Cataclysm (Tsukino Akume, Drama/Friendship)
Akume: ... What would you call a skylight on a space ship?
phantom_blue: Oh god, I love the internets.
Akume: Hmm?
phantom_blue: Where else will I be asked that?
Akume: -Giggles-
phantom_blue: And I have no idea. o.O
Akume: Darn.
Title/: Cataclysm
Author/: Tsukino Akume
Relationship/: Andros/Ashley, Zhane/Karone, mentions of Cassie/Phantom
Rating/: K+
Warnings/: emotional trauma, mentally disturbed people, depression
Disclaimer/: If I owned the Power Rangers, this universe would exist. We would have known who the Phantom Ranger was - and it *would* have been a girl because I'm weird like that - and team snuggles would be mandatory every episode. As none of that is cannon, it's safe to assume that I don't.
Summary/: When Astronema was defeated, the Astro Rangers gave up more than their Powers. Reporters, fans, and long-lost relatives are coming out of the woodwork as the team struggles to adjust to it all. Bright Skies Universe.
Theme/: #92. Monolog
Author's Notes/: Thanks to starandrea, it is firmly embedded in my mind that the megaship’s observatory exists only for sleepovers. This one’s for you, Stars. ^_~
“We should do this more often.”
Cassie glanced over at Zhane, who was laying back on his sleeping bag, staring at the open skylight. There was probably a more official name for the giant window in the roof, considering she wasn’t sure spaceships technically *had* skylights, but she couldn’t be bothered to actually ask. He had one arm tucked behind his head, the other reaching up to point at something with his finger.
“Motion seconded,” Ashley murmured sleepily, her voice slightly muffled against Andros’ chest.
“Motion passed,” T.J. agreed. “Zhane, what are you doing?”
“Drawing constellations,” Zhane said absently. “I think I’m gonna name this one ‘Zhane Wins At Life’.”
There was a soft snort from Ashley, and she raised her head enough to look at him. “You know, most people name constellations after mythical people or objects.”
“I’ll call it Zhane for short,” he decided, ignoring her.
“MiniZhane,” Carlos offered with a smirk.
“MiniZhane,” Zhane agreed.
Andros shifted, squinting at up to see what Zhane was pointing at. “I think they call it ‘Orion’ in this galaxy,” he said dryly.
“Not anymore. Now it’s MiniZhane,” Zhane informed him.
Cassie grinned, rolling over onto her stomach to hug her pillow as she looked over her friends. They’d decided to spend the night together on the megaship, since Cassie hadn’t been available as much in the last few days with her mom around, and Ashley and Carlos had been kidnapped by their own families for most of the week. T.J. hadn’t said anything, but she’d gotten the impression he was feeling a little lonely.
The suggestion for the observatory sleepover had come from Andros, oddly enough. He’d said something about needing more room now, which made her suspect he and Zhane were still forcing Karone to share one of their rooms at night. Dragging her blankets up here had been a pain, but she was glad she had now. There was something calming about being back with the team, surrounded by stars.
“Can I use my hands yet?” Carlos spoke up, looking irritated.
Ashley sat up, reaching for him. “Let me see,” she commanded. She studied his hand for a moment, pressed his fingers to her lips briefly, then nodded in satisfaction. “You’re dry.”
“Thanks,” he said wryly, looking down at the hot pink and black polka dots on his fingernails. His feet were bare, revealing that his toes had been painted to match.
“Who’s turn is it?” T.J. asked, taking another sip of the dark purple sludge Zhane had given him from the synthetron. He swore it wasn’t that bad, but Cassie wasn’t sure she believed him.
“Mine,” she answered, turning her attention back to Zhane. “Truth.”
“Dare,” he returned.
“I’m not giving you any more dares,” she argued. “Nothing ever embarrasses you.” Then she paused, frowning. “Is there anything you’ve done that you’re actually embarrassed about? And what was it,” she added before he could protest.
Zhane was silent for a moment, frowning. "I was seven," he said at last. "Uncle was trying to make me take a bath, and I didn't want to. He got me undressed, and I made a break for it while he was running the water." He paused. "I ran into the middle of a formal meeting between my parents and the Kerovian government representatives."
"Your parents?" Karone asked, tilting her head curiously.
"The Kerova Rangers," he told her. "They had the morphers before we did. My dad was the Yellow Ranger, my mom was Blue. The other four were all uncles and aunt by blood or marriage."
Cassie hid a smile as Ashley and T.J. exchanged glances. Zhane had told them about his family before, on another night like this, but it still weirded the two of them out to know that Zhane thought they should have traded morphers.
Personally, she thought it was sort of funny.
"So you were naked in front of a bunch of government officials?" Ashley asked finally, looking amused.
The corner of Zhane's mouth quirked. "Six. And my parents. And both uncles and my aunt. I went into shock, burst into tears, and had to be carried out of the room because I was starting to hyperventilate."
