. " Does that make any sense?"

Katherine thought his words over for a moment. Hesitantly, she nodded.

"I ... I think so. It's just...it seems so ... I don't know ... impolite?"

*That* got her a friendly shout of laughter and a somewhat exuberant hug.

Shaking his head in fond exasperation, Jason looked at her, grinning.

"What, in heaven's name, has this whole situation to do with politeness?"

Kat had to laugh as well.

"I don't know! I still feel like I have to apologize, though!"

"Don't. Believe me, it's totally unnecessary."

The two shared another grin, then Kat slowly relaxed. Jason raised a questioning eyebrow as he pulled her back to him, and she smiled, settling back into his embrace--not quite as close as when she'd first woken, but as *very* good friends. They lay like that for a few minutes, savouring their closeness and the lassitude still lingering in their bodies. Outside, the sun was slowly rising, dispelling the last mists of dawn and filling the room with golden light. Kat drowsed a little bit; she was not really a morning person, and it was nice to cuddle like this, warm under the covers, with Jason's hand wandering absently up and down her back. In contrast to the night, there was no intent to excite in the gentle stroking, rather it soothed and relaxed her. She almost began to circle her fingertips over his chest, but held back; she was feeling a bit sore and exhausted, and didn't want to start the cycle of lust again--at least, not right now. Suddenly, a low growl filled the room. Alert, Kat sat up, looking about. The sound came a second time, from right beside her.....she looked at Jason, who was grinning again - albeit somewhat sheepishly.

"What was that?" she asked suspiciously, thinking he was trying to tease her.

He cast a friendly leer in her direction as he took in her creamy breasts with obvious appreciation. Kat blushed, but made no move this time to cover herself; after what they had shared during the night, such modesty would have been hypocritical.

"Nothing."

She frowned at him; he didn't do the innocent "who, me?" look any better than Tommy. Something, or someone growled again. Kat *knew* that sound; just where had she heard it before? Just then, a similar noise, only slightly less audible, answered. It came from....the second light growl spread through Kat's stomach and up. She began to laugh. Looking at Jason with mild reproof, she swung her legs out from under the covers.

"Couldn't you just tell me you're hungry?"

He rolled over and sat up as she got up and stretched, admiring her willowy body and fine, smooth skin, which seemed to glow with an inner flush. His cock twitched again, but at the moment it was surprisingly easy to control. It seemed the more ordinary hunger he was feeling took precedence--small wonder after the night he'd spent making love to Kat!

"I would have...eventually."

"Yeah, right."

Kat picked up her robe and slipped into it, scowling playfully at his exaggerated pout.

"I'm going to start the coffee, then take a shower. Are you going to join me for breakfast?"

"Definitely. Go ahead--I'll see to the bed." They'd managed to ruin another set of sheets. Smiling slightly, Kat nodded her acceptance and vanished towards the small kitchen. While she set the coffee to percolating, she took stock of herself. If Tanya could relieve her, she'd be fine later in the day for her next ‘shift'. The Pink Ranger grinned mentally at the image. A small giggle escaped her as she envisioned herself and Tanya punching a clock while they met at the bedroom door.

"What's so funny?"

Kat shrieked; she hadn't heard Jason come in. Trying very hard to banish the wayward thoughts, she turned, her mouth still twitching slightly.

"Nothing."

At his skeptical look, her grin grew a bit broader. However, she wasn't going to enlighten him.

"It's a girl thing. You wouldn't understand."

"You might try me?", he suggested hopefully, but Kat just shook her head and went past Jason, patting him patronizingly on the sleeve of his black-and-red bathrobe, knowing full well that it would drive him absolutely crazy.

"I don't think so."

She disappeared into the bathroom with a sassy swish of her hips, closing the door firmly behind her.

The smell of coffee and an insistent ray of morning sun on her face woke Tanya from a deep sleep. For a few moments, she just cuddled into the soft blanket, when a twinge in her right thigh muscle brought her to full awareness. Massaging the small hurt away, she sat up, slowly looking around her, remembering where she was and what she was doing here. Tanya fought down her blush and a sob at her memories of the night before; serving Jason's need had been far worse than she'd thought. It wasn't that he'd hurt her--once she'd tied his arms to the bed, he couldn't have, but the feeling of being used--of being nothing more than an...orifice. A part of her tried to tell her that that was *exactly* what this was all about, but she hadn't expected to feel so humiliated. *And it's not over yet--if Kat feels like I do....oh my God, Kat!*

Tanya swung her legs off the couch and grabbed for her robe. Kat had gone to Jason before midnight--it was morning now. *She must have been there for hours! If I'm so sore after two hours, how must she be feeling? Why didn't she wake me?* A moment's thought brought the answer, and made her feel even worse. *Because I wigged out so badly last night; she must have wanted to spare me!*

She stood on wobbly legs. Actually, her strained muscles were feeling a lot better; if she could exercise somewhat, or massage them, she'd probably be allright. A little of the weight eased off her. Inhaling deeply, she ventured into the hallway, where she was greeted by a fresh breeze coming through a wide-open window....in the *bedroom*? Carefully, she approached the door. The bed was empty and had obviously been redone with fresh sheets; the bathroom door was open, as well, and nobody was inside. Tanya held on to the door. Where were Kat and Jason? Just before she could conjure up worst-case scenarios, an unmistakeable giggle reached her ears, followed by a deeper chuckle. She followed the sound to the small kitchen. Hesitantly, she pushed against the swinging door. There, at the small table, sat Jason, nursing a cup of coffee, while Kat was at the fridge, pouring some orange juice. Both were wearing bathrobes, and seemed almost indecently cheerful. *What's going on here? Why was I in tears, and Kat looks like she's eaten a canary?*

Tanya took a tentative step forward. The door creaked slightly in its hinges, and both her friends' heads swivelled towards her.

"Tanya!" Soprano and baritone called out her name in unison. With a few quick steps, Kat was at her side, drawing her into the kitchen and a warm hug. Jason looked as if he wanted to do the same, but kept his distance for the moment, just gifting her with a warm smile. He was the first to address her, though.

"How are you? Are you okay?"

Tanya looked from him to Kat and back. She couldn't understand their relaxed attitude; weren't they supposed to be locked in the bedroom, struggling with Jason's overwhelming need? Instead, they were sharing breakfast as the best of friends, having consumed quite a large quantity of the foodstuffs they had brought to the cabin judging from the remains on the table. Shaking her head in confusion, Tanya let Kat guide her to a chair opposite the former Ranger. She sank down weakly, feeling inexplicably hurt by their apparent good cheer.

"W-what's going on here? Why aren't you...uh..." She blushed, but refused to look away.

Kat exchanged a smile with Jason, then sat down next to Tanya and draped a comforting arm around her waist.

"Oh Tanya....I'm so sorry."

"Sorry for what?"

"We just didn't know....Tanya, we--all of us--went about this totally wrong. Wait, let me explain," the Pink Ranger told her friend, just as Tanya was about to interrupt her again. She searched a few moments to find the right words, then looked at the young man across the table, unaccountably embarrassed. Blushing slightly, she silently asked for, and got, cooperation. Jason pushed his chair back and refilled his coffee cup.

"Tell you what, why don't I go outside a bit and you fill Tanya in. I could probably use some air." With that, he went past the Yellow Ranger, laying a large, warm hand briefly on her shoulder. She stiffened instinctively, but the touch was a friend's, gentle and reassuring. Tanya dared look into the dark eyes, and found warmth and understanding there. Then, the hand was removed and Jason left the two girls alone. He wanted--needed--to talk to Tanya himself, before the potion reestablished its hold over his hormones, but he knew it would be easier for both his friends if Kat could explain to Tanya in private what they had found out during the night. Sighing, he made his way outside to the porch, where he slowly sipped his coffee and watched the first waterfowl venture out on the lake.

Inside, Tanya turned questioning eyes to her friend. She was more confused than ever--what had produced this remarkable change in Jason?

Kat smiled, and it sent a small shiver down Tanya's spine. That smile spoke of victory, of satisfaction, of....*pleasure*? It was a smile Kat usually only wore after Tommy had done something especially romantic--and it made Kat look more like her namesake animal than ever. *What in Heaven's name is going on here?*

"Kat?" the Yellow Ranger prompted, when no answer was forthcoming.

"Hmm? Oh. Tell me,"--here Kat became very serious, and took Tanya's hand in hers--"how did you manage that first time with Jason? I'm not trying to pry; there's a reason I'm asking," she hastily reassured her teammate.

Tanya swallowed hard and lowered her head in embarrassment. Looking down at the tabletop, she blushed and it took her some time to answer.

"I...I straddled him, and... and... I basically just held myself above him, while he...." She couldn't go on. Absently, she massaged the muscle that had cramped earlier.

"That's what I did, too, the first time." Kat's matter-of-fact tone was oddly reassuring, and enabled Tanya to meet her friend's eyes.

"I...it hurt so much after a while....not what Jason was doing, really; I think Zordon's pills helped with that, but holding myself in position so long, letting him *use* me... I mean, I knew that's what was going to happen, but I didn't think it through, not really... it was so different from when Adam and I make love....Jason wasn't even looking at me, it was as if I was just some kind of inflatable doll, or something...."

