Chapter Sixteen: Breaking Down the Walls

Oh man, I fell asleep on watch!

Tommy did a quick survey of the camp to make sure everything was all right. Through the canopy of leaves, he could see the sky was already fully blue. They had all slept in; he figured they had earned it. Yesterday had been pretty tough....

Yesterday was pretty phenomenal!

Tommy smiled down at Kim, noticing the way her hair splayed out across his thigh. She seemed to be resting peacefully; he almost hated to move for fear of waking her, but nature called. As he eased her head off his lap, vestiges of his dreams flickered through his mind. They had been pretty powerful... almost as powerful as the reality had been. Tommy sighed; he was going to have to claim some private time if he wanted to get himself under control.

I'll try and be patient, Kim, but we're going to have work this out soon--one way or another.

As Tommy headed towards the bushes, a soft moan caught his attention. Billy was stirring.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," Tommy said brightly.

"You call this living?" Billy queried with a wan grin. "There's something wrong with this picture; shouldn't you be the one on the ground?"

"Thank you, no. I've had my fair share of coming out of comas or whatever."

"I was comatose?"

"You've been out of it since that bug stung you."

Billy's hand drifted to the lump on his right forearm. "The bite was poisoned?"

"Big time, and so was the scratch from the thorn."

"That must have made for an interesting reaction."

"Interesting is an understatement."

"Oh?" Billy wondered, cocking an eyebrow.

"You were saying some pretty wild things there," Tommy replied with a chuckle and a noticeable blush.

"Something tells me I'm better off not knowing. How badly did I incriminate myself?"

"Look, we all know it was the fever.... "

"That bad, huh?"

Tommy just shrugged sheepishly.

"How were you guys able to drain the toxin from my system?" Billy queried, observing that there was no leaf plastered to his wound.

"Kim had to do it the old fashioned way."

"Which was...?"

"Suck it out."

An uncomfortable silence followed Tommy's words.

"Kim orally removed the poison from my wounds," Billy reiterated numbly. He had two wounds that he was aware of: the one in his arm and the scratch unnervingly close to his genitalia. That meant his memories of Kimberly fellating him were no dream. "Oh boy." He suddenly felt himself unable to look at Tommy.

"You woke up sometime yesterday afternoon while Kim was tending you, didn't you," Tommy said.

"Yes."

"And you know what she had to do to you?"

"Had to?"

"She treated your arm like you would a snakebite, but the other one.... It was the only way, Billy."

"You knew what she was doing?" Tommy nodded. Billy was well aware of the difficulties the two were having in regards to their physical relationship; he couldn't imagine what it must be like for Tommy to know that his girlfriend had to perform fellatio on another man when she was unable to perform on him. "I'm sorry, Tommy.... "

"Hey, you have nothing to apologize for. It had to be done."

"But what about...?"

"We couldn't let you die."

"Would I have died?"

"You weren't getting any better; Kim was really afraid you weren't going to make it."

"I don't know what to say." Billy murmured nervously.

"Relax, Billy. Why would I be angry about this when I worked so hard to convince Kim to help you out?"

"That was your idea?"

"Not really. It was yours; I just figured out what it was you were trying to tell us."

"How was it my idea?" Billy gulped.

"You're the one who kept begging Kim for a blowjob," Tommy answered with a smile and a shrug.

"I did what!"

"Sh! You'll wake everyone else. Kim needs the rest, and we haven't told the others," Tommy cautioned.

"I am never going to be able to look Kimberly in the eye again as long as I live," Billy moaned.

"Sure you will." Billy tried to stifle a yawn, and Tommy patted his shoulder. "Go back to sleep. Wake up again when Kim's awake; it'll make her feel better."

~*~

"Kim!"

Kimberly groaned as she felt a hand shaking her shoulders. Her every muscle positively ached. As she started to stir, she realized that she was laying on the ground, but the last thing she recalled was curling up next to Tommy. Finally, she cracked an eye open and blearily looked up into Rocky's face.

"Billy's awake," Rocky said.

With a happy chirp, Kimberly scrambled to her feet. She found the rest of the team gathered around Billy, munching on fruit and filling him in on events since he collapsed. She frowned when she realized Tommy was nowhere about.

"Hey, Kim," Billy said brightly although his tone sounded weak.

Unaccountably, Kim felt herself blushing. "Nice to see you awake again."

"Nice to be awake."

Was it her imagination, or did Billy seem a little flustered?

"Come on, guys; let's let Kim handle the post-coma nursing chores in peace," Tanya recommended.

"Thanks, Tanya."

"Does anyone know where Tommy's gotten to?" Adam queried as the foursome wandered off.

"I think he said something about doing a little scouting," Kat replied.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Kim asked as she checked Billy for signs of fever. She wished she wasn't so nervous. There was no way he could know what she had done....

"Hungry," Billy responded. "Also tired."

"Hm...." Kim inspected the puncture wound on his wrist. For once it didn't feel hot or swollen; no need to try and bleed it.

"So, when do I get to lose the 'diaper'?"

Could Billy tell how uneasy she was? Was he deliberately trying to keep the conversation light? "When you feel strong enough to make it to the bushes--with or without help."

"Which will be sooner than you think. I feel ridiculous."

"Um, yeah." Kim's fingers went to the 'pins.' It was part of the nursing routine, but she stopped herself when she realized what she was doing.

"What is it?" Billy wondered.

"You--um--have another wound I need to check," she stammered. She wished he had waited to wake up until after the morning ritual. This was going to be really awkward.

"I know," he said softly.

There was something in the way he answered her that made Kim's stomach flutter. "You know?"

"The scratch... from the thorn...." he added helpfully.

"Yeah, the scratch."

"Would it help if I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep?"

Kim's cheeks burned with a hot blush. "You are not making this any easier."

"Sorry. If it helps, I understand the necessity of the examination; you are more familiar with the state of my injury than I am."

Kim nodded as she peeled the loincloth aside. She snuck a peek at Billy; as he had suggested, he had shut his eyes. For some reason, she felt a lot better. She didn't want to poke or prod too much, but the only way to tell was by touch. His semi-hard organ quickly swelled to full erection under her gentle touch, but it wasn't the same state of engorgement as when it had been full of the poison. The same held true for his sac. Cupping it carefully, she could tell that it was no longer hot and swollen. Kim sighed, relieved.

"Am I to understand that I am on the mend?" Billy queried.

"Yes," she mumbled as she replaced the cloth.

"I know this couldn't have been easy for you; thank you."

"I'm being silly," she said dismissively. "It's not like I've never had to... touch you... like this before." She recalled practically dying of embarrassment the first time she had had to visit the bathroom while in Billy's body.

"But never in my presence and never while you were with Tommy."

"Tommy knows I'm pretty much the team nurse. Hey, I took care of Adam while he was out, and it was no big deal."

"True, but you didn't have to perform fellatio on Adam."

Kim's face went white. "You know about that?"

"I was conscious during my last two ejaculations; from the way you were muttering, I inferred that you had induced several others."

"That's putting it mildly; I didn't think you were ever going to stop coming," Kim huffed. She blushed at the boldness of her words. "Billy, I don't regret what I did--I'd do it again for the same reason; it's just that... well, it was just a little weird, that's all."

"You figured that your first experience in oral sex would be for pleasure, not first aid... and with a different partner."

"Well, I did have to practice one time with Tommy before... I mean, I didn't know what to do.... "

Billy simply smiled and shook his head. "I appreciate what you did for me, and I will admit it was an incredible thing to wake up to, but I don't want it to cause any problems between you and Tommy."

"I don't think it will, Billy." At the moment, that was the one thing Kim was certain of. She shrugged and smiled wryly. "It can't cause us any more problems than my being scared already has."

"Why are you so afraid of being intimate with Tommy?"

"I keep asking myself the same question."

"And what answer do you receive?"

"I have no answer. I just don't know. Stupid, huh?"

"The Kimberly Hart I've known for years never let fear stand in the way of anything she truly wanted."

"I suppose...."

"Is being intimate with Tommy something you truly want?"

"Yes."

"Well...?"

Kim shied away from Billy's expectant gaze. In truth, she had already decided that she had to stop letting her nervousness get the better of her; still, it was difficult to let go.

"I didn't say you were never scared, just that you never let it stop you," Billy said.

"Then it's about time I did something about this," Kim declared. She leaned forward and kissed Billy's cheek. "Thanks. You're the best."

"He went up the trail there to the right, said he thought he heard running water," Billy supplied helpfully.

"You'll be okay by yourself?" Kim suddenly realized that the others were not around.

"I'll be much better for knowing you guys will get everything worked out. Now, go find Tommy."

~*~

Okay, so now what do I do?

Kim had left the camp brimming with confidence, but with every step she took, she felt her resolve crumbling.

No! I will not talk myself out of this. I want Tommy as badly as he wants me.

Still, she was nervous, her feelings all in a jumble.

Just go find Tommy and see what happens. You don't have to throw yourself at him--every time the two of you are within arm's reach, you can't keep your hands to yourselves!

She couldn't suppress a grin. That much was true!

"Ki-yai!"

At the sound of that familiar cry, Kim's pulse quickened, and a familiar knot of nervousness and desire tightened in her middle. Abandoning the path and pushing through the underbrush, Kim found Tommy alongside the crystal clear waters of a pond. Encircled by enormous trees, she would never have found the secluded glade but for Tommy's call. Although she had seen many gorgeous sights in the beautiful but deadly jungle, none had equaled the profusion of vibrant blossoms sprinkled about the shore and the waterfall cascading over the shimmering rocks. Kim believed that she had never seen so lovely a clearing.

"Beautiful," she murmured, echoing her thoughts, but she honestly couldn't have said whether she referred to the pool or to the man moving effortlessly through a kata alongside it. Tommy stood in a patch of sunlight, his attention wholly absorbed by the intricate, precise movements of his routine. There was an almost balletic quality to his exercise--a ballet of fiery motion instead of ethereal grace. Kim recognized the kata; Tommy favored this particular one when he had a lot on his mind. He always seemed to lose himself in the sweep of his arms and the power of his kicks.

Kim sucked in an appreciative breath. Tommy's bronzed body glistened under a light sheen of perspiration--he must have been at it for quite a while as his thick mahogany locks were damp as they flew about his face. Seeing Tommy like this rivaled the openness and vulnerability she had glimpsed the other day while he had been lost in the throes of pleasure. A chill rippled through her. As his hands knifed through the air, she couldn't help but think how powerful they were, yet so gentle his touch, and his expression... so fierce yet he could smile so warmly. He could be both intimidating and tender, and as she lost herself in her appreciation of Tommy's dichotomies, Kim became aware of something else. A bubble of laughter swelled within her, and she clasped her hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. She couldn't help it; he just looked so ridiculous doing his kata with a major erection.

Poor Tommy, she mused, this has had to be so hard for him.... and she nearly lost it over the double entendre. She didn't want to laugh at him; she knew how frustrated he had to be. With a vexed "damn," he took a seat at the base of the tree and buried his head in his folded arms.

Kim ached to ease his troubles... to let him know that he didn't need to hold back any longer. She ached to ease the hardness in his organ. As she knelt in the bushes, she longed to take him in her mouth and make him feel all the things she had the other day. She swallowed a gasp as Tommy sat back, closed his eyes, and reached for his throbbing member.

Kim's heart jumped, and she experienced a moment of panic akin to that which she had felt when she had caught Adam masturbating. She was torn between the desire to watch, to respect Tommy's privacy, and to take care of him herself. However, she must have made a noise because Tommy's head jerked up and his eyes snapped open. Kim held very still; she didn't want him to know she was spying on him. He glanced about warily; although the sound wasn't repeated, Tommy didn't relax. He continued searching about, then he hopped up and scrambled up into the tree.

Now how am I supposed to help him? Kim fumed. She sat back and considered her next move. She could just confess that she had been watching... only as a last resort. She recalled the day she had watched Adam; at the time, she had wondered if Tommy had ever watched her while masturbating. She remembered the shiver of excitement she felt; the same shiver raced up her spine now.

If I can't do him myself, maybe I can still help him out.

With a flutter in her stomach that was at once nerves and excitement, Kim noisily pushed her way through the vegetation. As she walked towards the edge of the water, she had to resist the urge to peek over her shoulder.

"Beautiful," she murmured, careful not to be so loud as to sound contrived. She had to do something other than just stand there! Her knee picked that moment to cramp; she had been crouching in the bushes too long. With a groan, she bent over to massage the aching muscles, and she couldn't help but wickedly think, if this doesn't grab his attention nothing will!

In the privacy of the leafy boughs, Tommy tried to lose himself in the memories of Kim's exquisite mouth engulfing him. He wasn't exactly comfortable in the branches, and the noise he had heard was probably just some wild animal, but he hadn't wanted to take the chance. Rocky would never let him live it down if he caught him, or what if one of the girls had happened along? He had always been very careful when slipping off to ease the fire Kim unfailingly ignited in him. He moaned softly as he remembered the expression on Kim's sweet face seconds before she went down on him. There had been something under the nervousness; she seemed to delight in what she was doing to him. He certainly hoped so. Had she looked like that when she did Billy? Tommy found the thought disturbingly fascinating.

He had found the right rhythm and the perfect fantasy, with a sigh Tommy started to lose himself in his pleasure. He felt himself teetering on the brink when came a crashing in the bushes.

~*~

Tommy swore silently. He was going to kill whoever it was. He heard movement below him. The leaves were too thick to see through, so he inched his way onto one of the stout lower branches and parted the greenery. To his amazement, it was Kimberly. He sighed as she stood in the sunlight, seemingly drinking it all in; he heard her softly murmured comment as she looked out over the water. Beautiful, he echoed as he drank in the sight of her. Then, she moaned and bent over, massaging her leg. Tommy nearly fell off the branch.

Great! All you need to do is let Kimberly know you're up here spying on her, he scolded himself as he struggled to keep his perch. Really, he should just slip away. Kim had no way of knowing he was up in the tree; she had probably claimed some private time. Yet, as she set to work on easing the knots in her other leg, Tommy found himself unable to move, completely captivated by the sight of her shapely legs and nicely rounded behind. Oh, man!

~*~

Kim stood and stretched, trying to hide the grin tugging at her lips. She hoped Tommy was getting an eyeful. This was just too much fun; she never imagined that she'd get such a charge out of being an exhibitionist. She knew she couldn't just stand on the shore all morning; she had to do something else--but what? Why not go for a swim? Worked for Adam, didn't it?

In spite of her present daring mood, Kim did exercise a modicum of caution. There was no telling what might be lurking in such an innocuous pool. She cast about the grass, looking for a rock or a sizeable piece of branch. She found one of each and tossed them into two different areas of the pond. She watched the ripples anxiously, looking for shadows of movement, but the tiny waves died away without revealing so much as a fish.

Seems safe enough, she mused. Before she could chicken out, Kim dove in, knifing through the water. She resurfaced several yards from shore.

"That's cold!" she yelped

Great! While she's in the water, I can get away, Tommy told himself. He started to back off the branch, but Kim didn't stay submerged long. He nearly laughed out loud when he heard her exclamation, but his mirth vanished, replaced by something even more powerful as Kim stretched out and lifted the hair off her neck. Water ran down her body in tiny streams, curving even as she curved. Dry mouthed and breathless, he watched the rivulets course down the swell of her breasts to the flat of her stomach; the surface of the pond obscured the rest of his view. Not that it mattered; his eyes were irresistibly drawn back to the so-soft globes. Her dark pink nipples were as hard as stones and as tempting as cherries, and the smile that lit her face as she shook her hair out was one of pure indulgence. Tommy found himself creeping forward, trying to get a better look.

Kim spent several minutes idly swimming or simply floating, but it was rapidly becoming boring. She wasn't really fond of swimming by herself; it was more fun when someone was there to splash and play with. She was half-tempted to call Tommy down to join her. Had she given him sufficient inspiration yet? What else could she do? Her eyes were drawn by the easy rumble of the small waterfall. That gave her an idea, and she swam out towards the sparkling shelf of rocks at the base.

The water was surprisingly shallow, and Kim was able to walk the last few feet to the cascade. The mist splashing off the rocks sprayed her gently, water beading on her skin. She wiped her face and absently brushed at the moisture on her breasts. She hadn't realized her own state of excitement until that innocent touch sent a thrill running through her.

"Oh, wow," she murmured. Her breasts were simply aching to be touched, and her mind drifted back to that afternoon when Tommy had taken one into his mouth... oh, how she wanted to feel that again! Idly, she stroked her thumb across a hardened bud; a low moan echoed up from deep within her. Then, she recalled that she was not alone.

What's the big deal? Are you afraid Tommy's going to think you're weird for playing with yourself? You know he's up there playing with himself --how does that make you feel?

Hot!

Kim pressed herself up out of the water and onto the rocky ledge. She stood beneath the falling water and let it envelop her body. If this was warmer, it'd make a great shower! Her hands went to her hair automatically as if she were in the shower at home. Too bad I don't have any shampoo. She continued the pantomime, playing with her hair, pretending to wash it. Her hands wandered down her face in an imagined soapy caress then smoothed down her neck and shoulders. She wished she could see Tommy's face. Peering through the bleary curtain of water, she observed that one of the branches was drooping noticeably lower than the others. She resumed going through the motions of taking a shower, paying special attention to her breasts--as much for Tommy's pleasure as for her own.

As her body quickened to her own touch, Kim's mind drifted into fantasy. They weren't her hands touching her body but Tommy's. Those strong, surprisingly gentle hands cupped her breasts; his fingers pinched her needy nipples, stroking them to a pleasantly painful hardness. It was his left hand that skimmed along her smooth abdomen, drifting ever lower as his right continued to excite her sensitive globes. As she reveled in the ecstasy of Tommy's phantom caresses, Kim's head fell back, and she deeply gave voice to her pleasure.

Tommy bit his lip to stifle a groan as Kim's hands slid over her body. Oh how he wished it could be his hands at her breasts--or better yet, his mouth. He was mesmerized as she tugged at her nipples, massaging, tweaking, and exciting them into taut buds that looked good enough to eat. The look of rapture filling her face nearly sent Tommy's senses into overload. He could scarcely breathe as he watched the downward descent of her hand until it slipped between her legs. Kim's eyes snapped open as if in surprise, then closed again as she emitted a contented, rumbling purr. He inched closer, straining eyes and ears to catch every emotion that flickered across her face and every sound that passed her lips even as he continued to assuage his own need to be touched.

~*~

"Oh, God, Tommy!" Kim gasped as her body shook; her fingers gently massaged the hardened core of her need. How she wanted him touching her everywhere! She longed to feel his full, sweet lips kissing, licking, sucking... devouring her entire body. She imagined the magical warmth of his mouth against the hot mound of her womanhood as her fingers slid back and forth across her sex harder and faster. Visions of her and Tommy locked in a lover's embrace swirled through her mind in a sexual kaleidoscopic frenzy. It was more than her trembling body could stand.

Slowly, she lowered herself to the rocks even as her hand continued to stoke the fires of her desires. Gone were thoughts of her audience; all that mattered was the pleasure coursing through her veins... that elusive fire that would hit hard, flare briefly, then leave her exquisitely drained in its wake. Though she lay outside the curtain of water, the spray licked at her writhing body. Arching her back, she offered her breasts to the teasing caress of the water as both hands worked their magic between her spread legs

"Tommy... yes...!"

Tommy was completely consumed by the sight of Kimberly pleasuring herself. What he wouldn't give to be able to feel her quivering flesh, to taste her sweet body. He longed to touch her where she was so furiously stroking herself. As she sank to the rocks, she opened herself, and Tommy saw for the first time what those honey brown curls concealed. He wished he could explore the treasure between her legs; he wished he could return the favor of the blowjob she had given him.

With both hands delving between her thighs, Kim moaned and writhed in helpless abandon. She was starting to go taut like her bowstring. So was he. Her breathing was rapid--as was his. She was on the brink, and as her gasp hit his ears, Tommy came with a moan--a shout--he couldn't suppress, and in that moment of supreme pleasure, he didn't care whether Kimberly had heard him or not.

A split second later, it didn't matter. With a loud crack, the branch broke, and Tommy tumbled into the pond.

Kim collapsed against the rocks, enveloped in the afterglow of a mind-blowing orgasm. However, a sudden reverberating crack pulled her out of the delicious, dreamy state. She sat up as branch and Tommy fell into the water.

"Oh, no," she sputtered, covering her eyes and shaking her head in disbelief. She jumped into the cool water and swam over to where Tommy had gone under. Concerned when he did not resurface, Kim dove. She found him pinned under the main part of the branch and tangled in the smaller limbs. She quickly freed him, and the two shot to the surface. Between gulps of air, Kim asked, "Tommy, are you all right?"

Tommy answered her by scooping her into his arms and kissing her heatedly. For a moment, Kim was startled by the intense explosion of feeling, then she was kissing him back with equal fervor. Mouths devoured each other. Tongues dueled. Bodies pressed close, and hands roamed without restraint.

"Please, Kim.... " Tommy begged with a growl as he broke for air, his hands finding their way to cup her face. The emotions surging through him were too powerful for words, so he attacked her mouth again. His body was alive with the sensation of her warm, soft body molded against his.

"Touch me," Kim entreated in a breathy whisper as Tommy's mouth left hers to trail down her throat. "I want to feel your hands all over my body... touch me! Taste me... please...!" Her hands found his hair and pulled his mouth back to hers. His made their way down her back until they cupped the curve of her behind; he lifted her out of the water, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Tommy carried Kim to the shore and laid her down. She opened her arms to him--an invitation he eagerly accepted.

Their mouths met in a lingering kiss as they pressed each other close. The fires burning within chased the chill of the water away as quickly as the sun warmed their entwined bodies. Tommy eased back slightly, searching Kimberly's eyes. The strength of his need for her lay hard and hot between them; he looked into those doe brown orbs for the slightest flicker of hesitation. All he found were the smoldering fires of her desires.