T.J.'s eyebrows went up. "This is *you* we're talking about, right?"
Zhane made a face at him, which faded into a slight smile after a moment. "My mother told me later that I only have something to be ashamed of if I let myself." He shrugged. "I've lived by that rule ever since."
"Which explains a lot," Carlos said dryly.
Zhane ignored him, turning his attention to T.J. "Truth or dare?" he asked eagerly. Of the three Kerovians, he'd been the one to eagerly embrace the concept of the game.
T.J. hesitated. "Dare," he said reluctantly, eyeing his drink warily.
Zhane's smirk widened. "I dare you to strip down and teleport to Earth for five minutes. Someplace with snow."
T.J. frowned suspiciously. "Naked?"
"You can wear those ... under thingies you Earthians like," Zhane said dismissively. "But you have to stand in the snow for the whole five minutes before D.E.C.A. can teleport you back."
T.J. looked at him for a long moment. At last he sighed and stood up, pulling off the T-shirt he'd been wearing for bed. "If someone takes a picture of me doing this, you'd better watch where you sleep," he warned.
Zhane smiled. "D.E.C.A., send T.J. to that ... Al place."
T.J.'s eyes went wide. "Alaska?"
"That's the one!" Zhane crowed, pointing at him.
"Teleporting," D.E.C.A. said calmly.
T.J. dissolved into blue sparkles, sputtering, as Zhane blew him a kiss goodbye and waved.
"That was cruel, Zhane," Ashley protested.
"Then why are you laughing?" he retorted, grinning at her.
"I'm not," she argued, ducking her head and biting her lip to hide her smile. "I'm going to go get another blanket for T.J. when he gets back."
Zhane rolled his eyes. "D.E.C.A., would you - " He stopped as a thick, down comforter appeared in front of him. " ... Thanks."
Ashley moved to shake the comforter out, muttering under her breath as she got tangled up in Andros' shirt. One of T.J.'s earlier dares had been for Andros to switch shirts with her, leaving Ashley drowning in red turtleneck. The problem wasn't the shirt itself; it was spandex, and it hugged her curves just fine. The sleeves on the other hand, nearly covered her hands.
Andros meanwhile, was a bit too broad-shouldered to pull Ashley's tiny spaghetti strap tank top on all the way, and had left it hanging around his neck instead. T.J. had tried to protest that it wasn't within the rules of the dare, but Ashley threatened to hurt them both if they ruined her shirt. Zhane had laughed himself sick at the sight.
T.J. reappeared, arms wrapped around himself and shivering violently. Ashley immediately wrapped him up in the comforter, rubbing his arms to try and get him warm. "Th-th-thanks," he stuttered, teeth chattering as he glared at Zhane.
"Why don't you go ahead Andros, and we'll come back to Teej," Cassie offered quickly, standing to wrap one of her own blankets around T.J. and draw him in a tight hug. He gave her a grateful look.
Andros frowned in thought, studying Ashley carefully. "What was your worst moment as a Ranger?"
Ashley paused. "Worst thing I've done personally?" she asked slowly. "Or worst thing that's happened to me while I've been a Ranger?"
He shrugged. "Worst that's happened, I guess."
There was a long moment of silence as she thought about it, absently rubbing T.J.'s arms again. "It's hard to say one was so much worse than the other," she said at last. "But I guess the worst was when the Quantrons were gone, but we thought you were ... that you weren't coming back."
She looked down, biting her lip as T.J. managed to wrap an arm around her, pulling her into the comforter with him. The action made her smile, and she peeked out at Andros. "But the best would be when all of you decided to come back to Earth with us."
Andros nodded, a very slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Do you ... " T.J.'s voice was hoarse, and he swallowed. "Do you ever regret coming back to get us, Andros?"
Now Andros was the one hesitating. "Sometimes," he admitted eventually. "I never wanted to get attached to anyone after Karone, and Zhane. But now I am." He shrugged, looking uncomfortable. "I ... you're my friends," he said quietly. "And I'm glad. But sometimes I wish you weren't, because then it wouldn't matter if something happened."
Karone reached out to squeeze his hand hesitantly, and Zhane shuffled over to wrap an arm around him. "I'm glad you went back for them," Zhane told him seriously. "I don't think you would have lasted much longer alone."
"I'm glad you did, too," Karone said softly. "I ... I don't think you would have, either. And then neither of us would be here now."
Cassie swallowed, glancing over at Carlos. He was watching them thoughtfully with an odd expression. After a moment he glanced up at her, and something in his face softened.
Ashley cleared her throat, and her eyes were suspiciously shiny when Cassie glanced at her. "So! Karone," she said loudly. She grinned mischievously when Karone looked up at her. "When did you get your first kiss, and who was it with?"
Karone blinked up at her. "I've never been kissed before," she said solemnly.
There was a pause, and faster than anyone could realize what was happening, Zhane leaned across Andros and kissed her.