"...and that's the worst, right?" Kat's blue eyes were warm and understanding, and Tanya felt some part of the burden lift from her shoulders. A hesitant smile touched her lips, and she nodded. Kat got up and without having asked began to prepare a light breakfast for her friend. She sliced a banana and a peach into a bowl of cereal, added some milk and poured hot water over a herbal tea bag. She put mug and bowl in front of Tanya who began automatically to eat as Kat resumed her seat, this time across the table.

"Tanya....we--all of us, really, not just you and I, thought that it would be enough for Jason to rid himself of that ‘Ecstasy' stuff as fast as possible. Well, we found out last night it wasn't; after he and I were finished with the first round, he admitted that it wasn't really helping, although he was coming so often." Both fair and dark faces blushed, but Kat went on determinedly. "When we were finished with the bathroom, he.." here Tanya interrupted her, gasping.

"Oh my God--I never thought of *that* when I tied him up!"

Kat grinned, and swallowed a mouthful of coffee.

"Neither had we. Anyway, he asked me if I wanted him tied up again, and at the time, it made me feel better, so I started to, only my towel slipped, and..." Blushing and giggling, Kat related the events of the night, which had led to the relaxed scene at the breakfast table Tanya had walked in on. "So, even though he didn't come quite as often, he was getting *real* relief, and that made all the difference."

"Just because you responded?" Tanya shook her head in amazement. Listening to Kat had intrigued her, and almost unconsciously she began to lose most of her tension. "I can hardly believe it!"

"Oh, it's true, allright," Kat confirmed. "I mean, why call that stuff ‘Ecstasy', if all you get out of it is pain and stress?"

"Kat!" The slightly shocked exclamation echoed the tone Kat had used the previous afternoon when Tanya had playfully called Jason a hunk. The memory hit both girls at the same time, and they broke into embarrassed giggles. Once they calmed down, Katherine couldn't help a slightly naughty smirk.

"I wonder what Mondo would say if he knew just how* well* this potion is working!"

Tanya stared at her friend in amazement. Kat, who had so far been so shy about sexual matters, suddenly sported an expression that was clearly sensual and more than a little provocative. Her whole demeanour had changed; there were no traces of her former reticence and insecurity, and that puzzled and disturbed Tanya more than a little bit. For the life of her, she couldn't hold back the question. "Just *what* has Jason been doing to you?"

Kat laughed a little, reddening. She thought for a few moments, then met her best friend's dark eyes.

"Nothing *that* much out of the ordinary. It's just that, deep down, I knew I *had* to do this--it wasn't just me giving in to my own urges, but I was actually doing it for some purpose--to help a good friend. I guess that took care of some of my inhibitions. The rest....well, we've done it during most of the night, rather than only in stolen moments, like Tommy and I had so far. After a few times, you sort of get used to it, and it'd be pointless to worry about appearances." She stopped, but Tanya sensed there was more. Giving Kat one of her patented Looks over the rim of her teacup, she waited for her to continue. The azure eyes actually took on a deeper hue, beginning to sparkle, just as a fresh wave of colour stained the fair skin. The soft voice grew slightly husky as she glanced at the Yellow Ranger from under her bangs.

"Don't *ever* tell him I said so, but Jason *really* knows what to do to make a girl happy!"

Tanya almost choked on her mouthful of tea. She stared at Kat in a mixture of shock and amazement, fighting her own fiery blush. Kat returned the stare until it became impossible, then suddenly both girls collapsed into laughter. Kat reached out a hand over the table and grasped her friend's, while they tried to catch their breaths.

"I can't believe you said that," Tanya gasped as she calmed down, still holding on to the slim fingers. Kat squeezed back, fighting her giggles.

" Oh heck, *I* can't believe I said that!" Both grinned broadly at each other. Finally, Tanya sat back, drank some of her cooling tea and considered what Kat had told her. It removed a goodly portion of the anxiety about her next ‘session' with Jason; Kat might have ended up enjoying herself, but through the laughter she could see the signs of a restless night, evident in the faint blue shadows under her eyes, and the drooping eyelids weren't so much due to ‘bedroom eyes' as lack of sleep. No, Tanya knew that it was her turn again; she was only grateful that Kat had been there for her. The way she'd lost it last night, she seriously doubted she would've had the courage to face Jason unbound and trying to take her like he'd done with Kat. Although the Pink Ranger had tried to gloss over it to some extent, Tanya knew it couldn't have been that easy; she admired her friend's courage in getting through this and not letting her fear get the better of her. Lucky for all of them, Kat's gamble on her instincts, Jason's formidable willpower and a lucky discovery had paid off, and hopefully would see them all through till the end.

The two girls sat for a while in companionable silence, finishing their breakfast and pondering the things they'd told each other. They had just started on putting the dishes in the sink when Jason re-entered the small kitchen, carrying his empty mug. He shivered slightly as he deposited it with the rest. The three looked at each other for a few moments, taking in their appearances--all of them wearing bathrobes, hair mussed and sleepy-eyed--when the ridiculousness of it all made the corner of Kat's mouth twitch slightly. Tanya and Jason caught it almost simultaneously, and another shared glance was finally too much. They broke into laughter.

When they'd calmed down again, Jason leaned weakly against a cupboard. Still slightly gasping for air, he grinned at the girls.

"Man, I needed that!" He accepted the confirming nods, then grew more serious and blushed. Running a hand through his short hair, he swallowed, then confessed to the reason why he'd come back inside.

"Um...sorry to bring this up, but...."

Kat and Tanya instinctively let their eyes drop below his waist, intensifying the rush of colour on the handsome face.

"I'm not *that* far gone yet!", he protested, interpreting their reaction correctly. "It's just that by now I can tell that it's going to start again soon, and...." The deep voice trailed off as the girls exchanged glances. He knew that Kat must be exhausted by now; he too could read the signs in the lovely features. But would Tanya have recovered enough to take her place? A look at her showed that, although she'd paled slightly, she was willing to try again--if only to relieve her friend. It didn't matter. Jason was reasonably sure that he wouldn't frighten Tanya with his superior strength again; if at all possible, he had every intention of making the experience more pleasurable for her than it had been before. For that, however, he'd need the use of his arms and hands; if she decided she wanted him tied down again....the former Gold Ranger shrugged mentally. *It's her show. If that's what she wants--needs--we'll live through that, too.* Jason looked from one girl to the other, awaiting their decision. He was the supplicant, after all. *I just wish it won't be necessary!*

The Yellow Ranger inhaled deeply, steeling herself. Reminding herself of all the reasons why she was here, she got up and smiled, if somewhat shakily. Addressing both Kat and Jason, she forced some bravado into her voice.

"Well, if that's so, I guess it's my turn, right?"

"Tanya, are you sure?"--Kat's concerned soprano.

"Tanya, if you'd rather wait a bit longer..."--Jason's equally concerned baritone. Both warmed her. Squaring her slim shoulders, she addressed first one, then the other.

"Yes. No. I'm okay, really."

Summoning another smile, she took a few steps towards the young man in the black bathrobe; the dark red yoke and sleeves made his shoulders look even broader. Reaching out with a hand that trembled only slightly, she touched the muscular arm.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

Jason covered the slender dark fingers with his own large hand, warming the not-quite-icy skin with his grasp. Searching Tanya's eyes for traces of fear or revulsion, he found apprehension, but also determination and renewed trust. It gave him hope that maybe, just maybe, they'd all come out of this and be still friends. His own voice was husky and a bit unsteady as he interlaced his fingers with Tanya's.

"Shall we go, then?"

The girl only nodded and closed the distance between them. Before both could leave the suddenly too-small room, Kat stopped them. The blue eyes were serious as she reminded them of their mutual pledge from hours ago.

"Remember, both of you, I'm right in the living room."

"We know. Thanks, kitten."

Kat watched her two friends walk into the bedroom and close the door. Sighing, she took a last look around, but there was nothing left to do but wait her turn. The Pink Ranger settled on the comfortable couch, listening for sounds of distress. When none came, she relaxed slowly into the cushions. Praying that everything would turn out as well for Tanya as it had for her, she closed her eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.

Tanya was overcome by a strong sense of déjà vu as the door fell into the lock with a soft ‘click'. She stood rooted to the spot as she watched Jason close the window and pull the drapes, leaving the room in a pleasant half-light. Her heart began to pound in her chest as he approached her--this was when he'd grabbed her last night, frightening her. Tanya lifted anxious eyes to him as his hands came to rest on her shoulders. He could feel her trembling.

"Are you cold?"

She could only shake her head no; speech was quite impossible now, despite her brave words earlier. All she could do was stare at Jason and wait for his next move. All of Kat's reassurances seemed to have vanished as soon as they reentered the bedroom. Jason seemed to sense this; he smiled warmly at her and drew her *very* carefully into his arms, giving her every opportunity to step away from him. However, Tanya was incapable of even that. Everything within her seemed frozen in place, while a small part of her mind was babbling frantically at her that she was being silly, that her best friend wouldn't lie to her. It was no use--the memory of her discomfort, both physical and emotional, overshadowed everything else.

