A/N: Hi! I'm still here! Here's the next part, finally. I hope you guys haven't forgotten about our boys! Sorry about the hiatus. Life truly sucks. Also, I'm taking beta...applications (finally, right?). I'm not sure how the process works so I'm gonna do a little research. Let me know if you're interested. As usual, all mistakes are mine. I hope you don't hate it LOL. Thanks.

Disclaimer in Chapter 1.

Part 26

You could call David a lot of things but oblivious isn't one. Throughout the finely-cooked fish dinner, he silently listened to Tommy brag about how he'd "caught dinner" like some 90s caveman. Tommy's mom seemed to be soaking the story up with pride even though David could tell she was barely believing it. He found himself watching Adam push the same rice and peas around on his plate. Those same rice and peas were on his plate when dinner ended.

"So what's been going on with you?" David asked taking a seat on the couch across from Adam after dinner.

"A lot of stuff," Adam replied vaguely.

"Keep going."

"You wouldn't be interested."

"If that's how you feel then I won't press it but I can see that something's off with you."

Adam's brow furrowed. "How?"

"It's something in your eyes. Now, I know I'm not Thomas but I am a good listener." David smiled. "Something weighing heavy on your heart?"

Adam nodded. "Yeah."

"Have something to do with why you're staying here?"

"Everything, actually."

David had that same smile. "Still don't wanna talk about it?"

"I, uh, got into this really huge fight with my parents about…my relationship with Tommy."

"I see."

"Yeah and it was really, really bad. We've never just had it out like that." Adam paused. "But yeah, I left when my dad pushed me."

"I'm sorry to hear that, man." He leaned back into his seat for a moment. "The one thing you should be able to count on in this life is family. You shouldn't have to defend yourself against them."

"I know. It's really just…" He ended his statement by simply shaking his head.

David watched him for a few moments before speaking, "It's taken such a toll on you."

"What'd you mean?"

"I mean…" David sat up. "You're different. People tend to leave an impression on me when I first meet them. You were bright and full of life last time I talked to you and now you're just sad."

Adam chuckled lightly. "Boy, I can't hide anything from you guys, can I?"

"'Friad not," David said. "In all seriousness, you have to take care of yourself spiritually. A person can be the best physical shape of their life, but if trust me, if they don't have a strong spirit, they'll crumble. I'd hate to see that happen to you. You can't let anything in your life break your spirit - family death, fighting, whatever."

"How do I do that though?"

"There's plenty of ways. How often do you and Tommy meditate together?"

"Uh, never?"

"Not surprised." David hummed expectantly. "You should try it sometime. Just lay in a room by yourself and have some 'you' time…Adam time. Don't let my brother interrupt it."

"Adam time." He nodded. "That'd be different."

"Sounds good already, right?" David grinned.

"Alright," Tommy said entering the room, drying his hands on a white hand towel. "What'd I miss?"

"Just chatting it up about life."

Tommy took a seat on the couch. "And I missed it? Dang."

"Why don't you meditate?" David asked bluntly.

Adam heavily yawned into the top of his fist and curiously waited for Tommy's response.

"Uh…I do," Tommy replied.

" Really?"

"Yeah, mostly when I shower because the sound of the water relaxes me and I'm already half sleep. Did somebody tell you I don't?" Tommy asked purposely cutting his eyes at his boyfriend.

David shook his head. "No. I was just wondering." He waited until he had his brothers full attention before speaking again. "I was telling Adam that he should have some time alone to clear his mind and maybe meditate. Maybe you guys could try that together."

"You think so?"

David shrugged. "I've been told it doesn't work for everyone but I don't think that's the case here."

Adam rubbed his eyes and grinned. "Ever thought about becoming a doctor?"

David snorted. "Stop."

"No, you're great at reading people."

David shrugged and folded his hands. "Medicine doesn't take too kindly in the way I heal people. If it's not cancer or heart attack or something that they can see under their microscopes, it doesn't matter in medicine." He stopped talking when he saw Adam rubbing his eyes. "Since I'm on a roll, stop rubbing your eyes."

"They're all jumpy," Adam complained.

"That could mean you haven't been getting enough sleep."

Adam nodded and rubbed his eye again.

"You didn't sleep today?" Tommy asked.

"I tried but not really."

"I can make you something for that…if you want. I have trouble sleeping sometime too."

"Yes," Tommy said quickly.

David looked to Adam for confirmation which came with a silent head nod. He got to his feet. "Ok, I'll go make that right now. It'll knock you out, I promise."

"I'm looking forward to it," Adam said semiseriously.

"Can I see what you're putting in it?" Tommy asked curiously.

David gave his brother a humorous look. "I'm not brewing potions, Falcon. It's just a tea and some extra fixens."

"Extra fixens? Oh, I gotta see this," Tommy said eagerly.

"Ditto," Adam called.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So you guys made these tea bags?" Tommy asked examining the small bag.

"Yeah. No Lipton here," David joked.

"What's in it?" Adam asked curiously.

"Um, tea leaves?"

"And you just carry this stuff around with you?"

"I have trouble sleeping too!" David chuckled. "You got any honey, little brother?"

Tommy shrugged. "If you find it, you can use it."

"Gee, thanks for all your help."

He turned the stove off and searched the cabinets for honey. Once he added the missing ingredient to each mug.

"Here," David said handing a mug to Adam. Before removing his hands he said, "Drink it all."