Tommy ran his fingertips across her lips; she nipped at them hungrily. He traced the outline of her mouth, her nose, her eyes, and he brushed the hair out of her face. His finger made its way down her jawline and throat. Kim's hands went to Tommy's face, reciprocating. Tommy paused his exploration, pulling her hands away and kissing her fingertips gently.

"Just lay back and enjoy," he whispered as he stroked her cheek.

"But I want to touch you, too," she pouted playfully.

"I know. You will, but right now, it's your turn."

Kim sighed as Tommy resumed his silken caresses, and she allowed herself to be consumed by the heat of his touch. Everywhere his fingers glided, a fire bloomed within her. Her throat, her collar bones and shoulders... patiently he drew his finger along every inch of her flesh, and she wanted more. His fingers slid down the soft underside of her arm, grazing the tender skin of her wrist and finding it highly sensitive to his touch. It was the most complete massage she had ever had as he explored every contour of her hands, bringing them to his lips and rolling his tongue across each finger, sucking it into his mouth briefly before letting it go.

Already her heart was pounding like a drum, and her chest rose and fell with her excited breaths. Oh why won't he touch my breasts? she wondered as his fingers skirted across her chest safely above her sensitive swells to repeat his exploration of her other arm. They were heavy with the need to be touched. A supplicating whimper slipped past her lips, and her body arched towards him, offering, pleading for his touch where it was most needed. With a dazzling smile, he accepted her gift, his fingers finally sliding down to test her softness. Kim sighed, the sound a soft explosion of her wanting.

Tommy's face brightened with wonderment and appreciation as he once again filled his hands with her exquisite mounds. It was so tempting just to take one into his mouth, but he wanted to see them, to touch them, to know them in all their beauty. He slowly circled the dusky pink rings of her areola, his finger drawing ever closer to the hardened buds at their center. At the first brush, they seemed to grow tauter, and Kim moaned throatily with her satisfaction. The sound filled Tommy's senses like a drug; oh, how he had longed to make her moan like that! He continued teasing her nipples with gentle pinches, reveling in the sounds of Kim's delight.

As much as he enjoyed playing with her breasts, there was so much more of her body to explore, and his fingers continued their downward trek, smoothing over her abdomen. Her muscles quivered, and she gave a fierce wiggle.

"Tickles?" he queried, amused.

"Yes! But it feels so good!"

His questing fingers continued lower, following the curve of her hips. As with her breasts, he deliberately avoided going for the most obvious erogenous zones. He reached around to fondle each smooth, round cheek, squeezing gently. Slowly, he continued down the backs of her thighs. Finally, his hands made their way back up to the neat triangle of curls at the apex of her thighs. Here, for the first time, Tommy hesitated.

He looked up at Kim, her face positively aglow with the sexiest expression he had ever seen, and it brought him such satisfaction to know that he made her feel that good. He wanted to make her feel even better, but he just didn't know what to do.

Pleasure simmered through Kim's body with every caress. She had never known it was possible to feel so good from such a simple thing as touching. So lost was she in the voluptuous sensations that she almost didn't realize when they stopped. However, upon noticing their absence, she opened her heavy eyelids and found Tommy gazing at her intently, almost as if seeking permission. Then, she realized where his hand rested. A nervous tremor raced through her though she fought hard not to let it. Tommy felt it, too. She noticed that he looked as anxious as she felt.

"What's wrong?" she panted. He couldn't stop now! His fingers hesitantly moved about the edge of her hair; they were so teasingly close to her mound....

For a moment, Tommy was reluctant to answer. He didn't want to admit to his ignorance; he had the feeling that Kim trusted him to make her feel good, and he didn't want to disappoint her.

"I've never done this before; I'm not sure.... " he confessed.

Kim's smile washed over him and warmed him like a ray of sunshine.

"Touch me, Tommy, just like you did with the rest of me," she murmured, taking his hand and guiding it--as he had hers--until he cupped her sex in his palm. No sooner had his fingers swept across her hot, swollen flesh, she moaned.

Tommy beamed at the reaction, and it helped dispel his diffidence. Slowly he traced the folds of her womanhood, fingers gently probing this unexplored territory. He found her moist, pink flesh puzzling, fascinating, and enticing, especially the hardened little knot.... He barely flicked his fingertip across the nub, and Kim's body arched off the ground, and she sucked in an excited gasp of air.

"There... oh, please!" she begged.

Tommy concentrated on the swollen bud of her clitoris, massaging it gently. At every stroke, Kim reacted with either with a moan or a movement. He did his best to follow her lead, trying to keep pace with the bucking of her hips.

"Oh, God!" Kim groaned as her senses were consumed by the fire sweeping through her body. She thrust herself harder against Tommy's hand, desperate for the friction that would send her careening over the edge into sweet oblivion. Her hands dug into the grass as she tried to brace herself. The only thing she could hear was the roaring of the flames.... She was close! If he'd only rub just a little bit harder... a little bit faster....

Then, there was nothing. Her hips snapped forward and found no hand to grind against. With a desperate whimper, Kim open her eyes.

"Tommy?" she panted. He was just sitting there, looking at her, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Without a word, Tommy eased out of his kneeling position, laying on his stomach. His grin broadened as he lifted her hips off the ground. Kim's eyes went wide as he dipped his head forward, and a guttural cry tore from her throat as his tongue connected with her throbbing clit.

Kim had been going wild on his hand; she could come at any moment, but Tommy wasn't ready for that yet. There was something else he was wanting to do first, and his stomach was doing flip flops. Sure, he had read about it and thought about it, but.... Kim went down on you, the least you can do is return the favor. He really did want to. As he stroked her, he considered the glistening flesh of her sex. Quit hemming and hawing and just do it!

He noticed Kim's eyes on his; he could see how much she wanted to come, how disappointed she was that he had stopped touching her. He grinned as he thought of how fantastic her mouth had been on him. If she thinks my hand feels good...! Slowly, he lay down between her legs and grabbed her hips, his fingers pressing deep into the softness of her bottom. He only had a moment to savor the wide-eyed look of surprise on her face; he was suddenly hit by a scent... an elusive, pungent tang that defied description, but it drew him in. He dipped in close enough for a tentative lick. Salty, sweet but not sweet, yet not tart... the taste was as ephemeral as the aroma, then it was gone. As his tongue glided over the sensitive folds of skin, he found the analogy of a mouth rather apt. Soft, hot, moist--in some ways, it was not unlike probing Kim's mouth with his tongue, but by far the headiest sensation of all was the sound of her moans as his tongue danced across the hardened kernel of her clitoris and the way she grabbed his hair and pulled him in deeper as she thrust against him in her need.

Coherent thought was beyond Kim as wave after wave of heat shuddered through her body. There was no bracing against the inexorable tide of pleasure as it swept her along. She couldn't resist; she didn't want to. She wanted those fiery waves to carry her away. Tossing, tumbling, swirling about.... In the center of the maelstrom of sensation was that tiny, tiny core under merciless assault by Tommy's mouth. Her body writhed through the searing swells. A flailing hand caught a handful of hair, and she held on for dear life. The pressure was building. Harder, deeper... the scorching tide broke, crashing over her, overwhelming her. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, then, sobbing joyfully, Kim lost herself in the fiery rush.

The warmth of Kim's juices filled Tommy's mouth as her ecstatic cries filled the air. Her body trembled in his grasp, and he didn't dare let go. He rode out her storm of passion until at last her body went limp.

"Wow," he murmured, awed by the power of her orgasm. He lay down next to her quivering body and stroked her gently, trying to soothe and calm. He peered warmly into her face and found tears trickling down her cheeks.

"Are you all right?" he wondered.

"Uh huh," was the weak reply.

"Why are you crying?"

"I don't know."

With a gentle laugh, he scooped her into his arms. He brushed the tears away and kissed the top of her head. "That was something else, Beautiful."

"I thought I was going to die, and I didn't even care," she gulped.

"Tell you what; when you've calmed down, I'll try it again."

"Uh uh! It's my turn!" So saying, Kim surged forward, catching Tommy by surprise and pinning him flat on his back. "Ever since I saw you doing your kata earlier, I've been dying to get my hands on you."

"You knew I was out here?"

"Uh huh."

"Were you watching when I started...?"

"Uh huh."

"So you knew what I was doing up in the tree."

"Yep."

"That means that you knew I was watching when you started showering... and playing with yourself."

"Enjoy the show?"

"Damn!"

With a laugh, Kim sought out Tommy's mouth for a lingering kiss. She found it strange tasting herself on his lips. It didn't taste like much of anything to her; it wasn't bad, just different. Then she sat back, regarding Tommy thoughtfully. Where should she start first? From the top down, as Tommy had? Her hands glided across the smooth expanse of his well-muscled chest. Her fingers traced the chiseled outline of his pectorals and down the ripples of his abdominals and back up again. One questing finger drizzled across the tiny knot of his nipple, and both were pleasantly surprised by the way it hardened under at her touch. Kim touched her lips to the hot, bronzed skin, tasting the salty bite of his sweat. Slowly, she ran her tongue down his sternum and around the hard ridge of muscle. With tiny kisses, she worked her way inwards toward the brown circle on his left breast. If he could suckle on her nipple, why couldn't she on his?

"Oh, man!" Tommy groaned as Kim's tongue flicked across the surprisingly sensitive nub. His response only served to make her more enthusiastic, and she lightly bit his nipple. His body spasmed with pleasure, and with a delighted, impish grin, Kim's mouth wandered to the right side.

As fascinated as she was with his response, Kim wanted to explore elsewhere. She kissed her way up to the hollow of his throat where she leisurely traced circles with her tongue. There was something appealing about the curve of his neck, and Kim couldn't resist the urge. As her lips and tongue attacked, Tommy responded as intensely as he had when she had bitten him. His rumbling moan filled her ears as she nuzzled at his neck. She nipped her way up to his earlobe and chewed gently on it.

"Kim, what are you doing to me!" he sighed as Kim's fingers wandered up into his hair.

"Whatever I want," she replied with a giddy giggle. She took a lock of his hair and dusted it playfully across his cheeks. As she smiled down into the deep brown pools of his eyes, her expression softened. "You have such beautiful eyes; a girl could get lost in them." Tommy said nothing, but his eyes conveyed volumes. Kim ran a finger down the bridge of his nose and glossed it across the fullness of his lips. Then, she sat back, contemplating her next move.

However, she became aware of a different movement. She only just realized that she was straddling Tommy's hips and that his manhood was pressed between the still tingling folds of her sex. With a nervous flush, Kim backed off his pelvis, his hands on her hips running along her thighs as she did so. She rolled off his body, recovering her equilibrium by drawing a finger down the inside of his thigh. She was rewarded with a moan and a wiggle. Her fingers continued dancing along the powerful lines of his leg muscles, teasing the backs of his knees. She nipped at his toes, and he nearly leaped off the ground as her tongue swirled around his wriggling digits.

"So I'm not the only one with ticklish tootsies!"

"You are such a tease," he groaned.

"And you're not?"

Kim stretched out alongside Tommy, nonchalantly walking her fingers back up his leg until they skirted the bottom of his sac. This time she had the leisure to appreciate the different textures as she caressed him lightly with her thumb. Questing fingers wandered deeper between his legs, following the ridge to the cleft of his cheeks. Tommy moaned exquisitely, his organ ramrod stiff and begging for attention.

She closed her eyes for a moment as her fingers drifted whisper soft across his hot flesh; oh yes, they remembered the feel of him, but it was in the most general sense. She had been too overwhelmed--too timid--to have examined him thoroughly. Her fingers continued their investigation even as she opened her eyes again. She wanted to see him. She wanted to explore him--get to know all of him as intimately as he now knew her.

Tommy gave a whimper of surprise as Kim's hands fluttered over his cock. Her touch was more purposeful, more inquisitive than it had been the other day but more exacting in its search for answers and no less incredible. Tommy was helpless to resist the searing heat the magic of her caress stirred in him.

Kim rolled her fingers over the velvety smoothness of the head, grinning as his organ twitched as if leaping in search of the pleasurable contact whenever she pulled her hand away. Where is it? She wondered as her fingers slid down his shaft seeking.... A guttural moan told her she had found it--a small patch of very sensitive skin. As she stroked the spot, Tommy practically wriggled out of her grasp. She wondered what his reaction would be if she used her tongue instead of her fingers. With a devilish grin, she took a bold lick.

Tommy's eyes snapped fully open as fire shot through every nerve ending in his body. He leaned up to see what Kim was doing to him. The wanton gleam in her eyes gave him chills. The woman within had been released at last, and he was putty in her hands.

A guttural groan told Kim that someone was thoroughly enjoying her exploration of his sex. The sound sent a tremor down her spine as she continued to bathe his shaft with her tongue. Every time she pulled back, Tommy's hips snapped forward, wanting more. However, she drew out the sweet torture as long as she could; finally when she couldn't stand it any longer, she took him deep into her mouth.

Immediately, Tommy recognized a difference. There was a confidence in the way Kim's lips molded themselves to his manhood--a newfound skill and experience; she was doing things to him that she hadn't yesterday. The technique was still rough, but some of the edges had been smoothed out. The thought sent his mind into overload even as every ounce of sensation in his body centered on the point of contact between hard, hot flesh and soft, moist lips.

He was close; she could feel it. She had better learned to read the signs. Her hand slid along the lower half of his erection as her mouth massaged the upper. The tremors in his muscles gave him away as did the louder, deeper gasps and moans. Kim tried not to grin, not to break the rhythm that would send Tommy crashing through the molten waves of pleasure. She felt the swelling, tasted the warning. She backed off at the last possible instant, letting Tommy's lava-like eruption spill over her hand as she pumped him until he was still and silent. Then, she sat back, watching the emotions play across his face.

Oh, man! That mantra clamored over and over in his mind as Tommy regained his senses, trying to climb down from the heights Kim had taken him to. He almost didn't want to open his eyes, luxuriating in the warmth still flooding his body, but Kim hadn't said a word--not a teasing comment or term of endearment. She hadn't touched him, either. He found it strangely lonely and very puzzling.

Kim knelt at his feet, looking very small and lost.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know," she confessed, chewing on her lower lip. "One minute I was flying high and feeling fine, and the next.... " she shrugged. "How was that? As good as yesterday's?"

"Better," he affirmed. "God, you're incredible." She perked up a bit at that. "You're not sorry we took things this far, are you?"

"No. I wanted to do this. I'm glad we did it. I don't know what's wrong with me this time!"

"It's all right," Tommy hastened to assure her, hearing her frustration in her strident tone. "You're probably just tired or something. I know I'm pretty wasted. That was too intense."

"You think so?" she asked hopefully.

"Yeah." He gathered her in his arms, and together they lay back down on the grassy carpet.

"You think we can do it again?" she wondered as she idly traced circles on his chest.

"Now?" The implication of his query brought a smile to Kim's face.

"Not right this minute; I doubt you could," she retorted, casting a mischievous glance down the length of his body.

"Thanks," he grumbled.

Kim laughed, her funk passing. "Well, don't you need to recharge or something? I usually have to. I can't believe you got me off so soon after I'd done myself."

"What can I say? I'm good," Tommy declared with bravado.

"Yeah, right!" Kim snorted, poking him in the stomach. "Don't get too full of yourself, buster; I know how to bring you to your knees now."

She fixed him with a look that almost brought life back to his spent manhood.

"I love you," he murmured, kissing her before she could answer. It was warm and sweet without sweeping them away. Sighing, Kim cuddled under Tommy's arm, snuggling close, feeling herself getting drowsy.

"So, where do we go from here?" she wondered.

"What do you mean?"

"With our relationship. With what we're doing."

"I think we should just stay where we are for a little while."

"I don't follow you."

"We've just taken a really big step... moved our relationship to a whole new level. Why don't we take our time exploring this one before moving on to the next?"

"You mean going all the way?"

"We've barely begun to get to know each other; there's no need to rush, is there? I want to take my time getting to know this gorgeous body of yours!" Tommy purred.

"Same here," Kim agreed. "Besides, we don't have anything to use for birth control."

"Who knows, maybe you'll find an animal that'll lead you to a tree that grows latex . . . hey!" The rest of Tommy's jibe was lost as Kim, with a playful growl, pushed him back into the pond.

~*~

"Where in the world did those two get to?" Rocky grumbled, disgustedly tossing the stick he was toying with into the fire.

Billy looked up from where he lay dozing. Squinting up at the sky, he could see that it was well past midday. He and Rocky were the only two presently at camp, and the two of them had barely exchanged more than a handful of words.

"Tommy did say he wanted to do some scouting this morning.... "

"Kim conveniently went with him, and the two have been gone since breakfast. I'm not stupid, Billy. I know they're having problems. They've gone to try and work them out, haven't they."

"While neither confided as much to me, that is the impression I got."

"Good. It's about time; maybe things will get back to normal," Rocky groused.

"If you are so concerned about Kim and Tommy working out their difficulties, why begrudge them the time to...."

A burst of laughter interrupted Billy. A moment later, Tanya, Adam and Kat emerged from the foliage, arms laden with fruit.

"Looks like you hit the jackpot," Rocky commented without humor.

"We almost had some meat for dinner.... " Tanya complained good-naturedly.

"... until Adam spoiled my aim." Kat concluded.

"I did not...." Adam bristled.

"I didn't mind too much," Kat added softly, blushing.

"Why don't the two of you give it another shot," Tanya suggested knowingly. "Kim and Tommy aren't back yet, are they?"

"No sign of them," Billy said.

"Well, you needed another day to rest anyway," Tanya remarked, unconcerned.

"You sure, Tanya?" Kat asked. It was obvious that she was more than willing to make another foray with Adam.

"Get going, and don't come back without dinner!"

"Will do!" Saluting with the bow, Kat grabbed Adam's hand, and the two disappeared again.

"Whew," Tanya sighed, dropping down next to Billy and Rocky. "Three was definitely a crowd."

Billy smiled, but Rocky's scowl only deepened.

"I can't take this any more," he huffed, hopping to his feet.

"Rocky?" Tanya called after him as he marched off in the opposite direction from Adam and Kat.

"I'm tired of just waiting around," he snapped. Then, he was gone.

"What was that all about?" Billy wondered.

Tanya sighed and shook her head. "He isn't handling Adam and Kat very well."

"Adam is his best friend. I would think he would be happy for him."

"Deep down, he is. I think Rocky is just feeling a little vulnerable right now, and Adam isn't there for him."

"I think we've all felt a little vulnerable at some point during our journey," Billy agreed. "Adam hasn't abandoned Rocky; it's just that his relationship with Kat is brand new. Adam will remember he's there when things are more comfortable."

"That's a very astute observation. So, what did Rocky say when you told him that?"

"I didn't say anything to Rocky."

"You didn't? Then what did you two do while the three of us were gone?"

"I slept for the most part. Rocky mainly sat staring at the fire," Billy confessed.

"We were gone for well over an hour! You mean you didn't talk or anything!"

"I attempted to engage him in conversation, but he was not very forthcoming," Billy confessed sheepishly in the face of Tanya's outburst. "Rocky and I... have never been especially close."

"I know he feels that you might harbor a grudge because he received the blue Zeo powers and you didn't.... "

"I do not harbor a grudge; that wasn't Rocky's fault. He didn't chose the color; it's just the way things fell out," Billy bristled.

"You don't feel any resentment at all?"

Well, maybe just a little, he admitted privately. It had hurt to see another wearing his color but not enough for him to hold it against Rocky. "This goes back further than the Zeo incarnation of the Rangers. We just don't seem to have much in common."

"I don't know; you might be surprised," Tanya said as she settled down next to Billy. "Although, I think the reason Rocky isn't comfortable around you is because you intimidate him."

"Me? Intimidate Rocky?" Billy shook his head in disbelief.

"Yes, you. You're very intimidating."

"That's preposterous. I was the biggest geek Angel Grove High had ever seen," he snorted.

"And how long ago was that? I don't think you're a geek now," Tanya answered. "I was very uncomfortable around you when we first met."

"Why?"

"Two reasons. One: your intelligence. I've always considered myself to be bright, but compared to you, I might as well be the village idiot. Every time I said something, I'd be self- conscious about sounding stupid to you."

"I never intended to make anyone feel like that," Billy protested.

"It's not anything you did; it's just a fact of life. Don't your insecurities come creeping out when you measure yourself against someone you consider more skilled than yourself? Say like Tommy and martial arts?"

Tanya had a point. Although his martial arts skills were vastly improved, he often felt inadequate when compared to Tommy or Jason.

"Tommy doesn't do anything to make you feel inferior, you just do. You can't help it."

"What was the second reason you found me intimidating?" Billy questioned further.

"The fact that you were one of the original Rangers. You're The Blue Ranger; you've been a member of the team from the beginning. You've held your powers for years... been through countless battles... survived and seen and done so much.... I felt the same way when I first met Kimberly. I was absolutely in awe of you guys."

"We're just teenagers, like yourself. And you're one of us now; you don't need to feel that way."

"Billy, why did you refuse the Zeo powers?" Tanya asked suddenly.

The question startled him. "I simply felt my abilities were better utilized behind the battle lines...."

"Baloney," Tanya cut him off, "and don't try to tell me it was because the Zeo shards were attuned to specific individuals. If Aisha could transfer hers to me, I could have transferred mine to you." When Billy didn't say anything, Tanya rested a hand lightly on his thigh. "Please, Billy. I'd really like to know the truth. I may have had the Zeo powers for only a short time, but they're as much a part of me as my arm or my eyes.... I can't imagine voluntarily giving them up. It would be like ripping out a piece of my soul; how much worse would it be for someone who's held the power for years?"