Tanya closed her eyes to keep back the tears she could feel forming behind her eyelids. It didn't help. Silent sobs began to shake her, but this time, there were strong arms wrapped around her in a gentle hug, holding her while she cried into dark, soft fabric. A deep voice crooned nonsense words to her as she felt herself guided to an armchair and lowered onto a warm lap. She burrowed deeper into the comforting hold. Only gradually, her singer's ear distinguished two things: Jason couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, and he was calling her....

"Shh, baby, it's okay...." She hiccuped, sniffling. In a watery, yet indignant voice, she scolded him.

"D-don't call m-me B-baby!"

She heard a light chuckle, and felt it rumble in the wide chest under her cheek.

"No? What about honey?" She made an inarticulate protest as her tears slowly stopped.

"Hmm. Not baby, not honey....Sweetheart? Toots? Cupcake? Or..." Tanya could almost see the devilish grin as Jason dredged up even more outrageous epithets. "I've got it! Snugglebunny! *Owtch*!"

Tanya punched him on the shoulder, laughing through her sniffles. Finally, she could look at him. True enough, the dark eyes sparkled with mischief. Accepting the tissue he plucked from the small vanity, she wiped her eyes and blew her nose. Finished, she cuddled back into his arms; it felt just too good, and she *was* slightly chilled....

Sighing as she could feel her heartbeat resume its steady pace, she mumbled into the soft robe.

"You can call me Tanya."

"That's it? No cute nickname?"

"No, and if I had one, I wouldn't tell you!"

Jason laughed at her indignant tone and minutely tightened his hold on her. The potion in his system was slowly but surely making its effect known, but they still had some time.

He was glad that they'd been able to share this private moment of laughter; it had gotten them past the initial awkwardness of being alone together, and brought Tanya into his arms, even if it still was quite innocent for now. Rocking her comfortingly, he rubbed his cheek against the top of her head and let his hands wander gently, undemandingly up and down her back.

Tanya sighed again. Part of her wanted to stay like this, it felt so good, but she knew they couldn't; out of the corner of her eye, she could see the bed, ready to climb into as it had been last night, but the thought for once didn't make her tense up. Instead, she felt herself give in to a certain amount of resignation--Jason still needed her and Kat's help, and if all her discomfort and anguish shoudn't be in vain, she'd have to get through this, somehow. She didn't know it, but she was echoing Jason's thoughts from last night, as she'd left him in tears. With her inner acceptance came more relaxation; how often had she and Adam sat like this when they first started dating? Tanya pushed thoughts of her boyfriend from her mind. If she dwelled on him and the hurt in his eyes, she'd only start crying again. *That* would have to wait for later. Lost in thought, she almost didn't hear Jason as he softly called her name.

"Tanya?"

"Hmm?"

"Tanya...can I ask you something?"

She lifted her head at the hesitancy in the deep voice. Looking into her friend's face, she was astonished to find an expression of....anxiety? Intrigued, she sat up a bit.

"Sure."

Jason hesitated a few moments, then met her eyes earnestly.

"Why were you crying last night? D-did I really hurt you? Because I'd never forgive myself if..." he trailed off as she shook her head. Her own voice was certain as she answered, and settled his greatest fear.

"No, Jason, you didn't hurt me. Not even really in the beginning, when...when you grabbed me."

Both blushed as they remembered the incident which had led to Tanya tying Jason's arms to the bedposts.

"Then...then why?"

Tanya thought about the reasons. It wasn't terribly clear in her own mind, but she knew this was important, if they wanted to avoid the same kind of near-disaster. Slowly, she began to speak, formulating her thoughts as she went along.

"It was just---I was so uncomfortable; I'd never done it in this position before, and I hadn't known my muscles would get so stiff." She fought down her blush. "Then--I was getting a bit sore, despite Zordon's pills...oh!" The Yellow Ranger jumped up and hurried over to the nightstand. Downing one of the contraceptives with a sip of water, she then sank down on the foot of the bed, opposite the armchair. Somehow, it seemed easier to talk about last night while *not* snuggled up to Jason.

Trying to pick up her train of thought again, she met his eyes. Swallowing, she asked the question which had plagued her into tears.

"Jase....why wouldn't you even look at me? I felt so....*used*, I guess, more like an ... an object than a person---I think it wouldn't have been so bad if you'd just looked at me!" She was astonished to see a mix of emotions cross Jason's face. Anguish, guilt, chagrin--but also a trace of rueful humour.

"That's funny--well, almost. I couldn't look at you because you seemed to be hurting; once you started to cry--and I *know* you tried not to!--it was impossible."

The Yellow Ranger shook her head in wonder.

"So we were caught in a sort of vicious circle? I cried because you wouldn't acknowledge me, and you wouldn't because I was crying?"

"Yeah, I guess." Jason shifted in his chair. His hormones were beginning to catch on fire again; their time was almost up. Drawing a deep breath, he decided to come totally clean. Tanya deserved that much.

"There was another reason, though."

"Oh?" She watched with interest as his cheeks slowly reddened.

"You looked so damn beautiful....to see you like that, feeling you...if I had looked at you as much as I wanted to, I'm not sure I could have stopped myself from tearing the ropes, I needed to touch you so badly!"

It was Tanya's turn to blush; she recalled all too clearly the admiration in the dark eyes as she'd dropped her robe last night. A quick peek showed her that it was still--again?--present. As it had last night, it bolstered her self-confidence. She raised her head to look at the young man sitting across from her. Tanya frowned as the dark robe seemed to shift; Jason's hands were loosely clasped around the armrests, so what.... her cheeks began to flame as the significance of that minute movement became clear to her. Hoping against hope Jason wouldn't notice, she ventured another look into his eyes. She found him smiling sheepishly.

"Sorry."

Tanya sighed, but smiled as well.

"It's not your fault; it's the potion." Amazed, she noticed the colour rise in her companion's face. "What?"

Jason cleared his throat.

"It's not the potion, at least not just." At her uncomprehending look, he grinned, despite his obvious embarrassment.

"Tanya, it's you. Has Adam *never* told you how gorgeous you are? If he hasn't, he's even more shy than I thought!"

"Oh." A strange little smile, half bashful and half triumphant, briefly played arond Tanya's mouth, and Jason could well imagine what she was thinking about. He smiled back.

"That's what I thought."

She shot him a playful glare which he returned with an exaggeratedly innocent look. Both laughed silently at, and most importantly with, each other. Then, Jason shifted in his seat again as a fresh surge of arousal spread through him. He hissed and had to swallow hard. Tanya noticed, and suddenly the atmosphere in the room became charged with sexual energy.

Closing her eyes briefly against the butterflies in her stomach which had appeared out of nowhere, Tanya sought out Jason's eyes. She saw the flame lighting them--still banked, true, but it wouldn't take long now until his need would consume him once more. Try as she might, she couldn't keep her voice from trembling as she softly spoke his name.

"J-jason?"

He inhaled deeply before meeting her eyes.

"Yes."

It was an ackowledgement of her and of the situation. Both teens slowly rose from their seats, facing each other across a few feet of carpeting. Jason crossed the small distance with care, trying not to frighten the young woman. Once he was standing close to her, he rested his hands once more on the slim shoulders and drew her to him. Tanya followed until her cheek rested against the soft terry cloth. Closing her eyes and threading her arms tentatively around his waist, she tried to control the jackhammer rhythm of her heart. She could feel his erection pushing against her belly, but it didn't frighten her quite as much; instead, she listened to his shuddering breaths and thundering heartbeat that seemed almost synchronised with her own.

Jason breathed in the warm scent of Tanya's hair; it filled his senses and made his head swim. But it was nice to hold her just like this for a few moments, aligning their bodies to each other. His hands wandered from her shoulders down her back to the tiny waist and back up again, and he could feel some of the tension flow out as he repeated the motion. He continued to stroke her gently, resting his cheek on the top of her head, until she moved in his arms, looking at him. Jason very slowly brought his hands up to her shoulders and around, caressing the slender throat until he could cup her face and tilt it towards him. His eyes never left hers as his mouth hovered only a couple of inches over hers. Stroking her quivering lips with his thumb, he summoned another smile. Leaning forward a bit more, he could feel their breaths mingling.

"May I?"

The soft question barely registered on Tanya's mind as she continued looking into the midnight eyes. What she read there was need and the purely physical hunger she remembered from the night before, but now, with the morning light filtered through the closed drapes, she could also see the affection and friendship they all shared and which had led her to offering her help in the first place. Strangely reassured, she just nodded, and let her eyes flutter shut only when the firm lips closed over hers.

Jason kissed her gently, exploring her mouth with feather-light brushes and tiny little licks until he could feel her lips softening under his own, opening just a bit but enough so he could slip his tongue tip inside. He played with her mouth in a tender caress, until she relaxed further and he slid inside, seeking out her own tongue. When they made contact, both moaned softly, and moved deeper into each other's arms, sharing the experience with slowly rising passion.

They had to breathe eventually, and Jason retreated the way he had come, with soft little licks at the moist lips until even the last contact was broken and he didn't touch her mouth any more. His cock throbbed against her and he knew she must feel it, pressed against him as she was, but Tanya didn't flinch; instead, she buried her heated face in the crook of his neck, trying to regain her composure after that long, all-too-short kiss. When she wouldn't look up again, Jason called her name as he tried to shift so he could see into her eyes.