Adam glanced down at the hot liquid. "All of it?"

"All of it. Trust me," David responded and let go of the mug.

David poured himself a mug of tea and looked at his brother. Tommy watched his brother casually sip the hot liquid from the cup.

"This is good," Adam said with a hint of surprise.

David lowly hummed his agreement. He cut his eyes to see his brother still watching him. "Take a picture already!"

"What?" Tommy asked innocently.

"Why are you staring at me?"

"Because you ain't offer me no tea!"

"Oh, you want some? You didn't say!" David exclaimed pouring his brother a mug of tea.

"You know I wanted some tea!" Tommy said taking the fresh mug of tea from his brother. "Thank you."

"No problem." David glanced at his watch. "I better go lay down; I wanna be up early in the morning. Besides…" He lifted his mug. "I'm gonna be out like a light in a few minutes."

"Old," Tommy replied.

"Baby," David retorted.

Tommy laughed. "Jealous of my youth, bro."

Adam yawned loudly and rubbed the back of his head. "You guys keep fussing. I'm gonna head to bed." He stood up from his seat.

"It's not fussing, it's brotherly love." David laughed and stood up.

"Yeah, I love this elderly fool," Tommy insisted as he followed the two other men out of the kitchen.

David stopped walking and looked at his brother. "Call me elderly again."

Tommy gave him a lazy grinned and mouthed "elderly" to his brother's back.

"Adam, let me know how you sleep?"

"Will do. Thanks again, Dave," Adam said opening the bedroom door.

"Night, bro," Tommy said.

"Goodnight." David walked down the hall and entered the guestroom.

Tommy entered his own room and locked the door. He grabbed his boyfriend around the waist and pinned him against the door. For some reason, Adam expected the other teen's touch as soon as they were behind closed doors. He casually wrapped an arm around the taller man's shoulder as they traded lazy, staccato kisses.

When's Tommy's lips left his own and went to his collar bone, the former Black Ranger raised the still warm mug to his lips to finish the last of his tea. He giggled when Tommy's lips landed on his moving throat.

"That tickles," Adam said.

Tommy grinned. "Sorry."

Adam snickered and rested his forehead against Tommy's shoulder. "I'm sleepy."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

Tommy stumbled a bit when Adam's knees buckled and an empty mug hit the carpet floor. A slight panic rose in his gut when the other teen went completely lax against him. He relaxed when he felt Adam's even breaths and soft sighs.

He'd fallen asleep.

"Aw."

The former White Ranger placed his own half filled mug on the dresser and gently lifted his boyfriend from the ground.

"Man, you've gotten heavy." He received a groggy grumble as a reply. "I'm gonna kill Dave if you don't wake up."

Adam rolled onto his belly and snuggled into a pillow.

"I'm glad you're finally asleep. I was worried about that." He looked toward the floor to see that there was no stain on the floor. "Oh, so you drank all of it like he said?" Tommy sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Can you at least move over so I can lay down?"

Adam didn't stir nor move as requested.

Tommy fetched his mug of tea from the dresser. He climbed into the bed and tried to nudge Adam to other side of the bed. "C'mon! I need to sleep too." He took a deep breath and finished his tea. He placed the empty mug on the bedside table. Flicking off the lamp, Tommy wrapped himself around the sleeping man hogging his bed. "You better be lucky I love you," he mumbled

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The soft chirping sound outside of the second story window pulled Tommy back to consciousness. He let his eyes fall open and adjust to the light in the room. The former White Ranger sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed giving a large, robust yawn. He glanced behind him at the other side of the bed and a large, breathing lump wrapped in a comforter.

"No wonder I'm freezing," Tommy muttered and moved closer to the warm lump in his bed. He leaned down and placed several small kisses on the bare ear. "Cover hog."

Adam blindly reached back and pushed Tommy's head away causing the other man to laugh. He grumbled and pulled the blankets around his shoulder.

Tommy climbed out of bed and threw on a shirt before heading toward his bathroom. After completing his morning routine, he quietly filed out of the room and down the hall.

Rapping softly against a door, Tommy called, "Hey Dave, you awake?" He waited a few moments before opening the door and poking his head inside. When he saw his brother digging through his bag, he took the liberty to walk completely into the room. "What's up?"

David jumped a bit when he heard Tommy's voice. He glanced at his younger brother for a brief second before going back into his suitcase.

Tommy frowned and stuffed his hands into his pajama pants pocket. "What are ya lookin' for?" He bounced on his toes and lifted his eyebrow in curiosity.

"Shhhh," David hushed. "Stop talking."

"Hungover?" Tommy attempted a joke.

David frowned. "Shut up or get out."

"You sure ain't a morning person," Tommy muttered.

"I just can't think!" David slapped himself in the forehead a few times. "Think, think, think!"

"What the hell's wrong with you, man?" Tommy paused.

David placed both hands on the side of his head and roughly pulled at his long hair. "My head."

"Um, why don't you come sit down? You're freaking me out."

David slowly started to walk toward his brother who guided him to sit on the bed. He leaned and stared at the floor for a few second. "I think I'm gonna be sick."

Like lightning, Tommy grabbed a vase off the dresser and held it up to his brother's face. Dave emptied the contents of his stomach into the glass sculpture. Tommy stood back and cringed at his brother's harsh retching. He didn't dare speak a word even after the episode passed.

