Chapter 26: A Turning Point?

Disclaimer: I own nothing Except the plot and Hunter Stevenson and some of the siblings and parent names.

A/N: So sorry for the delay! I promise I will update quicker! I hope you enjoy this chapter and please review!

"Hi, Zack," Tanya said softly as Zack sat down at her table.

"Hi, Tanya," He replied, smiling. "How are you doing?"

She shrugged. "About as well as can be expected under the circumstances." She glanced down for a moment and then looked back up. "Zack, I still think you are wasting your time with-"

"I am not," Zack cut her off. "And anyway, it's too late now for that. I'm too involved now to back off. I'm afraid you're stuck with the Zackman now." He grinned charmingly at her.

Tanya blushed a little. Zack did have a way of getting to you. Maybe it was the grin. Anyway, she felt her cheeks getting a little warm. "Well, if you're sure," she said softly.

He nodded. "I am," he replied, his voice firm. He grinned again. "So what do you say? Want to go for a walk in the park after school?"

"Well, okay," she said after a moment's hesitation.

Zack's smile would have lit up the whole building had it been dark, it was that bright. "Great!" He said happily. "It's a date!"

Tanya opened her mouth to correct him but found no words would come. Instead she blushed again.

Zack thought she was beautiful when she blushed, be he also thought she was beautiful period so maybe it wasn't very surprising. He couldn't wait until this afternoon!

"What is going on here?" Tommy asked as he and the others watched Zack and Tanya talking.

"I don't know, but he sure looks happy," Jason replied. He was as lost as his best friend about this.

"Well, he'd better be careful," Adam spoke up.

Trini nodded. "She's already proved what a manipulator she can be." This was worrying her. She didn't want to see Zack hurt.

"Add that to the way Zack can be around girls he likes and you get possibilities that make you very nervous," Jason added.

Rocky looked at his boyfriend in surprise. "What do you mean?" He asked, confused.

"Well let's just say he tends to lose his head over girls," Jason replied, thinking back on the whole Angela fiasco.

Rocky started to speak again but the bell cut him off.

"Crap," Tommy said.

"I second that," Adam agreed, standing up. The others reluctantly followed suit.

And as they headed out, they noticed Zack smiling as he waved goodbye to Tanya.

Later, Jason and Rocky entered Jason's house and headed straight upstairs. Not knowing when Dustin or anyone would come home, they weren't taking any chances. Entering Jason's room, Jason pushed Rocky firmly against the wall.

Rocky opened his mouth to ask Jason what he was doing, but before he could get the words out, Jason's mouth was pressed firmly against his in a deep passionate kiss. Rocky moaned and kissed him back, relaxing into his boyfriend's embrace.

After several moments, Jason pulled back long enough to say, "I think it's time to pick up where we left off earlier." His voice was soft and husky.

"Definitely," Rocky agreed. Stroking Jason's hair, he pulled him close and kissed him again, deeper this time.

Jason groaned and pulled him even closer. Then, still kissing, they moved toward the bed and then fell onto it in a tangle of arms and legs, everything else forgotten for now except their love for each other.

A light breeze ruffled the leaves and bushes and birds chirped as Zack and Tanya walked through the park. It was beautiful and peaceful, a big contrast to what Tanya was feeling. She still couldn't believe Zack wanted to be around her. She wanted to say something to him about it but she was afraid she'd upset him so s he kept quiet. Instead, she just gazed at the flowers and trees and people having fun around her, wishing she was as light and carefree as them.

"This is peaceful, isn't it," Zack said softly from beside her, interrupting her reverie.

"Mm hmm," she replied. If only she was too!

"So what do you like to do?" He asked her.

She shrugged. "Just the usual," she answered. "Listen to music, watch movies, hangout with friends." That was, if she still had any! "Oh, and sing," she added, a little shyly.

"You like to sing?" Zack asked, grinning.

She blushed. Yeah. Why?" She couldn't figure out why he was so excited all of a sudden.

"I like to sing too! Check this out!" He sung a few bars of one of his favorite songs.

Tanya looked at him in surprise. "You are good," she told him. And he was. He was very good.

Now it was his turn to blush. "Thank you," he replied. "So what kind of music do you like?"

That started a lengthy discussion about their favorite songs and music that lasted for quite a while as they continued their stroll through the park. To Tanya's surprise, she found that she was enjoying herself; and she knew from Zack's tone and face that he was too.

Later that night Adam entered his room after dinner and sat on his bed. He and Trini had talked more and he was feeling more optimistic that they could get through this. Though even if they did, he didn't know if his feelings of guilt over what he had did would ever go away! He didn't know how he could have been so stupid!

Though what he walked into and getting caught up in the moment could have something to do with it. Still, he should have realized later that Trini couldn't and wouldn't ever do anything like that to him or anyone! Groaning, he punched his pillow in frustration. I was such an idiot! He thought angrily. I don't deserve her!

