That Ol' Wind <Tommy>

[kim]

Characters Appearing: Kimberly and Tommy
Time of Day: Early Afternoon
Location(s): Olive Garden
Previous Thread Name/Info: Previous threads at FC. If anyone is curious, ask away!
NPCs Used: N/A
Plot Summary: Nothing really set in stone, we're just gonna see where these two go.

~*~*~*~*~

Kimberly checked the mirror in her room, wanting to make sure she looked okay. She was wearing black slacks and a white blouse, and her hair was down. She'd just finished her makeup, and after looking carefully, she was satisfied. It wasn't very often she looked at herself with such a critical eye, but she was meeting Tommy at the Olive Garden. She wasn't sure if she could call this a date, but decided that was how she was going to treat it.

She left her apartment and started walking the short distance to teh restaurant thinking about Tommy. The pair had grown close again over the past few months. Kimberly's feelings for him had never died, and her actions to Tommy had made that very clear. She wasn't sure if he still felt the same for her, but one thing was for sure... She was very happy to be his friend again.

Kimberly waited outside the restaurant, checking her watch. She was actually a little early. She wasn't sure how long she'd be waiting for Tommy, but it didn't bother her much. She was glad to have a meal with him, and she was hoping to spend the remainder of the day with him too.

[Dr. Tommy Oliver]

Running late seemed to be something Tommy was getting good at. He had been busy working with Hayley on something. Luckily she had checked the clock and told him what time it was and if he had anything important to do. What would he do without her? Obviously not have the Dino Morphers, for one thing. Sure he has knowledge of dinosaurs and vehicles but when it still comes to the major technological side to things he didn't know much.

With a quick change of clothes, Tommy hopped into his jeep and headed towards the location he was suppose to meet up with Kimberly at. As long as nothing were to ruin this it would be all good. Lately he had been wondering if he should tell her how he feels. Seeing as it was quite obvious how she still felt about him. The others had told him while she was around as he seemed to forget those signs.

While going to find a parking space, Tommy noticed that Kimberly was already standing at the entrance and he wondered how long she had been waiting on him to show up. He was only just a little late is all. Good thing they didn't need reservations at the Olive Garden to eat. “Sorry if I kept you waiting long, Kim. I was trying to figure things out with Hayley over the invisi-portals and if there happen to be hidden experiments of mine still around,” said Tommy.

[kim]

Kimberly smiled as Tommy approached. Her first thought (as it usually was when she saw him) was how handsome he looked, and how he had such a great smile. Sure, he was a little late, but it was something she'd grown used to when they were in high school. It was actually nice to know that not that much had changed about Tommy. That, and the fact that the reason he was late because of Ranger related duties... Kimberly could hardly blame him for that.

"No worries, Tommy." Kimberly said. "You're not that late."

They walked into the restaurant together and asked the greeter for a table for two. She led them to a booth and sat them both down, handing them both menus. Kimberly waited for her to leave before speaking to Tommy again.

"So how did it go with Hayley?" She asked. "Did you guys find what you were looking for?"

[Dr. Tommy Oliver]

Well at least she wasn't going to get mad at him for being a little late. That's always a good sign. He couldn't help but look at her as they entered the restaurant. She seemed a bit overly dressed for this type of restaurant and she knew she did not need to over do anything to impress him. Although it seemed to have worked on catching his attention. Kim had beat him to telling the greeter a table for two, which he didn't mind.

Tommy began looking through the menu the greeter handed him. He glanced over the top of the menu when Kim asked him how it went. “Not yet. She's still going to look for a little longer though,” he replied. About the only person he would allow to be in his hidden lab under his house alone. Well besides Conner, Kira and Ethan. Possibly Kim now. He still wasn't sure about Trent despite he had proved he wasn't evil anymore.

It didn't take long before a waiter popped on over to their table and began to ask what they would like to drink and if they were ready to order. He went with a glass of water and went with the never ending pasta bowl deal. Starting out with spaghetti and roasted mushroom parmesan with roasted chicken.

[kim]

"I hope she finds something." Kimberly said.

Kimberly was quiet for a moment as she thought about Tommy being a Ranger again. He loved it so much before, it wasn't all that surprising for her to find out that he was doing it again. The truth was, Kimberly really missed her life as a Ranger too. There was great satisfaction in what she and her friends used to do together. They stopped evil monsters who were dangerous to the population, kept Rita and Zedd from taking over the world, and saved lives. People looked up to the Power Rangers, the entire town regarded them as heroes. She would give anything to have that part of her life back.