"I'm sorry…" David pulled his mouth away from the vase. "I'm not feeling too well."

"You throw up like that often?" The falcon gestured toward the vase.

"Every now and then. Usually the nausea isn't that bad if I didn't eat anything before bed."

Tommy was about to speak but stopped when he noticed the vase still in his brother's hand. "Get rid of that, bro."

David looked at the vase full of vomit and cringed. "Oh, right. Let me go wash."

"Just throw it away."

"I can just wash it out; no big deal."

"Throw it away."

"Why?"

"Because it's not even worth it."

"You're serious, aren't you?" He laughed when Tommy nodded. "Fine but if your mom asks about it…"

"Dad did it." Tommy shrugged and followed his brother out of the room. He nervously bit his lower lip as they made their way downstairs and into the kitchen. "Chuck it into the can out back."

David took a moment to snicker at his brother's choice of words. "Ok."

Tommy took a seat at the table and waited for David to return. He yawned when the silence of the room reminded him how early it was. "What's going on with you?" he asked when his brother came through the back door.

David pulled out a chair and sat across from the former Ranger. "I caught a bug."

"You should go to the doctor. I'm really worried."

"I didn't know you cared."

"I'm serious! Something's not right with you. The barfing, the headaches…" He looked down at the older man's moving foot. "…you're fidgeting! You don't fidget!"

David glanced down at his foot. "I'm just a little under the weather. Nothing to run to the hospital about."

"Do it for me. I'll go with you and hold your hand if you want," Tommy placed his hand on top of David's.

"Man, get outta here!" David laughed sharply moving his hand from under Tommy's.

Tommy laughed. "Ok, ok. But you still should go just to be safe."

"I don't know…"

"You need money or something?" Tommy asked as if he was going to pull out his wallet.

"No, no. I have healthcare."

"Alright then, swing by a clinic or something. You might have a stomach flu, or it could be nothing. You'll never know for sure unless you go get checked out. It's crazy to me that you have these bad mornings all the time."

David sat back in his chair and rubbed his temples. "Maybe you're right. This constant throbbing is starting to aggravate me."

"I think we have some aspirin or something around here."

"Thanks but nothing really works for them. They usually just go away after I've been up for a while."

"So…" Tommy frowned. "…you have these headaches all day?"

"In some form or another, yeah."

Tommy shook his head. "That's not normal, Dave, I'm telling you. Go get yourself checked out."

"I'll look into it," David answered diplomatically. He looked around the kitchen. "Where's Adam?"

"Hogging all the covers upstairs!"

"You let him? You don't seem like you share covers, man."

"I usually don't." Tommy laughed. "He's finally asleep though. I figured I'd make an exception just this once." He yawned loudly.

"Why's that?"

""Cause I usually hog the covers."

"I can believe that." The older man paused. "Let me ask you a question."

"Shoot."

"Adam told his parents about you guys being ya know…together, right?"

Tommy nodded. "Yeah."

"Does it make you want to tell your folks?"

The former Red Ranger intensely stared at the table. He rubbed his index finger over a large glossy spot. "Um, to be honest…no."

"Why not? You told me like it was nothing."

"Because telling you was nothing, bro. I barely knew you then so I had nothing to lose if you flipped out…although I'm glad you didn't." He looked up from the table. "I'm not ready."

David nodded. "Ok. I was just wondering because you seem so…secure. Much more secure about it then other kids your age."

"It's an act," Tommy said plainly causing his brother to laugh. "I'm scared to death to tell Mom and Dad and Adam's parents flipping out on him just makes me even more afraid."

"That's tough. I wish I could tell you I know how you feel but ..."

"Thanks, man. At least you're trying to see it from my side."

"You don't ever talk about this, do you?"

The falcon shook his head. "Nope."

"Well, go ahead…"

"It took me forever to get comfortable in my skin…it took me forever not to get mad because I liked him so much. Took a long time to stop saying something was wrong with me; that I needed to change how I felt. I was lucky enough to find that he was open to my feelings when I told him…showed him…whatever."

"You showed him, huh?"

"I didn't know how else to get my point across." Tommy laughed nervously while his cheeks heated up. "My point is that it worked out and I'm lucky. The luckiest guy ever because that could've gone really wrong and I could've lost a friend. That flashes in my head every time he tells me he loves me or laughs at one of my dorky jokes."

David waited for him to continue. "I sense there's more."

"Little bit." He grinned. "I played out several…scenarios…about how my parents will take it. I hope they take it the way you did but that's unrealistic, right?"

"I don't know, man. The thought never even crossed my mind when you told me. Your folks are kind of quirky and laid back; do they even know what a homosexual is?"

"Good question." Tommy chuckled. "I just hope when I tell them, they'll look it up if they have to, and accept it. I mean, I'm still me. Adam's still Adam. The sky's still blue and stuff."

"Yeah, it is." David paused and stared at his brother for a moment. "For some reason, I don't consider you gay."

"What'd you mean?"

"Well, maybe 'consider' is the wrong word…I don't think of you as gay."

"What do you think of me as?"

David shrugged. "My brother."

"Thanks, man. You, Jason and most of the others have been really good about all this. I…we appreciate it a lot."

"Most? Somebody giving you a hard time? You want me to talk to them?"

"No, no!" Tommy laughed at the seriousness lacing his brother's voice. "It's nothing I can't handle. Just Adam's best friends didn't take it that well. One of them…the girl…came around but Rocky is still trying to drop hints that I turned his best friend into a freak that doesn't bleed red."