Then he shook his head. Stop it, Adam! he told himself firmly. Of course you do! You made a mistake but you are well on your way to working things out with her! Running his hand through his hair, he got up. He needed a distraction and he knew what it would be. Picking up his phone, he punched in Rocky's number.

A minute later he groaned as he put it back down. He should have known Rocky was at Jason's! They seemed to be joined at the hip lately! But he couldn't begrudge his best friend. He was in love. And with a great guy to boot.

He started to turn away but then though better of it and picked up the phone again and dialed Jason's number. His mom answered and called Rocky to the phone.

"Hey man, what's up?" Rocky asked as soon as he got on.

"Sorry if I interrupted you guys, but I wanted to talk to you for a few minutes," Adam replied.

"Dustin already took care of that," Rocky told him. "That kid is a real live wire but he means well."

"From what I'm seen of him, I have to agree," Adam said, shaking his head. 'live wire' didn't even begin to describe Jason's cousin! Hyperactive, lovable goofball was more like it! Still, he was a great kid. "But anyway," he began.

"Hey, are you ok?" Rocky interrupted him, sounding concerned.

"Yeah, why?" Adam wanted to know.

"You sound a little anxious, Adam," Rocky replied. "You'e worrying me a little. Something didn't happen between you and Trini, did it?" He sounded anxious.

"No,"Adam assured him. "We talked some more and I am feeling more and more optimistic that we'll get through this." He heard Rocky's sigh of relief but hurried on before he could interrupt him. "I've forgiven her and she says she's forgiven me and I can see see the truth of that in her eyes."

"That's great news!" Rocky exclaimed happily.

"I know," Adam agreed. "It's just that..." His voice trailed off uncertainly.

"It's just what, Adam?" Rocky asked. "Come on, you're making me nervous."

"That I don't know if I can forgive myself!" He burst out unhappily. "What I did was inexcusable and it makes me a rotten person!"

Rocky heard the anguish in his best friend's voice and couldn't stand it! "Adam, listen to me," He said firmly. "Yes, you made a mistake, but so did a lot of people over the past few weeks. You're human, it happens. And it most certainly doesn't make you a rotten person! You're sweet, sensitive, kind, caring, and passionate among other things. You're a very good person that let passion and emotion get in the way of rationality. It happens to all of us. It's happened to me more times than I can count. But you can't let it consume you. You have to learn from it and move forward. You hear me?"

"Yes I hear you," he replied softly. taken completely aback by his best friend's words. Rocky was usually such a light and fun person that it always surprised him hen he got so serious. But it was both welcome and comforting when he did. Especially now when he really needed it! "Thanks, man, I really needed to hear that."

"You're welcome, Adam. Anytime," Rocky's voice was full of assurance. "I'm glad I could help. You just concentrate on Trini and getting through this!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" Adam deadpanned. But he smiled as he heard Rocky cracking up on the other end.

"You know, I forgot one thing when I described you a couple of minutes ago," he said through his laughter.

"And what might that be?" Adam asked knowingly.

"That you're a dork!" He exclaimed.

Now Adam laughed. And he realized that it was something he hadn't felt like doing much of over the past few weeks and it as a welcome change. Rocky really made him feel better and he made a mental note to replay him as soon as possible. Suddenly he heard a soft kissing sound followed by a moan on Rocky's end. "What was that?" He asked.

"That was Jason," Rocky replied. "He's just getting a little impatient."

Adam's mouth fell open in surprise. "Hey, you told me I didn't interrupt you!" He exclaimed indignantly.

"And you didn't," Rocky hurried to assure him. "It's just that Dustin just went int he shower and Jason wants to take advantage of his absence while it lasts." There was a pause. "Jason, hold on for a few more seconds. I know you can do that," Adam heard Rocky's muffled voice say and Jason agreeing reluctantly.

"Oh," Adam said quietly when Rocky came back on. "Well, then I better get off and let you get back to it. But seriously, thank you so much. You're the best friend a guy could have."

"You're welcome," Rocky replied. "I really hoped I helped."

"You did," Adam assure him. "I'll talk to you tomorrow. And talk to Jason and talking to Zack about what the heck's going on with him and Tanya!"

"Ok," Rocky said. "I will."

"Thanks. Now, you and Jason go get back to each other. Dustin won't shower forever!"

Now it was Rocky's turn. "Yes, sir!" he said seriously, then laughed. "Goodbye, Adam."

"Goodbye, Rocky," he replied and hung up the phone, feeling better than he had in what felt like a long time.

A/N: I hope you liked it! Is this a turning point? What will happen with Zack and Tanya? And Hunter makes another appearance! Stay tuned to find out what happens and please review on your way out! It's very much appreciated!