Ripping out a piece of my soul.... Billy found Tanya's perceptivity unsettling. He had never really talked about why he had refused the shard; he hadn't even gone in depth about it with Kimberly. She seemed to have understood, but he hadn't confided all to her. Billy was just afraid that no one would truly understand. He regarded Tanya thoughtfully and was surprised to find that he wanted to tell her. Maybe the counselor is in need of counseling.

"The real reason.... " He drew in a steadying breath. "My heart just wasn't in it any longer. The team had been through changes before: dino to thunder to ninja powers, four sets of Zords, new personnel... a new leader.... However, with the Zeo changes, everything was too different; there was no connection with the way things used to be."

"How do you mean? You were still there; Tommy was still there.... "

"But Tommy wasn't right. He was the Red Ranger now, and that just wasn't right."

"I don't follow you."

"Jason was the first Red Ranger and team leader," Billy began. "He was a great leader; even Tommy followed him. Tommy didn't become leader until he was given the White Ranger powers. There was no reason given.... I've often wondered if Zordon had any inkling that Jason would soon be leaving the team when he did that."

"How did Tommy and Jason feel about that?" Tanya asked, fascinated.

"Initially, I believe Tommy was reluctant to be leader; he was still experiencing difficulties with his tenure as the Green Ranger, but Zordon had given him the responsibility, and he was never one to shirk his duty. As for Jason, it hurt him; I don't think Zordon ever explained why the change was made--although in retrospect it turned out to be necessary. Jason, however, trusted Zordon's judgment, and he never blamed Tommy."

"It sounds like Jason meant a great deal to you," Tanya murmured.

"He was the brother I always wished I'd had," Billy sighed. "Sometimes, I really miss him." Tanya gave him a reassuring pat.

"How did you handle the change in leadership? That had to be difficult."

"I hurt for Jason, but I accepted Tommy's new role surprisingly well. Jason was still the Red Ranger and Tommy wasn't."

"In your mind, then, Jason will always be the leader as the Red Ranger and Tommy as the White Ranger."

"Both were excellent leaders with very different styles," Billy continued. "Tommy has been through a lot more than Jason had; there are times when I think that Jason wouldn't have weathered the changes as well as Tommy. He was more... unbending, as solid and dependable as an oak tree. Tommy has more give to him."

"What about when Rocky became the Red Ranger? Wasn't he taking Jason's place?"

"Not quite."

"Rocky was okay as the Red Ranger because he wasn't made team leader and wasn't taking Jason's place," Tanya said, understanding at last.

"When Tommy became the Red Zeo Ranger, I just couldn't accept it. I wouldn't have had any problems if he had become the Green Ranger and Adam the Red. It was like Zordon was trying to replace Jason by making Tommy into him."

"I'm sure Zordon wasn't trying to do that."

"Logically, I know that, but in my heart.... "

"Did you feel that way about any of the other 'personnel changes?'"

"Not really. There were always subtle differences to make each person unique. For example, with the three Yellow Rangers, I will always associate Trini with the Sabertooth Tiger, Aisha with the Bear, and you with Zeo II."

"So with the Pink Rangers, Kim will always be the Crane while Kat will be Zeo I," Tanya reasoned. "Tommy's the White Ranger... so where do Adam and Rocky fit in?"

"Although Zack and Jason were also black and red, those two will always be associated with their ninja colors."

"And you'll always be blue." Tanya leaned over and kissed Billy's cheek. "Thank you."

"What was that for?" he stammered in amazement.

"For sharing that with me."

"Thank you for listening."

"Oh, please, not you two, too," Rocky groaned as he wandered back into the clearing. "We have enough PDA with the other four."

"So, how long were you eavesdropping?" Tanya queried.

"I wasn't.... " Rocky sputtered. Both Billy and Tanya gave him a look. "All right, so I caught most of that--at least enough to know Billy doesn't hate my guts for being the Blue Ranger. Thanks."

"It's all right, Rocky," Billy demurred.

"Pull up a patch of grass and join us," Tanya offered.

"You know, Billy, I was just thinking...." Rocky began, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Uh oh," Tanya groaned.

He ignored her. "There's an even better reason for you not claiming the Yellow Zeo powers."

"Oh?"

"You'd have to wear a skirt!"

Billy tried not to, but a chortle slipped out as Rocky burst out laughing.

"Oh, I don't know; I think he'd have looked all right in the skirt. He has the legs for it," Tanya teased, causing Billy to blush.

"Perhaps," Billy interjected, getting into the spirit of the jest, "but I look terrible in yellow."

~*~

Kim sighed dreamily, watching the clouds lazily drift by as she nestled deeper into the comfort of Tommy's embrace. She had never felt so perfectly content to remain right where she was. She turned, gazing up into her partner's face. Lashes dark, long and lush against tanned cheeks... lips moist and slightly parted.... It was all she could do not to kiss him. She didn't have the heart to wake him. After their impromptu swim and a second bout of playing at love making, they had exhausted themselves.

A fiery rush shot through Kim's body as she thought of all that they had done. She never dreamed she could feel so good. Tommy had been right; there was so much to learn about each other and no need to rush through it. Her heart filled with love and gratitude for his suggestion to wait before going all the way. It had removed from her shoulders a weight she hadn't even realized had been there.

She sighed again, ready to drift back to sleep, when she heard the piercing cry of a bird. Kim sat up, startled. She saw no bird, but she noticed how long the shadows had become.

"Tommy! Tommy, wake up," she urged, shaking him. "Come on; we've got to get back to camp. We've been fooling around out here all day."

"I could think of a nicer way to wake a guy up," Tommy pouted playfully as he came around, pulling her into his arms.

"Tommy!" she admonished as he settled her on top of him.

"I just don't want this to be over."

"I know. I don't either, but the others are probably wondering where we've gotten to. They're bound to come looking for us sooner or later."

"Good point," Tommy agreed reluctantly. He brushed a strand of hair out of Kim's face then fluttered his fingers across her lips. "One more kiss, though?"

His touch was electric, and Kim felt the heat melting her concern. "Mm, maybe just one."

Almost as soon as mouths met, hands began to wander, and passions threatened to slip from their control. However, the two were shaken from their embrace by a shrill birdcall. It sounded close--almost in their ears. With a yelp, Kim tumbled off Tommy, and he sat up quickly.

"What the...? Would you look at that," his voice trailed off in awe.

"What?"

Kim turned and followed Tommy's gaze. Perched on a low branch and regarding them intently was a white owl.

"I didn't think owls lived in tropical climates," Tommy remarked. He fidgeted uncomfortably; there was something unsettling about the bird.... Its gaze seemed to bore right through him. "I've never seen a green-eyed owl before."

"I've seen her before," Kim murmured. "At the time, I thought I was just dreaming. She was there when I found that first purple plant."

"She?"

"I can't explain it, but somehow I know it's a she." Moving slowly, Kim climbed to her feet and edged closer to the bird. The owl, however, took wing, circling round the clearing then settling down near the concealing foliage separating trail from pond. The bird stared at them expectantly.

"I think she wants us to follow her," Kim realized.

"Do you think we should?"

"She doesn't mean us any harm."

Hand in hand, the two hurried after the nocturnal hunter. It was easy to track the white plumage against the greenery; occasionally they lost sight of their guide, but they could feel her presence, and she invariably came back for them. The Rangers followed the owl through dense brush and over hills until their feet ached and their lungs burned from their exertions.

"S-she sets a quicker pace than you do," Kim panted as they found themselves atop yet another ridge.

"T-think she'd mind if we took a breather?" Tommy gulped.

"I think she's left us," Kim murmured as she hunted around for the snowy bird. Their guide was truly gone; she could no long sense the bird. "That was too weird."

"I wonder where we are."

"I don't know, but the owl was deliberately leading us here.... " The words died on Kim's lips, and she squeezed Tommy's hand. There, in the distance and below them slightly, was the unmistakable apex of an obsidian pyramid.

Chapter Seventeen: When the Bough Breaks

"I have had enough!" Kat shrieked, startling her companions. She broke rank to take a seat on a fallen branch.

"Kat, what's wrong?" Adam queried, concerned. Rarely did the Pink Ranger raise her voice outside of a crisis situation. He joined her by the well-worn bark.

"My feet hurt. My back aches. I'm not moving from this branch until Tommy calls a halt," she insisted.

"But the temple is so close," he countered, sitting down and working the muscles in her lower back. "The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get our powers back and get home."

"I'm with Kat," Tanya said, squeezing into the remaining space on the limb. "We've been walking almost nonstop since Tommy and Kim found the stupid thing. It's not going anywhere, so what's the rush?" Their sit down strike had caught the others' attention.

"Yeah, we need a break," Rocky piped up. He tried to join the trio on the branch, but there was no more room. Instead, he plopped down on Tanya's lap.

"Rocky!" she protested, trying to push him off.

"I'm just doing what Kat said: I'm not moving from this branch. I can't help it if all the seats are taken. If you'd rather, you can sit on my lap," he said with a leer.

Tanya appraised the condition of his lap. "Thank you, no. I'm safer with you on top."

Kat and Adam began snickering as Rocky flushed crimson.

"Billy?" Kim queried, also trying not to laugh.

"While I want to get home as much as anyone, I do believe some rest and relaxation is in order," Billy concurred, moving over to join the strike. Kat shifted onto Adam's lap, surrendering the center seat to Billy. The branch, which was already sagging, bowed more deeply.

"What do you think?" Tommy questioned of Kim, biting the inside of his cheek in his effort to retain a straight face as he noticed the dubious condition of the limb.

"I'd like to have a little time to ourselves other than stolen moments after everyone else is asleep," Kim responded quietly. She headed over and sat down on Billy's lap, much to his surprise. Arms folded and with an air of expectation, she asked, "Well?"

"Let's find a place to camp and take tomorrow off," Tommy capitulated and not a moment too soon. The grateful cheers became surprised shrieks as the branch finally gave way.

~*~

Rocky shifted around, trying to make himself comfortable as he tended the fire. This was the first time in days that Tommy and Kim hadn't volunteered to take the watch, and he had drawn the short straw. Although, he could make a pretty good guess as to why they had been so willing to stay up all night: hormones in an uproar. A grin tugged at his mouth as he glanced over at the sleeping couple. They made no pretense at decency. The two were so wrapped around each other that Rocky doubted he could slip dental floss between them. Of course, that was only because they were asleep. They did take pains not to be too obvious while they were around everyone else. He didn't mind it so much; after all, since Tommy and Kim had gotten things worked out, there had been a lot less stress in the air. He liked the way Billy had phrased it: the character of the team is colored by the mood of our leaders. Still, he couldn't help feel a little bit envious; he often wished he could have a relationship like theirs--minus the time the two had been stupid.

His gaze drifted over the rest of his sleeping companions, settling on Adam and Kat. The two weren't as cozy as Kim and Tommy were, but they looked awful comfortable together. Adam would just die of embarrassment if he knew where his hands had gotten to while he slept! Rocky felt badly about the way he was behaving lately; he just couldn't help it. As Tanya said, he really was happy for Adam. There had been times when he seriously doubted his bashful best buddy would ever get a girl. Now Rocky was the one who felt like the odd man out; it was a very lonely position to be in, and he wondered how Adam had put up with it through Rocky's numerous failed relationships. If only he could have a really beautiful, really sweet girl like Kat who he didn't have to worry about lying to all the time to cover his butt over Ranger business. That really took its toll on relationships.

Who'd have thought that Adam would be the first one, Rocky thought wryly, recalling a conversation he and Aisha had had once upon a time. Both had agreed that Adam would be the last of their trio to lose his virginity. If Rocky was reading the signals right, though, it looked as if Adam would be the first. The hormones are awful thick over there, too. Rocky shook his head; while he had certainly tried hard enough--with little success--he had Aisha to thank for his only sexual experience... Aisha and whoever had spiked the punch at the victory celebration.

It had been a while--before the three of them had transferred to Angel Grove--at a party after the big Stone Canyon/Angel Grove game. He, Adam and Aisha had gone to the party and had drunk a lot of punch. Adam had fallen asleep, leaving him and Aisha to watch all the other shnockered couples getting frisky. He never knew where Aisha had found the bottle, but the two had started their own private game of spin the bottle. Rocky shook his head at the memory; he hadn't been brave enough to ask Aisha where she had learned to kiss like that--at the time, he hadn't cared--but she sure had taught him a few things. Before he knew it, he had dared Aisha to check him out: I'll show you mine if you show me yours.

It had blown his mind when she started jerking him off... that was all she had done, but still it had been the most awesome thing he had ever felt. He hadn't reciprocated only because he had passed out after coming. When they woke up the next morning, hung over and in pain, Aisha said she couldn't remember a thing. Rocky could. He'd never forget; however, he feigned forgetfulness, for Aisha's sake. Maybe she honestly couldn't remember, but he always thought that she had been pretending because she didn't know how to deal with what the two of them had done. She was one of his best friends, and he didn't want to hurt that because of a hand job.

Thinking of Aisha brought Rocky's attention to Tanya. In a lot of ways, she reminded him of Aisha: intelligent, friendly, beautiful; his relationship with Tanya was very much like his and Aisha's. However, Aisha never took him seriously. Tanya seemed to be able to see that he wasn't always an idiot. In a way, he found that very unsettling; it left him feeling exposed. He often thought he might like dating Tanya, but he had always assumed that she was more interested in Adam than him. Guess I figured wrong on that account, too. He wasn't sure he could date her, though. They were friends, but.... Besides, she wouldn't be interested in doing anything with me, anyway. She seems to be as immune to the hormones in the air as Billy!

Rocky regarded the last of the pairs. Billy and Tanya lay spooned together, and it appeared perfectly innocent just like when he snuggled with Tanya, yet they seemed as at ease with each other as any of the other couples. Could it be that the two of them had a thing for each other? He would have been willing to swear that Billy was still stuck on Trini (Adam had mentioned that once and sworn him to secrecy). However, Billy had been behaving very unBilly-like lately. It could just be that his fever had fried his brain, but Billy seemed more relaxed somehow, more willing to join in the fun. More shocking than the suggestion of him getting the Pink Zeo Powers was the fact that it had been Billy who had made the crack. It was just too weird.

Rocky sighed, wishing he could snuggle in next to a soft, warm body at the moment; even if Billy and Tanya were immune to the over-abundance of teenage lust raging around them, he wasn't. He had a good hour before midnight; it was just a matter of finding the right fantasy and the right rhythm.

~*~

"Oh God, Tommy... please... I wanna come so badly...!"

Tommy's fingers dug deeper into the so-soft flesh of Kim's behind as she worked herself harder against his imprisoned organ. He watched as she, her face aglow with lust, completely surrendered herself to her need, not bothering to dampen her exclamations. They weren't close enough to camp for the others to hear anyway. In response to her cries, he slid his hands up her body to her breasts, gently cupping the bouncing swells only to close in on the tight buds at their centers and pinch hard enough to excite but not hurt. The position had become one of their favorites during their midnight trysts. It made Kim feel as if they were really making love and not just having 'pseudo sex' (as he termed it; he didn't dare use Kim's 'faux fuck' otherwise he'd wind up laughing himself silly).

He enjoyed the position for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because it was such a tease. As she rode the length of him, his rod would come temptingly close to slipping inside those enticing pink folds; however, he never did. Whenever he'd find himself on the brink of stealing inside, he'd look to Kim's eyes. The flicker of hesitation therein always made him wait. Second, because he could watch Kim as she took her pleasure. He liked seeing the mercurial expressions--a smile of satisfaction, a look of surprise, the flash of excitement as she came--which flitted about her face; combined with her moans, it was nearly enough to make him come without further assistance. However, Tommy had learned that restraint at the beginning made for greater rewards later.

The physical pleasures he and Kim shared were mind-blowing; the discoveries that they made about each other were as enlightening. After that first day, Tommy learned that he had no hope of matching Kim's sexual energy; she was a little dynamo, each orgasm seeming to lay the foundation for the next. If he wanted to keep pace with her, he had to bring her off a few times before he came once. As high as Kim's heights were, so low were her depths. Almost as soon as the glow of her climax faded, she would hit a funk where her fears and doubts came crashing in on her. Sometimes, she simply wanted to be held. Other times, she wanted to talk. The periods of depression grew shorter with every near-coupling, but Tommy knew that as long as Kim felt them, she wasn't ready for the real thing.

Kim's hands trailed down his chest and wandered up her own body. Tommy moved his hands back down to her hips to hold her steady as Kim's fingers caressed her breasts. He loved seeing her like this... so wild and free.... What had he learned about himself during their attempts at lovemaking? That he definitely had voyeuristic tendencies. Fortunately for him, once Kim got going, she was just as much an exhibitionist.

"Tommy.... " Kim moaned plaintively, and Tommy knew what that meant: she wasn't hitting it. She was trying too hard; it always frustrated Kim when she couldn't get herself off.

"It's all right, Kim," he soothed.

"It's not fair!" she pouted.

"Just relax and let me take care of you."

"Why is it you never have trouble coming?"

"You are just too sexy for me to hold back," he teased. Kim started to protest, but Tommy held a finger to her lips. "Easy does it, love." He trailed his finger down her cheek and neck. "Feel like trying something a little different?"

"Like what?"

"Like this!"

Tommy swiftly filled his hands with her sweet cheeks and pulled her forward until she straddled his face. He peered up at her to catch her reaction: surprised and intrigued. He continued to watch as he slowly ran his tongue across her juicy folds; Kim rewarded him by lowering her eyes in a smoldering, hungry gaze. It made Tommy shiver. He took his time as he orally caressed her taut knot of pleasure. As always, her elusive taste defied description; he would never tire of eating Kim out because she never tasted the same. Even between consecutive orgasms, there was always something slightly different in her flavor.

Kim's body trembled and swayed above him. Her hands flitted across her skin like a candle's flame on the wick. He loved it when her hands went to her hair, piling it on top of her head, her head falling back as a deep moan echoed up her throat and her body arching into his licks, pressing her netherlips into his. If only she would grab him by the hair and hold him in place...!

" ... yes... oh, yes...!" she growled, her hips grinding against his tongue and chin. He held still, letting her take over, but he never moved his tongue from her hardened bud. "... now, Tommy... oh, now!"

Kim came with a guttural cry, and a fresh flow of hot, sweet juice filled Tommy's mouth. It was a powerful orgasm, her body quaking for several minutes as the fire ebbed. Weakly, she sat back on his chest, and Tommy smiled up at her.

"How was that?"

"Oh... wow!"

Kim tumbled from her perch, collapsing on the ground next to him. Tommy rolled onto his side and softly stroked her body. For a long while, Kim lay back staring up at the sky.

"Tommy?" she queried at last.

By her tone, he could tell that she was feeling like a discussion and not a cuddle. "Yes?"

"I was just thinking...."

" ... about?"

"Billy."

Tommy wasn't surprised. He had been expecting that topic to come up eventually; they hadn't really discussed what happened that afternoon. He had always wondered how Kim had to do Billy. Was a hand job enough, or did she have to use her mouth? Not that it really made a difference; he was just curious. He waited to see what was on her mind.

"Are you really okay with what I had to do for Billy?" she asked hesitantly. "I know you said that you were, and it was your idea...."

"Yes, I'm really okay with it," Tommy assured her.

She continued as if she hadn't heard him. "I didn't just use my hand, though; I used my mouth, too."

His pulse jumped at that, but he kept his tone even. "It's okay, Kim."

" ... even though Billy knows?"

"Kim, you did what you had to. He would have died otherwise." Tommy peered deep into Kim's troubled eyes. "How can I convince you? I'm not mad at you for giving Billy a blowjob, nor am I mad at Billy for knowing and enjoying it."

"What if I enjoyed it?"

Kim's softly uttered words took Tommy completely by surprise. She seemed to fear his reaction, so he tried to keep his amazement out of his words. "Did you enjoy it?"

"I think I did... parts of it anyway," she confessed guiltily. "I--I kind of liked it when he started moaning and I could tell it felt good to him." She kept her eyes averted. "And I tried things... experimented, I guess, just to see what would make him feel good--what might make you feel good."

"I thought you might have."

"Huh?"

Tommy smiled at her astonishment. "I could tell a big difference in the way you went down on me between the first and second times."

"You could? And you didn't mind?"

"Kim, do you want me to be angry about what you did?"

"N-no, but I'd understand if you were."

"Kim.... " Tommy shook his head and pulled her closer, realizing that Kim's fears had less to do with his reaction than her own. "What is it about having done Billy that bothers you the most? The fact that you did him or the fact that you enjoyed it?"

"That I enjoyed it," she said in a tiny voice.

"I'm not surprised that you did."

"You're not?"

"No." He brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "You have a very passionate nature; you're just not comfortable with it yet, that's all. I'd have been more worried if you'd have told me that you hated what you had done."

As Kim considered his words, Tommy observed that she was beginning to relax. The mood was passing. A little longer--he never rushed Kim when she was feeling uneasy--and it would be safe for him to change from innocent, soothing caresses to more arousing touches.

"Can I ask you something else?" Kim queried suddenly. "If you don't mind what I did or that I enjoyed it, then what's bugging you about me doing Billy?"

Tommy blinked, startled. Kim wasn't just guessing; she knew even though he hadn't wanted to admit to himself that he was troubled. "How could you tell?"

"If you weren't bothered by something, you'd have tried to get me to talk about this before now."

He couldn't argue with her logic. Nor could he be any less honest with her than she had been with him. "I guess what bothers me is that it doesn't bother me."

"I don't follow you."

"It's just that I think maybe I should be bothered by the fact that my girlfriend gave another guy a blowjob--for whatever the reason--but I'm not."

"If you're not angry or jealous or anything like that, what do you feel about what I did?" Kim wondered.