The waiter came and asked them what they'd like to eat. She waited for Tommy to order then for herself ordered a glass of iced tea and an order of cheese ravioli with meat sauce. The waiter left, promising to have their orders to them soon. Kimberly reached for the bread basket he'd brought out and took a piece of cheese toast.

"You know... I've gotta tell you something." Kim said. "I think it's great that you're part of this again. I'm really proud of you."

[Dr. Tommy Oliver]

Tommy reached for a bread stick from the bread basket as Kimberly was placing her order and took a bite. As addicting as the bread was he would try to control himself so he can have a few plates of pasta. He arched a brow when she said what she did. Well it wasn't like he voted to be a Power Ranger again. It was just how things ended up being after awhile of teaching the new Rangers on what they needed to know.

“Well it was my choice, then again was not my choice. Besides it's not like I've stopped helping others this whole time either,” said Tommy as he focused on his friend. It was like they never parted after all these years. Sure it had been rocky at first but they got over it like before. Time really did repeat itself but with different circumstances. “You could probably help out with the Dino Rangers somehow, too.”

Hayley could probably find her a job at her cafe. Or maybe he could help her find something around town. As the waiter came by to set their drinks in front of them. Tommy raised the glass of water to his lips and took a drink. Already reaching for another bread stick as he polished the other one off already. “So what have you been up to since the last time we talked?” he asked out of curiosity.

[kim]

Kimberly chewed on her bread as she listened to Tommy. She didn't doubt that he did a lot to help people in between his years as a Ranger. That was who he was. The first thing he did for her in fact was get Bulk and Skull to back off and leave her alone. And he did it in a way that got everyone's attention. Some may have considered it showing off, but in Kimberly's eyes, it was his way of saying that he wouldn't accept anyone giving someone a hard time.

Her eyes widened at what he said next. Several random thoughts flew through her head quickly.

He's offering me a way to help this group of Rangers? Was he reading my mind just now or what?!

Boy, I'm glad I swallowed that piece of bread I was just eating, I think I would have started choking...

Okay, answer him anytime now.

"I... I'll do everything I can." Kimberly said, her feeling of being touched and overwhelmed clear in her tone of voice. "Whatever you guys need..."

Kimberly smiled, her already good mood moving higher. Despite the letter Kimberly sent to him so long ago, and despite the amount of time that had passed since they'd seen each other, the friendship they had now was so like the one they had before. She wondered again if Tommy still carried the same feelings he had for her now, but the most important thing was that he was in her life again. If all they had from now on was friendship, it really would be enough for her.

"Just getting settled in a new area, really." Kimberly answered as she grabbed a second piece of bread. "I found a small house for rent, and moved into it. I've got enough saved up for rent for the next few months, but I'm definitely on the lookout for a job too."

[Dr. Tommy Oliver]

Tommy smiled when Kimberly was a bit speechless when he asked such a thing. Sure there was no other dino gems coming up on the radar but there should be something she could do to help teach the new rangers that he hasn't yet. They would just have to find out in the up coming days. “I will talk to Hayley tomorrow about a job for you,” said Tommy. “We can figure out the rest as it comes.”

Hinting towards the Power Rangers as he didn't want to bring them up any more in public where someone could over hear them. Plus it could mean something more. He took a sip of his drink to wash the bread down. Going to wait for his food to arrive now than fill up on bread. Even with how delicious it is.

“I wonder if we can track down the others for a little reunion. It's been so hectic that I kind of forget about them off and on. During the summer when school's out I'm not as busy anymore,” he stated, figuring how hard it would be to find their old team. Maybe even get the others together that he was apart of when all the others dispersed from the original team.

[kim]

Kimberly smiled warmly when Tommy said he'd talk to Hayley about getting a job. She knew the woman owned a cafe, Kim certainly wouldn't mind working at a place like that. It would pay enough for rent and a few other things she'd need.

She nodded her agreement as Tommy brought up their old friends and the idea of a reunion.

"I've missed them so much." Kimberly said. "Jason, Zach, Trini, Billy, Adam, Rocky, Aisha, Kat... They were such great friends. I'd love to see them again. Gosh, I even miss Bulk and Skull... they gave us a hard time every now and then, but they turned out to be good people."