The kiss lasted for several seconds before Andros finally came to his senses, sputtered, and shoved Zhane away. "What are you doing?" he demanded.
Zhane ignored him, giving Karone a surprisingly warm smile. "Well, now you have."
Karone stared back at him, her expression more startled than anything. Then she turned thoughtful, glancing at Carlos. "Truth or dare?" she asked, as if nothing had happened. Andros looked relieved; Zhane just seemed amused.
Carlos blinked for a moment. "Uh ... dare," he said finally.
"I dare you to kiss me."
His eyes widened, and he wasn't the only one staring at her. "W-wait - what?" he stammered.
Karone shrugged lightly, unconcerned. "I want to compare."
Carlos hesitated, eyeing Andros warily for a moment before finally crawling forward with a sigh. He pressed his lips to Karone's briefly as Ashley tried not to giggle, and Cassie grinned at the expression on Andros' face. At least we know life will never be boring with Karone around, she thought wryly.
Karone looked contemplative when Carlos pulled away. "Nice," she decided after a pause. "But Zhane's was better."
"Excuse me?" Carlos demanded.
She shrugged again. "Well, it was. Did you want me to lie?"
Carlos' eyes narrowed. He caught Karone's hand without warning, yanking her close and kissing her again. This time the kiss was longer, and both of them seemed more enthusiastic about it.
At last Carlos pulled away, looking triumphant. "Well?"
Karone hmmed thoughtfully. "Better." She glanced around, her expression playfully curious. "Anyone else want to kiss me?"
"Karone!" Andros protested.
Cassie shrugged, grinning. "I will," she offered casually, ignoring the startled looks Ashley and T.J. shot her. Any excuse to give Andros a hard time, and help Karone figure something out, she thought with a snicker.
Karone rose to her feet gracefully, lightly dodging Andros' grab for her ankle. She stopped in front of Cassie, tilting her head. "Is it different when girls kiss other girls?" she asked innocently.
"I've never kissed another girl to know if it feels different," Cassie admitted, "But some people think it's strange."
Karone looked puzzled, and Cassie leaned in to kiss her gently.
It was shorter than Carlos' second kiss had been, more along the lines of the length Zhane had given. Karone's lips were incredibly soft, and even if she wasn't attracted to the other girl, Cassie had to admit it was nice. She smiled as she pulled away, reaching up to tuck her hair behind her ear. "Well?"
"Soft," Karone said after a moment, unknowingly echoing her own thoughts. "Why do people think it's strange for girls to kiss each other?"
"Because Earthians are stupid," Zhane muttered darkly.
"Because on Earth, some people think it's wrong for girls to like girls, and boys to like boys," Cassie explained, ignoring him. Zhane's issues with homophobia wasn't anything new, and she couldn't really blame him. She'd be angry too if someone was prejudiced against most of her family. "They think only girls and boys should be together."
Karone frowned. "Is it wrong?"
"No," Ashley spoke up gently, before Zhane could break into another rant. "Love is never wrong."
Karone smiled a little at that, looking sad. "I've never been loved, either," she said softly.
"That's not true." Surprisingly, it was Andros who spoke up. He was frowning at her. "Even though I didn't know who you were, I've always loved you Karone."
"It's not the same thing as romantic love," Ashley put in as Karone frowned again. "But you've always had love. You just didn't know it yet. Family love is love, too."
Karone seemed thoughtful again, but she nodded slowly.
"Now will everyone please stop kissing my sister so we can move on with the game?" Andros added irritably.
The mischievous look returned to Karone's eyes. "But Andros," she protested innocently as she knelt down beside him again. "I haven't kissed *you* yet." And before he could protest, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.
Andros flushed, scowling. "Very funny," he muttered, but his hand slid across the floor to briefly touch her fingers. "Carlos, it's your turn."
"Truth or dare?" Carlos asked, glancing up at Cassie.
She glanced at between T.J., who's shivers were finally dying down, and Karone, who was still thoughtful, but seemed rather pleased with herself. "Truth."
Something in Carlos' eyes changed, and she knew in an instant she'd made the wrong choice.
"Why did you run away from home?"
She froze, breath catching in her throat. Beside her she felt T.J. stiffen, and heard Ashley gasp softly. She didn't *have* to answer; she knew they wouldn't make her. Game or not, no one had pressed her for many details about her past yet, because she wasn't ready to talk about it.
But this was her team. If she was going to tell anyone - and she knew she'd have to tell her parents someday - it would be them. Because it was the team.
"I ... " She stopped, closing her eyes, and swallowed hard. T.J.'s hand was on her shoulder, but she knew if she paid any attention to it she'd lose her nerve. "I was raised in foster care. I bounced around between homes for awhile when I was little, but I never stayed for very long. Everyone said I was a problem child." She smiled wryly, but it still hurt to think about. "I was nine when The Huangs threw us all out after they realized Christian and Kelly were dating. I guess it ruined their perfect family image. I'm still not sure why they got rid of me. Maybe they thought I was contaminated or something." She laughed softly, but it was bitter. Christian and Kelly had been the closest thing to older siblings she'd had at that point. They'd taught her was love was.