"I'm a little curious... and intrigued...." He sighed as he noticed her frown. How could he explain it to her when he couldn't explain it to himself? "Thinking about you and Billy just...." He sighed, picturing the couple in his mind; damn, but it was powerful.

"It turns you on?" Kim queried, her tone betraying her surprise.

"Yeah, I guess so," Tommy admitted, blushing and shrugging sheepishly. "I sort of wish I could have seen you; you get this look on your face...." Another longing sigh slipped out, and when he ventured a glance at Kim, he saw that her cheeks were as red as his had to be. "I know it's kind of weird...."

"... not any weirder than the kick I get out of knowing you like watching me," she confessed hastily.

"Really? You do?"

"Uh huh."

Tommy laughed with relief. Pulling Kim into his arms, he tumbled back onto the grass. "You're something; you know that?" His mouth met hers in a kiss that quickly deepened into a heated duel of tongues.

"And I know what that something is," Kim replied as she came up for air. Tommy noted the devilish twinkle in her eye as she twirled a strand of his hair around her finger.

"Oh?" he challenged.

"Horny."

"Aren't you always?"

"Tommy! That is so mean!" Kim swatted at him, and he rolled out from under her.

"No fair hitting!" he laughed as he scrambled to his feet.

"Ooh, you...."

Tommy danced away from her lunge, and the chase was on.

~*~

After the morning meal, both couples had claimed private time, leaving Billy, Rocky and Tanya lounging about the camp. Rocky had drifted back to sleep almost as soon as the others had left. Billy had an idea for an experiment and was busy working out the necessary formulae in the dirt. This left Tanya to her own devices, and she was bored.

"I don't know about you two, but I don't feel like spending the entire day lazing around the camp," she declared, getting to her feet. "I'm going for a swim." The stream wasn't too far from their location--just beyond a growth of bushes.

"Enjoy," Billy said distractedly.

Rocky merely grunted.

Tanya sighed and shook her head. "You two are pathetic!" With that, she headed for the water.

Rocky opened his eyes and rolled onto his side, watching Tanya until she disappeared from view. With a sigh, he attempted to return to his nap, but he was too distracted.

"Damn," he grumbled as he sat up. He noticed Billy's bemused expression; his problem was pretty obvious. "I can't wait to get home," he groused. "I never thought I'd want to see a pair of pants so badly."

Billy just laughed.

"You can't tell me that being around three beautiful, naked women hasn't affected your hormones," Rocky snorted defensively.

"I won't even try to deny it," Billy responded. "There does seem to be an overabundance of pheromones in the air these days."

"Then how come you never get caught with a hard-on?"

"Why do you think I know so many mathematical formulae?"

It was Rocky's turn to laugh at Billy's sheepish grin.

"Think you can teach me a couple?" he requested.

"Hey guys!" Tanya called out.

Both men jumped to their feet, ready for trouble.

Waving to them from over the plants, she said, "The water's great!"

"Is that all?" Rocky complained, relaxing his stance.

"Care to join me?"

Rocky blinked, and he and Billy exchanged mystified expressions.

"You want us to join you in the water--coed naked swimming?" Rocky gulped.

"Sure."

"What do we do?" Rocky asked Billy under his breath.

"A lovely young woman has invited us to go skinny-dipping with her; it would be rude to refuse."

Rocky grinned broadly at the slightest hint of a smile in Billy's eyes. "Race ya! Last one in is Tenga turds!"

~*~

Between laughing and running, Tommy could hardly breathe, and Kim was still determinedly pursuing him. Time to turn the tables on her. He burst into a grassy glade in the shade of a small ridge; he waited for her to clear the underbrush. When she did, he grabbed her about the waist and swung her around, a move that elicited peals of merry laughter.

"My turn," he hissed impishly, and Kim's mirth quickly dissolved.

"Oh, no.... "

"Oh, yes!" And his fingers attacked her sensitive sides.

"You fink!" Kim squealed between gasps for air and helpless laughing as she fought to break free.

Tommy pulled Kim to the ground with him; wrestling her around, he had her on her stomach while he tortured her ticklish feet.

"Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!"

As she thrashed around, Kim's hips bucked against the ground, the muscles in her bottom rippling enticingly. It reminded Tommy of the afternoon they had had the mud fight. He recalled how much he had wanted to run his hands over those smooth, quivering cheeks.... This time, he didn't have to hold back. He ceased tickling her feet and skimmed his hands up the backs of her legs until the rounded swells of her behind filled the palms of his hands.

"Mm," he purred, "nice." He so loved touching Kim; her skin was so smooth and soft and felt so good as he touched it.

"If you think this is enough to get you off the hook, think again, buster!" Kim growled, but the tone was tinged with her resurgent need.

"Maybe rubbing your bottom isn't, but what about this...?" Tommy queried and he leaned in for a quick nip.

"Oh!" Kim yelped as Tommy's mouth wandered all over the smooth expanse of her behind.

"... and this...." he murmured around his mouthful of flesh; his warm breath against her posterior gave her the shivers. With a swift, fluid motion, he rolled Kim onto her back and hovered over her. He took a deep draught from her lips before sitting back and drawing her hand to him.

"Not that!" Kim gasped hoarsely.

Tommy merely grinned; his eyes held hers as he raised her fingers to his lips and drew one in. Leisurely he bathed her finger with his tongue, nipping at the very tip before moving to the next digit. Beneath him, Kim writhed frantically, his actions both tickling and arousing her. Desperation and lust warred for preeminence in her gaze. Lust was winning; he could tell by her moans. A satisfied grin tugged at the corners of his mouth as he finished up with her fingers and kissed his way across her palm to her wrist where his nibbling sent her to new paroxysms of wriggling.

"Oh, God, Tommy, please... I--I can't take much more!" she pleaded.

He ignored her as his tongue found the puckered ridge of skin running parallel to the tendon.

"Not my scar... don't... not there... aahh!"

She was especially vulnerable there for some reason. He continued to tune out her pleas as he licked his way down her arm to her shoulder and collar bone. From there, he proceeded to ravish the side of her neck.

"Don't tease me like this!"

"I like teasing you like this," he whispered into her ear, noshing at the delicate lobe. However, his hands joined in the sweet torture, moving down her succulent body, searching for and tantalizing those places he knew would bring her the most pleasure. His hand continued its descent until he cupped her damp curls. Almost immediately, Kim began grinding out her need against him.

His fingers slid further between her legs as he lowered himself to nuzzle her breasts; as he massaged her swollen bud, Kim's moans dropped an octave, almost becoming a growl. Her heat and wetness never ceased to amaze him. Almost without thinking, Tommy's fingers delved deeper still, slipping inside the soft folds until one ventured beyond the outer boundary of her sex. Upon realizing where he was, Tommy nearly removed his finger; however, Kim seemed not to notice. Curiosity won out over restraint, and he eased his digit inside.

Kim let out a gasp, and he paused. However, when she didn't react adversely, Tommy inched in a little further. He kept this up until he could no longer advance easily, and Kim winced; his finger was in to the second knuckle.

"W-what are you doing?" Kim gulped.

"I--uh--have my finger inside you." He started to pull it out, but Kim sucked in an excited breath. "Are you okay?"

"Uh huh. It feels kind of strange, but.... " Her words were lost to a lusty moan as Tommy slid his finger back in. Gingerly at first but gaining confidence with every stroke, Tommy pumped his finger in and out of Kim's womanhood. As her body relaxed into the new sensation, Kim began moving her hips, meeting the rhythm of his hand. Tommy watched her work herself on his finger in amazed excitement. It was almost too much for him; he had the urge to just sit back and let her get herself off in this fashion, but another idea seized him. He shifted around until he was between her legs. Her swollen clitoris begged for some attention, and Tommy's tongue willingly obliged. His mouth scarcely made contact with her sex when he felt Kim's muscles clamping down on his finger, practically imprisoning it, and her toe-curling orgasm ripped through her body tearing wanton screams of joy from her throat.

~*~

Kat and Adam wandered along in companionable silence, their fingers intertwined. It was one of those mornings when neither felt much like talking; they were content to simply bask in the warmth of each other's company. As they emerged from the thick greenery, they found themselves walking up a trail scattered with rainbow-hued petals from the blossoms that grew in profusion. Adam spied a fuchsia-colored flower on the makeshift path and scooped it up (picking flowers from the plant was hazardous to one's health). With a flourish, he presented it to Kat.

"Thank you," she murmured, breathing deeply of its perfume before fixing the bloom in her hair. Adam received a chaste peck on the cheek as his reward.

Their walk took them to the summit of a grassy knoll. To the west was a sheer drop off, but to the east rose Amadan's temple.

"For a while, I doubted this thing even existed," Adam said, "now, we're almost there. We're almost home."

"Home," Kat echoed distantly. "You know, sometimes I'm not sure I really want to go back. All things considered, things haven't been that bad here. No Zedd and Rita, no Machine Empire...."

"We have snakes and poisonous plants, no shelter, no clothes...."

"Do you think if we had been back in Angel Grove that we would have gotten together?"

"Okay, so maybe things haven't been so terrible," Adam agreed with a lopsided smile. "Still, it'd be nice to be home and be able to do things together besides simply surviving. Like take in a movie, go to dinner...."

" ... the ballet or a concert...."

"What I wouldn't give for a pen and some paper," Adam sighed.

That took Kat by surprise. The two had discussed many things, but she had the feeling that there were depths to Adam that she hadn't even begun to explore. "Why's that?"

"I... like to write," he admitted. Very few people knew about his hobby.

"Really? What sort of things do you write?"

"All kinds... some fiction, poetry...."

"Adam, that is so wonderful. I'd love to see some of your poems--if you wouldn't mind."

"You would?" he gulped.

"Of course."

"I--I guess it'd be okay. I mean, I've never shown them to anyone before; I'm not sure they're any good."

"Do you write what you feel in your heart?"

"I try to."

"Then I don't see how your work could be anything but wonderful."

Adam reached up to touch Kat's face; slowly, they drifted closer together, eyes closing as their lips met. However, a sudden burst of laughter intruded upon the moment. The two turned in the direction of the sound; at the base of the drop off they spotted Tommy as he spun Kim around then wrestled her to the ground.

Adam laughed softly as he watched their antics; Kat, however, regarded the pair with a wistful gaze. "They look so happy together," she sighed.

"It still hurts, doesn't it," Adam said softly.

"A little," she admitted sadly. "I would have given anything for Tommy and I to have been happy like that." Then, she remembered who she was talking to. "I'm sorry, Adam."

"It's all right. I know what it's like to be in love with someone who's in love with someone else," he reminded her. "I got lucky, though. I got the chance to tell her how I feel and discovered she felt the same."

"No, I'm the lucky one. Thank you--for caring and for being so patient with me." Kat leaned into Adam's embrace. She liked it when he hugged her--liked the feeling of his body pressed against hers, but he didn't do it often. The full body contact was a little overwhelming; still, she liked it when Adam touched her, no matter how innocently. As she lay her head on his shoulder, she felt his fingers running through her hair. A contented purr rumbled up her throat. She understood Adam's uncertainty. Their relationship was so new; had they been home, they probably wouldn't have done much more than hold hands and exchange kisses. The desire to do more would have been there, but the thought of actually doing something would have been pushed aside until they had gotten to know each other better. Here, there was more immediacy to those feelings; even the most innocent of contact had more intimate implications. She found it ironic that she and Adam had been sleeping together even before they had begun dating. She recalled how much she had wanted Tommy at the outset of their adventure; now she was glad that they hadn't done anything. She wanted to wait for Adam.

For a change, Adam was in no hurry to break the embrace; Kat was glad. She was perfectly content to remain just where she was. As she settled more comfortably against his shoulder, Kat thought she heard a sound... a yelp of surprise. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes. It seemed to be coming from below them. Raising her head to get a better look, Kat glanced down; her eyes went wide with shock, and she couldn't have looked away even if she had wanted to as Tommy's mouth devoured Kimberly's behind.

Every nerve in her body was suddenly at attention as she watched Tommy turn Kim over and begin sucking on her fingers. Kim's responses fascinated her from the moans carried by the breeze to the convulsion of her body; Kat's pulse raced as she wondered what it would be like to have Adam do the same to her.

"Oh God, Tommy, please...."

"What was that?" Adam murmured.

Kat's fingers dug deeper into Adam's back as Tommy worked his way down Kimberly's arm to her neck. She found herself breathless with anticipation, wondering what Tommy would do to Kim next.

"Kat?" Adam queried. "What's wrong? Why are you shaking?"

She hadn't realized it, but she was trembling.

Adam finally pried free of her fierce hug. His gaze followed hers to the base of the ridge. "Oh my...." he whispered, as enrapt by the compelling scene as she. Kat grasped his hand and squeezed tightly as Tommy's mouth traveled down to Kim's breasts and his hands slid lower to the apex of her thighs. Kat was suddenly conscious of the wetness between her own legs and the throb of desire at the core of her being; she clutched Adam's hand more desperately. If she hadn't she feared she wouldn't be able to keep her hand from trying to assuage her own need.

"W-we should go," Adam gulped.

"We should," Kat agreed, but neither moved save to sink to a crouching position. They both held their breath as Tommy worked his hand between Kim's legs, and when he finally went down on Kim, Kat let out a gasp to rival hers. When Kim climaxed, Kat nearly did too.

~*~

Coherency slowly returned, and Kim opened tearing eyes. She felt as weak as a kitten; that had to be the most powerful orgasm she had ever experienced (and Tommy had given her some doozies!) Her breath came out in great gasps, and she wondered if her heart would ever stop pounding or if her body would ever stop trembling.

"Kim?"

Tommy's face slowly swam into focus.

"Are you okay? You're crying," Tommy observed with concern.

Kim wiped at her eyes. "Wow," was all she could say.

"That was so incredible," Tommy sighed, his smile brightening.

"Shouldn't that be my line?" she wondered. She regarded Tommy thoughtfully as her strength began to return. The way he was looking at her--his chocolate brown eyes filled with as much love as desire--sent shivers racing down her spine and heat surging through her veins. He looked so good with his hair falling about his face as he gazed down at her.

"Damn, you're gorgeous," she sighed, to which Tommy arched an inquiring eyebrow. Her reaction wasn't what either of them were expecting. Kim knew she should have been too wasted to do anything after such a powerful orgasm, but energy pulsed through her body. She should have been satiated, but she hungered for more. The feelings were so intense.... She had never felt like this before--so utterly uninhibited--but all she wanted to do was pin Tommy to the ground and have her way with him.

Before Kim even knew what she was doing, she flung her arms around Tommy's neck and pulled him to her, smothering his luscious mouth with hers, plundering past the bow-shaped lips to find his tongue. As she ravaged him with her kiss, she felt his body stiffen with surprise then felt him give himself over to the fiery embrace. The longer their tongues dueled, the hotter Kim's blood burned until she could restrain herself no longer.

When Tommy came up for air, Kim pushed him back on the ground, pinning him as she so wished. She read astonishment in his eyes, and those heart-melting orbs grew wider as Kim felt a smile steal across her face. It was a hungry smile... a predator's smile, and she licked her lips in anticipation of the feast that lay before her. She attacked Tommy's mouth again, but she didn't linger. Her mouth left a searing trail of wetness as she worked her way down his throat and upper chest. She covered his pecs with rough licks, and taking a tiny nub between her teeth, she bit down; Tommy's moan oscillated between pleasure and pain.

Kim didn't linger over his chest as usual; she knew what she wanted, and she meant to have it. His hardness pulsed against her insistently as she slid her body down the length of Tommy. A strong hand gripped the throbbing shaft and squeezed until a groan exploded past his lips. Like a huntress toying with her prey, she prowled about his manhood, stroking, licking and teasing until Tommy's hips snapped towards her in supplication.

"Please, Kim.... " he rasped, helpless to fight the pleasure raging through his body.

Kim all but growled as her teeth lightly grazed the velvet of his head. Then, she sat back, drawing a single nail down the throbbing length of his sex. He swallowed dryly as she fixed him with a smoldering gaze.

"So, you'd really like to see me do this to Billy?" she queried throatily as she savagely swallowed him deep into the back of her mouth. Tommy's response was a helpless moan of pure pleasure.

~*~

Adam's heart pounded as he gasped for breath. He couldn't believe what he had just seen! Tommy had just... with Kim... and he and Kat had watched! He snuck a glance at Kat; her eyes were glazed and her face flushed. Kat's brilliant blue eyes turned away from the scene below and met his; he caught a flicker of something in those azure pools that made his throat dry.

"Kat...?" he croaked out. He felt so lost; it was as if all his feelings were racing out of control, but the longer he gazed into her eyes, something began to assert itself... a something he had been trying to deny with decreasing success.

"Adam.... " she began weakly. She reached for him and he for her, and their emotions erupted in a fiery blast.

Their mouths met... hard and hot, neither seeming to get enough of the other. Their bodies pressed together, and hands began to roam. Then, as suddenly as the embrace had begun, it fell apart. Both stared at each other, gasping for breath, pulses racing and bodies yearning for release.

"Kat...."

"Adam...."

"M-maybe we should go, before something else happens," Adam stammered.

"Maybe we'd better."

Yet, neither moved. Both were acutely aware of their own state of arousal as well as the other's.

"Thank you," Adam said.

"For what?"

Blushing, he looked away with a sheepish grin. "I've never kissed a girl like that before."

"You did it very well."

"Really?"

"Uh huh." It was her turn to glance away shyly. "I've never kissed anyone like that before either--not even Tommy."

They hugged again, this time with more restraint, yet Adam could feel his control slipping.

"Let's give those two some privacy," he recommended, wanting to retreat before things got out of hand.

"Okay.

However, the two felt compelled to take one last look. Tommy was prone on the ground with Kim kneeling between his legs. With a swift bob of her head, she made the length of him disappear into her mouth. Tommy's moan echoed loudly up from the basin, and Adam matched it with one of his own.

"Is something wrong?" Kat wondered.

"No," Adam said quickly. He noticed that Kat cast a surreptitious glance down his body, her gaze lingering on his swollen manhood. The blood didn't know in which direction to rush as he was at once embarrassed and aroused.

"I'm sorry," Kat said, also flushing. "I've just never really looked before.... "

Adam didn't know what to say or do. His eyes flickered away from Kat's to peek at what transpired at the bottom of the ridge. Kim's head moved up and down at a frenetic pace. Adam couldn't even begin to imagine what it felt like, but if the moans wafting up on the breeze were any indication, it had to be pretty incredible.

A shudder rippled through him, and Adam had to look away again. If he didn't get out of there soon, he was going to lose it. When he returned his attention to Kat, he noticed that she was anxiously biting her lower lip.

"What is it?"

"May I...?" Her request jammed in her throat, but her intent was unmistakable as she reached out tentatively. Adam swallowed hard, too stunned to say yes or no. His senses went into overload as her questing finger brushed across the tip. Though he tried hard to contain it, a moan rumbled up from his chest. Kat's expression brightened, and she continued her investigation, her feathery touch exploring the hot, hard shaft. Adam trembled as her fingers danced across his flesh, then she gingerly wrapped her hand around him and gave a gentle stroke.

Fire shot through Adam's body, and at last, he could no longer hold back. As Tommy's moans filled the air from below and Adam's mingled in from above, hot, sticky fluid spewed forth from his hyper-stimulated organ, splashing Kat's body and coating her hand. Both were too astonished to speak. Kat quickly released him. In that moment, Adam's humiliation overwhelmed him, and before either could say anything, he turned and fled.

"Adam!" Kat called after him as her boyfriend swiftly disappeared down the slope. What had she done? She hadn't meant to... she didn't know.... Damn me for rushing things! Now what do I do? She should go after him, but what would she say to him?

And what about her need for release? Her body practically screamed with wanting to come. Although she knew she needed to find Adam, she wouldn't be able to think clearly until her own needs were taken care. She had been just as aroused as he had been! She suddenly realized that the forest around her was silent.

No! They can't be done... not yet....

Kat peered down at Tommy and Kim; the two were entwined in each other's arms quietly kissing. They seemed to be settling down to sleep, leaving her alone to deal with her myriad frustrations.

~*~

"I thought this was supposed to be a day of rest and relaxation," Tommy remarked as his gaze roamed over the camp. He and Kim lounged contentedly by the fire; as for the others.... Billy also sat within the fire's glow but did not look at ease; he was the only one of the others who had ventured into the light. Rocky sat on a log, knees pulled into his chest and eyes downcast. Tanya sat half way between the present and former Blue Rangers, occasionally casting guilty glances over at Rocky. Off to the right, Adam stood by a tree, his back turned away from the group, and Kat sat huddled in a tight ball, looking pained and miserable. "These guys are more uptight now than they were on the trail."

"I know," Kim agreed. When she and Tommy had returned from playing in the glade, they had found Billy, Tanya and Rocky sleeping peacefully. Of Kat and Adam there had been no sign, so they had decided to go hunt up some dinner. Upon their return, they found all five in their sullen, isolated state. "I wonder what hap...."

Kim's words trailed off as there was movement beyond the firelight. Kat had stood up and approached Adam.

"Adam?" she ventured hopefully. When Adam didn't answer, she reached out a hand to lightly touch his shoulder; Adam drew back sharply.

"Adam, please...." Kat entreated tearfully.

"Kat, I...." The words would not come for Adam. "I'm sorry... I just... I'm going to take some private time, okay?"

"A-all right," Kat agreed reluctantly.

As Adam started off, Rocky abandoned his seat and followed after him. "Wait a sec," he said as he hurried to catch his friend.

"What?" Adam asked sullenly.

"Look, I don't know what happened between you and Kat, but if you want to talk...."

"I'd rather not. You wouldn't understand," Adam said curtly. "I need to work this out on my own." He stalked off, leaving Rocky staring after him like a hurt puppy.

"Okay," Rocky muttered defeatedly, Adam's rebuke cutting him to the bone.