"Tanya?"

It took a few tries, but he finally succeeded in lifting her head off his shoulder. Horrified, he saw a tear glide down the smooth dark cheek.

"Tanya, what is it? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Tanya smiled and brushed away the single teardrop.

"No. No, you didn't."

"Then...then why....? Jason asked, bewildered, as he closed his arms more firmly around her.

"It's a bit silly," Tanya admitted. "It's just....I couldn't help thinking that if you had kissed me like this last night, I wouldn't have lost it so badly."

"Oh Tanya," he sighed, "we don't know that. Besides, last night I might have *wanted* to kiss you like this, but I *couldn't*. I was too far gone already."

"I know. That's why I said it's silly. But speaking of want....." she couldn't quite bring herself to shift her hips against his, where his manhood rested hot and hard against her, but a tightening of her abdominal muscles got the message across just as well. Jason instinctively gave a tiny thrust, but was still in control. He smiled ruefully as he trailed the fingers of one hand from her cheek down the smooth column of her neck to the hollow at the base of her throat.

"Y-you don't mind, then?"

Arching slightly into the caress, Tanya smiled back. She was still nervous, but it was manageable; if Jason could restrain himself just a bit longer, until the medication began its work....She nodded, giving him permission to explore her further. Instead, he bent his head once more, seeking out her mouth with his own. His kiss was a bit more demanding, but it didn't overwhelm her. Instead, she began to kiss him back, and soon they were just two teenagers lost in increasingly heated oral exploration. When they came up for air at last, both were breathless, and the glitter in Jason's eyes sent tiny shivers down Tanya's spine. He asked a silent question as he slid his fingertips into the lapels of her bathrobe, caressing the smooth skin from her collarbone to her shoulders and down to where her breasts began to swell. Licking her suddenly dry lips, Tanya nodded her consent and was rewarded with another brief but heated kiss. Jason dropped his hands to her belt, deftly untied it and wandered back up again. Slowly, he slid the yellow cloth off her shoulders, baring her to his avid gaze.

The robe puddled around Tanya's feet as Jason took a step back to drink in the sight of her. Long, slender legs, a flat tummy curving just right into smooth hips and a waistline he could almost span with his hands, and above that...

He couldn't help the appreciative moan and the noticeable twitch of his erect cock.

"Oh man, Tanya...!"

His eyes fastened on the generous swell of her breasts, full and round, their soft centers just begging to be touched. Jason reached out a hand that shook slightly to brush a finger along the outer swell of one chocolate-coloured mound, raising tiny goosebumps in his wake. His other hand came up to cup the second globe, hefting the sweet weight in his palm as his finger circled around the dark areola, making it contract and tighten.

Jason watched, fascinated, as her nipple hardened and rose, shaping itself from a small round button into a throbbing hard little peak that seemed to call out to him, drawing his mouth as if by an invisible line. He gently pressed his face into her breast, breathing across the silky skin and causing a small shudder to race through Tanya. He smiled; even though his eyes didn't leave the tempting bud so close before him, he knew it was not revulsion or fear which made her tremble. Brushing his lips butterfly-soft against the quivering mound, he ventured ever closer to the turgid nub, until he took it in his mouth, nibbling without pressure and shaping it with his lips. Finally, he couldn't wait any longer and reached out with his tongue.

Tanya drew in a shuddering breath as Jason bent towards her breast. Her hands came up to steady herself on the broad shoulders as he explored her with the gentlest of touches. She sighed as a warm hand caressed one mound, squeezing and stroking while the other skimmed around her nipple. Sighs became a throaty moan as Jason closed his mouth over the throbbing tip, and she was lost as the first moist swipe circled over her suddenly aching flesh. Arching her back instinctively, she offered herself to the skillful exploration as the former Ranger suckled on her with tender insistency. Tanya's new position pressed her hips deeper into Jason's, and she gasped slightly as his arousal sent an arrow of answering desire deep into her belly. When Jason carefully pinched her other nipple, she could feel her womanhood moistening.

Jason tried to read Tanya's reactions through his increasing need to have her. Laving her generous breast with his tongue, he could feel her gradual yielding as his hands and mouth continued to excite her. He knew she was with him as her slim fingers began to part his own bathrobe, pushing the dark material off his shoulders.

Tanya made a small sound of disappointment as hand and mouth left her breast, but she needed to feel his warm skin against hers; just the tiniest bit impatient, she fumbled with the cloth belt until she succeeded in untying the knot. Jason shrugged out of the soft garment and gathered her close, claiming her mouth once more. The skin-on-skin contact was exhilarating, and both moaned their delight into each other, the sound almost swallowed by their dancing tongues. Hands began to roam across a broad back and sculpted muscles, over gently rounded hips and slender thighs. Her senses beginning to reel, Tanya angled her head as the hot mouth wandered from her lips down her throat, to circle lazily in the hollow at the base. Without quite realizing how it happened, she found herself on the cool, crisp sheets, stretched out and Jason lying beside her, one arm under her neck, the other free to wander over her body, seeking out her most vulnerable spots.

The dark skin made an exciting contrast to his own tanned but much lighter flesh as Jason looked his fill of the young woman next to him. Tanya's skin was so soft, and she smelled so nice....where Kat used a light, citrussy scent, Tanya's was muskier, darker, but it inflamed his senses just as much. He was drawn once more to the full globes with their hard tips; they filled his palm as he hovered over them, reaching out with his tongue once more to lick the tiny protrusions into quivering readiness. His cock was throbbing with need already, but if at all possible, he wanted to give Tanya something special, to relax her further and prepare her for his possession. To that end, Jason reined in his own desires once more and concentrated on the soft mounds, capturing a nipple gently between his teeth and applying minute bites, soothing them immediately with soft licks of his tongue. He was rewarded with a deep sigh as he felt her melt into his embrace. Only then did he allow his free hand to wander down the lithe body, coming to rest on the curly triangle between her thighs.

Despite her growing excitement and the incredible sensations Jason's mouth was producing in her aching breasts, Tanya stiffened as an unfamiliar hand covered her womanhood. She consciously relaxed her muscles again as a voice in her mind reminded her she should have expected this, but it was enough to raise Jason's head and seek out her eyes. His own were hot and glittering, but the deep voice was still gentle (if raspy and breathless) as he asked for permission to touch her sex.

"Will you let me, Tanya?"

He traced a gentle finger across the hairline, outlining the triangular shape and making her feel as if her netherlips were swelling. Breathless, she nodded, and had to smile as he kissed her once more, murmuring a soft "thank you" as he dipped a digit carefully into the moist folds. Tanya's breath caught as tingles began to shoot through her; Jason's tongue and his finger delved deeper into her simultaneously, and she moaned into his warm mouth.

Jason explored the warm wetness carefully, seeking out the hidden kernel of flesh he knew to be there. His lips nibbled at Tanya's when he made contact, and she tensed again, but this time not with trepidation. Jason ached to bury himself in the tight channel his fingertips were skirting, but there was something else he wanted to give this special friend, who had already offered so much to him. He parted reluctantly from the soft lips, licking gently across the seam, then wandered lower, down her neck towards her collarbone. Retrieving his arm from around her shoulders, he sought out her heaving breasts once more while he continued to gently stroke her sex. Teasing her nipples into aching hardness with lips and hand, he moved on the comfortable bed, until he got his knees slightly under him. His mouth trailed lower, down the quivering belly, until he could swirl his tongue into the soft indentation. Nip-kissing across the smooth, soft flesh, he added his second hand to the trembling thighs, parting them until he could kneel between them.

The Yellow Ranger gave herself up to the skilled caresses, concentrating on the waves of pleasure swirling through her. As Jason shifted and opened her, her breath was coming in short gasps, and she dragged heavy eyelids open to look at him. He was poised between her thighs, his erection purplish-red and straining upwards from his own nest of dark curls towards his washboard stomach, but the smile he directed at her sent new shivers down her spine. Before she could find her voice, however, Jason bent at the waist, lowering his mouth towards her sex. His hot breath teased her for a moment, then she closed her eyes again blissfully as he gave her the most intimate of kisses. Tanya couldn't help the moan that seemed to rise up from her toes as her legs fell fully open and she almost arched off the bed. The wet tongue licked between her folds, coming closer and closer to her aching, pulsing clit, until she thought she would die if he did and die if he didn't make contact with that throbbing little button.

When it finally happened, she emitted a tiny scream; she felt more than heard his pleased chuckle as he continued to pleasure her, sending her ever higher until the sensations crested and peaked, sending her into the most intense orgasm she had experienced so far. Trembling and moaning, she lay sprawled over the sheets, wallowing in the diminishing shockwaves, as he moved gently upwards, licking softly towards her breasts once more. Jason was trembling himself by now; pleasuring Tanya to orgasm had taxed his control to the limit, and he knew he couldn't wait any longer. He just hoped she was relaxed enough to accept him without pain or discomfort. Her taste still on his lips, he took her in his arms once more as he slid his aching cock into position. Poised at the entrance to her body, he looked into her blissful face. Holding back with the last bit of restraint he possessed, Jason briefly took another taste of the full breasts, then called her name.