"If he gets out of line, handle it. Adam'll understand."

"I don't think that'll be happening any time soon. I don't talk to him like that and don't have to."

"That's right, dude. Avoid the conflict. Keep things peaceful is what I say."

"I hear that." Tommy scratched the back of his head and looked around the quiet kitchen. "You hungry? I'm hungry."

"I thought we were talking?"

"I can't talk on an empty stomach!"

David's laughed. "Actually, I'm gonna head back to bed. I need to sleep this headache off," he said still feeling queasy from vomiting earlier. "...and brush my teeth."

"Good idea! I don't think there's anything to eat here anyway," Tommy said with a look of uncertainty.

"That's good to know," David said sarcastically pulling a chuckle from the former Green Ranger.

"Thanks for the talk man. Means a lot."

David smirked. "You gonna get all emotional on me now?"

"No!" Tommy laughed. "You're such a dick, man."

"Don't tell anyone. It's a secret!"

"Dave's a dick, everybody!" Tommy yelled into the empty room.

David winced and hissed. "Not so loud. My head's pounding."

"Sorry," Tommy apologized feeling bad for causing the older man any more pain. His guilt faded when David grinned.

"You're too easy, dude." David braced himself against Tommy's playful shove. "Alright, I'm really going to bed now."

"Ok. Hey! I'll wake you up for lunch later on."

"Alright…g'night."

"Morning," Tommy replied with a smile.

"You're the dick," David said and walked out of the kitchen.

Once alone, Tommy rubbed his hands together and walked toward the refrigerator. Pulling the door opened, he grinned and exclaimed, "Grilled cheese time!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When Adam crept downstairs, he heard music thumping against the wall. He followed it from the base of the staircase into the living room. He laughed when he saw his boyfriend absently doing a two-step to a hip-hop video playing on the television while eating a sandwich.

"You got some serious dance moves there," Adam said and cleared his throat.

Tommy grinned at him and took a bite of grilled cheese. "This song's hot." He continued to two step despite Adam's teasing. "Good morning, by the way. Sleep well?"

"Like a rock. I don't know why people pop pills when they can just have some of Dave's tea." Adam shrugged and walked closer. "Morning."

Tommy swallowed the bit of sandwich in his mouth. He offered the plate to his boyfriend. "Hungry?"

"Yeah." Adam paused and realized he did, in fact, have an appetite. "Yeah, I am."

"All yours," Tommy said offering half his grilled cheese sandwich.

Adam took the sandwich, leaving the empty plate in the former White Ranger's hand. He quickly took a huge bite and chewed it with a hum. "This is good!" He took another bite.

"Wow," Tommy said watching the shorter man devour the sandwich. "Gosh, you really were hungry."

"You made this?"

"Yup! All on my own," Tommy beamed.

"Surprised it wasn't burnt," Adam mentioned dusting the crumbs off his fingers.

Tommy raised his left eyebrow. "Um, I don't burn anything."

"Please! You burned water!"

"That was one time! And it was your fault…you were doin' that thing to my neck."

"I don't know what you're talking about, T. I don't do anything to your neck."

"Yeah, ok. You don't do shit."

Adam shrugged. "Exactly." He cracked a smile and sat down on the sofa. "Anything else to eat?"

"Um…" Tommy picked a bag up from the table and gently tossed it back to Adam. "Just these."

"Gummy worms! Yes! Thank you."

"Welcome." Tommy turned his attention back to the television where the upbeat hip-hop song was replaced by a sad folk song he'd never heard. He took a moment to listen to the lyrics the singer emoted over the strum of the guitar.

"You want these back?" Adam asked.

Tommy hesitantly took his eyes off the television. "Huh? Nah, they're all yours, baby," he muttered and turned his attention back to the end of the song.

"This station's all over the place," Adam commented when the song changed to a lighter, rhythmic one.

"Tell me about it," Tommy replied nonchalantly, obviously distracted.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"It's not the sandwich is it?"

Tommy chuckled. "It's not the sandwich, Froggy."

Adam tossed the bag of on the coffee table and sat up. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing! I just…" Tommy rubbed the bridge of his nose with his index fingers to rid himself of the impending frustration. "Nothing."

"Really nothing?" Adam asked giving his former leader an encouraging smile. "Want me to stop asking?"

"Nothing's wrong…you know how I am in the morning."

He shrugged. "How much sleep did you get?"

"A few hours. Someone was hogging all the sheets," Tommy quipped gently bumping his shoulder with the other teen.

Adam, happy to see Tommy's usual playful demeanor return, replied, "Sorry. Your room's kind of cold."

"Tell me about it."

"Where's Dave?"

"Upstairs sleeping, I think. He's…not feeling too hot."

"Oh…that sucks."

"He said he's been feeling bad for a while now."

"Is he going to the doctor?"

Tommy shook his head. "Probably not. I told him to but shit, I can't force him to go."

Adam ceased his eyebrows. "You think it's serious?"

"I don't know. That's why I want him to go."

"Bother him until he does. That always works…at least when you do it to me." Adam placed a hand on Tommy's leg.

"Damn, your hand's warm! Sure you weren't bakin' under there last night?"

"Why don't you just turn down the air?"

Tommy laid back on the couch and put his arms behind his head. "Because it's a zillion degrees outside. I'd rather be cold than hot."