Kimberly's contact with her friends hadn't lasted long after her departure to the Pan Globals. In fact, Billy was the only one who still wrote her letters after she'd sent the breakup letter to Tommy. It was mainly because he'd known that she was lying about wanting to breakup with him, and had tried to get the truth out of her. Kimberly had written back to Billy saying she didn't want to discuss it. Luckily for her, her old friend accepted that, though he did make it clear that Tommy had been deeply hurt by it. After that, Billy still regularly wrote, until he left the planet.

"I don't know how we'd get a hold of them, but I'd love to see them." Kimberly said.

[Dr. Tommy Oliver]

Tommy nodded with a solemn smile. He missed everyone, too. Even the ones that Kimberly never had the chance to meet. As long as Mesogog let up for a few days, then he would use all his resources to see if he can find everyone for a small get together. Unlikely that would happen and would take longer to get a hold of everyone. Billy would be the most difficult to reach with him being on another planet.

The waiter had swung by their table and dropped off their plates rightfully in front of them each. Picking up his fork, Tommy took a small bite, blowing on it first. Burning his tongue was something he did not want to do. It would suck either way. “I haven't heard of anything about Bulk and Skull in a long time. Maybe they actually turned around and are doing good for their community. Also leave it to me as I'll be able to track them down, somehow,” he said.

There was more that Kimberly didn't know about him as how far his connections ran. Hayley probably never told her about how Tommy saved her cafe from Mercer taking it over for his own. It would most likely freak her out on how he managed to earn a favor from a council member.

[kim]

Kimberly smiled and thanked the waiter as he set their food down in front of them. She ate the meal, nodding at Tommy's words, though her own thoughts were focused elsewhere.

Her strong feelings for Tommy were very apparent in her physical actions, yes... but Kimberly had yet to verbally tell him how much he meant to her. She explained all that happened in the past, the reasons behind the letter... but that was the last serious talk they'd had. She hadn't told him that she still loved him...

She started wondering again what his feelings for her were. She hesitated a moment, but then decided that she had to know. If Tommy wanted to remain friends, that was enough for her. But if he felt feelings for her that were stronger than that, then she needed to know.

Kimberly set her fork down and looked up at him.

"Tommy..." She began, her voice soft but her tone serious. "Something I need to know... There's no pressure, I promise. But... what are your feelings toward me?"

The words were out, and there was no taking them back. All Kimberly could do now was wait for his answer.

[Dr. Tommy Oliver]

In mid-chew he noticed how Kimberly had set her fork aside and took up a serious tone for the next topic of conversation. He wonder what she would want to talk about now. Setting his own fork aside, he picked up his drink and took a sip to wash down the pasta. His eyebrows pinched together in concern. Where was she getting at?

A touchy subject as he was not sure how to answer. He did, but seemed a little too soon since they were starting to get back in the swing of things as friends. Collecting his thoughts, Tommy figured out how he would answer under the slight pressure. As soon as he opened his mouth to reply he was cut off by a familiar voice that called out his name.

“Anton, what are you doing here?” he said, confused. It was as if he was not expecting his old partner to be here, which is true. Glancing back at Kimberly he gave her an apologetic look, then said, “Kim, this is Dr. Anton Mercer. We went to college together. Anton, this is my friend from high school Kimberly.”

Anton gave her a smile. “A pleasure to meet you. And just came by to say hi. Really didn't figure you to be able to afford meals at restaurants like these on that teacher's wage you earn, Tommy.”

“I can since I don't eat out often. Plus with Kimberly in town I wanted to treat her to dinner,” said Tommy while trying to keep a friendly tone with his old friend.

[kim]

A sense of dread began to fill Kimberly as she watched Tommy's reaction. She'd promised Tommy that there was no presssure, and had thought to herself before speaking that if Tommy wanted to stay friends, it would be okay. However, she was suddenly fearing that would be all they were. She wanted to be in his life, but suddenly she was wondering if she could handle being in love with him, but only as his friend.

She was about to tell him to not worry about it and forget she'd mentioned it, but before she could, they were joined by someone Kimberly didn't know. Apparently Tommy did, and introduced her to Anton, after giving her an apologetic look for the sudden interruption, although she couldn't say she was entirely dissapointed in that fact.

Kimberly managed a small smile as Anton shook her hand, but still felt a little over emotional. She was barely listening as Tommy and Anton spoke until Tommy said her name, bringing her back.

"Yeah..." Kimberly said, forcing another smile to her face. "Tommy and I... we're good friends."