She turned to look out the window, not wanting to see her friends' faces. "I was actually put in an orphanage first. It wasn't the first one I've ever been in, but that's where I met Tony. There was a mix-up on room assignments, and we ended up sharing. We got into this huge fight over it and I gave him a black eye." This time her smile was fond. "It was an accident, but he said I was the coolest girl he'd ever met, and we were inseparable after that. Our birthdays are only a couple days apart, so we decided we were twins even though we don't look alike. He was ... my best friend."
Even now she could picture him standing in front of her, dark eyes smirking as he teased her mercilessly, despite knowing what she could - and would - do to him for it. "The Reynolds family came to the orphanage about ... not quite a year later, I think. It was just Mom and Dad that came, but Mitch and Paige were at home. They were looking for another boy to adopt." She shook her head with another wry smile. "I guess they were thinking having a younger brother to set an example for would help calm Mitch down or something. And when they saw Tony, Mom just fell in love with him. He's a pain, but he's easy to love once you realize he's full of it," she admitted.
She reached out to touch the window with a sigh, letting it cool her fingers. "Tony told them he wasn't leaving without me. He said twins don't abandon each other." She flinched slightly at the thought. "I told him he was being stupid and he should go with them before he was stuck there forever, and we ended up fighting again."
Her smile was soft now, remembering that day. "Dad had to separate us and he didn't exactly get out of it without injuries of his own. He and Mom just sort of looked at each other, and then smiled and said it'd be a shame to break up a set." She swallowed again, eyes burning. "By the end of the week, they were signing paperwork to bring us home.
"It wasn't - " She stopped, shaking her head. "They never planned for four, you know? Things were supposed to be stretched with three, but they were going to try and make it work. They never counted on me. And it was great for awhile. Paige and I ... well, I never had a little sister. I was always the youngest. Mitch wasn't happy about us at first, but we grew on him after awhile. He helped me get into half the trouble I was in before I came here, and he was the first one to yell at me for the rest. Mom and Dad always treated us like we were a family, no matter what."
She sighed, wrapping her arms around herself and turning to lean against the window as she stared out at the stars. "And then Sammy was born.
"Don't get me wrong, I love Sammy. He's the sweetest kid you ever met." A faint smile touched her lips at the memory of those pudgy arms and big blue eyes, begging for attention. "None of us even thought Mom and Dad would let Mitch stay when Sammy showed up, but they did. They treated Sammy like he was their own grandson. And being a dad really turned Mitch around in a way being an older brother never did. He finally cleaned up and started trying to be responsible. Mom used to say she was proud of the result, but the process left a little something to be desired." She grinned a little as tears pricked her eyes.
After a moment the grin faded, and she let out another quite sigh. She was stalling the answer to Carlos' question, and she knew it. It helped to let them know she *did* care, but it wasn't really what he'd asked. The problem was that she still wasn't ready to say it.
So she said it anyway.
"I walked in on my parents talking about bills one day." She took a deep breath, trying not to let her hands shake. "Mom was in tears; she didn't know how they were going to pay the mortgage. Dad was trying to calm her down, and he said ... " Her voice caught, and she closed her eyes again, forcing herself to continue. "He said they knew when they brought Tony and I home that things were going to be hard, but they'd make it work somehow. Even if he had to take another job, they'd find a way. And Mom - " The sob escaped before she could stop it. "Mom was scared that social services was going to take us away. Mitch was too old to go back by then, but he didn't have a full-time job, so he'd lose Sammy. Paige has been with Mom and Dad for most of her life, she doesn't even remember what it's like to be in foster care. And Tony ... "
There were arms wrapped around her from behind, squeezing tight as someone's head leaned against her shoulder, but she couldn't pay attention to them or she'd never finish. "I threw everything I had in a bag, and I ran," she whispered, eyes burning. "Tony was the one they wanted first, he deserved to stay. And Mitch and Paige and Sammy all needed them more than I did." Her throat tightened. "The next thing I remember is Chris telling me he was buying me a bus ticket."
She reached up to brush at her eyes, trying to pull herself together. Crying wasn't going to change what had happened. "I never wanted to leave," she managed, still trying to swallow the lump in her throat. "But I couldn't stay, either."
There were hands pulling at her now, drawing her into a hug between what seemed to be T.J. and Ashley. T.J.'s comforter ended up around her at some point, and she grasped at it automatically. Zhane's hand was on her shoulder, and even Andros and Karone seemed to be trying to offer awkward attempts at making her feel better.
But it was Carlos who finally caught her attention again, staring at her with regret in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, tugging the blanket higher around her shoulders.
She sniffled and offered him a watery smile. "It's okay," she whispered.