"I guess," Adam muttered and relaxed against sofa. He slid his hand between the cushions and felt something trapped there. He pulled the cordless phone out of the cushions. After momentarily staring at the numbers, he started dialing.

Tommy looked over at his boyfriend when he heard the tone sound for each button. He watched Adam input the familiar sequence of digits. Unfortunately, the former Black Ranger couldn't bring himself to press the last button.

"I can't do it. God!"

"It's ok." Tommy took the phone out of his partner's hand and tossed it to the side.

"It's not ok. I'm being such a baby about this." The Frog sighed loudly with frustration. "I just wish I hadn't told them!"

"Oh…"

"I'm sorry. It's not you…it's them."

"No, I get it. I really do. You don't have to keep explaining."

"Sorry."

"You don't have to keep saying that either." An idea crossed Tommy's mind. "You know what I do to blow off steam?"

"I can think of a few things."

"That's not what I meant." He rolled his eyes. "When I need to blow off some steam, I go hit something."

Adam's eyes opened with hope. "You got an old cog laying around?"

"I wish! No, I mean, we can go hit the bag."

"Alright! It's still in your basement?"

"Nah…" Tommy chuckled. "Me and Jase kind of broke it being stupid. We'll have to go to the Juice Bar."

"Wow. Haven't been there in a while."

"Tell me about it. Let's go change," Tommy said jumping off of the sofa.

Adam hopped off of the couch and quickly followed his energetic boyfriend up the stairs. "Hey. Think we should wake your brother?"

The image of his disoriented brother flashed into his head prompting him to shake his head. "Nah, it can just be us."

"But…it wouldn't be cool…to just leave him."

"Trust me, he'll be out for a while. We'll just come back when he wakes up."

Adam shrugged. "Ok. Let's go."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A short while later, the two former Rangers found themselves at their old hangout. They weren't surprised to see a completely new set of people sitting at the very tables where they used to congregate. It wasn't long before Tommy found himself holding the punching bag while Adam delivered several forceful blows from the other side. He remained silent as he steadily braced the bag against Adam's unwavering wrath.

'Another minute in the house and he would've went batshit,' Tommy thought as he watched the rage, frustration, and hurt come through the other teen's fists.

The blows continued to rapidly thrash against the bag for another couple of minutes before there was a pause and heavy breathing. Tommy only unhanded the punching bag when he was absolutely sure he didn't need it for protection against any sudden hits.

Adam stood still and tried to catch his breath, feeling every exhale rise in his chest and come out of his mouth. He used his wrist to wipe away the sweat that had built up above his upper lip.

"Water?" Tommy offered tilting the bottle toward the former Black Ranger. He had already known the answer when Adam looked at him with that determined scowl on his beautiful face.

Adam shook his head and dryly swallowed. He gestured toward the Falcon with his wrapped hand. "Keep going."

Tommy returned his position behind the punching bag.

"Stupid, stupid," Adam mumbled as he delivered several combos to his target. He was actually enjoying taking his frustration out on the hanging sack. He hadn't realized that he was holding all his anger in until he took the first swing. The first swing was followed by a second, harder swing and several more after that. He also hadn't realized how hard he was working until the sweat poured down his forehead and his breath ran short again. The former Black Ranger stopped himself mid-swing when the bag was purposely moved.

"Take a break," he heard his boyfriend say.

Adam awkwardly pulled up the too-large gym shorts and shook his head. "I'm good. Keep going," he panted lowly.

Tommy frowned. "Take a break," he said in a firmer voice.

"I said I'm good," came the equally firm retort.

The taller man shoved a water bottle in Adam's hand. "Here. I said blow off some steam, not kill yourself."

Adam sighed in frustration before turning and walking away. He took a large sip from the water bottle and grab a towel to wipe the sweat from his forehead. He leaned over to catch his breath when someone called his name.

'Great. What now?' He stood up straight up and turned around to see who called him. "Carlos."

"I haven't seen you around here in forever! How's it going?" Carlos said.

Adam gritted his teeth slightly and laughed. "It's…going. What about you?"

"Good…Everything's good."

"Cool." Adam scanned the room. "Where's the rest of your people?"

"Oh, it's just me." Carlos slightly gestured with his bag. "Came to break a sweat by myself."

"You're not allowed to do that." Adam laughed. "When you're on the team, you always have to be with someone. It's like an unwritten rule."

Carlos grinned. "Thanks for the tip but wait a minute…" Carlos raised an eyebrow and looked around for a moment. "Aren't you alone?"

"I said when you're on the team you gotta always bring a partner. I'm retired. But, if it makes you feel better, my buddy's right over there." Adam pointed clear across the room where Tommy was laying on his back pumping a weight.

"I should've known. You guys are always together. Justin's always talking about how close you two were…are."

Adam scratched the back of his neck. "Oh yeah?" He tried to suppress the uneasiness in his voice. "How's everything with him?"

"That kid kicks so much butt! We're having so much fun."

"That's cool."

"He won't stop talking about you guys either. He's always tell me about the stuff him and Tommy used to do to you." Carlos grinned. "And the stuff you guys did to him."

Adam gave a deep chuckle. "Yeah, Tommy used to change sides like underwear. It's all in the name of a good laugh though. Me and Justin used to get him good when he was asleep."

"I caught him trying to put my hand in water the other night."