Before giving either of them a chance to respond, Kimberly quickly stood up, needing a minute to make sure she'd be able to keep control herself.

"Excuse me... I'm just gonna run to the ladies room for a moment." She said before moving away from the table.

[Dr. Tommy Oliver]

It appeared odd that she didn't want to stick around to have a small chat with one of Tommy's friend. Well it did to Tommy but understood it being awkward. Mainly due to how she had just asked a personal question. He took this time to converse with Anton. A bit of catching up with the fact Anton didn't like Tommy much anymore. Something he could tell from the tone of his voice, which was a tad understandable.

The explosion was an accident that neither one really meant to cause. Shortly thereafter Anton bid farewell and went on his way. Tommy went back to eating and thinking about Kimberly's question. How the hell would he answer it without being tongue tied and sounding like a flake? Sure he wanted to try again at dating but it's been years. Now another threat to the world to stop. Plus he has classes to teach when high school is in session.

Would he really be able to have time for dating? Sure it worked out back in high school. Teaching high school proved to be more consuming though. His thoughts were interrupted by Hayley chiming in on the communicator linked to the bracelet he wore with the black dino gem. Giving an update but also asking how things were going.

“Have you asked her out yet?” asked Hayley.

“No, not exactly.” replied Tommy while being discreet on talking to her in a public place. It is a bit odd talking into a bracelet that showed no signs of being a miniature walkie-talkie.

“Well get to it since we all know you like her a lot. Or do I have to-”

“Ok, ok, Hayley,”sighed Tommy, cutting her off in mid-sentence. Knowing full well she would do something that would make him cave or talk to Kimberly herself about his feelings. The others didn't seem to pester him as much or mock him.

“Good. Now I'm going to head home to get some sleep and you continue to have fun on your date,” said Hayley, sounding rather pleased he wasn't going to chicken out after all.

Tommy went back to eating while waiting for Kimberly to return. Things were going to be very interesting from now on. Besides the fact he had to talk to Hayley about a job for Kimberly and inform the team she would help out the best as she can.

[kim]

Kimberly was grateful that the bathroom was empty. She stood at the sink, her palms gripping the edge as she stared at the mirror, willing herself not to cry. What did Tommy think of this? She asked him a personal question, but the moment it seemed she wasn't going to get the best answer, she takes the first chance to get away...

Kimberly shut her eyes tightly, trying to keep from crying. A perfect distraction sounded off when her cell phone sounded off a small tone in her pocket. Someone was texting her. Kimberly pulled it out, feeling a sense of relief as she saw it was from Trini. The former Ranger remained a very close friend, even after she left.

Kimberly sniffed, wiping at her eyes quickly when a few tears fell out. Trini's text ended up striking where her heart was.

Hey Kim. Hope you and Tommy are having a great time! Glad you guys are back in each other's lives.

Kimberly sighed. She started to reply back, but decided that it might be easier to call. Her friend answered on the first ring.

"Hey, Trini." Kimberly said, not bothering to keep her emotions hidden.

"Kimberly?" Trini sounded concerned right away. "What's wrong?"

"Um... well, I asked Tommy what his... feelings for me were."

"And?"

"He hasn't answered yet, and... I'm afraid of hearing him say he doesn't feel anything for me anymore. I wish I hadn't-"

"Kimberly."

Kimberly stopped. She knew her friend well enough to know that if Trini interrupted her, it was with good reason.

"I know you still love him. Have you told him that?"

"No... not in words..."

"You should tell him. Even if he doesn't feel the same way anymore, he deserves to know the truth from you. And you deserve to say it. Even if he's not there anymore. You need to say it."

Kimberly sighed.

"You're right." She said. "I'll tell him."

"Good." Trini said. "And listen, if it does end badly, let me know. You know I'll come as quickly as I can."

"Thanks, Trini." Kimberly said before hanging up.

Kimberly knew her friend was right. Regardless of what Tommy felt, he had to know the truth of how she felt. She checked the mirror to make sure she looked okay, and then left the bathroom to go back to her table. Anton had already left, and Tommy was waiting alone.

"Hey." Kimberly said as she sat down. She looked up at Tommy, trying to keep her nerves as calm as possible.

Here goes...

"I know I asked you what you felt for me..." She began. "And... I still want to know. But first, there's something I need to tell you."

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, taking a deep breath. She looked up at Tommy again, this time meeting his eyes.

"Tommy... I love you." She confessed. "I never once stopped loving you."