"Let him go, Rocky," Tanya advised as she came forward.

"Rocky shrugged off the hand on his arm. "Yeah, better let him go or I'll make a mess of this too," he said bitterly. "I guess I can't do anything right." With that, he marched off, too.

"Billy, what's going on here?" Kim queried.

"I wish I knew," Billy replied with a heavy sigh.

"What happened while you, Tanya and Rocky were hanging out?" Tommy asked.

"Nothing untoward happened while we were swimming," Billy related. "Having exhausted ourselves, we returned to camp to rest. Apparently, we all fell asleep. I awoke first and found Tanya and Rocky in a rather compromising embrace. Both were asleep, but Rocky appeared to be having a rather... stimulating dream and was vocalizing...." Billy took a moment to compose himself; some of the things Rocky had been uttering had been quite... graphic, not to mention the freedom with which his hands roamed Tanya's body. "Then Tanya awoke and took exception to the liberties Rocky was taking with her person; Rocky did not weather her scolding well."

Before Kim or Tommy could comment, Tanya wandered over.

"I'm going after Rocky," she announced.

"I'm not so sure that is wise," Billy said.

"I've been trying to apologize all evening, but he won't listen to me. I didn't mean to overreact."

"I'm sure when he calms down...." Tommy began.

"It's more than that, though," Tanya continued. "He's been chewed out by girls before and hasn't moped like this. Something else is bothering him. Maybe with him off by himself, he'll talk to me."

"Good luck," Billy called after her, and she accepted his words with a nod.

"That just leaves Kat and Adam," Tommy observed.

"I cannot help you there," Billy said. "They returned to the camp individually and highly agitated."

"Why don't I go talk to Kat," Kim volunteered.

"Are you sure?" The implication of Tommy's words was clear: Kim and Kat hadn't exactly been close, even after relationships had been realigned.

"Like she'd open up to either one of you guys?" was Kim's retort as she rose to her feet. She crossed the clearing and sat down next to the Pink Ranger. Kat's head rested on her knees as she sobbed quietly. Kim put her arm around Kat's shoulders. "Want to talk about it?"

Kat didn't answer at once. It was several moments before she looked up.

"What's wrong? Did you and Adam have a fight?"

"No... not really," Kat sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I'm not sure what went wrong."

"Will you tell me what happened?"

"I don't know; it's kind of embarrassing."

Kim understood Kat's hesitation considering the awkwardness of their relationship; however, Kat seemed to give her offer serious consideration.

"Can we go someplace a little more private to talk?"

"How about by the stream?"

"O-okay."

With a toss of her head, Kim let Tommy know where they were headed. As they walked, Kim waited for Kat to begin. When nothing was forthcoming, Kim decided to get the ball rolling. "Things seemed okay between you two when you left camp this morning."

"They were," Kat said with a fond sigh. "We took a walk... talked some... but mainly just enjoyed being together, you know?"

Kim knew; although she had to admit that it had been a while since she and Tommy enjoyed companionable silence.

"We had come to a slight ridge; we could see the temple and were discussing going home when...." Kat blushed furiously.

"What?" Kim prompted.

"We heard you and Tommy... while you were at the base of the stone wall. When we looked, you and Tommy were...."

"Oh." Kim's cheeks burned as hot as Kat's. Then, she smiled sheepishly and shrugged. They were bound to have been caught sooner or later; they hadn't exactly been discreet. "What all did you guys see?"

Kat couldn't look at her when she answered. "Tommy was between your legs... then you did him...." Her blush deepened.

"Okaaaaaaay...." Kat and Adam had pretty much seen it all. "So, what happened between you two?"

"Believe me, Kim; we didn't mean to watch. We kept saying we should leave, but we couldn't look away; it was like we were drawn in to what you two were doing--we couldn't help it! We could hear your moans, and all I could think about was how incredible it must have felt for you to moan like that. It was so exciting and confusing all at once... and oh, how I wished I could have felt what you were feeling."

Kat's frankness caught Kim off guard, but Kim took it as a sign of how desperate Kat was for help. As for Kat, she seemed to realize what she had said and looked on the verge of embarrassed tears. "It's all right, Kat. I understand." She remembered her own hopeless fascination and arousal when she had caught Adam masturbating.

Kat let out a sigh of relief. "I think if I had been by myself, I would have...."

" ... taken matters into your own hands?"

"Uh huh."

"How did Adam react to what you guys saw? Was he as excited as you?"

"Definitely. He was so hard I thought he was going to explode; then, he did."

"Huh?"

"After you... came, everything was just churning around out of control inside me until I just couldn't hold it in any longer; I kissed Adam--hard, like you kissed Tommy. I think I surprised him, but he kissed me back just as hard. We hugged, and I could feel his... pressed up against me. I got kind of curious, and Adam seemed mesmerized by you going down on Tommy, so I asked if I could touch him. He didn't say no, but he didn't say yes either. So I touched him."

"And...?"

"I only stroked him once, and he came. Then, he ran off, and he hasn't looked at me or talked to me since." Tears glistened in Kat's eyes again.

"It's all right, Kat," Kim sighed, smiling. "I think he's just really, really embarrassed." Adam had been embarrassed to the point of running away from her that one time.

"But we've shared embarrassing stories before. We've told each other lots of embarrassing things," Kat protested.

"This is different. I mean, it's the first time Adam's been touched intimately by a girl--and one he thinks the world of--and he loses it. I think even Tommy would be mortified if he lost it on the first stroke."

"He would?"

"Guys are really sensitive about that."

"So, what do I do?"

"Go after him. Talk to him. Tell him he has nothing to be embarrassed about. I don't think Tommy could have held out after seeing two of his friends making out and being kissed and hugged by his naked girlfriend."

"Should I let him touch me--you know, to make it even?"

"That depends. Do you really want Adam to touch you? Not because fair is fair, but because your body aches with wanting to feel his touch?"

"God, yes!" Kat declared; Kim smiled at her vehemence. Then, however, Kat seemed to take a step back. "It just seems so sudden. Adam and I have only been together a couple of weeks... not like you and Tommy. Maybe you two have been back together as long as he and I have been together, but you guys have prior history."

"It's not like you're strangers. You've been friends and teammates for nearly a year, and you have to admit, you've gotten to know each other pretty well since we've been stuck in this jungle--we all have. It's not exactly like you're rushing into things," Kim assured her. "Before you do anything, though, talk to him--openly and honestly. That's the mistake Tommy and I made before, and it's not one we'll make again. Before we started doing anything, we let each other know how we felt, where we stood; you can't believe what a difference that makes."

"All right, I will, but...."

" ... but?"

"I don't know where to find Adam."

"I bet I can make a pretty good guess," Kim said knowingly. "He headed down the same path Tommy and I took."

"Of course, the glade!" Kat threw her arms around Kim in an effusive hug. "Thank you so much!"

"Anytime," Kim replied, returning the hug. "Oh, and Kat, tell Adam that we're even now. He'll understand."

~*~

Tanya was grateful for the brilliance of the rising moons as she followed Rocky's tracks. She really felt terrible about what had happened earlier. The things she had said had been pretty harsh, and really, there hadn't been any call for them. Rocky couldn't help what he was dreaming about--she had had a few dreams of that sort herself of late--nor what he did while under the spell of his dream. No, she wasn't angry with Rocky for what he had done but for what he had made her feel.

She didn't want to admit it, but she had liked the way he had touched her. Although she tried hard to hide it, she wasn't unaffected by the excess of hormones permeating their group recently. She envied Kim and Tommy their new found intimacy; she longed to know what it felt like to make love--really make love--her lost virginity notwithstanding.

That wasn't making love; it wasn't even sex.... Tanya was never quite sure what to call what happened between her and Ngoma. She had been deliberately vague when talking about it with Kim; it was still too painful. Yet, the memories wouldn't go away--memories of the way it had been before Master Vile had altered time.

Ngoma had been several years older than she was and was absolutely beautiful; he had such soulful eyes... and he could dance. Oh, how he could dance! It was as if the music spoke to him and told him how to move and give it life. All the girls in the village mooned over him, and he could have had any one of them. So how had he wound up with her? Her voice. She had been chosen to sing at the spring festival, and he was to dance. The elders said it was the most moving performance they had ever seen. After that, the two often performed together and began spending time together.

Tanya knew now that she had mistaken infatuation for real affection, and what Ngoma had felt for her wasn't love but merely lust. What they had hadn't even been true friendship--just the illusion of it. She had been so blind! She never disguised her appreciation of him--his talents, his beauty--and it made her pulse race and her breath quicken whenever he smiled at her....

It had been after Ngoma's grandfather's birthday celebration. The night clear, the moon full in the sky, and Ngoma told her that he wanted her. "I want our bodies to be one, like our song and dance." That had been a song and dance. Thinking back on it, Tanya couldn't even recall Ngoma kissing her. He had played with her enough to get her ready then took his pleasure. She hardly got to do anything in return. He took her innocence and left her out in the moonlight--hurt, confused, angry, and desperately aroused.

"How did you know it was the right thing to do?" Kim had asked. She hadn't known. It wasn't the right thing to do, but it was too late for recriminations. Afterwards, it was as if she had ceased to exist to Ngoma. It had been a painful lesson to learn, and she had sworn that she would never give herself to another man unless she really and truly loved him. So why was she wanting Rocky to touch her so badly?

"There's more real feeling between me and Rocky than there ever truly was between me and Ngoma."

Maybe so, but was that enough? Was it what she was really wanting, and did she want to risk her friendship with Rocky to find out?

~*~

"Keep your hands to yourself! I thought I could trust you, but you're no better than any other sex-crazed jerk!"

Tanya's words still stung. Rocky picked up a stick and traced circles in the dirt as he sat on the broken branch that had seen their sit-down strike. He had been told off by plenty of other girls before, and it never hurt--well, maybe a little but not like Tanya's words. Even Kimberly's slap didn't bother him so much. Anger, he could deal with but not the disappointment he had heard in Tanya's voice. Anger didn't imply failure the way disappointment did.

"You wouldn't understand," Adam had said. That had hurt too; it was as if he had let his friend down somehow. All he had wanted to do was offer a sympathetic ear; it tore him up to see Adam so miserable.

God, why can't I do anything right? Rocky silently asked of the heavens. He really had made a mess of things. Maybe he couldn't understand what Adam was going through; he'd be the first to admit that he didn't understand women at all, but at the very least he could have offered some moral support, and Tanya... well, maybe she was right. Maybe he was just a sex-crazed jerk because just thinking about her had given him a major erection. He couldn't help it! She was as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside, and the urge to reach out and touch her was so strong.... He barely managed to control himself while they had been swimming. He had never been so aroused by a girl. Damn Kim and Tommy and their raging hormones anyway! He couldn't blame them, though; after all, hadn't he been the one who said they should screw each others' brains out and get it over with?

"Man, I am pathetic," he groaned, tossing his stick aside.

"I don't think so."

Rocky's head snapped up as Tanya stepped out of the darkened underbrush. He felt his pulse rate jump as she smiled at him, and he cursed silently. He couldn't deal with her right now, not while all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and... and what, smart guy? You're not in love with Tanya--just lust! Anyway, you wouldn't have a clue what to do with her in the first place; you'd make a complete fool out of yourself.

"Mind if I sit down?" she asked.

"It's a public tree branch," he mumbled. He couldn't look at her. If he did, he doubted he'd be able to keep his eyes above shoulder level. She sat down next to him... so very, very close to him. Rocky swallowed nervously. "I'd watch that middle seat--it isn't very stable."

"Then you won't mind if I sit a little closer to you."

Rocky scooted over, making more room for Tanya. She came close enough so that they were just touching. Please don't let her notice the effect she's having on me! To that end, he leaned forward, elbows on knees, and contemplated the doodles he had scrawled in the dirt. Tanya placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Rocky, I want to apologize for what I said earlier," she began.

"Huh?"

"I was way out of line. I wasn't really awake, and you caught me by surprise...."

"I'm sorry, too. I should have kept my hands to myself," Rocky said because he felt like he should apologize, too.

"I know you couldn't help it; you weren't aware of what you were doing. You were so caught up in your dream... sounded like a real doozy."

Rocky blushed, unable to answer her. It had been a helluva dream--the wildest he could ever remember.

"You don't have to be embarrassed about having really intense dreams," Tanya continued, picking up on his discomfort. "I think we've all had them at some point."

"I don't know; I don't think Billy has."

"Oh, he's had his share," Tanya said knowingly. She had heard Billy moaning in his sleep on more than one occasion.

"What about you?"

"Me, too."

"Really?"

"Maybe not as wild as yours. I mean, I've never had the four of you with me at one time," Tanya said laughingly, referring to the fact that Rocky had been calling for all three girls during his latest dream. "I think I prefer my partners one at a time."

"You mean you've really had dreams about doing all of us guys? Even me?" Rocky gasped. He couldn't believe he was sitting here discussing wet dreams with Tanya!

"Sure. And what do you mean, 'even me'? Why wouldn't I include you in my fantasies?"

"I dunno. I mean, I'm just your average guy--you know, nothing special."

"Rocky DeSantos, what a thing to say!" Tanya chided him. "What makes you think you're not special?"

"Well, I'm not," Rocky insisted. "Look at me. I'm not really good looking. I'm not a romantic. I'm not particularly intelligent.... When there are guys like Tommy, Adam and Billy around, what chance does a guy like me have? Compared to them, I'm just ordinary."

"Good looks don't last; everyone gets old and grey eventually," Tanya countered. "You can't be romantic twenty-four hours a day, and intellect is no substitute for a caring heart."

"So why do the others always seem to have girls chasing after them, and I'm the one always chasing girls?"

"They're all challenges. Tommy's a challenge because he is so good looking; most don't think they could ever have a guy like him. Adam appeals to girls because he's so cute and shy; he brings out the mothering instinct, I guess. Billy is just a mystery. He went from being a geek to GQ; he's introverted but you can't mother him, and it's hard to believe any guy is that smart. They're not sure what to make of him."

"And I'm not a challenge?" Rocky huffed.

"On the surface, no."

"Gee, thanks."

"People are drawn to things they can't have, and more often than not, people don't bother to look beneath the surface. That's where your true value lies, Rocky, in here." Tanya tapped his chest. "Girls are as guilty as guys about seeing only what's on the outside. You've never let a girl get close enough to see that there's more to you than a good looking guy who likes to have fun, have you? They don't know that you're also sensitive and caring... and that's why you have such a hard time hanging on to girlfriends."

"Oh, really?" Rocky snorted.

"I read Elizabeth's letter to you; she said that you acted like a jerk whenever things got serious, that you were afraid of commitment. You're not a jerk, Rocky; I never thought that about you. Sometimes you can be immature--when you're hiding behind the jokes and pranks and things. What are you so afraid of?"

"Moi? Afraid? What makes you say that?"

"Most people hide when they're afraid, and you hide behind jokes."

Rocky regarded Tanya for a long while, unsettled by the way she had pegged him so well. He wanted to put her off, but he also didn't want to disappoint her again. The look in her eye told him she was not going to settle for some flip excuse, so he gathered his courage and searched his soul for the truth.

"What are you afraid of, Rocky?" Tanya repeated, her voice soft and her tone kind.

"Okay, I'm afraid of getting serious--of getting physical--with a girl," he admitted. "I'll get so far and then I freeze up. Much more than kissing and I'm way out of my depth. I'm afraid of doing something wrong...."

"So you do nothing."

Rocky nodded. "I'm afraid that if the girl finds out I don't know what I'm doing, she's going to laugh at me or if I try something and it's not what she wants me to do...."

"Have you ever thought of just talking to the girl?" Tanya interjected. "These girls probably don't know anymore than you do; how would they know? Even if they did have more experience, if they truly cared about you, they wouldn't laugh at you; they'd help you, and if they did laugh at you, then they're not worth being intimate with in the first place."

As Rocky considered her words, Tanya regarded him thoughtfully. Poor Rocky, in his own way, he was as uptight about sex as Kimberly was, and there was no reason for it. He really had nothing to worry about. If he just went with his instincts--like during his dream--he'd be just fine. He had certainly gotten to her. Maybe that's all he needed....

Girl, what are you thinking of?

Of helping out a friend.

Are you sure that's all it is?

No, she wasn't, but she had already made up her mind as to what she was going to do. She slipped off the branch and knelt on the ground in front of Rocky. "You know," she began delicately, placing her hand over Rocky's, "everyone is scared of being intimate in the beginning--of getting close, of opening themselves up to someone else and running the risk of being hurt, of doing something stupid, of being laughed at, but how are you going to get beyond that stage if you never try?"

"I suppose...." Rocky admitted grudgingly, glancing up at her nervously.

"Touching and stuff isn't the hard part; it's being yourself that's difficult. Here, let me show you." Rocky's head snapped up, and with her gaze locked onto his, she took his hand and placed it on her right breast.

"T-Tanya?" he stammered in fearful amazement.

Rocky was as taut as a trip wire, and she felt him trembling. "It's okay, Rocky. I mean, we're friends, right? I don't want anything to spoil that, but I thought maybe... just this once... just so you know...."

Rocky swallowed dryly. He couldn't believe he was hearing Tanya correctly. He couldn't believe that in his cupped palm rested one of Tanya's full, soft mounds. He'd been dreaming of touching them... he had ached with wanting to touch them, and now that he finally could, he couldn't do a thing. Hell, he half expected Tanya to slap him silly even though she had been the one to put his hand on her breast in the first place. His gaze darted from her eyes to his hand and back again. She was waiting, and he felt himself starting to panic. A wisecrack was on the tip of his tongue, but Rocky knew that if he made a smart-ass comment he would disappoint her. Tanya wanted him to be himself... she wasn't kidding about it being difficult. Then, he made himself do the hardest thing he had ever done before. He asked, "What do I do now?"

"What would you like to do?" Her smile was encouraging.

"I--I'm not sure."

"How does it feel?"

"Pretty terrific... so soft...."

As Rocky began to relax, he allowed his fingers to gently move across Tanya's satiny skin. He watched her face anxiously for any sign that he was doing something wrong, but her smile deepened and her eyes fluttered closed as she sighed.

"It... feels pretty terrific," she stammered.

Her words gave him confidence, and he also slipped to the ground so that he knelt across from her. His right hand joined in the exploration of her other breast. Tentatively his fingers caressed the supple flesh--stroking, hefting, squeezing gently. As his questing digits drew inexorably closer to the dark ring of her areola, Tanya sucked in a sharp breath, and Rocky paused.

"You... don't have to stop," she gulped, desperately wishing he would slide a finger across her sensitive buds. They were aching to be touched, but she didn't want to rush Rocky; she wanted to let him explore at his own pace, but still.... Then, a thumb brushed against one hardened knot, and Tanya moaned. Rocky had already done far more for her than Ngoma ever had!

Rocky smiled as he ventured an easy pinch, relieved and delighted that Tanya liked his touch. Yet there was so much more of her that he wanted to explore. Seeing that she still seemed okay with what he was doing, he felt reassured enough to move on to new territory. His fingers skimmed down her abdomen to the softness of her quivering belly. His caress continued lower, following the curve of her hips, rounding into her thighs. He didn't feel brave enough to investigate the dark patch of curls between her legs. Boldly--for him--he slipped his hands around to test the tempting swell of her bottom.

"You feel so good," he sighed breathlessly.

"See, now was that so difficult?" Tanya asked gently.

Rocky removed his hands at her words, taking them to mean that he had gone as far as she was going to let him. Still, it was farther than he had ever gone before, and part of him was relieved. If he got to do much more with her, he was going to embarrass himself.

"Thanks, Tanya," Rocky murmured, truly grateful for the gift. Now all he wanted to do was find a private corner of the jungle and....

"So, is it my turn yet?"

"Huh?"

"Don't you want to know what it's like to have a girl touch you?"

Rocky's mind went blank. Her touch him? If Tanya did that, he really was going to embarrass himself.

"Unless you'd really rather I didn't...."

"No!" Rocky yelped. "It's not that... it's just... oh man...." How could he explain this to her?

"Are you afraid you might not be able to hold out?" Tanya asked delicately.

Rocky realized that the state of his arousal was all too obvious. He blushed hotly.

"It's okay; I understand. If it helps, I very nearly lost it when you were exploring me."

"You did?"

"Uh huh."

"Wow."

Then, his breath caught in his throat and his body went rigid as he felt Tanya's hands lightly brush his chest. His eyes followed her every movement as her fingers softly traced the contours of his muscles, and it gave him quite a start as she gently pinched his own nipples. Slowly her fingers drifted lower, drawing closer and closer.... His erection throbbed in anticipation.

"Would you like me to...?" Tanya queried, her hand hovering just above the pulsating flesh of his manhood. She locked her eyes onto Rocky's, wanting to make sure he knew what she wanted to do. He knew, and he looked terrified and excited all at once. Slowly, she closed her fingers around his smooth, hard shaft.

Rocky moaned deep in his throat. His eyes flickered shut, and an expression of the purest bliss lit his face. She stroked him gently, exploring him with as much a sense of wonder as he had her. A smile tugged at her lips as she felt every tremor that shot through his body. They mirrored those that shot through her own body. Her free hand sought to ease her building excitement. As she continued with her rhythmic motion, a tiny drop of clear liquid formed on the soft cap of his organ; seeing it filled her with the most irresistible impulse imaginable.

Don't do it! You'll regret it in the morning.

She ignored the voice in her head as she instructed Rocky, "Lay back so you'll be more comfortable."

Rocky didn't know how much more he could take; Tanya's hand felt so incredible. The lightness of her touch was almost maddening; it was like a tease! He was only too grateful for the pause to shift his position (his knees were beginning to become distracting as they cramped from being in one position for so long). However, the delay was not long; almost as soon as he settled back on the grass, Tanya's touch returned. She simply held him, her hand not moving; the anticipation nearly drove him crazy.