"Ah, the pee in the bed trick. Better be glad you woke up."

Carlos's eyes opened widely as he exhaled a harsh sigh of relief. "Am I ever!"

Adam smiled softly and folded his arms. He gave his successor a thoughtful look. "So you're really ok…with everything? It's ok if you're not. It took me a while to fully get with the program."

Carlos nodded and looked at the floor. "Yeah. It's the hardest thing I've ever done but I like it." He looked up. "How'd you ever finish your homework?"

Adam grinned. "I did it right before it was due but you just need to have self control and you'll get by…won't make the honor roll…but you'll get by."

"Crap…and here I am trying to get into Harvard and Yale," Carlos quipped lightly.

"What can I say man, it's a big sacrifice."

"Yup…I just didn't expect it to feel so…"

"Good? "

"Exactly! I feel like I matter now."

"Best feeling in the world," Adam said. He was really starting to miss that feeling.

Carlos started to reply but became distracted by someone approaching. He felt a bit intimidated as older teen approached. Adam, being the observant person he is, turned around to see what had grasp his successor's attention.

"You can come back now," Tommy said standing behind his boyfriend.

"Alright, just a second, T," Adam replied.

"No… I kind of need you now, Adam." Tommy declared giving his boyfriend a rather challenging look for which he received an amused smirk.

"I guess I better go for my run…" Carlos said.

"Alright, man. I'll talk to you later." Adam shaking Carlo's hand.

Tommy nodded his head at Carlos. "'Sup?"

Carlos gave a courteous nod back before walking away.

Adam closed his eyes and shook his head. "What's up?" he asked slinging his towel over his shoulder.

"Uh…" Tommy looked around and jerked his thumb behind him. "I need you to spot me."

Adam raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Well…" Tommy shrugged. "Yeah."

"Fine. Let me go spot you since it's such an emergency."

They came back to the bench where Adam start to laugh at the amount of weight. "You can press this in your sleep!"

"That's why…" Tommy said lifting additional weights from the rack. "I'm adding more and that's why I need you to spot me. I only trust you."

"Uh huh…" Adam helped him add more weight to the bar. "Now, there's a challenge."

"Yeah…" Tommy took a moment to secure the weights. "Say, you wanna have a go at this?"

Adam eyes opened widely. "Are you crazy? I can't lift all that."

"You're not even gonna try?"

"No! I'm not about to break my tiny arms so you can have a big, ol' Tommy laugh."

Tommy giggled. "I'm not gonna laugh at you. Besides, I'm standing here right here." He leaned closer. "I wouldn't let anything happen to you."

Adam grabbed the weight bar and gently squeezed for a moment. "Alright. You gotta spot me though."

"I am."

"Seriously, Tommy."

"Seriously."

"Ok…" Adam took a moment to loosen up his arms before laying on the bench. He grabbed the metal weight bar above him and waited for Tommy to follow his lead. "1, 2, 3," he counted before lifting the weight with Tommy's help.

"All yours," Tommy said slowly releasing the bar.

Adam took a deep breath and let the weight drop to his chest. He let out several pants before attempting to push the weight away from him. He knew he was probably starting to turn red and his teeth, most likely, gritted but he didn't care.

"Come on! You can do it!"

"I'm trying," Adam replied through clinched teeth.

Tommy watched as Adam's arms slowly started to extend, bringing the weight off his chest. The arms extended until the weight was fully suspending in the air only supported by Adam's shaking arms. Tom quickly grabbed the weight and put it back at rest.

"Christ, that was heavy!" Adam said rubbing his arm.

"Do it again! I missed it" Tommy quipped.

Adam grunted dismissively before grinning. "Wait for it."

"Let me take a crack at it."

Adam got to his feet and let his boyfriend lay on the bench. He raised an eyebrow when Tommy lifted the weight with a small grunt and started his reps. "Count me off."

'This jerk didn't even need my help!' Adam thought silently rolling his eyes. "Two…three…"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"That's the longest ride ever," Tommy announced walking into his bedroom and shutting the door. He toed off his shoes. "Mom says there's more leftovers if you get hungry."

"It didn't seem too long…and I'm still full from dinner," Adam replied relaxing in the bed with his arms behind his head.

Tommy crawled into the bed on all fours. "Well, it's long when you're alone." He situated himself between his boyfriend's legs and rested his head on the younger teen's abdomen. "Almost fell asleep."

"Good thing you made it home," Adam said rolling one of Tommy's braids between his fingers.

Tommy closed his eyes and snuggled into Adam. "Mmmhmmm."

"Is your brother feeling better?"

"Once I got him back on the Rez, he seemed to be ok."

"That's cool. Sorry he had to go so early."

"He wasn't talking much until we got on the highway. " Tommy lifted his head. "I'm really worried about him."

"Could just be a bug, right?"

"Yeah. I guess I should try to relax, huh?"

Adam shrugged. "Call him tomorrow and see how he's doing. Maybe it is a bug…I don't know."

"Ok," Tommy said and put his head back against Adam's stomach. He took a moment to enjoy the fingers playing in his hair and the legs surrounding him. He softly inhaled and indulged in his boyfriend's scent. Somehow, Adam was wearing his flannel shirt and using his Dove soap yet, he managed to smell completely different. He really didn't want to ruin the moment. "I was thinking about that dent in the side of my jeep…"

"I'm sorry!"