The raspy sound penetrated Tanya's pleasure-filled mind, and she opened heavy eyelids to meet his entreating look. Midnight eyes ablaze with hunger, but also tenderness, Jason forced himself to ask rather than take.

"Tanya...please, Tanya, I need you...."

She reached out with an unsteady hand to touch his short hair; running her fingers through the dark strands, she smiled a bit tremulously, but with no trace of fear. Tanya could feel the broad shoulders tense as her hands came to rest upon them, drawing him upwards. He was shaking as she kissed him softly, but still held back. When the silky lips released his, Jason groaned, a needy, desperate sound that filled Tanya with an inexplicable but heady sense of power. Jason was at her mercy now just as much as he'd been the night before, and perversely she felt more in control than when she'd tied him to the bed. All his formidable strength meant nothing before the needs of his body, and right now it was she who could give him succour. He moaned again.

It would be more than cruel to deny him relief any longer. Whispering her answer, she embraced the muscular torso and lifted her legs to wrap them around the narrow waist.

"Yes, Jason."

His groan was long and drawn out, expressing equal amounts of need, relief and delight as Jason eased himself forward, penetrating the moist folds and slipping into the tight channel. He pumped forward in a steady, barely controlled motion until he was buried to the hilt, filling her completely. Before he gave in to ancient instincts, he brushed her lips with his own one last time before burying his face in her neck. Then, he was lost to his insistent need as he began to thrust.

Mr. Cranston opened the door to Rocky and Adam.

"Good morning, boys. Billy's in the yard; just go on through."

"Thank you, sir," Rocky smiled. Dragging an unwilling Adam by the arm, he made his way through the kitchen into the well -kept garden, where the former Blue Ranger had set up comfortable chairs in the shade of an old apple tree. Greeting his friends, he looked a question at Rocky, indicating Adam's wan, miserable face with a slight inclination of his head. Rocky just shrugged; if Adam had had his druthers, he would have stayed at home in his room, brooding about Tanya. He completely agreed with Billy that they'd better get him to talk about his feelings rather than burying them inside. Hence, a late-night phonecall had summoned the rest of the team to the Cranston home this Saturday morning, where Billy's father would respect their privacy and they could talk without fear of being overheard.

Giving Billy a hand in setting out drinks and munchies, Rocky drew a deep breath. He wasn't exactly looking forward to the next few hours; knowing Adam, it was going to take a major effort on their part to get him to open up. He looked at his watch.

"Where's Tommy and Kat? Didn't you call them, too?"

"Yes, of course; they'll be along a bit later. You know they teach classes at Ernie's on Saturdays."

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Man, I'm getting as bad as Tommy!"

Not even that sally could evoke a smile from Adam as the two returned. He just sat in his chair, morosely staring at his feet. Present and former Blue Ranger sat next to him and looked at each other somewhat helplessly, neither quite knowing where to begin. Finally, Rocky blurted out a question that had nagged at him since the previous afternoon.

"Billy... did Tommy really mean it?"

Billy looked at him puzzledly. "Mean what?"

"What he said yesterday--that he'd go with Jason. Do you really think he would've done it, if Tanya hadn't offered?"

The mentioning of his girlfriend's name brought Adam out of his stupor. When he realized that she wasn't the topic of conversation, he almost slid back into his funk, but their genius friend's answer intrigued him sufficiently to pay attention.

Billy didn't have to think about his answer; he'd known both Jason and Tommy long enough to be absolutely sure.

"Oh yes. So would Jason, if it had been Tommy."

Rocky couldn't decide whether to be awed or uncomfortable.

"But...but why? I mean, I know they're friends, have been for a long time, but something like this....isn't that a bit above and beyond the call?"

"Not for those two. Rocky, you weren't here when Tommy moved to Angel Grove. I think one must have witnessed their relationship from the start to really understand the depth of their feeling for each other."

Billy took a moment to recall that time. He smiled slightly at some of the memories, but his tone was serious as he explained things to Jason's one-time successor.

"You see, Jason, Zack and I had been very close for a number of years--since shortly after entering Junior High. Becoming Rangers together only strengthened those bonds. We had shared history, common experiences....our relationship had had time to grow and develop, and I think I can honestly say for all three of us that it was a deep and true friendship. When Tommy came, though....not only did Kimberly fall in love with him at first sight, there was almost the same instantaneous connection between him and Jason." He had both Rocky's and Adam's attention; they were always fascinated whenever one of the ‘originals' told stories from the early days of the Rangers.

"There was their shared prowess in and devotion to the martial arts; they had entered common ground right from the start. Unfortunately, Rita's spell over Tommy disrupted their bonding process; for a time, there was intense rivalry between them. I think, in a way, they would have clashed anyway over leadership issues--they're both alpha males, after all--but I doubt it would have been that intense. Rita tried repeatedly to exploit that, but fortunately they were always able to get past that."

Billy related a few incidents, earning small chuckles as he told about the Ninja tournament. He had to admit, in hindsight it had funny aspects.

"As for their friendship....within days of Tommy having joined the team, he and Jason shared a closeness it had taken Zack and myself years to achieve. They never excluded the rest of us; it was just that they both had found a kindred spirit in each other. I overheard Kim complaining to Trini once, before she and Tommy became a couple, that if either one of them had been female, they would never have looked at anyone else." Billy smiled at the incredulous looks. "She may have meant it as a joke, but I'm inclined to agree with her assessment. If I had to describe their feelings for each other in one word, I would have to choose love."

"You got that right."

Tommy's light baritone jerked three heads around; they hadn't heard him arrive. The team's leader took a seat next to Billy.

"It's true," he added, as he noticed the incredulous look Rocky was giving him. "I hadn't really admitted it to myself until yesterday, but I *do* love Jase."

He let that statement sink in for a moment as he recalled the feeling of *rightness* he had experienced the previous afternoon, as he stood with his best friend on the cliff outside the Power Chamber, offering himself.

"I owe too much to him; he's as much my brother as David is, even if we're not related by blood. I just couldn't stand by and see him go through that alone."

Tommy's voice rang with conviction. Adam looked pensive, and Rocky just stared. Billy, however, shared an understanding smile with Tommy.

"You and me both; if you hadn't offered, I would have."

"Billy!"

"You can't be serious!"

Both Adam and Rocky sat up at the quiet statement.

"I'm perfectly serious," Billy reiterated, unperturbed. "You don't know Jason very well yet, but I think out of all of us, Tommy and I have the most reasons to be there for him, no matter what."

"Tommy I can understand," Rocky mumbled, still stunned. "After all, it was Jase who destroyed the Sword of Darkness." They'd heard that story before. "But you, Billy? You were never in the kind of fix Tommy was in."

"Maybe not, but what Jason did for me was just as important, in its own way." A shadow clouded the blue-green eyes momentarily. "Neither one of you has known me before I became a Ranger. Tommy, you have gotten an inkling when you joined the team, but even you have no idea of what it was like before....of what I was like, before."

*Flashback

Twelve-year-old Billy Cranston looked up at the brick building with trepidation. The words ‘Angel Grove Junior High School' stood in white letters over the entrance, and all around him students streamed inside, chattering excitedly about their plans for the day. The freshman class stood a bit apart yet, waiting for the principal to come and lead them inside, but Billy didn't even know them all that well; he'd only moved to Angel Grove six months ago, after his mother had died. His father thought it would be best for both if they made a fresh start, away from the painful memories, but hadn't considered that his shy son had not only lost a mother to cancer, but also everything that was familiar--his house, his school, the very few friends he'd managed to make....

Billy's incredible intelligence isolated him further from his classmates; in Chicago, he had always attended specialized schools for the Gifted, but none of these were available in Angel Grove. As a result, he felt totally alone and alienated from his surroundings. His glasses and clothes set him even further apart, and on this first day of school, he felt perfectly miserable. Slowly approaching the group of freshmen, he spied one friendly face, a slender Asian girl named Trini Kwan, who had been in a few of his classes in Elementary School. She had sometimes talked to him, but now she was jabbering away with an even tinier pretty girl in pink. The two stood close to the type of boys Billy had avoided all his life--a short African-American, who almost seemed hyperactive, he was moving so much, and a broad-shouldered, dark-haired boy who was athletic and muscular even at twelve.

Dejected, he kept to the outer fringes of the group. Even in class, he found not one person who wanted to sit close to him; all the others made friends and talked, while he sat in silence until his knowledge was called upon. That, at least, he could proffer without a qualm. He peripherally noticed the awed looks at some of the answers he gave, but it brought him no comfort. Still alone, he stood at his locker after school, when his miserable day got worse.

"Hey, geekoid!" "Yeah, geekoid!" Maniacal laughter followed, and resignedly, Billy turned around, facing this latest obstacle. He'd noticed the two boys earlier in the morning, mostly because of their inability to answer even the most basic of questions. To compensate, they were being totally obnoxious towards everybody, especially any even remotely attractive girl. Those, however, usually had friends supporting them, or the chivalrously inclined boys stepped in; he, who was apparently the next selected victim of Farkus and Eugene, had no-one. Trying to control his trembling, Billy looked up at the taller boys.

"Y-yes?"