"Tanya, please...!"

Rocky's eyes snapped open in disbelief. He knew what he was feeling, but he had to see to make sure. There was Tanya, her head bent over his groin and her fulsome lips were wrapped around his aching cock. Coherent thought fled as her tongue wetly lavished attention on his shaft and slid over and around the head.

Oh, God!

Rocky's hand dug deep into the grass and dirt. She had barely begun but he couldn't hold out any longer. His body pulled taut as a bow string as he felt the fire racing through his veins, converging on the center of his groin.

"Tanya... I'm gonna...!"

The wetness vanished; the cool night air hit his hot flesh, and Rocky's orgasm hit with astonishing force. It was all he could do to bite back a scream of raw pleasure as his body spasmed, releasing shot after shot of white fluid all over his stomach and Tanya's hand which had replaced her divine mouth.

"Oh, God!" he whimpered weakly, helpless to do anything else as his body quivered in the aftermath of the most intense orgasm he could remember.

"How was that?" Tanya asked, sounding as breathless as he felt.

Rocky couldn't form the words. All that came out was an inarticulate squeak. If he had the strength, he would have pulled her into his arms and kissed her. As it was, it was an effort to keep his eyes open, but he managed and saw Tanya smiling down at him.

Tanya was grateful Rocky was so caught up in his own pleasure that he hadn't noticed her seeing to her own. It hadn't taken long to bring herself off; there was something incredibly erotic in pleasuring herself as she pleasured him. Rocky's warning couldn't have come at a better time; she would have had to back off just then regardless. She thought she was going to bite through her lip while trying to silence her own cries as her orgasm hit. She watched him draw in deep gulping breaths as he recovered from his climax.

"Thank you," Rocky finally gasped out.

"You're welcome." She leaned over and pecked him on the forehead. As she started to rise, Rocky reached out and caught her wrist.

"This... really happened, didn't it? I didn't just dream it, did I?" he asked.

His question was puzzling. "Yes, this really happened."

"I won't have to pretend in the morning that this never happened?"

"What are you talking about? If you ask me in the morning, I'll give you the same answer."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Tanya suddenly found herself tightly wrapped in Rocky's joyous hug.

"Thank you, Tanya; you're the best!" Rocky reiterated.

"Why don't I let you pull yourself together and meet you back at camp," Tanya suggested, still a little wary about Rocky's reaction.

"Wait...." Rocky gasped. As Tanya eyed him expectantly, he seemed suddenly bashful.

"Wouldn't you like me to... I mean, is there anything that I can do for you?" he offered.

Tanya's eyes went wide with amazement. She hadn't truly expected him to return the favor. That's why she had taken care of herself. Still, his offer filled her with warmth.

"You don't know how much it means to me that you asked," she murmured. "Thank you, but it's... already been taken care of."

"Oh."

She almost laughed at how disappointed and relieved he looked. "Maybe... maybe next time."

~*~

Fortunately for Kat, the path to the glade at the base of the small cliff was clear and well marked. When she arrived, Adam was seated on a moss covered stone and appeared to be meditating. She felt her determination waver a bit; he didn't appear to be in a talkative mood. However, she couldn't let things go on as they were.

"Adam?" she called out as she emerged from the brush. He looked up sharply, startled. She hadn't meant to surprise him. "I know you claimed private time, but we need to talk. Please?"

"I guess so," he said grudgingly. She joined him on the rock, but he made sure there was a safe distance between them. The night seemed unusually cool all of a sudden as a breeze blew through. Kat shivered and wrapped her arms about her knees.

Adam glanced over at Kat. She looked so beautiful sitting there in the moonlight. He ached with wanting to be close to her right now. He'd like nothing better than to take her in his arms... to hold her and kiss her like they had earlier, but he didn't dare. After what happened earlier, he didn't trust himself. He couldn't believe he stood there watching as two of his friends made love. He couldn't believe that he had been so excited by it that he couldn't control himself.

"I'm sorry, Adam," she began.

"What for?" Adam asked, genuinely puzzled. Kat had done nothing wrong as far as he was concerned. It was his own fault; if he had had more control over himself, he wouldn't have embarrassed himself.

"I shouldn't have been so forward."

"You weren't," he hastened to assure her. "I'm the one who made a mess of things. I shouldn't have...."

"Shouldn't have--what? Been so aroused by watching Tommy and Kim that you needed to come? You couldn't help it; I was just as aroused by what we saw as you were."

"You were?"

"Yes. Couldn't you tell by the way I kissed you? Adam, you don't have to be embarrassed by what happened. Had you touched me, I probably would have come, too."

"Really?"

"Uh huh."

"It's just that when you touched me, it was the most awesome thing I'd ever felt," Adam confessed in a rush. "I never believed I'd ever get to experience anything like that."

"Why not?"

"Well... I guess I never thought that any girl would be interested in me like that--you know? Especially not you."

"And why wouldn't 'any girl' be interested in being intimate with you? You are one of the sweetest, nicest guys I have ever known. I've seen a lot of girls just melt when you flash that shy little-boy smile of yours."

"Really?"

"You're doing it now, you know," Kat murmured, and Adam felt the grin tugging at his lips. "And it's making me melt right now." Kat leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"You really don't mind what happened earlier?"

"No, and you shouldn't either."

"I guess I have been overreacting a little, huh?"

"Just a little." Kat shivered as she smiled.

"Are you cold?"

"A bit."

Adam scooted closer to her and slipped his arm around her. "Better?" She felt so good!

"Thank you," she said as she snuggled closer and laid her head on his shoulder. When Adam inhaled, he detected the faint fragrance of the flower she had worn in her hair earlier. "What's going to happen to us--and I don't mean about getting home."

Adam knew she was talking about their relationship. "What do you want to happen?"

"I don't know. Have you ever thought about the two of us doing things like Kim and Tommy were doing?"

He had dreamed of that plenty of times! "Sometimes. Have you?"

"Yes," she admitted, sounding relieved. "I'm glad I'm not the only one. It just seems like I shouldn't because we haven't been dating that long, but I can't help it."

"I know what you mean. If we were back home, there'd be no way we'd even be to the point where we'd have seen each other naked, and yet here we are."

"Would we at least have gotten to the point where we'd have kissed?" Kat wondered.

Adam had no answer for her. He knew how much he had always wanted to kiss her, but he couldn't be certain he'd have worked up the nerve.

"Would you kiss me now?" Kat requested.

Adam was only too happy to oblige and leaned over to give her a soft kiss. When he pulled back, he noticed she looked dissatisfied. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, I just meant like we did earlier on the cliff."

Adam's heart skipped a beat as Kat reached for him even as he reached for her. Their mouths met hard and hot, and their tongues swirled about in a passionate dance. They clung to each other tightly, their bodies moving against the other. Adam never wanted the embrace to end; he wanted to feel Kat so warm and soft against him, and yet he knew the moment couldn't last. When both came up for air, they were trembling.

"A-Adam, when we were together earlier... while we were watching Tommy and Kim, did you want to do anything to me--like I did to you?" Kat queried breathlessly.

"Oh, yes," he sighed longingly, then blushed at his boldness.

"Would you still like to?"

Adam gave a start of surprise and pulled back to study Kat. She looked as nervous and scared as he felt but also determined. He felt a bubble of joy swell inside him. To touch her would be the most wonderful thing in the universe right now. However, he responded carefully, "Would you like me to?"

"More than anything," was her breathy response.

Excitement overcame nervousness as Adam stood and offered his hand to Kat. She accepted it, and he helped her to lay down on the cool grassy carpet. He lay down alongside her. Kat opened her arms to him, and he gratefully shared the hug. As he held her close, he let his hands slide down the smooth expanse of her back to the rounding of her bottom. The exquisite caress sent shudders racing through both their bodies. Kat lay back and with her smile invited him to explore further--an invitation Adam could not refuse.

For several moments, all he did was look at her, his expression full of wonder. He scarcely dared believe that he was with her like this; it had been his most private fantasy for so very long. Then, with quivering fingers, he brushed a lock of hair from her eyes, and those fingers trailed down her cheeks to her graceful neck. She urged him on with a smile. He tried to keep his hands steady as his exploration took him into forbidden territory. As his fingers brushed her breast, it felt as if a bolt of electricity shot through his body. Kat's full bodied moan sent shivers racing down his spine, and the way her body arced into his caress....

Adam licked his lips anxiously as his fingers danced around her rosy pink areola and nipples. They looked so tempting... and before Adam realized what he was doing, he bent his head over her chest and drew one of those tantalizing buds into his mouth.

"Oh!" Kat squeaked, her body arching off the ground.

Adam drew back quickly. "Are you okay? I--I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No. It just felt so good... would you do it again?" she asked, her voice trembling with temerity and need.

She had to ask? It was all he could do to hold back. Adam took another experimental lick; Kat's moans nearly overwhelmed him as he pleasured first one then the other of her exquisite mounds. He suckled like a hungry babe until he thought the fire surging within him would consume him. The only reason he could tear himself from her breast was because he knew there was so much more of her to explore.

Kat could not lay still; she writhed under Adam's questing touch. She had always wondered what a lover's touch would feel like, and it filled her with sensations she never dreamed possible. She wanted to sob with joy as Adam's mouth worked the yearning flesh of her breast. She fought the urge to press his head deeper into her bosom as the fires his tongue wrought burned higher and hotter, and now his hands were moving down her undulating body. Kat held her breath, her body motionless in anticipation, as Adam's index finger traced a line from her navel to the triangle of pale hair that curled at the apex of her thighs. As his fingertips lightly brushed the outer edge, Adam paused.

"Please, Adam?" she entreated, the words coming out in heavy, needy breaths.

"Are you sure?" She could hear his nervousness.

"Yes, oh yes!" As if to emphasize her desire, her hips snapped forward as if in search of his touch.

Slowly, oh-so-slowly, his hand wandered lower, and a sigh of perfect contentment exploded from her lips as he finally touched the need-swollen lips of her sex. His caress was maddening in its feathery lightness as he explored her folds slick with her juices, and then a questing digit found the core of her need.

"There, oh there!" Kat moaned as Adam concentrated his attention on the knot, sending wave after wave of fiery pleasure crashing through her body.

"Harder," she begged as her hips sought out deeper satisfaction. Adam obliged, increasing the pace and pressure. It was enough to send Kat careening into a climactic oblivion where there was only her and the voluptuousness of sensory overload. The experience left her breathless.

"Did I do all right?" Adam wondered.

"That was wonderful," she sighed in perfect contentment. She reached up to gently caress his cheek, and her stroke continued along his jaw line. Slowly, Adam fell back and she pressed forward so that she might return the favor.

Kat nipped hungrily at Adam's lips then slowly kissed her way down his neck.

I can't believe she's going to use her mouth!

Adam moaned softly as Kat's mouth brought the side of his throat to life. His head canted back as she swirled her tongue in the hollow of his throat; however, that was all she did as her hands came into play, sliding across the hardness of his flesh, gently tracing the contours of his chest. She seemed to delight in teasing his nipples into hardened buds, even as he had delighted in bringing her to hardness. Kat leaned forward, her wispy hair tickling his sweat-slick skin as she placed a tiny kiss in center of his chest and followed it with a series of light pecks down the length of his abdomen to his navel. As she flicked her tongue into its depth, Adam practically leaped off the ground.

"You're ticklish!" Kat declared with glee.

"Please...." He was begging her not to take advantage of his weakness while urging her to continue with her exploration. Hands came into play again, skimming down his hips, drifting close to but never quite venturing into his own dark nest of curls. Playfully her hands wandered around to give him a teasing pinch, causing him to arch up off the ground.

There was an absence of sensation, and Adam forced his pleasure-heavy eyelids to open; he saw Kat regarding him with a mixture of curiosity and desire.

"It's okay," he assured her this time, his voice raw with wanting her. Kat flashed him her own shy grin, and once again Adam knew the joy of her heavenly, whispery touch. His organ danced even as her fingers dance across his hard, hot flesh. He thought he was going to lose it when one hand reached down to test the heaviness of his sac while the other explored the velvet softness of his cap. His hips thrust forward of their own accord, seeking further delights at Kat's hands.

"What an anxious fellow," she teased as she wrapped her hand around his pulsating, twitching shaft and squeezed.

"Not so tight!" he winced.

"Sorry." Her grip eased.

" 'S okay."

The momentary flash of pain was gone as her hand slid up and down the length of him in a tentative stroke. Then another. Soon, Kat was pumping her hand in time with the snapping of his hips. His entire body quivered in anticipation of the joy that was to come.

"K-Kat... oh God, Kat...." he stammered. He felt the tensing, the seemingly eternal pause, then the ultimate bliss as his senses dissolved under the onslaught of the white hot fire raging through his veins and pouring forth, carrying his entire being with it.

"That one certainly seemed enjoyable," Kat murmured with amusement as she snuggled down next to him.

"It was fantastic." When Adam leaned over to kiss her, he noticed a cloud over her expression. "Is something wrong? You're not sorry we did this--are you?"

"No, of course not," she assured him. "It's just that it's all so new and intense and...."

"... kind of overwhelming," Adam agreed. The two lay in each other's arms, gazing up at the moons thoughtfully.

"We should probably get back to camp," Kat said at last. "It wouldn't do to fall asleep out here by ourselves."

"Okay," Adam sighed and reluctantly sat up. He studied her, searching her face to see what she was feeling. She seemed as uncertain as he felt. "Would you like to talk about what happened some more--get this all straight in our minds?"

"I don't think I can handle any more heaviness tonight."

"We can talk in the morning."

"Okay," Kat murmured, "and maybe, if we still think we're okay with this, we can do this again sometime."

~*~

Billy surveyed his somnambulant companions; all were sound asleep. Why not? For a day of rest and relaxation, it had been rather eventful--judging by his companions in their state of rest.

Upon being relieved of duty, Rocky had taken over Billy's place nestled between Tanya and Kat. Presently, Rocky's head was pillowed comfortably upon Tanya's bosom. Billy wondered how that state of affairs had arisen. He recalled Rocky's jaunty response to Tommy's query about how his talk with Tanya had gone: "we kissed and made up." Even more telling than that had been the look he shot Tanya immediately after the words had spilled out of his mouth--it had been as if he was trying see if she was angry with him.

Kat and Adam had evidently resolved their differences, if their proximity was any indication. Although they still appeared skittish upon their return to camp, the tension had not translated to their sleep. In fact, Kat had her leg thrown over Adam's, and his hands were quite full of Kat's person. Billy grinned, recalling the many conversations he and Adam had had regarding women. He hoped Adam was as happy as he appeared. Then there was Kim and Tommy... well, they were as they were meant to be, which left him as the odd man out.

Why couldn't Amadan have arranged things so that there would have been even couples?

Of course, his person of choice was presently in Geneva with no idea how he felt about her. Perhaps one of these days he would work up the courage to tell her. Billy sighed. That didn't help him at the moment as the last fragments of his dream slipped elusively from his grasp.

Contemplating his teammates' couplehood did nothing to ease the tightness in his groin. His eyes lingered on Kimberly, taking in her sweet curves and pert breasts. A sly grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. He wasn't as left out in the cold as it initially appeared. He had had his taste of the sweet fire of desire fulfilled. He closed his eyes as he recaptured the vision of Kim bent over him and called to mind the sensations of his penis ensconced in the depths of her mouth. The memory gave him pleasant chills, but memories would not satisfy him forever.

For now, though, it would have to be enough, so Billy closed his eyes and surrendered himself to the images of Kim fellating him as he sought to relieve the burn of his need.

Then, to his astonishment, he felt a feather-like touch on his lips. Billy's eyes snapped open, and he was amazed to see Kimberly smiling down at him dreamily. She put a finger to her own lips.

"Sh. Not a word," was her whispered command. With an impish grin curving her moist lips, she drew her finger down the length of his body.

Billy couldn't have uttered a word if he wanted to, so great was his surprise. Frantically, he cast a glance over to where Tommy lay; the Red Ranger appeared to be deeply asleep. Coherent thought fled as Kim's finger obtained its objective: his throbbing phallus. She lightly stroked his aching organ, her fingers sliding down the shaft and closing around the base. Then, in one swift motion, Kim took him deep in her mouth. Billy stifled his groan as best he could, but whimpers of pleasure sneaked out as Kim began to make love to his cock in earnest.

Her tongue danced over every inch of his manhood, bathing it in velvety softness, warm and wet. It swirled around the glans and down the shaft. She sucked one testicle and then the other into the delicious cavern of her mouth, and all the while her free hand moved about his body. All her movements were coordinated as if she was keeping time to a phantom tune, and Billy was helpless to do anything but surrender himself to her exquisite torture.

He felt the pressure building deep within him. He felt his muscles contracting as his climax drew nigh; he wanted to warn Kim of the imminent explosion, but he was too afraid to speak. He was blissfully lost in a sea of fiery sensations, and he had no desire to be found. Still, he managed a glance down to where Kim kneeled, her mouth drawing him inexorably closer to an eruption of which she seemed oblivious. Kim raised her eyes at that moment, and held him spellbound. Her expression--hungry, predatorial--sent shivers coursing through his body. Then, he felt the molten rush and the all-consuming tidal wave of ecstasy as his body spasmed, and his semen spewed forth. Kim, however, did not draw back. Her mouth and hand worked his member until Billy collapsed, completely spent. Billy weakly raised his head to look at her just as she smiled and swallowed what he had given her. He whimpered once again.

"Mm, not bad. A lot better than last time," Kim murmured. As she stood up, her hand slipped down her body. The signs of her own arousal--taut nipples, the scent of her excitement, the glisten of vaginal fluids upon her dark curls, and a deep-throated moan--were very obvious. Billy swallowed dryly as he watched her finger disappear between her legs. When she pulled her finger away, it was liberally coated with her own juices.

"Sweet dreams, Billy," she whispered as she traced the outline of his lips with her come-covered digit. Then, she lazily wandered back to Tommy's side and curled up next to him. She was out so quickly that it made Billy question whether it had really happened or if he had imagined the whole thing. He slowly licked his lips.

Chapter Eighteen: In the Shadow of the Temple

"Watch that first step!" Rocky whistled in amazement as the seven Rangers found themselves at the edge of a ravine. Peering into the abyss, the sheer rock wall seemed to go on forever.

"Judging from the heat, I would estimate that this chasm penetrates into the asthenosphere," Billy essayed.

"Any ideas on how to cross it?" Tommy queried. The temple loomed large just beyond the trees on the opposite side.

"Build a bridge," Adam ventured.

"With what?" Tanya wondered. The treeline was several hours' walk behind them; there was nothing but grass along the perimeter of the gorge.

"Let me try something," Kim offered. She pulled her ball of cocoon thread from the supply pouch and fastened it to the end of an arrow.

"You're going to shoot a line across?" Kat murmured wonderingly.

"I hate to break it to you, Kim, but that little line won't hold any of us," Rocky snorted.

"All I'm trying to do is see if I can make the shot and see how much line we'd need," Kim explained.

"Then we can backtrack to the trees and get enough vines to make a line for Kim to shoot over," Tanya realized.

Kim picked out a likely looking target and let her arrow fly. It never even made it halfway across.

"The air currents are too strong," Billy observed.

"I'll say," Adam noted as he watched the wind bat the arrow and thread about.

The seven sat down to consider their options.

"There has to be a way across," Tommy muttered. "We haven't come all this way just to be stopped by a giant pothole."

"A pothole that is approximately fifty feet across and stretches deep into the planet's mantle," Billy added.

"Like knowing that makes the situation any easier to deal with," Tanya sighed.

"Come on, guys; we have to keep our cool," Kat said evenly.

While the others batted ideas about, Rocky wandered over to the rim of the ravine. He studied the gouges in the cliff walls.

"Do you have an idea?" Kim wondered as she joined Rocky in crouching at the lip.

"Naw, nothing really," he demurred. "It's kind of stupid."

"It can't be any worse than my idea," she countered.

"It's... something I saw in a movie."

"The worst thing that can happen is that it wouldn't work," Adam interjected as he ambled over.

"He has a point," Kim agreed.

"Well...." Rocky murmured. "All right. Kim, stay put. I'll need you as a point of reference. Adam, come with me."

Rocky scurried about fifty yards north of where Kim stood, dropped to his belly, and leaned over the edge. Adam quickly grabbed his feet.

"What are you looking for?" Adam wondered.

"An optical illusion."

"Huh?"

"Remember Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?"

Adam strove to pick up on Rocky's train of thought. They had watched all three Spielberg films shortly before Kim's homecoming.

"The three challenges in the Temple of the Grail: the Breath of God, the Word of God, and the Path of God?"

"The last one--the path... 'Only in a leap from the lion's head will he prove his worth'-- the optical illusion!" Adam exclaimed, catching on. "The bridge was there, but Indy couldn't see it because it blended in with the surroundings."

"Yup."

"You think maybe...?"

"Something in my gut is telling me there's a bridge we can't see."

"So how are you going to find it?"

"I'm looking for the lion's head, and I think, maybe, I've just found it. Come on!" Rocky headed back the way the two had come and hurried past Kimberly. His antics finally drew the attention of the others.

"What's Rocky doing?" Tommy wondered.

"He said he had an idea... something from a movie," she explained with a shrug.

"Down there," Rocky directed. "Tell me what you see."

"Those rocks look like they've been carved or something," Adam agreed.

"Like a banister from a railing," Rocky crowed.

Adam stooped down, caught up a handful of dirt and flung it into the chasm.

"You paid more attention than I thought," Rocky teased him.

"You know I love those flicks, too."

The dirt not caught in the wind shears settled seemingly on empty air.

"Yes!" the two shouted and exchanged high fives.

"What is it?" Kim asked as the rest of the group hurried over.