He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She laid her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears from falling.
She was only partially successful.
phantom_blue: Oh god, I love the internets.
Akume: Hmm?
phantom_blue: Where else will I be asked that?
Akume: -Giggles-
phantom_blue: And I have no idea. o.O
Akume: Darn.
Title/: Cataclysm
Author/: Tsukino Akume
Relationship/: Andros/Ashley, Zhane/Karone, mentions of Cassie/Phantom
Rating/: K+
Warnings/: emotional trauma, mentally disturbed people, depression
Disclaimer/: If I owned the Power Rangers, this universe would exist. We would have known who the Phantom Ranger was - and it *would* have been a girl because I'm weird like that - and team snuggles would be mandatory every episode. As none of that is cannon, it's safe to assume that I don't.
Summary/: When Astronema was defeated, the Astro Rangers gave up more than their Powers. Reporters, fans, and long-lost relatives are coming out of the woodwork as the team struggles to adjust to it all. Bright Skies Universe.
Theme/: #92. Monolog
Author's Notes/: Thanks to starandrea, it is firmly embedded in my mind that the megaship’s observatory exists only for sleepovers. This one’s for you, Stars. ^_~
“We should do this more often.”
Cassie glanced over at Zhane, who was laying back on his sleeping bag, staring at the open skylight. There was probably a more official name for the giant window in the roof, considering she wasn’t sure spaceships technically *had* skylights, but she couldn’t be bothered to actually ask. He had one arm tucked behind his head, the other reaching up to point at something with his finger.
“Motion seconded,” Ashley murmured sleepily, her voice slightly muffled against Andros’ chest.
“Motion passed,” T.J. agreed. “Zhane, what are you doing?”
“Drawing constellations,” Zhane said absently. “I think I’m gonna name this one ‘Zhane Wins At Life’.”
There was a soft snort from Ashley, and she raised her head enough to look at him. “You know, most people name constellations after mythical people or objects.”
“I’ll call it Zhane for short,” he decided, ignoring her.
“MiniZhane,” Carlos offered with a smirk.
“MiniZhane,” Zhane agreed.
Andros shifted, squinting at up to see what Zhane was pointing at. “I think they call it ‘Orion’ in this galaxy,” he said dryly.
“Not anymore. Now it’s MiniZhane,” Zhane informed him.
Cassie grinned, rolling over onto her stomach to hug her pillow as she looked over her friends. They’d decided to spend the night together on the megaship, since Cassie hadn’t been available as much in the last few days with her mom around, and Ashley and Carlos had been kidnapped by their own families for most of the week. T.J. hadn’t said anything, but she’d gotten the impression he was feeling a little lonely.
The suggestion for the observatory sleepover had come from Andros, oddly enough. He’d said something about needing more room now, which made her suspect he and Zhane were still forcing Karone to share one of their rooms at night. Dragging her blankets up here had been a pain, but she was glad she had now. There was something calming about being back with the team, surrounded by stars.
“Can I use my hands yet?” Carlos spoke up, looking irritated.
Ashley sat up, reaching for him. “Let me see,” she commanded. She studied his hand for a moment, pressed his fingers to her lips briefly, then nodded in satisfaction. “You’re dry.”
“Thanks,” he said wryly, looking down at the hot pink and black polka dots on his fingernails. His feet were bare, revealing that his toes had been painted to match.
“Who’s turn is it?” T.J. asked, taking another sip of the dark purple sludge Zhane had given him from the synthetron. He swore it wasn’t that bad, but Cassie wasn’t sure she believed him.
“Mine,” she answered, turning her attention back to Zhane. “Truth.”
“Dare,” he returned.
“I’m not giving you any more dares,” she argued. “Nothing ever embarrasses you.” Then she paused, frowning. “Is there anything you’ve done that you’re actually embarrassed about? And what was it,” she added before he could protest.
Zhane was silent for a moment, frowning. "I was seven," he said at last. "Uncle was trying to make me take a bath, and I didn't want to. He got me undressed, and I made a break for it while he was running the water." He paused. "I ran into the middle of a formal meeting between my parents and the Kerovian government representatives."
"Your parents?" Karone asked, tilting her head curiously.
"The Kerova Rangers," he told her. "They had the morphers before we did. My dad was the Yellow Ranger, my mom was Blue. The other four were all uncles and aunt by blood or marriage."
Cassie hid a smile as Ashley and T.J. exchanged glances. Zhane had told them about his family before, on another night like this, but it still weirded the two of them out to know that Zhane thought they should have traded morphers.
Personally, she thought it was sort of funny.
"So you were naked in front of a bunch of government officials?" Ashley asked finally, looking amused.
The corner of Zhane's mouth quirked. "Six. And my parents. And both uncles and my aunt. I went into shock, burst into tears, and had to be carried out of the room because I was starting to hyperventilate."
T.J.'s eyebrows went up. "This is *you* we're talking about, right?"