"What you got there?" Farkus, the bigger of the two, made a grab for Billy's wallet. It didn't contain much money, and he would have gladly parted with that, but it also held his favourite picture of his mother. He couldn't let those two have that!

Billy tried to get his wallet back, but was no match for the two bullies, especially since Eugene was holding him back. Before the other could open the wallet, Billy uttered a strangled "No!", on the verge of tears. The heavyset boy was about to make a snide remark, when a strong hand plucked the wallet from his grasp. Enraged, he turned around, but was brought up short when he looked into the calmly smiling face of Jason Scott--the athletic student who was friends with Trini.

He might have been smiling, but there was steel in his voice as he addressed the two bullies.

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size, Bulk?"

The nuisance shrank back. Summoning his friend with a toss of his head, he sneered at Billy and Jason both.

"Yeah, maybe next time. C'mon, Skull." Cowed, but only momentarily, he sauntered off. The look he threw back over his shoulder at Billy promised that this wasn't over, only postponed. Billy sighed heavily. He mumbled his thanks as Jason handed his wallet back to him. He was about to wander off, when a large hand came to rest on his shoulder.

"Hey, wait! You're new here, aren't you?"

"Y-yes. My father and I relocated here six months ago."

"What about your mom?" asked Zack Taylor, who had joined his friend.

Billy hung his head, fighting his tears.

"She--succumbed to a terminal illness earlier."

"What?" Both Zack and Jason exchanged uncomprehending glances.

"She died." The quiet, sweet voice of Trini Kwan explained. Slipping a friendly arm through Billy's, she smiled at him compassionately.

"Oh, man. That sucks." Billy looked up into Jason's face. What he found in the dark eyes somehow seemed to lift a bit of the burden he'd been under for so long. He ventured a tentative smile. To his astonishment, all three returned it openly. Just then, a cheery voice chirped up behind them.

"Hi, guys! Are we still on for the park this afternoon?"

All turned. Again, it was Jason who took the lead.

"Sure, Kim. As soon as we're done with homework, we'll meet at the jungle gym."

"Cool!" Zack executed a few exuberant dance steps. "I love that place!"

Jason turned to the quiet, bespectacled boy. He'd been awed by his knowledge earlier in class; how someone could understand their chemistry teacher so effortlessly, was totally beyond him. He wasn't stupid, but....Something in the light eyes caught his attention. He was pretty sure that ... Billy, wasn't it?... was not exactly the type of kid he normally hung out with, but something about the smaller boy spoke to him. The fleeting expression of loneliness and longing on the too-serious face decided him. Without thinking, he asked.

"You wanna come, too?"

End flashback*

"I was never sure why Jason extended his invitation to me, or what made me accept, but I did join the gang that afternoon. When we walked home together a part of the ways, Jason asked me to meet him the next morning to walk to school with him. When I asked him why, he said something that changed my life." Billy had to swallow at the memory. Although it had been six years ago, he still thanked his lucky stars that he'd overcome his shyness and joined Jason and his friends that afternoon so long ago.

"What did he say?" Rocky queried, intrigued.

"I think I can answer that," interposed Tommy.

"You? But you weren't even there!" Even Adam had been caught up in the tale.

"Maybe not. But I bet it's the same thing Jase said to me when he broke Rita's spell."

"Precisely." The two senior Rangers shared an understanding smile.

"What? What *did* he say?" Rocky prompted.

"You're one of us now. It's where you belong." Tommy's voice conveyed all the wonder and awe that moment had held for him, giving him the courage to reach for the hand Jason held out to him.

A short silence settled over the four young men as they pondered that. Rocky tried to get past the slight lump in his throat by reaching for his soda, when something odd struck him. Looking around, he caught Tommy's attention.

"Hey, where's Kat? Wasn't she going to come with you?"

Billy and Adam looked around as well. The smile on Tommy's face made way for a more serious expression. Holding Adam's dark eyes, he waited a few moments before answering.

"She's not coming."

"Why not? Where is she, anyway?" Rocky knew that the Pink Ranger had made plans with Tanya a couple of days ago, but since that was not feasible right now....

Tommy's announcement fell into the expectant silence with all the impact of an energy blast.

"She went up to the cabin last night. She's helping Tanya and Jason."

*"What?!"*

The others were stunned speechless, even Billy. He knew a little bit about Katherine's inhibitions, having talked some with her as they had arranged the skiing trip for Tommy after Kimberly had broken up with him. But a glance at Adam showed that this piece of news was sufficient to *really* shake the Green Ranger up.

Adam could hardly believe his ears. Tanya wasn't alone with Jason? A small part of him exulted at that, but another part sought for signs of his own anguish in Tommy's face. It disturbed him that he couldn't find it.

"Y-you don't mind that?" The skeptical tone expressed Adam's feelings perfectly. Tommy considered the question seriously; he had thought about little else during the night, wrestling with his own feelings, and he was afraid he couldn't give Adam the answer he desperately wanted to hear. He tried to put his jumbled reasoning into words.

"Adam...I don't know how to answer that. You all know that I offered to go with him myself, and I would have, but a small part of me is glad I don't have to. I'm not exactly proud of that, but I can't help it. Kat didn't ask me ... she *told* me she was going. For Jason, for Tanya, and for me."

"Why for you?" Rocky shook his head in amazement.

Tommy inhaled deeply; he wasn't sure if he could explain Kat's reasoning.

"She said I would never forgive myself, or anyone else, if Jase got hurt, and somebody could've helped, but didn't."

"That's true, Tommy, and you know it", Billy said quietly. "I admire Kat's courage and determination to help her friends. This is truly above and beyond the call of duty." He turned serious blue-green eyes on Adam. "Just as I applaud Tanya's decision. It can't have been easy for her."

Adam flushed a dull red. Hanging his head, he tried to find the right words.

"I know that", he mumbled. "It's just....it makes me sick to think of her with another man!" His outburst surprised everyone. An uncomfortable silence descended over the group. Finally, Billy ventured forth. Very gently, he addressed his friend.

"Adam ... what exactly is so uncomfortable for you? You know that Tanya loves you, and that under normal circumstances she would never have contemplated going to another."

"I know." Adam stared miserably at his friends. "It's just....Jason is so strong; what if he hurts her? I know he won't mean to, but what if he can't control himself? Tanya's no match for him!"

"Jase will do everything he can to make sure that doesn't happen; besides, with Kat there, too, I'm sure the girls will manage." Tommy's words were meant to soothe, but had little effect on the distraught Green Ranger.

Rocky hugged his best friend. He hated seeing Adam so despondent, although he had good reason to be depressed.

"You don't hold it against her, do you? Being with another guy, I mean?"

"N-no. I mean, I was the first for her, but it wouldn't have mattered if I hadn't been." The Green Ranger blushed at this confession. "It's just...I love her so much, and to think that someone else is touching her..." his voice trailed off.

Rocky thought for a moment. How to get Adam off this train of thought?

"Adam .... what if Tanya had been raped?" He saw his friend blanch at the thought. Hastily, he continued. "I'm not talking about Jason, here. I'm sure it won't be that bad. No, I mean--it happens, even here in Angel Grove. What if something like that happened to Tanya? Would you hold that against her?"

"No, of course not!" Adam's retort was quick and positive. "It wouldn't be her fault; I'd do everything I could to help her get over it."

"Then what is so bad about her offering to help a friend? I'm sure she wouldn't have done it if there had been another way. Only, there wasn't. You know we tried."

"I know that!" Adam almost wailed. It was precisely that which was tearing him apart. Sure, he wanted to help Jason, like the others; he just wished it didn't have to be his Tanya who had to do the actual helping.

Billy debated with himself if he should make a particular point that had occurred to him during the night. Deciding it might give Adam at least something to think about, he brought it up as delicately as possible. Laying a comforting hand on his friend's arm, he waited until the dark eyes met his. It hurt to see the misery in them.

"Adam, remember the point Tanya made yesterday? That it might have happened to any or all of us?"

The slim boy nodded reluctantly.

"Have you thought this through to its logical conclusion? I think it could have been much worse if either Kat or Tanya had ingested the Ecstasy potion. Especially in the high concentration Jason consumed."

"H-how do you mean?" Adam wasn't sure he wanted to hear this. Sometimes, Billy's truths, while inescapable, were hard to take.

"Again, it's a matter of biology." Billy fought his own blush. Drawing a deep breath, he explained his reasoning to his rapt audience. "Tanya quite rightly pointed out that the female body is more suited to a prolonged period of sexual activity than the male, unless, as in Jason's case right now, stamina and capacity are chemically enhanced. If this kind of stimulus had been given to either of the girls...."

"I would've gone with Tanya! You know that!" Adam's voice rose.

The young scientist nodded.

"Yes, we do. But Adam ... consider the implications. Jason's urgency will run in cycles, since his body will have to recharge itself. The female body, however, doesn't necessarily need these recovery periods. I strongly suspect, that if Tanya or Kat had been similarly afflicted, it would very likely have taken all of us to serve their needs."

Adam stared at the former Blue Ranger incredulously. Billy couldn't possibly be saying what he thought he was saying, could he?

Billy's eyes expressed only compassion.