"There is a bridge," Billy murmured, appropriately awed and impressed. "It is fashioned so that it blends in perfectly with the rest of the chasm, rendering it nigh invisible."

"Kim said you got the idea to look for this from a movie?" Kat gaped.

"I will never tease you about watching all those movies ever again," Tanya vowed.

"There's still a matter of getting across," Tommy reminded everyone. "With the wind down there, it won't be an easy crossing."

"I can do it," Kim said, eyeing the slab of rock visible where the dirt covered it. "It's plenty wide, and I have the best sense of balance out of any of us."

"I don't know, Kim," Tommy objected.

"I'm inclined to agree with Tommy," Billy seconded. "The velocity of the air currents is not to be taken lightly. You could be knocked off quite easily in spite of your skill."

"What if we use Tanya's idea from earlier?" Rocky suggested. "We make a vine rope, but instead of shooting it across, Kim takes it across."

"Rocky's right. We'll need some kind of security line, and you guys can anchor the rope here. If I get blown off, I'll be attached to the rope."

In the end, in spite of his reservations, Tommy had to agree that it was the most feasible plan, and the seven began the long journey to the treeline to gather the necessary vines.

"The wind has picked up," Tommy noted as he double checked the knots in the vine fastened about Kim's waist. "Are you sure about this?"

"I'll be all right," Kim assured him, tiptoeing to give him a kiss. "Trust me."

"You, I trust. It's Mother Nature that I don't."

Kim simply laughed. "Are you guys ready?" she asked of the others.

"When you reach the banisters, be sure to wrap the vine around one to insure proper tension," Billy instructed.

"Gotcha. Rocky, did you manage to get some more dirt onto the bridge?" Kim queried.

"As much as we could. It doesn't extend far, and the wind is sweeping it away pretty quickly," he reported.

"Then I'd better get busy. Lower me down."

Kim sat on the edge of the ravine and slowly inched her way over. Her teammates played out the line carefully as she repelled down the facing. The bridge was approximately twelve feet down. The wind was already wicked, buffeting her fiercely. She did her best to hold her course and soon touched down on the brief ledge.

"Give me some slack!" she called up to the others, brushing the flailing strands of hair from her face. For a moment, she thought they hadn't heard her above the mournful howl of the gusts, but then a cascade of knotted green snaked down to her. They sent nearly the entire length to her, and she coiled the vine about her arm like rolling a garden hose. Once she was set, she played a little of the rope out and loosely draped it about one of the posts. Then, she took her first step.

Her hair blinded her as she fought to hold her balance. She looked down and instantly regretted it as a wave of vertigo washed over her. But for the tiny granules of soil, she would not have been able to see the warm slab beneath her feet.

This is not good!

She quickly closed her eyes. She could walk a balance beam with her eyes shut, so why not this?

Because even though the balance beam is only 4 inches wide, it's only 4 feet off the ground!

Kim forced herself to take another step.

"I can't watch," Kat murmured, turning away from the scene below them. She and Tanya were the only two not on the rope; someone needed to stay near the edge of the gorge to monitor Kim's progress.

"What's happening? How's she doing?" Tommy asked tightly from his place in the anchor position.

"So far so good," Tanya reported. "How can she see with her hair flying in her face like that?"

"How much farther does she have to go?" Billy queried.

"My guess is she's about halfway... uh oh!"

"What!" Tommy yelped.

"It's okay; she just bobbled for a moment, but she's got her balance back."

"Take it easy, Tommy; she'll be just fine," Adam said reassuringly, then the rope gave a jarring lurch.

"KIM!"

It happened so quickly... no time for thought--merely instinct honed in countless hours of practice. A misstep too close to the unseen edge, a vicious blast of wind, and Kim found herself suddenly in free fall. A flip... a twist... and somehow Kim's fingers caught the edge of the stone. She had fallen over the north side of the bridge, causing the vine to drape across the slab; however, she didn't want to press her luck with the knots in the vines, and it would be murder climbing the rope while fighting the wind.

Fighting gravity and the relentless currents, Kim pulled herself up, every muscle in her arms straining. Until that moment, she hadn't really paid the heat much attention, but now her sweat slick fingers slid off the biting rock. Still, she fought to retain her purchase. As she dangled above the gaping chasm, she swung her legs, rocking back and forth as if she hung from the top of the uneven bars. When she felt she had sufficient momentum, she released the edge of the bridge on her backswing then threw herself into a somersault. The whole ordeal happened in the span of a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity before she landed on the precarious beam.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! she berated herself as she stretched out flat, catching her breath. You should have known better! You're not going for style points here; stay close to the bridge. Present the wind with less surface to beat against.

"KIM!"

Tommy's frantic cry reverberated through the canyon.

"I-I'm all right!" she called back, trying to ignore how much her hands were shaking. Although she still had the rope to fall back on, it had been too close a call!

Rocks bit into her flesh as Kim stayed on her hands and knees for the remainder of her trek across the chasm. Her caution seemed to fuel the winds' anger as they pounded at her with more vigor, forcing her to stop more than once until they subsided. Her whole body was shaking from exertion and fear by the time she reached the far wall. However, she knew her task wasn't complete, and she wound the vine around the post on her side, pulling it taut.

"It's secure! Send someone over!"

"She's made it!" Tanya announced, unable to hear Kim's words, but her actions made her intent plain.

"Okay, who's the first contestant on 'Cross that Bridge'?" Rocky quipped.

"Tommy," Billy volunteered their leader. It was obvious that Tommy wanted to go.

"I can't; I'm the anchor," Tommy demurred.

"We need an anchor on the other side," Adam spoke up.

"Kim may be strong, but she's not going to be able to hold that rope forever," Rocky added.

Their arguments were completely logical, and Tommy smiled as he was unable to refute them. "Thanks, guys."

"I'd recommend not looking down," Tanya advised as she assumed a place on the line.

Tommy nodded, and disappeared over the edge.

The descent to the ledge was accomplished swiftly in spite of the winds tearing at him; however, as he stood at the threshold of the bridge, he felt a blast of heat from the depths, and he wiped away the sweat that had already formed on his brow. Tommy glanced out across the chasm and felt his head swim. He had never had trouble with heights, but the fact that he couldn't see the walkway beneath his feet unnerved him.

"Close your eyes and hold on to the rope!" Kim called out to him.

Trusting Kim's advice, Tommy did as she directed. He made good progress, thinking of nothing but the fact that Kim was waiting for him on the far side, until he reached the middle of the span. He knew it was the halfway point; it was something in the openness around him, and here the winds were at their fiercest. A blast--almost like someone pushing him--knocked him off balance, and he toppled over, his feet sliding off the bridge as he caught the rope under his arms.

"Tommy!" Kim shrieked.

He felt the rope pull taut.

"I'm okay," he replied even as he scrambled to get his feet back under him. Through it all, he kept his eyes tightly shut. After a moment to catch his breath and let his heartbeat return to normal, he continued across. He hadn't realized how tense he had been until he felt the tremor race through his body as Kim flung her arms around him and kissed him.

"You gave me a scare there," she murmured as she broke off her kiss.

"How about the one you gave me? You can't believe the things that went through my mind when I felt that vine jerk." Tommy was reluctant to let her go.

"Come on; the others are waiting," Kim said gently. "Why don't you take the rest of the rope up to the plateau; there won't be room for all of us on this little ledge."

"What about you?"

"I'll stay here in case someone else needs a hand or something."

"Just be careful."

"I will."

She gave his hand a parting squeeze, and Tommy worked his way up the rock facing.

~*~

Kat and Tanya were the next to cross, followed by Adam. Each one experienced the same sensation of being pushed by the wind as they hit the halfway mark. Fortunately, the rope held; the question was for how long.

"Those knots are getting awful loose," Adam gasped as Kim helped him across the last few feet. "If Billy or Rocky puts his full weight on them, they may come undone."

On the western rim, Rocky and Billy watched as Kim waved with the ready signal.

"Which one of us is next?" Billy queried.

"That depends."

"On?"

"How are your rope climbing skills?"

"Why do you ask?"

"There's been a lot more play in the rope," Rocky pointed out. "Didn't you notice that Adam was trying to tighten a few of the knots while he was out there? The guide rope might last through one more person falling on it but not two."

"I have to confess that my climbing skills leave much to be desired," Billy admitted. "I barely passed that particular test in physical education."

"Then it looks like you're next," Rocky replied. With a silent nod, Billy repelled down to the ledge. Once he was set, Rocky dropped the trailing end of the vine to him and worked his way down the hard way. Billy waited until Rocky was set with the vine again before setting out.

After another near miss and a few hairy moments, Billy was safely across, and it was Rocky's turn.

Okay, Rocko, you can do this.

Rocky secured his end of the rope as best he could and kicked some more dust onto the bridge. He heard Kim's instructions to keep his eyes closed, but he couldn't. He had to watch the knots. Fixing his gaze on the green lifeline, he took his first step. Without the tension on both ends, the rope swayed unnervingly in the buffeting currents. Rocky took it slow; he knew the rope wouldn't hold if he fell on it. Sweat trickling down his brow stung his eyes, making it difficult to see, and he almost lost his footing.

"Go low!" Kim directed.

Rocky understood; crawling wasn't such a bad idea. However, as he tried to lower himself, he felt the same push from the gusting winds, and he lost his balance. As he fell against the rope, the knot gave way.

"ROCKY!"

He wasn't sure who screamed; all he cared about was grabbing onto the end of the rope his friends held. His second worry was making sure he didn't go splat against the side of the cliff. He sailed along, clutching the length of vine, keeping his feet in front of him.

Eat your heart out, Tarzan! Rocky mused, but he couldn't get his lungs to cooperate to do the yell. When he finally hit the wall, the impact jarred through his heels and up through his body until his teeth hurt. For several moments, he simply hung from the rope.

I'm alive? Thank you, God!

"Come on, guys; pull him up!"

Kim's directive cut through Rocky's thoughts of relief, and he began climbing up the wall as the others hauled the vine in. None too soon for him, he felt Kim's hands on his arms, pulling him over to the ledge and helping him up. He found himself wrapped in a joyful embrace.

"You scared the hell out of me," Kim murmured as she hugged him.

"Scared the hell out of me, too," Rocky admitted softly, his arms trembling as he returned the hug.

"Think you can make the climb up, or do you need a few more minutes?" Kim asked as she broke the embrace and got to her feet.

"The sooner I'm out of this ravine, the better," Rocky muttered as he accepted Kim's hand. In spite of himself, he took a look over the edge and whistled softly. Harrison Ford, eat your heart out! As he reached for the rope, he couldn't wipe the grin off his face.

"What?" Kim wondered, catching his expression.

"Oh, nothing. Just wondering what Indiana Jones has that I don't," he quipped.

"A really cool hat," Kim retorted, but her grin was soft.

"Yeah, I always wanted a fedora like that. Maybe when we get home...."

~*~

Dulcea sat back with a smile of triumph as she watched the Rangers make their way from the ravine to a clearing by an abandoned cave. They had made it across the gorge--the last of Xia's tests.

The Master Warrior of Phaedos had been watching the Rangers intently during the last leg of their journey. Fortunately, Amadan's presence was required on Kel-Theteme, else their journey would have been more perilous. They hadn't really required her assistance to find the temple; it had merely been a gentle reminder lest they become too involved in their other pursuits. To her own embarrassment, Dulcea had become a little too involved in observing those pursuits. She felt the heat in her cheeks--an unaccustomed sensation. It had been far too long since she had enjoyed another's touch; memories of sharing her bed with Amadan and Zordon in far more innocent days came back to her. Dulcea sighed; she envied Zordon's Rangers the discovery of the joys to be found in sharing one's body with another.

"No! It cannot be!"

Dulcea snapped out of her reverie at that enraged cry. She hadn't been aware that Amadan had emerged from his trance. Her initial reaction would normally have been to ask after the Rangers on Kel-Theteme; the summons had been urgent, but Amadan's tone concerned her too much to bother with pleasantries.

She ventured from the main audience chamber to Amadan's private suite. There she found the First of the Temple scowling into his own viewing globe.

"They shall make the temple by even' fall tomorrow," she remarked detachedly. "Zordon's Rangers have succeeded. They have proven their worthiness to be the Crystal's champion."

"No. They have not attained the temple yet," Amadan hissed, his words tinged with desperation. His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the site the Rangers had chosen for their camp, then they lit with delight. "Aphrosia! How convenient."

Dulcea observed the image and noticed the profusion of tiny pastel blossoms amid the greenery about the cave.

"The body cannot function without the heart, and all too often, the heart is swayed by the body's desires." He swept past Dulcea in a flurry of liquid silver cloth.

"What would you do?" she called, trailing after him, her anxiety mounting.

"Perhaps science and nature could not stop them, but magic will."

Science: the mechanism that brought the Rangers to Xia's refuge and stripped them of all but nature's gifts. Nature: the jungle itself. Magic....

"You would resort to enchantment?" Dulcea gasped. "I forbid it!"

"You forbid?" Amadan demanded as he turned to glare at her, his tone icy and dangerous.

"Yes. I should have done more to stop this madness long ago," the emerald clad warrior asserted. "Xia designed the jungle to test those who would claim access to the temple. She let the laws of nature--which you have severely infringed upon--determine who was and who was not worthy! The Rangers have passed Xia's tests. You have the arrogance to claim that these tests--which have been in place for millennia--are not enough? You, who have never championed the Crystal, set yourself in judgement over and above she who was the first and greatest of all champions? How dare you!"

Amadan, however, had ceased listening. He continued down the corridors, cutting through Xia's Rise, muttering to himself as he considered the spell he wished to cast.

Dulcea paused her pursuit momentarily at the base of the crystal's pedestal. "By all the gods! Why are you allowing this to continue? Can you do nothing to stop this madness?" she implored of the sentience within the crystal and the soul of its champion, which was believed to reside therein. She received no answer--not that she truly expected one. Then, she hastened after Amadan. What spell could he possibly have in mind that would require Aphrosia blossoms?

~*~

As Kim settled behind Tommy, she let her gaze roam over the campsite. The Rangers lazed about their fire, exhausted from the day's crossing and drowsy from a filling meal. The evening was surprisingly pleasant--almost cool. The sounds of the jungle seemed muted somehow, as if in reverence for the temple which cast its shadow over everything, and the air was filled with the heavy scent of flowers. Kim sighed contentedly. Tomorrow, they would reach the temple and their ordeal would be over. She would be glad to get home, and yet, a tiny part of her wished the adventure would never end. Going home meant not being a Ranger any longer. It meant going to Paris to see her mother which meant leaving Tommy again if only for a little while. They hadn't talked about what would happen between them once they got home, but Kim knew she never wanted to be parted from him again.

Kim ran her fingers through Tommy's hair as she looked to the others. Things would be quite different for all of them. To her right, Billy and Tanya were talking; Rocky dozed next to them. Something was up between Rocky and Tanya, but Kim couldn't quite put her finger on what it was. To her left reclined Adam and Kat. Adam had the comb and was working the snarls out of Kat's hair--to her apparent delight. Kim's gaze returned to Tommy. His head had fallen back, and his thick lashes dusted his cheeks as his eyes closed in contentment. A smile of satisfaction curved his full lips.?

As it always did, toying with Tommy's hair made Kim hot. She felt the fires of desire bubbling just beneath the surface, but she would do nothing--for the moment. Perhaps she and Tommy would find a chance to have some privacy after everyone else went to sleep. Still, it was difficult to keep her hands from wandering. Tommy was just so beautiful. She thought of all the times she had dreamed of running her hands all over his hard body, and she could scarcely believe that such a thing had finally come to pass. A shiver of delight shuddered through her as she thought about Tommy's mouth and hands on her body; God, but he could make her feel good! Kim finally leaned over and kissed Tommy on the cheek. He smiled up at her.

"Do you think maybe later...?" she queried hopefully.

"You read my mind," Tommy whispered back. He loved it when Kim played with his hair. It was both relaxing and arousing. And the way she lightly brushed her hands along his back... mm! Tommy's only problem was that he was having difficulty keeping his hard-on under control. In moments like these he wished they had opted for the clothes instead of the shelter way back when, but if they had, he wouldn't get to feast his eyes on Kim's sweet body. His mouth watered at the thought of her ripe breasts and the sweet taste of her juices. Tommy was almost tempted to slip away with Kim now; after all, the others had to have some suspicions about their activities. Considering how closely knit their group had become, it was almost impossible to keep things a secret.

Tommy's gaze swept over his friends. Must be quite a dream, he mused, noting the condition of Rocky's anatomy. Billy and Tanya looked rather chummy; seeing them together reminded him that he had meant to ask Kim about the second blow job she had given Billy. Recalling that evening sent a pleasant shudder down his spine. He had been dreaming.... Kim had been ridding Billy of the poison, only this time, she had asked him to stay. The images had been so powerful that he had woken himself up and found Kimberly on her feet and crossing over to where Billy was taking care of personal matters while on watch. There had been something in Kimberly's movements--a swagger of sorts. Then, to his complete astonishment and arousal, she went down on Billy. Tommy couldn't believe his eyes! It was better than he had imagined; the look on her face as her lips slid up and down on Billy's rod had practically made him come. When Billy finally lost it, he nearly had as well. Then, sweet as you please, Kim snuggled down next to him and went back to sleep. It was all Tommy could do to keep from taking her then and there. The following morning, Kim made no reference to her evening's activities (of course Billy wouldn't), so Tommy had wondered if she even knew what she had done.

The stirring in his blood snapped him out his reverie, returning his attention to the here and now. As he observed Billy and Tanya, Tommy noticed that Billy had rested his hand lightly on Tanya's thigh. Tommy found that surprisingly bold of Billy, but then, his estimation of Billy's ability to relate to women was colored by the fact that Billy never had a steady girlfriend. Even more surprising was the fact that Tanya reached out to touch Billy in return. He wasn't sure what was up between those two, but Tommy decided to offer them what privacy he could and turned his attention to Adam and Kat.

He was happy for the two; they seemed to be more comfortable with each other than he and Kat had ever been. At the moment, Adam was playing with Kat's hair much like Kim was playing with his own. Kat seemed to be really enjoying it, if the state of her taut nipples was any gauge. Tommy let his eyes rove over Kat's nude form. It was funny, but he had never fantasized about making love with Kat the way he had with Kimberly. Kat was longer of limb and more well-endowed than Kim, true, but her ass wasn't nearly as rounded, and her body just didn't have the curvaceous lines that Kim's did. Still, she was pretty, and apparently Adam had no complaints, judging from the state of his 'appreciation.'

Kim slid her hands from Tommy's hair to his shoulders. Like his, her eyes traveled about the circle of friends. Rocky was starting to wake up (which was a shame, because it appeared that if he had continued with his dream, he might have come in his sleep. That would have been interesting!). Billy and Tanya were becoming quite friendly as they were huddled together. Billy's hands were exploring her face, and Tanya's fingers were creeping ever closer to Billy's manhood. Kim couldn't blame her and smiled secretively to herself. Lastly, her eyes fell on Adam and Kat. She noticed the high color in Adam's cheeks; it reminded her of the way he looked the afternoon she had caught him masturbating. Kat leaned into him, and Adam wrapped his arms around her. Kat slid lower so that his hands rested lightly on her breasts. Kim thought she noticed a tiny movement of his fingers, and Kat shivered as his fingertips brushed her nipples. Kim's own nipples responded to the imagined caress, growing tauter and tingling with excitement. Her sex was already wet and aching for Tommy's touch; it was an effort to keep her fingers away from her throbbing clit. Kim settled for scooping up a handful of Tommy's hair and burying her face in it. When she inhaled, Tommy's tangy scent was mixed with that of the sweet flowers. It was a heady mixture. In spite of herself, a throaty purr escaped her lips. That seemed to draw all eyes towards her and Tommy.

Tommy's attention returned to Kim at the sound of her purr, a sound that gave him pleasant chills. Her hands drifted from his hair to his shoulders. When he looked back up at her, he noticed that her heavy-lidded eyes were bright with a lusty glow, and she favored him with a sexy, hungry smile. Tommy reached up and drew her close. He had only meant to give her an affectionate peck; however, the minute that his lips touched hers, he couldn't seem to get enough. Tommy pulled Kim fully into his arms and thrust his tongue deeper into her mouth. With hungry gasps, they devoured each other's lips.

Around them, the others were drawn to the lovers. They moved slowly, like sleepwalkers, coming closer and closer, pulled by curiosity and desire. Tommy and Kim were oblivious to their audience as Tommy began making love to Kimberly in earnest. His mouth trailed down her throat en route to her bosom. Kim's head fell back, and she gasped in delight. However, another mouth took Tommy's place on hers: Billy's. Then she felt Rocky's hands along her back, and Adam's hands on her legs. Tommy, too, felt other hands on his body. When he glanced up from feasting on Kim's body, Kat's mouth sought his out, and Tanya's hands were working their way up the insides of his thighs. The strange thing was, nobody seemed to mind. That they should come together like this was the most natural thing in the world.

Kim surrendered herself to her new lovers eagerly. Billy's lips found their way to her breasts, and Rocky's tongue replaced his on her mouth. Adam kissed his way up her thighs, coming closer to her hungry sex. Kim thrust her hips towards him in desperation. Billy suddenly wandered away from Kim, drawn to another body, but Rocky swiftly flowed around her and took Billy's place.

Tommy kissed his way down Kat's throat to her delightful handful of breasts. His tongue wrapped itself around one straining bud, and he sighed exquisitely as Tanya's fingers stroked his shaft. Her mouth nibbled around to his buttocks. Tommy freed a hand from Kat's body to reach out and caress Tanya. He was dimly aware of Billy moving into his sphere of activity. Billy rubbed his body all along Kat's back, slipping his organ against the valley between her cheeks, and his hands wandered around to her front. Billy's fingers moved in to tease Kat's breasts as Tommy pulled away to taste Tanya's lips. Even as he engaged Tanya, his hand reached out to stroke Kat's wet, dark blonde curls.