Zhane made a face at him, which faded into a slight smile after a moment. "My mother told me later that I only have something to be ashamed of if I let myself." He shrugged. "I've lived by that rule ever since."
"Which explains a lot," Carlos said dryly.
Zhane ignored him, turning his attention to T.J. "Truth or dare?" he asked eagerly. Of the three Kerovians, he'd been the one to eagerly embrace the concept of the game.
T.J. hesitated. "Dare," he said reluctantly, eyeing his drink warily.
Zhane's smirk widened. "I dare you to strip down and teleport to Earth for five minutes. Someplace with snow."
T.J. frowned suspiciously. "Naked?"
"You can wear those ... under thingies you Earthians like," Zhane said dismissively. "But you have to stand in the snow for the whole five minutes before D.E.C.A. can teleport you back."
T.J. looked at him for a long moment. At last he sighed and stood up, pulling off the T-shirt he'd been wearing for bed. "If someone takes a picture of me doing this, you'd better watch where you sleep," he warned.
Zhane smiled. "D.E.C.A., send T.J. to that ... Al place."
T.J.'s eyes went wide. "Alaska?"
"That's the one!" Zhane crowed, pointing at him.
"Teleporting," D.E.C.A. said calmly.
T.J. dissolved into blue sparkles, sputtering, as Zhane blew him a kiss goodbye and waved.
"That was cruel, Zhane," Ashley protested.
"Then why are you laughing?" he retorted, grinning at her.
"I'm not," she argued, ducking her head and biting her lip to hide her smile. "I'm going to go get another blanket for T.J. when he gets back."
Zhane rolled his eyes. "D.E.C.A., would you - " He stopped as a thick, down comforter appeared in front of him. " ... Thanks."
Ashley moved to shake the comforter out, muttering under her breath as she got tangled up in Andros' shirt. One of T.J.'s earlier dares had been for Andros to switch shirts with her, leaving Ashley drowning in red turtleneck. The problem wasn't the shirt itself; it was spandex, and it hugged her curves just fine. The sleeves on the other hand, nearly covered her hands.
Andros meanwhile, was a bit too broad-shouldered to pull Ashley's tiny spaghetti strap tank top on all the way, and had left it hanging around his neck instead. T.J. had tried to protest that it wasn't within the rules of the dare, but Ashley threatened to hurt them both if they ruined her shirt. Zhane had laughed himself sick at the sight.
T.J. reappeared, arms wrapped around himself and shivering violently. Ashley immediately wrapped him up in the comforter, rubbing his arms to try and get him warm. "Th-th-thanks," he stuttered, teeth chattering as he glared at Zhane.
"Why don't you go ahead Andros, and we'll come back to Teej," Cassie offered quickly, standing to wrap one of her own blankets around T.J. and draw him in a tight hug. He gave her a grateful look.
Andros frowned in thought, studying Ashley carefully. "What was your worst moment as a Ranger?"
Ashley paused. "Worst thing I've done personally?" she asked slowly. "Or worst thing that's happened to me while I've been a Ranger?"
He shrugged. "Worst that's happened, I guess."
There was a long moment of silence as she thought about it, absently rubbing T.J.'s arms again. "It's hard to say one was so much worse than the other," she said at last. "But I guess the worst was when the Quantrons were gone, but we thought you were ... that you weren't coming back."
She looked down, biting her lip as T.J. managed to wrap an arm around her, pulling her into the comforter with him. The action made her smile, and she peeked out at Andros. "But the best would be when all of you decided to come back to Earth with us."
Andros nodded, a very slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Do you ... " T.J.'s voice was hoarse, and he swallowed. "Do you ever regret coming back to get us, Andros?"
Now Andros was the one hesitating. "Sometimes," he admitted eventually. "I never wanted to get attached to anyone after Karone, and Zhane. But now I am." He shrugged, looking uncomfortable. "I ... you're my friends," he said quietly. "And I'm glad. But sometimes I wish you weren't, because then it wouldn't matter if something happened."
Karone reached out to squeeze his hand hesitantly, and Zhane shuffled over to wrap an arm around him. "I'm glad you went back for them," Zhane told him seriously. "I don't think you would have lasted much longer alone."
"I'm glad you did, too," Karone said softly. "I ... I don't think you would have, either. And then neither of us would be here now."
Cassie swallowed, glancing over at Carlos. He was watching them thoughtfully with an odd expression. After a moment he glanced up at her, and something in his face softened.
Ashley cleared her throat, and her eyes were suspiciously shiny when Cassie glanced at her. "So! Karone," she said loudly. She grinned mischievously when Karone looked up at her. "When did you get your first kiss, and who was it with?"
Karone blinked up at her. "I've never been kissed before," she said solemnly.
There was a pause, and faster than anyone could realize what was happening, Zhane leaned across Andros and kissed her.