"I heard you!" Tommy sat up and leaned back on his heels. "Mainly, how you can pay me back for fucking it up."

The former Black Ranger pulled himself into a sitting position. "Ok…shoot."

Tommy stared at him to gauge his mood. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I want you to talk to your mom."

"What?" Adam laughed as if Tommy asked him to do a dance.

"I said…"

"I heard you and no, I'm not doing it."

Tommy exhaled softly. He suppressed the urge to raise his voice. "Adam…"

"Did you hear what I said? No, you're not making me go back there." Adam moved to get out of the bed.

"Hold on…" Tommy called following him out of the bed. "You wreck my shit and you're telling me no? That's really not gonna work."

"I'll tell you what's not gonna work - you trying to make me do something I clearly don't want to do."

"Be reasonable for a second…"

"Do you want me to go?" Adam scratched his forehead. "Because I know you're used to having your own space…I am too so I understand." He roughly ran his fingers through his hair. He pulled off the red flannel shirt and tossed it on the bed.

"Why would you think something like that? I came for you at the airport, didn't I?" Tommy patiently waited for the impending head nod from his boyfriend. "Ok, then, yeah, I do want you here. But I want you to be happy too. You've been flat out sad these past few days."

"I guess you're right. I wanted to go back after I cooled off though."

"Have you?" Tommy questioned honestly wanting to know.

"A little."

Tommy grabbed the flannel shirt from the bed and gestured for Adam to put it back on. Adam turned around and put his arms through the slightly oversized shirt and let it rest on top of the black tank top.

"Thanks," Adam mumbled.

"Anytime," Tommy replied softly.

"I guess I do owe you for that dent, huh?" Adam tried to laugh but it came out dry and humorless. "I don't think I can do it…not tonight."

Tommy licked his lips. "You said you couldn't lift that weight today at the Juice Bar but you did! I think you underestimate yourself a lot. I just want you to talk to your mom. That's all I'm asking." He shrugged lightly. "And if you don't feel up to staying there, we can talk to Mom about something permanent here."

"Really?"

The former White Ranger kicked his foot and smiled. "Yeah. Of course." He looked back up at his partner's face. "But you gotta give it a try, ok?"

Adam nodded as the logic of Tommy's words sank into his head. "Fine. I'll go." He scratched the top of his head nervously. "Come with me?"

"If you want…I don't think I'll be much help."

Nodding his head Adam replied, "I do."

Tommy reached into his pocket and grabbed his keys.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

They parked on the street outside of the house and killed the engine. Both teens stayed silent and remained in their seats. Tommy let his hand slip off the steering wheel and into his lap where he pondered his belt buckle. Adam nervously stared up at the house. The silence was heavy.

"I guess I should go in, huh?" Adam said looking over the other teen.

Tommy shrugged; eyes still fixated on his lap. "No one's rushing you. Take your time."

"I wish we could just go away from here." Adam let out an almost inaudible sigh. "I get so tired of fighting."

"Maybe this wasn't a good idea."

"No, thank you. I never would've had the guts to come back if you didn't make me."

"Want me to come in with you…"

A small part of the former Black Ranger wanted to accept the offer. "No. I don't think it'll help much. Them seeing us together might just make things worse."

"I don't want to make things harder for you."

"I know. Go be with your mom and dad. I gotta go handle mine."

Tommy finally looked up from his lap. "Are you sure you're gonna be ok? You can't tell me he put his hands on you again and expect me to keep it cool."

"I'll be ok. I'll call you later if you want."

"Do that."

Adam climbed out of the jeep and closed the door. "Thanks again for… everything."

"I love you, dude," Tommy said as if it were an explanation.

"I love you too."

Adam reluctantly turned away from the vehicle and started down the sidewalk. He made it all the way to the front door before he heard Tommy pull off. He was alone now.

The front door was intimidating under the dim porch light. He reached out and gave the knob an experimental twist, surprised to find it unlocked. He gingerly poked his head inside and looked around the all too familiar, yet empty, foyer. He couldn't help but feel like a veteran returning home to a familiar yet unfamiliar place.

Clearing his throat, Adam called out, "Anybody home?" He frowned when distinctive scent harassed his nostril.

He came to a halt when he spotted his mother laying on the living room sofa. She started to stir from her sleep and open her eyes. They wonder around the room for a few moments before finally settling on the teenage coyly standing on the other side of the room. Before Adam could fully comprehend, she was on her feet and standing in front of him.

His mother stared with wide eyes as if he were a ghost. After the initial shock, she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed with all the strength in her body. He could feel her shaking against his chest and mumbling Korean to herself. He went to hug her back but she had his arms firmly pinned against his sides.

"Mommy…mommy…mommy…I'm fine. Everything's ok" he said softly.

His words fell on deaf ears as his mother continued to feel his back as if she were looking a gunshot wound. She put both her hands on his face and lightly kissed his lips. Adam could recall a similar kiss when he turned from summer camp as a child.

"I was so worried," she said running her thumb across his cheek. "I'm so sorry about everything."

Adam nodded. "Me too. I'm sorry. I should've stuck around." He stopped himself from shedding a tear by taking a deep breath. He frowned softly. "Mom, have you been smoking?"

His mother nodded with hesitation. "A bit."

"Mom…you promised," Adam said with a disapproving frown.

"I know but you have to understand how - overwhelmingly stressful the last few days have been."