"Think, Adam. A normal male, even a teenaged one, can perform only a *very* limited number of times. It would have been a physical impossibility for you alone to help Tanya on your own. I believe even the five of us would have been taxed to the limit. Tanya--or Kat--would have needed to accept all of us as temporary lovers to save them from a fate of chronically exaggerated sexual hunger."

Adam didn't know whether to blanch or to blush. Thinking of Tanya with just Jason was bad enough; to have to imagine her with all of them was beyond comprehension. He raised stricken eyes to Tommy and Rocky. Both fought with their embarrassment, but had to admit that Billy was probably right.

"Oh man," Rocky mumbled, stunned. "I never even thought of that."

Neither had Adam. Suddenly, he was grateful that it had only been one of them who had gotten caught in the Machine Empire's latest attempt to attack the Rangers. However, there was one thought still who wouldn't leave him alone--and maybe it was the most disturbing of all. He looked away.

Tommy noticed his turmoil. With an effort, he banished the images Billy's argument had called forth. He could handle his girlfriend helping his best friend, but he felt a strong sympathy with Adam's plight at the thought of the rest of the team getting to touch Kat intimately. He touched him lightly on the arm.

"What is it, Adam?" He asked quietly. "There's something else bothering you, right? Can't you tell us?"

"Yeah, bro," Rocky added his voice to Tommy's. "We're your friends, buddy. We're gonna help you--if we can."

Adam just shook his head. He wasn't sure he *could* tell his friends, it sounded so stupid. But it had been nagging at him for large parts of the night, and the thought, once conceived, wouldn't go away.

"Adam, please. If you really want to help Tanya, once this ordeal is over, you shouldn't brood over things. If you can resolve your own feelings, it will be easier for you to deal with hers. I don't imagine she is going to be able to shake this off so easily, despite volunteering herself."

Billy's calm voice brought the dark head up again. Looking into his friends' and teammates' eyes, he saw their willingness to help him, and it gave him the courage to voice his fear. He was unable to meet their gazes, however, as he blurted out that nagging question.

"What...what if she likes him better than me?"

All the insecurities of a basically shy and unassuming person showed in that outburst. The others sat, shocked. *That* was something they'd never even considered--everybody on the team knew how devoted Tanya was to Adam. Neither knew what to say for a moment, staring at each other, until Rocky burst out laughing.

Adam looked unbearably hurt for a moment, but Rocky controlled himself with an effort. Leaning over to Adam and draping a brotherly arm around his shoulder, he shook him once.

"Man, are you crazy, or what? That's the one thing that's *not* gonna happen. Tanya *loves* you, man! She said so herself, remember? No matter who she's with at the moment, she won't stop loving you."

Adam felt hope rise within him. Rocky had never lied to him as long as they'd known each other. If he said that ...

"Y-you really think so?"

"I *know* so." Rocky's voice rang with conviction, the laughter completely gone.

"And so do we." Both Tommy and Billy nodded in confirmation. They had almost interfered with Rocky, momentarily shocked and angry at his apparent insensitivity, but it looked like his instinctive, perfectly natural reaction was exactly what Adam needed to hear. The Green Ranger gazed somewhat shamefacedly at his friends. Seeing their sympathy, he was able to summon a tiny smile. He had to clear his throat before he could speak, however.

"Guess I was being a bit idiotic, huh?"

"No, Adam. You were afraid of what this would do to your relationship with Tanya, and it's a very legitimate concern. But I have to agree with Rocky--whatever problems may arise from this, losing Tanya won't be one of them."

Tommy added his own reassurances to Billy's.

"Look, bro--I know Jason, and he would *never* want to come between you and Tanya, or me and Kat. That'd be almost as bad to his mind as if he'd hurt either of them. As long as you still love each other, you'll get past this."

Adam looked gratefully at his three friends. He knew that Tanya and he would have to work through a lot, once she got back, not least his feelings of insecurity and--he was finally able to admit it to himself--jealousy, but he knew they'd get all the support they needed from their friends. A weight lifting off him, he was able to breathe deeply and relax a bit for the first time since the previous afternoon. If only Tanya was allright, they'd get over this. Somehow. Someday.

Silence settled again over the four young men. Each was lost in his own thoughts, until Rocky remembered Adam's earlier question to Tommy.

"What about you, Tommy? Will you be able to handle this?"

The Red Ranger gave the matter some thought.

"Yeah, I think so. No offense to Adam" he directed an apologetic smile to the other boy, "but I didn't have that much of a problem with her going to the cabin in the first place. If anything, I was glad Kat offered to go on her own."

"Huh?"

Rocky's mouth fell open. Adam stared wide-eyed at Tommy, and even Billy showed signs of surprise.

Tommy blushed slightly.

"I know how this must sound. I'm not sure I can explain it; I mean, I love Kat, right? But I must admit, the thought had crossed my mind that she, or Tanya, could help Jase. Only, that's not something you *ask* someone to do. When Tanya offered, I was glad--you know why. Having me go with Jase would have made it even more difficult for him. We're close, very close, but not that way."

The Red Ranger paused for breath. Taking a sip of his soda, he rested his elbows on his knees, dangling the half-empty glass between his hands.

"I...I sort of had hoped Kat would offer, too, but when she didn't ... I couldn't blame her. She's not all that comfortable about sex, and besides, I didn't want to put pressure on her--make her feel like she *had* to go, to please me. Then, when she decided she couldn't leave Tanya to face it alone....all I could feel was relief. And the certainty that with both of them with Jason, they would get through this alright--all of them."

Tommy swallowed. Emotion made his voice husky as he looked at his friends.

"I don't think I've ever been so proud of Kat, or loved her more."

The quiet statement set the other three to thinking. Billy met his old friend's eyes after a while.

"I think I know what you mean. And I also think that, if Katherine truly can overcome her inhibitions, that your relationship will survive this--if it doesn't actually make it stronger."

Adam wasn't so easily convinced. If Tommy, who was in the same boat with him, could be so accepting, and all he could see was the fact that his girlfriend was with another man (no matter for whatever good reason), what did that say about him? He couldn't quite keep the accusation out of his voice as he tried to rectify his feelings.

"Would you still be saying that if it were Kim up there?"

Tommy didn't take offense at the barb; it was a legitimate question, more so because Adam knew how much Kimberly had meant to him. But he couldn't help a smile, and out of the corner of his eye, he could see that Billy shared it. His voice was gentle as he answered his distraught friend.

"Adam...you knew Kim. She's been friends with Jason since Elementary School, and has always considered him her big brother. D'you want to know what I think her reaction would have been to this whole mess? We could have spared ourselves all the agonizing in the Power Chamber; the second she heard about the problem and the solution, she would've hauled Jase off to somewhere quiet and taken care of him. And she wouldn't have asked me, either."

"She and Trini both. They would have wanted to spare Jason as much distress as possible, and I don't think that they would have left him much room to protest."

Billy's voice was lightly tinged with amusement; although he certainly didn't want to hurt Adam, he knew the original Pink and Yellow Rangers far too well.

Rocky listened to both, a rather pensive and somewhat astonished expression on his face.

"You know what? I think Aisha would've done the same."

Adam looked up at that. To his amazement, he had to admit that his friends were right. He hardly knew Trini, but his friendship with both Kimberly and Aisha enabled him to see the truth in Tommy and Rocky's argument. Reluctantly, he conceded.

"I...I guess you're right." Now he had yet another thing to feel miserable about. However, his friends knew him pretty well, too.

"Hey, Adam, it's not your fault," Rocky consoled him. "I mean, I don't have a girlfriend like you have Tanya, but I think I would feel the same if she were up at that cabin right now. Only, try to concentrate on other things. It's not as if she were cheating on you, or anything. Man, if Emily knew about us, and had been willing and available, Tanya'd never have gone to Jason!"

"Rocky is right, Adam. You are not to blame for a perfectly natural reaction to a very unusual situation. I know it is easy for me to say, but you have to look past your ...."

"Jealousy. I know," Adam interrupted Billy. He hung his head again.

"Actually, I was going to say insecurity. You have nothing to fear about Tanya's commitment to you. She said it herself, didn't she--this doesn't have to change things between the two of you. As long as you still love each other, you will be okay."

"Billy's right, man. Just as I won't let this come between Kat and me. If I do, I'll run a much greater risk of losing her than giving her my support will do."

Adam thought long and hard about everything his friends had said. Deep down, he knew they were right, and slowly he began to accept. He looked at each in turn.

"Thanks, guys. I....I'm still not real comfortable with this, and I can't help but wish it could've been different, but....but I think I can live with it, now."

"That's all anyone can ask of you; nobody should have to make that choice. If anyone is to blame, it's Mondo for putting all of us through this."

Billy's calm understanding brought the first smile to Adam since the previous afternoon and Tanya's startling announcement. It wasn't a broad smile, but it was a beginning. Unconsciously, the four young men began to relax. Leaning back in his chair, Adam stared into the sky, in the direction of the mountains. Mentally, he called out to his girlfriend.

*Just be allright, Tanya. I love you. Come back to me, and I promise, we'll get over this. I'm sorry I wasn't more understanding. You're wonderful, and I miss you. Tanya....*

Lost in his thoughts, he fell asleep, his restless night catching up with him. His friends smiled understandingly, and kept a quiet vigil over his slumber into the afternoon.