The kiss lasted for several seconds before Andros finally came to his senses, sputtered, and shoved Zhane away. "What are you doing?" he demanded.
Zhane ignored him, giving Karone a surprisingly warm smile. "Well, now you have."
Karone stared back at him, her expression more startled than anything. Then she turned thoughtful, glancing at Carlos. "Truth or dare?" she asked, as if nothing had happened. Andros looked relieved; Zhane just seemed amused.
Carlos blinked for a moment. "Uh ... dare," he said finally.
"I dare you to kiss me."
His eyes widened, and he wasn't the only one staring at her. "W-wait - what?" he stammered.
Karone shrugged lightly, unconcerned. "I want to compare."
Carlos hesitated, eyeing Andros warily for a moment before finally crawling forward with a sigh. He pressed his lips to Karone's briefly as Ashley tried not to giggle, and Cassie grinned at the expression on Andros' face. At least we know life will never be boring with Karone around, she thought wryly.
Karone looked contemplative when Carlos pulled away. "Nice," she decided after a pause. "But Zhane's was better."
"Excuse me?" Carlos demanded.
She shrugged again. "Well, it was. Did you want me to lie?"
Carlos' eyes narrowed. He caught Karone's hand without warning, yanking her close and kissing her again. This time the kiss was longer, and both of them seemed more enthusiastic about it.
At last Carlos pulled away, looking triumphant. "Well?"
Karone hmmed thoughtfully. "Better." She glanced around, her expression playfully curious. "Anyone else want to kiss me?"
"Karone!" Andros protested.
Cassie shrugged, grinning. "I will," she offered casually, ignoring the startled looks Ashley and T.J. shot her. Any excuse to give Andros a hard time, and help Karone figure something out, she thought with a snicker.
Karone rose to her feet gracefully, lightly dodging Andros' grab for her ankle. She stopped in front of Cassie, tilting her head. "Is it different when girls kiss other girls?" she asked innocently.
"I've never kissed another girl to know if it feels different," Cassie admitted, "But some people think it's strange."
Karone looked puzzled, and Cassie leaned in to kiss her gently.
It was shorter than Carlos' second kiss had been, more along the lines of the length Zhane had given. Karone's lips were incredibly soft, and even if she wasn't attracted to the other girl, Cassie had to admit it was nice. She smiled as she pulled away, reaching up to tuck her hair behind her ear. "Well?"
"Soft," Karone said after a moment, unknowingly echoing her own thoughts. "Why do people think it's strange for girls to kiss each other?"
"Because Earthians are stupid," Zhane muttered darkly.
"Because on Earth, some people think it's wrong for girls to like girls, and boys to like boys," Cassie explained, ignoring him. Zhane's issues with homophobia wasn't anything new, and she couldn't really blame him. She'd be angry too if someone was prejudiced against most of her family. "They think only girls and boys should be together."
Karone frowned. "Is it wrong?"
"No," Ashley spoke up gently, before Zhane could break into another rant. "Love is never wrong."
Karone smiled a little at that, looking sad. "I've never been loved, either," she said softly.
"That's not true." Surprisingly, it was Andros who spoke up. He was frowning at her. "Even though I didn't know who you were, I've always loved you Karone."
"It's not the same thing as romantic love," Ashley put in as Karone frowned again. "But you've always had love. You just didn't know it yet. Family love is love, too."
Karone seemed thoughtful again, but she nodded slowly.
"Now will everyone please stop kissing my sister so we can move on with the game?" Andros added irritably.
The mischievous look returned to Karone's eyes. "But Andros," she protested innocently as she knelt down beside him again. "I haven't kissed *you* yet." And before he could protest, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.
Andros flushed, scowling. "Very funny," he muttered, but his hand slid across the floor to briefly touch her fingers. "Carlos, it's your turn."
"Truth or dare?" Carlos asked, glancing up at Cassie.
She glanced at between T.J., who's shivers were finally dying down, and Karone, who was still thoughtful, but seemed rather pleased with herself. "Truth."
Something in Carlos' eyes changed, and she knew in an instant she'd made the wrong choice.
"Why did you run away from home?"
She froze, breath catching in her throat. Beside her she felt T.J. stiffen, and heard Ashley gasp softly. She didn't *have* to answer; she knew they wouldn't make her. Game or not, no one had pressed her for many details about her past yet, because she wasn't ready to talk about it.
But this was her team. If she was going to tell anyone - and she knew she'd have to tell her parents someday - it would be them. Because it was the team.
"I ... " She stopped, closing her eyes, and swallowed hard. T.J.'s hand was on her shoulder, but she knew if she paid any attention to it she'd lose her nerve. "I was raised in foster care. I bounced around between homes for awhile when I was little, but I never stayed for very long. Everyone said I was a problem child." She smiled wryly, but it still hurt to think about. "I was nine when The Huangs threw us all out after they realized Christian and Kelly were dating. I guess it ruined their perfect family image. I'm still not sure why they got rid of me. Maybe they thought I was contaminated or something." She laughed softly, but it was bitter. Christian and Kelly had been the closest thing to older siblings she'd had at that point. They'd taught her was love was.