"Oh," he said with a hint of guilt. He hated causing anyone stress. "I-is Dad here?"

Grace nodded. "Jake! Come in here! Quick!" she bellowed before he could stop her.

Adam closed his eyes and silently prayed for the Earth to swallow him whole. When the Earth remained unmoved, he prayed to become invisible.

"Son," came the firm greeting.

He opened his eyes to see his father standing next to his mother. He felt like he was being confronted again. "Um, hey…"

Grace watched the two awkwardly stand a comfortable distance from one another. "Now hug."

"A hug isn't just gonna fix everything, Mom," Adam countered sharply. He knew she was going to try fixing the situation with a hug.

"Just do it!" she insisted.

The former Black Ranger eyed his father until the older man's arms slowly opened like a rusted gate. He forced himself to take those few steps forward and hug his father. He closed his eyes and imagined Jake hugging him because he wanted to not because he was being forced. The embrace ended as quickly as it had begun.

"There," Grace said as if she had solved all their problems.

"There what, Grace? It was a hug not the Treaty of Paris," Jake replied curtly.

"Well, do you have anything to say to your son?"

Jake turned to the quiet Adam. "I've had a lot of time to think - I would be lying if I said I wasn't extremely disappointed in your decision to be gay."

"It's not a decision."

"Alright, I'm disappointed in the fact that you just 'let it happen'. I feel like my son wouldn't disappoint me this much. I have been trying to wrap my head around why you would do this to me, your mother, and yourself."

"Dad." Adam shook his head. "Honestly, I don't know why I'm like this. I don't even know why I expected you and Mom to handle this better than you are. I'm your son, you're supposed to support me no matter what but you're sitting here telling me how much of a damn disappointment I am like that's gonna change the fact that I like guys! It's not! This. Is. Who. I. Am."

"The sad part is that you actually believe that. Fine. Go ahead and be who you are. I hope this is worth giving up a family and a sense of normalcy. I hope it's worth a lifetime of hate because no one will accept this kind of behavior"

"My own father hates me, what else could be worse? And you're wrong, our friends love us just the same because they aren't too stubborn to see who I really am outside being gay."

"I don't hate you, Adam. I care about you."

"Yeah but have you really ever loved me though, Dad? Love is more than opening your wallet. Love is more just saying it. I've never done anything worthwhile in your eyes." Adam's eyes opened widely like he'd just had an epiphany. "And I probably never will so why are we even having this conversation?"

"Adam…" Grace finally chimed in laying a hand on her son's shoulder.

"No, Mom, don't. I'm sick of always feeling like some sort of failure. If only you knew all the things I've done for this city - for this world and I can't even get an apology from my own father for pushing me into a wall," Adam said.

"You're not a failure. You're not! No one said that."

"I've had it with this. With all this! I'm getting outta here," Adam said walking toward the staircase.

"You're leaving again?"

Adam looked from his father to his mother. "No. I mean that I've gotta find another place to stay. It's too much negativity here. It doesn't even feel like home anymore."

Without another word, Adam made his way upstairs. He could hear his mother still calling after him from downstairs but she didn't follow. He entered his bedroom and shut the door. The adrenaline from the confrontation was still running through his veins.

"Fuck," he mumbled sliding down the bolted door until his butt hit the floor. He put his head in his hand as he let the conversation replay in his head as if it were just a nightmare. It couldn't have been reality.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Adam's head shot up from his hands. He suspiciously looked around his room for the source of the rattling. His ears eventually led him to the window where he could see pebbles striking the glass pane.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

"What the…" He pulled back the curtain and pulled the window up.

"About time!"

Adam's eyes open widely when he saw Tommy standing on the ground below. "What are you doing?" he whispered loudly.

Tommy shrugged and dropped the remaining pebbles on the ground. "I was worried about you so I came back."

Adam tried to stop the smile from forming on his lips. "Thanks." He attempt to put some firmness in his voice, "You can't be here right now though."

"How'd it go?" Tommy asked ignoring his boyfriend's words of worry.

"It…went. I didn't expect much and he didn't disappoint."

"I'm sorry," Tommy apologized for which he received a lazy shrug.

"What can you do?" Adam stated rhetorically. He rested the heels of his hands on his forehead. "God, I said some stupid shit though, T."

"Couldn't have been that bad."

"Oh, it was! I'd invite you up but…"

"It's just make things worse, I know. I understand," the former Red Ranger said, his voice echoing in the empty yard. "Can you come down here? I feel like I'm yelling at you."

Adam bit his bottom lip. "I don't know..."

Tommy thought for a moment. "We can go somewhere."

"I've been somewhere for the past 4 days," Adam said leaning on the windowsill. "Besides, if I try to leave, they'll just pick another fight."

"So jump then."

"What? No!"

"Come on. I'll catch ya!" Tommy said opening his arms widely. "I promise!"

"Yeah, right." Adam carefully stuck his leg out the window and stepped out onto the roof. "I might need you to catch me" he joked with a wide grin as he tiptoed across the roof.

"We can break now, remember," Tommy warned.

"I know, I know," the former Black Ranger said carefully climbing down the trellis. He climbed halfway down the makeshift ladder before jumping to the ground safely.

"Who knew Spiderman was part frog?" Tommy quipped.

"Shut up," Adam retorted. "Let's get away from here."

"Away like IHOP?"

Adam snorted. "Whatever you say, Tommy," he replied with a smile.