Tanya sat on the porch, watching the stars, as she heard a door open inside. Muffled laughter reached her ear, and she had to smile. Obviously, Jason and Kat had successfully completed another cycle. The shower was turned on, and some time later, another door fell shut. The Yellow Ranger gathered her robe around her and ambled slowly into the living room; Kat was bound to be exhausted, and would go to sleep on the couch, while she would feed their companion. Jason had mostly slept during the periods when his body didn't demand release, and she was sure he was famished by now.

During the course of the day and early night, the three had established a closeness that made everything about this bizarre situation more bearable. There had been laughter, and shared confidences, and they had lost most of their awkwardness with each other. They were friends, all of them, and while they didn't talk about the people down in Angel Grove--namely, Adam and Tommy--they knew that once this was over, they eventually would be able to go back to the way things had been before. Tanya was aware, as were Kat and Jason, that all of them would have to talk, but it could wait until emotions weren't running so high anymore. Hopefully, the two people who were also involved (but not present) would be able to accept their inevitably deepened relationship.

Tanya opened the sliding door and stopped, smiling broadly, as she heard a sleepy but indignant squeal from her best friend.

"Put me down, Jason!"

"Why? I *like* carrying you."

"What if you let me drop?"

Tanya heard Jason's chuckle as he backed into the living room, cradling the Pink Ranger in his arms.

"I won't. I still have *that* much strength left. And in case I don't, I'll make sure you land on something soft--like right here."

With that, he sank down in front of the sleeper couch and let Kat fall just the last few inches. She squealed again, but laughed tiredly into his eyes. Jason knelt next to her and reached for the blanket. Covering Kat, he gently tucked her in.

She smiled as she snuggled into the pillow. Her eyes were already droopy as she murmured a last protest.

"You can't do this to me. Just you wait--I'm going to get you for this."

With a very tender gesture, Jason brushed a strand of pale gold hair out of her eyes. Kissing her softly on the forehead, he leaned back.

"I'm sure you will, kitten."

Kat smiled once more, but the blue eyes were already drifting shut. Within minutes, she was asleep, her soft, even breaths the only sound in the room.

Tanya watched with a growing sense of dread as Jason looked at Kat for a while longer, his expression open and full of...what? It couldn't be longing, could it? Finally, he got up after once more running a gentle hand through the blonde locks. He noticed Tanya standing in the doorway, and a wry smile crossed his lips. Not saying a word, he left the room and went into the kitchen.

The dark-skinned girl stood frozen for a few moments. She had seen over the course of the day that things between Kat and Jason were different than between herself and the former Gold Ranger, but she had put it down to the differences in their personalities. Now, however, the little things--the teasing pecks, the fleeting touches, the fact that usually Kat fell asleep with Jason while she preferred to get up and rest alone--took on more serious implications. What if those two were falling in love? What would that do to them--to Tommy? She had a sinking feeling in her stomach as she followed Jason into the kitchen, where he was taking out sandwich makings. Tanya watched him from the door as he puttered about. He'd looked her way once when she came in, but now seemed intent only on getting some food into him. At last, the Yellow Ranger couldn't stand it any more. Clearing her throat softly, she called his name.

"Jason?"

The young man took his time acknowledging her. When he finally met her eyes, she knew that he knew what she was thinking about. Tanya went to the table with suddenly shaky knees, sinking down opposite him as Jason started to consume a monster sandwich.

"Jason, what...what happened there?" She could barely get the words past her suddenly dry throat, and gratefully accepted the orange juice Jason pushed over. Taking a sip, she tried again. "Is... is something happening between you and Kat?"

He didn't pretend ignorance, for which Tanya was grateful.

"You mean, am I falling in love with her?"

Jason got up again to get a fresh glas for himself.

"Y-yes. What I just saw...."

"...was me expressing my love for Kat. You got that right. But Tanya, if it had been you, I would have done the same."

"Wh-what?" Tanya blanched slightly.

Jason met her eyes, then.

"Tanya ... does it really surprise you, after all you two have done for me, that I love you? Both of you? I know we've been friends before, but you know as well as I that this" he made a sweeping gesture indicating the whole cabin, "has brought us so much closer than just friendship."

"I...I know. I don't mind that; I guess we should have expected it, in a way. B-but still....you and Kat....I didn't think about it before, but you're closer to her than to me. A lot."

Jason swallowed his mouthful of sandwich and reached for his juice. He gave her another gentle smile.

"I know. Kat is--oh, I dunno--more affectionate, I guess. Why do you think I call her kitten? That's not to say that you aren't, just that she and I connected a bit more, I guess." There was no censure in the deep voice. Nevertheless, Tanya felt as if she had to defend herself.

"I...I don't mean to be distant, I..."

He took her hand in his and squeezed gently.

"You're thinking about Adam, right? About how he's gonna take all of this."

"Yes." She whispered the single word, lowering her head. Jason leaned across the table and chucked her lightly under her chin.

"Hey, I understand. I've seen the look on his face Friday afternoon. And I'm not blaming you for keeping a little detachment. Especially not since you had the most difficult job--getting started."

Tanya looked at him again. Grateful for his understanding, she returned the pressure of his hand around hers. Her eyes were a bit moist as she smiled.

"It *did* get better, though."

"Yeah--because Kat trusted her instincts. Just as you did the second time."

A slight blush dusted Tanya's face as she recalled her second ‘session' with Jason--the things he'd done to her and they'd done together. A small, pleasurable shudder raced down her spine. Still, she couldn't get her mind off the tender scene she had witnessed.

"But Jason, still....can you honestly tell me that there's nothing more between you and Kat? I'm not trying to accuse you of anything, but what I just saw...."

The former Ranger took his time answering. When he did, the deep voice was a bit hesitant.

"Tanya...I said that I love both you and Kat for what you did. Okay, I admit, maybe I'm feeling a bit more for her than you, because she's a bit more open, less reserved, but I understand why you can't be."

"And I understand why you feel that way." She smiled, accepting his words without rancour. Kat had a way to make people feel good; it was why they'd become such good friends so quickly. "But go on."

"I love her, yes, but I'm not in love with her. Do you understand the difference?"

"Yeah, sure."

Jason searched for words to explain himself better. He sensed that he hadn't quite managed to convince Tanya yet. His voice, when he continued, held a note of sincerity she'd heard twice before now--the day he promised to guard the key to Auric, and when he'd promised Adam he would do his best not to hurt her. He'd kept both pledges.

"Kat...Kat is very easy to love."

Tanya nodded. She'd had that experience, too.

"But there are a few *very* good reasons why I can't let myself fall in love with her. She's deeply in love with someone else--who just happens to be my best friend. You must believe me that I would *never* do anything to hurt Tommy--especially not after what he was offering to me the other day. And there's another one --I'm dating a wonderful girl myself. I don't want to hurt Emily, either. I don't know if and when we'll ever have the kind of relationship you two have with Tommy and Adam, it's too soon to tell, but I couldn't do that to her."

Momentarily distracted, Tanya asked about the absent blonde.

"Are you going to tell her?"

"About this? No. At first I thought I would, but now I don't think so."

"But why? Don't you think she deserves to know?"

Jason smiled ruefully.

"Yeah, maybe. I don't particularly like keeping this from her. But Tanya ... I can't just tell her I spent the weekend making love to my friends' girlfriends without giving her a reason. And what reason could I give her without betraying the Rangers? If none of us were on the team any longer, it would be different, but I *can't* reveal your identities."

"Oh. You're right, of course; I hadn't thought of that."

"Besides, I know of her pledge. It would only make her feel guilty that she couldn't be there for me when I needed her."

Both teens were lost in thought for some moments. Then, Tanya got back to her previous concerns.

"You said you can't let yourself fall in love with Kat. Are you so sure you can avoid that?"

"Pretty much. All I have to do is to remind myself of Tommy and Emily." He glanced away for a second, then met the large eyes with a very serious look.

"In all honesty, though....it would be *very* easy to let myself go and fall for her. If I had been here when Kat first came to Angel Grove... but I wasn't, and it's far too late now. She and Tommy have been through so much....I just want both of them to be happy. I'll find someone special like her one day, too. I'm just glad I have them as friends. All of you."

Tanya and Jason sat quietly after that statement, sharing the silence Jason's confession had left in its wake. Tanya couldn't help but reflect on how things might have turned out *had* Jason indeed been there. Maybe Kimberly and Tommy would never have broken up; maybe, instead of being attracted to the then-White Ranger, her friend would have found a relationship with his best friend instead. She could well picture Kat and Jason together, but Tanya pushed the image away. It was as Jason had said--it had been too late for them from the start, and she only hoped that the former Gold Ranger was right about his ability to keep that last, necessary bit of distance from his best friend's girl.

They talked some more after a while, letting the Pink Ranger sleep, as the darkness slowly made way for the pinks and greys of early dawn. The first birds began their morning songs as Tanya and Jason returned to the bedroom, to ride out the latest surge of his need. They had weathered over thirty hours so far together; if Billy's prediction was correct, they could hope their ordeal would be over sometime during the day that was breaking outside the small, cosy cabin.

E-mail: kittiec@starpower.net