She turned to look out the window, not wanting to see her friends' faces. "I was actually put in an orphanage first. It wasn't the first one I've ever been in, but that's where I met Tony. There was a mix-up on room assignments, and we ended up sharing. We got into this huge fight over it and I gave him a black eye." This time her smile was fond. "It was an accident, but he said I was the coolest girl he'd ever met, and we were inseparable after that. Our birthdays are only a couple days apart, so we decided we were twins even though we don't look alike. He was ... my best friend."
Even now she could picture him standing in front of her, dark eyes smirking as he teased her mercilessly, despite knowing what she could - and would - do to him for it. "The Reynolds family came to the orphanage about ... not quite a year later, I think. It was just Mom and Dad that came, but Mitch and Paige were at home. They were looking for another boy to adopt." She shook her head with another wry smile. "I guess they were thinking having a younger brother to set an example for would help calm Mitch down or something. And when they saw Tony, Mom just fell in love with him. He's a pain, but he's easy to love once you realize he's full of it," she admitted.
She reached out to touch the window with a sigh, letting it cool her fingers. "Tony told them he wasn't leaving without me. He said twins don't abandon each other." She flinched slightly at the thought. "I told him he was being stupid and he should go with them before he was stuck there forever, and we ended up fighting again."
Her smile was soft now, remembering that day. "Dad had to separate us and he didn't exactly get out of it without injuries of his own. He and Mom just sort of looked at each other, and then smiled and said it'd be a shame to break up a set." She swallowed again, eyes burning. "By the end of the week, they were signing paperwork to bring us home.
"It wasn't - " She stopped, shaking her head. "They never planned for four, you know? Things were supposed to be stretched with three, but they were going to try and make it work. They never counted on me. And it was great for awhile. Paige and I ... well, I never had a little sister. I was always the youngest. Mitch wasn't happy about us at first, but we grew on him after awhile. He helped me get into half the trouble I was in before I came here, and he was the first one to yell at me for the rest. Mom and Dad always treated us like we were a family, no matter what."
She sighed, wrapping her arms around herself and turning to lean against the window as she stared out at the stars. "And then Sammy was born.
"Don't get me wrong, I love Sammy. He's the sweetest kid you ever met." A faint smile touched her lips at the memory of those pudgy arms and big blue eyes, begging for attention. "None of us even thought Mom and Dad would let Mitch stay when Sammy showed up, but they did. They treated Sammy like he was their own grandson. And being a dad really turned Mitch around in a way being an older brother never did. He finally cleaned up and started trying to be responsible. Mom used to say she was proud of the result, but the process left a little something to be desired." She grinned a little as tears pricked her eyes.
After a moment the grin faded, and she let out another quite sigh. She was stalling the answer to Carlos' question, and she knew it. It helped to let them know she *did* care, but it wasn't really what he'd asked. The problem was that she still wasn't ready to say it.
So she said it anyway.
"I walked in on my parents talking about bills one day." She took a deep breath, trying not to let her hands shake. "Mom was in tears; she didn't know how they were going to pay the mortgage. Dad was trying to calm her down, and he said ... " Her voice caught, and she closed her eyes again, forcing herself to continue. "He said they knew when they brought Tony and I home that things were going to be hard, but they'd make it work somehow. Even if he had to take another job, they'd find a way. And Mom - " The sob escaped before she could stop it. "Mom was scared that social services was going to take us away. Mitch was too old to go back by then, but he didn't have a full-time job, so he'd lose Sammy. Paige has been with Mom and Dad for most of her life, she doesn't even remember what it's like to be in foster care. And Tony ... "
There were arms wrapped around her from behind, squeezing tight as someone's head leaned against her shoulder, but she couldn't pay attention to them or she'd never finish. "I threw everything I had in a bag, and I ran," she whispered, eyes burning. "Tony was the one they wanted first, he deserved to stay. And Mitch and Paige and Sammy all needed them more than I did." Her throat tightened. "The next thing I remember is Chris telling me he was buying me a bus ticket."
She reached up to brush at her eyes, trying to pull herself together. Crying wasn't going to change what had happened. "I never wanted to leave," she managed, still trying to swallow the lump in her throat. "But I couldn't stay, either."
There were hands pulling at her now, drawing her into a hug between what seemed to be T.J. and Ashley. T.J.'s comforter ended up around her at some point, and she grasped at it automatically. Zhane's hand was on her shoulder, and even Andros and Karone seemed to be trying to offer awkward attempts at making her feel better.
But it was Carlos who finally caught her attention again, staring at her with regret in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, tugging the blanket higher around her shoulders.
She sniffled and offered him a watery smile. "It's okay," she whispered.
He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She laid her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears from falling.
She was only partially successful.