The sounds of the seven's lovemaking filled the night air. The cloying scent of the tiny flowers had been replaced by the smell of sex. Mouths and hands roamed freely over bodies. Voices cried out in pleasure. Adam and Rocky had Kim on the ground; each suckled at a breast and took turns stroking her hot, wet sex. Suddenly, Kim couldn't hold back any longer and she got to her knees. Her hands caressed both their throbbing shafts. Then, licking her lips hungrily, Kim took one, then the other into her mouth. Adam and Rocky were helpless to do anything else as she went down on them. Kat and Tanya had Tommy on the ground, taking turns kissing and stroking him. Billy was also positioned between the girls, his mouth and hands alternating between each sweet body. Finally, Kat opened wide and swallowed as much of Tommy as she could. Tommy's groan seemed to inspire their other partners. Even as Tanya went for Billy's manhood, Billy lowered himself to lap at Kat's mound. Not to be left out, Tommy reached for Tanya's hips.

Pulses pounded, and sweet fire raced through bodies. The moment of culmination was nigh, yet before their orgasms could overtake the lovers, a roar of thunder rumbled in the sky; a crash of lightning lit the night. The heavens opened up and released an angry deluge. For a moment, the seven were too stunned to move. Then, as one, they looked to the sky. The rain poured down on them with needle sharpness. Hail fell--fiery iceballs that burned on contact. They quickly regained their senses and their feet.

"The cave!" Tommy shouted. The wind howled so loudly that he didn't think any of the others heard him. That same wind battered them mercilessly. It was difficult to see. Tommy threw out an arm and grabbed the person nearest to him. That person reached out for the next and so on down the line until all seven were linked together. The storm blew in from the east--the direction of the cave. The Rangers fought their way through the gale until they reached the safety of their haven where they collapsed gratefully in the cool darkness.

~*~

"I warned you not to interfere!" Amadan seethed as he turned the full force of his thwarted anger on Dulcea. The spell was working perfectly! The aphrodisiacal effect of the scent of the flowers, augmented by a spell to lower the Rangers inhibitions and weaken their resistance, had the teens lost in a haze of uncontrollable sexual appetite. If not for the rain.... Even as his hand flew out in anger, Dulcea knocked it aside easily.

"I have done nothing," she hissed back with equal anger, both at Amadan for his machinations and herself for her inability to stop him. "You forget, I have no control over the elements, merely the animals."

"Then who...?" Amadan sputtered.

"Would that they could do more," Dulcea murmured under her breath.

Amadan turned his attention back to the viewing globe, observing the naked figures huddled in the darkness. "Perhaps, just perhaps, the spell's influence lasted sufficiently long to cripple their spirits and their team."

He stormed out, leaving Dulcea to anxiously watch the recovering Rangers.

~*~

No one moved. No one spoke. It was as if the enormity of what had nearly taken place hit them all at once. Bodies moved away from other bodies as each Ranger drew in on him or herself, cowering in the darkness, struggling with private thoughts and feelings, hiding from desires that still burned within as much as from each other. Suddenly, there was movement in the blackness.

"I don't know about anyone else, but I am not going to sit around in the dark freezing my ass off," Kim declared firmly, the echoes of her claustrophobia giving her tone an edge. She scrambled to her feet and tried to orient herself by the faint illumination from the lightning that flashed at the entrance of the cave. She stumbled about in search of their supply pack and swore vehemently when she stubbed her toe on a rock. She half expected to trip over one of the others. At last, she managed to locate the bag and found the flint. Then it was a matter of finding the ring of stones marking their indoor fire pit.

No one spoke. No one offered to help. Kim sighed. It was almost as if they had been taken back to that first day when they arrived in the cave. Everyone was too embarrassed to do anything. They had come too far and were too close to their goal to lose everything they had gained.

Kim struggled with the flint and only managed to produce a few sparks. "A little assistance here would be appreciated," she snapped. She heard someone else moving, and shortly she felt a hand on her arm. She recognized Tommy's touch. "Thanks, Tommy. Me and this flint just don't get along."

"Sure, Kim."

Kim felt like swearing. Even Tommy sounded as if he had crawled into a shell. He managed to coax a flame into being, and Kim fed tinder onto the pyre. Once the fire was burning, Tommy pulled back out of the light. As much as Kim wanted to do the same, she forced herself to remain. It wasn't all that difficult; it was simply a matter of choosing warmth over shame.

"Well, it looks like Amadan has done it to us again," she murmured, holding her hands out to the blaze. "We're all the way back to square one."

"What do you mean?" Tommy asked.

"Look at us. We're cowering in the darkness too embarrassed to face each other--just like when Amadan first brought us here." Her words were sharp; she had intended them to be.

"What makes you say Amadan is responsible?" Billy ventured.

"He has to be; how else do you explain what happened?" Kim asked, looking towards Billy. The light from the fire just barely touched him. "One minute we're all relaxing by the fire, and the next we're having an orgy." She saw Billy flinch at her pronouncement and imagined several of the others had, too. "We were going at each other almost as though someone had flipped a switch. Who knows what would have happened if the rain hadn't broken the spell."

"Do you really think it was a spell?" Kat asked hopefully.

"What were we doing before things got out of hand? Rocky was snoozing; Billy and Tanya were talking. Adam was combing your hair, and I was playing with Tommy's...."

"... and suddenly things seemed to be moving in slow motion," Billy added.

"I remember the flowers.... Their perfume was awful heavy and sweet for such tiny blossoms," Tanya remarked.

"Yeah, that smell... it made me feel really lightheaded, like I was drunk," Rocky admitted.

"It was as if I didn't have any inhibitions," Kat murmured.

"... no restraint...." Adam said.

"I didn't care what happened as long as it felt good," Tommy concluded.

"It would appear we all felt similarly," Billy surmised.

"All of us? All at once?" Kim queried. "We've been under the influence of spells before; we ought to recognize the effects of one by now."

"But enchantment must have something already present to work on," Billy pointed out.

"Then that's what we have to get out into the open, and if we're going to discuss this, we're not going to hide in the darkness. Come on over to the fire," Kim invited. She stood up, and with her hands on her hips, sternly gazed at her companions. Reluctantly, perhaps a little guiltily, they came forward. Kim was relieved; it was a small step but an important one. She favored them all with a smile. "Thanks." She found a spot next to Tommy and sat down again. ?There was a moment of silence; no one seemed to be able to look at each other, so Kim ventured on. "Way back at the beginning of this little co-ed naked adventure I said that we'd all be a little curious about each other, and I think all that curiosity finally came to a head--if you'll pardon the expression."

"You think that's all it was: sexual curiosity and not real desire?" Tanya queried.

"Yes, I do."

"Why?" Adam wondered, his voice cracking as he spoke.

"Look at the way we came together--me, Rocky and Adam; Tommy, Kat and Tanya, and Billy, Kat and Tanya. Not one of the couples paired up."

"You're right," Kat echoed.

"So, if it was curiosity, why wouldn't you have grabbed for Tommy?" Rocky blurted out.

"I'm willing to discuss this openly and honestly, but I'm not going to satisfy juvenile curiosity," Kim chided sharply.

"Knock it off, Rocky," Tanya scolded him, elbowing him.

"I didn't mean that the way it sounded," Rocky said defensively. "I just thought that the person you'd be most curious about would be your boyfriend or whatever."

"Well, the reason I didn't go after Tommy...." Kim began with a sheepish blush. She glanced over at Tommy for reassurance.

" ... is because Kim and I have already addressed our curiosity," Tommy finished for her, his words confirming what everyone already suspected.

"Does that mean that Adam and Kat have, too?" Rocky pursued. There was no trace of mischief in his question.

Kat and Adam exchanged nervous looks and hot blushes.

"We started... a little bit, but...." Kat said helplessly.

"That explains why you didn't pick your partners, but why'd you go after me and Adam?" Rocky asked Kim. "Next to Tommy, I'd have thought that you'd have gone after Billy--since you guys have been friends for so long."

"The reason Kim didn't seek me out was because she had already had a little experience with me," Billy admitted, to the astonishment of the others. All eyes went to Tommy, and their amazement grew when it became evident that Tommy knew about the incident.

"You and Kimberly...?" Tanya gasped. "From when you switched bodies?"

"No, it had to do with Billy's illness," Kim explained. "The reason he wasn't getting better was because there was a second wound, and the poison was concentrated in his groin. While you guys went hunting for dinner, I... took care of draining the wound."

"Oh, wow," Rocky murmured.

"But that was before you and Tommy...." Adam began hesitantly.

"Mm hm," Kim confirmed.

"Tommy, did you know...?" Kat asked delicately.

"Yes." That drew a few more astounded looks, and Tommy felt the need to elaborate. "I was with her when she discovered the other wound. We discussed it... it was the only way to help Billy."

"But still... whoa!" Tanya gulped.

"How did you find out about it?" Rocky asked Billy.

"I came to while Kim was administering to my wound," he answered, fidgeting slightly. It was more difficult to discuss the matter than he imagined. "To get back to your original question, since Kimberly already had some experience with Tommy and myself, that left you and Adam that she had no carnal knowledge of.

"I can understand why Tommy and Kat turned to each other, considering their past relationship," Billy continued, "and Tommy reaching out to Tanya also makes sense in that he had no experience with her. The same would apply to my reasoning for turning to those two."

"So why did you go after Tommy?" Rocky asked of Tanya.

"For one thing, I wasn't curious about you any longer," she replied, and Rocky fidgeted uncomfortably under the onslaught of raised eyebrows that comment engendered. "As for the other reason, do you really want me to answer?" She gave him a look that needed no interpretation.

"No," Rocky demurred, taking her meaning.

"So, why did you and Adam turn to Kim?" Tommy asked, continuing Billy's train of thought.

"I can make a good guess about Adam--it had to do with that afternoon in the glade, didn't it?" Kim interjected. Adam blushed and nodded. "But I can't wait to hear what you have to say for yourself, Rocky."

Rocky just shrugged. "What can I say? So I used to fantasize about what was under those pink tights of yours."

As the conversation began flowing more easily, talk turned to more personal issues and topics of general curiosity.

"Hm... the most embarrassing thing that's happened to me so far--excluding the orgy," Tanya mused. "Having everyone know I started my period."

"Since Tanya took my number one choice, my second would be stepping out in front of all of you that first time," Kat said.

"Mine would have to be losing all the hair on my backside after Kim smeared me with that burn cream," Rocky added with a rueful grimace.

"Discovering that Tommy was aware of Kimberly having performed fellatio on me--even if it was only for medicinal purposes," Billy admitted.

"I don't know; maybe getting an erection every time Kim plays with my hair," Tommy offered, unable to come up with anything else.

"I'd have thought it was learning that Kim had been changing your diapers when you were out of it," Rocky teased. Tommy made a face at him.

"Girl, you sure have a way of getting under the guys' skins," Tanya laughed. Kim grinned and shrugged helplessly.

"Go ahead, Adam; make if four for four," Kat urged.

"Well, there were two occasions; since I figure one has to be the same as Kim's.... I guess the most embarrassing for me was watching Tommy and Kim in the glade then losing it when Kat touched me."

"Oh man!" Rocky groaned in sympathy.

"You watched?" Tommy gulped, flushing red.

"I watched, too," Kat confessed.

"So that's what Kim meant by her comment about Adam's curiosity," Tanya realized.

"Okay, Kim, fess up," Rocky prodded.

"You ought to know since you set it up," Kim replied coolly.

"Huh? Me?"

"Do we finally get to find out why you slapped Rocky?" Tommy asked.

Kim looked to Adam as if to apologize in advance. "When Rocky sent me after Adam that afternoon we were building the raft, I found him...." Her face turned scarlet, and she was unable to continue.

"... masturbating," Adam finished for her.

"You poor thing!" Tanya gasped.

"I didn't mean to set anyone up.... I didn't know he was doing anything...." Rocky sputtered.

"So that's what Kim meant when she said that you guys were even," Kat murmured to Adam. "She caught you, and you caught her."

"I'd hardly call that even," Adam began. "I was just jerking off...."

"Actually," Kim whispered privately to Tommy, "that incident did have something of a positive ending." He raised an inquiring eyebrow. "Having caught Adam was how I knew what to do for you at the waterfall. Once I realized you were masturbating, I thought you might like a little something to look at to help you out--like with Adam watching Kat swim."

"So that explains the shower routine," Tommy concluded.

"I was so nervous when I did that; I still can't believe I actually went through with it," Kim confessed.

"I'm glad you did," and he gave her hand a squeeze.

"While we're on the subject of masturbation," Tanya addressed the gathering, "I've always wondered.... Do guys really take porn magazines into the bathroom in order to jerk off as much as people say?"

"I would venture to say that every adolescent male has done that at least once during puberty," Billy answered. "The frequency would depend upon opportunity, availability of materials...."

"Even you, Billy?" Kat murmured.

"Even me."

"So you were fibbing when you said your idea of a good time was sitting home and reading a science journal," Kim teased, recalling something he had once told Trini.

"Don't girls jerk off?" Rocky queried.

"Sure, but I think girls tend to fantasize while masturbating," Tanya answered.

"So, what's your preferred method: a hand, a vibrator, or a cucumber?"

"Come on, Rocky," Adam sighed, trying to reign in Rocky's less than serious impulses.

"It's a fair question," Rocky retorted.

"I wouldn't even know where to get a vibrator," Tanya said, somewhat taken aback.

"A friend of mine back home in Australia had one," Kat replied thoughtfully. "I was never brave enough to try it, but she swore by it. I wouldn't have the nerve to insert anything larger than a tampon in me."

"What about you, Kim?" Tommy wondered.

"I use my hand mostly," Kim answered. "I never masturbated much because I was afraid my mom would hear me since her room was right next to mine."

"How are you ever going to be able to have sex if you're scared of sticking anything up inside you?" Rocky asked of Kat, puzzled by her reaction.

"I'm a little bit nervous about having sex for the first time, too," Kim admitted.

"Why?" Tommy queried, clearly interested. Kim had never mentioned a specific reason for her hesitancy.

"A lot of reasons. I know there's going to be some pain the first time," Kim began.

"It hurts?" Adam reiterated.

"Of course it does; even I know that," Rocky snorted.

"Any time you tear tissue in the body, it is painful," Billy elaborated, using a little more tact than Rocky displayed for Adam's naivete. "Kim is referring to the breaking of the hymen."

"Popping her cherry," Rocky translated.

"I figured that out for myself," Adam retorted with a scowl.

" ... and then there's the old G.G.D. speech," Tanya interjected. "Did your mom lay that one on thick?"

"Definitely," Kim replied. "Oh, how she drummed that into my head. I can still hear her sometimes...."

" ... G.G.D. speech?" Rocky queried.

"Good Girls Don't... as in good girls don't let boys get into their pants before they're married...." Tanya translated.

"Don't guys get a similar lecture from their dads?" Kat wondered.

"Sadly, no, in most instances," Billy answered.

"The closest thing would be 'good boys don't get their girlfriends pregnant,'" Adam added.

"If you ask me, guys get off too easily with this whole sex business--no pun intended," Tanya snorted.

"How so? Billy asked.

"What do guys have to go through during puberty?"

To Tanya's question, the four young men had ready answers:

"Voice changing."

"Hair growing in places it never had before."

"Constant state of arousal."

"Having to change your sheets every morning because of wet dreams and having to figure out how to do the laundry on your own."

"Anything physically painful?" Tanya pursued.

"Not really," Billy said.

"Try being crabby and having cramps for a week."

"They're rather like the cramps you get when you have diarrhea--at least the really severe ones are, otherwise it's like having the stomach flu for a week," Kim interjected, giving them a frame of reference.

"Yuck," Rocky groaned.

"Not to mention messy," Kat added.

"... being scared because you know it's out there but you don't know when it's going to hit...."

" ... dreading it but wanting it just the same, because the longer it takes to get your first period, the more you wonder what's wrong with you."

"Try waking up in the middle of the night and finding your pajamas soaked in blood," Kim remarked with a shudder. "I was absolutely terrified until I realized what had happened."

"At least you started at home; I was in school," Kat said.

"It's pretty awful when you're a late bloomer," Tanya commented.

"Yeah," Kim agreed, "All the other girls have started wearing bras and you haven't, and everybody knows--especially the guys."

"I never thought of it like that," Adam murmured.

"And when you finally start to develop and you don't get much...." Kim sighed.

"I have no complaints," Tommy remarked, grinning.

Kim shot him a sour look. "That isn't much help at 13 when all you hear is that guys like 'em big."

"There's something that both males and females have in common: the issue of size," Billy observed.

"It's just so stupid. It makes a situation that's already difficult even more so," Kim harumphed.

"All right, Tanya; I'll grant you puberty, but why do you think guys have it easy when it comes to sex?" Rocky challenged.

"Guys don't have the pain of losing one's virginity. Guys don't have to worry about getting pregnant...." Tanya enumerated.

"At least girls can have lots of orgasms," Rocky countered. "Two or three times and that's it for most guys."

"What's the sense in being able to have all those orgasms when the guy's too wasted to fully satisfy you? You just get up to steam, and he's done. That'd be more frustrating than anything else," Kim pointed out.

"Ouch," Tommy grimaced good-naturedly.

"What I want to know is why men hit their sexual peak at 18, and women don't reach theirs until their thirties," Kat put forth.

"Good question," Adam agreed.

"Man, if you don't hit your peak until you're thirty, I'm going to be in serious trouble," Tommy teased Kim. "You're so wild now that I can hardly keep up with you."

"Tommy!" Kim yelped, her face burning with a fierce blush and her eyes stinging with hot tears.

It took Tommy a moment to realize what he had done. They had never come right out and said precisely what they had been doing on their private time--everyone probably had their own ideas about the exact nature of their activities. While they had been open and honest, there were some lines that hadn't been crossed--private details that hadn't been discussed--and Tommy had just crossed into that territory.

"Kim, I'm sorry," Tommy murmured. She had pulled away from him and looked to be on the point of running away. Around them, the others had fallen into an uncomfortable silence.

Kim looked around at the faces of her friends and saw their anxious expressions. She took a deep breath. She could almost sense what they were thinking. She had been the one who insisted on starting this conversation; she had helped everyone else open up. If she ran away now, it would be like admitting that she couldn't be open and honest with her friends.

"It's okay," she said at last, settling back against Tommy. "It's just that it still kind of scares me how intense I get. I don't care at the time, but when I come down off that high and I realize what I've done...."

"It's all right, Kim," Kat said reassuringly. "I'd almost rather be like that than be so inhibited that I couldn't do anything at all."

"It takes time to adjust to your sexuality," Tanya added

"And these circumstances have given us precious little of that," Billy interjected.

"I don't mind that you get so into it," Tommy said. "Actually, I really like watching you when you get revved up. Man, it's something else."

"Really?" Kim asked nervously.

"When Adam and I were watching you, all I could think of was how much I wanted to be doing what you were doing, feeling what you were feeling," Kat confessed.

"It was really powerful," Adam added.

"Who'd have figured you for a voyeur," Rocky wisecracked, ribbing Adam.

"Rocky, please," Billy admonished. Kim was needing reassurance that there was nothing wrong with her sexual responses, not Rocky's juvenile banter.

"Actually, I'm glad Rocky brought up the topic of voyeurism," Tanya said.

"You are?" Rocky gulped.

"Yes. Maybe you can shed some light on something I've never quite understood. Why do men enjoy watching two women making love to each other? American society is one of the most homophobic, and yet a lot of men are really turned on by watching two women getting it on. Why?" Tanya looked to Kim and Kat, then the three of them looked to the guys. None of them seemed put off by the idea; in fact, judging by their physical reactions, they appeared rather intrigued.

"I'd never given it much thought before," Tommy murmured.

"None of you seem to be repulsed by the idea, so why does it appeal to you?"

"I don't know," Rocky ventured with a helpless shrug. "I'm not sure what it is, but there is something exciting about seeing two women together."

"Maybe it has to do with it being something that's sort of taboo," Adam mused. "Lots of things are more exciting when they're forbidden."

"Perhaps it has something to with the fact there is nothing to unsettle a man's sense of masculinity," Billy offered.

"I don't follow you," Kat said.

"When you watch a couple getting it on," Rocky interjected, "you gotta watch the guy as well as the girl. Sure, you might say to yourself, 'man, I wish I could trade places with him,' but you really don't want to be watching him. You want to watch her. I guess what I'm getting at is that it's safer somehow to watch two women together; you can watch without guilt."

"But why is it more acceptable for two women to be together?" Kat queried.

"Women are always touching, sharing hugs and that sort of thing...." Rocky offered then shrugged.

"Then what about guys who like watching their wives or girlfriends do it with other men?" Kim asked, thinking of Tommy and how he didn't seem to mind the fact that she had given Billy a blowjob.

"I would think a guy would feel threatened to see someone else with 'his' woman," Tanya remarked.

"Maybe he just gets off on watching other people do it," Rocky replied. "That's why they make dirty movies in the first place: people like to watch."

"Or maybe it's not so much watching people in general, but one person in particular. Perhaps watching his wife or girlfriend enjoy herself brings him as much pleasure as doing her himself," Tommy added quietly. It was difficult to offer up that opinion, considering it hit so close to home. It felt a little like baring his soul. Kim seemed to sense this, for she rested a reassuring hand on his thigh.

"Of course with something like that, the relationship has to be very sound," Adam remarked.

"And both partners would have to be willing to share themselves with another," Kat pointed out.

"All right, Tanya, how do you view the reciprocal of your question? How do women view the subject of two men making love together?" Billy queried.

"Billy! I can't believe you, man!" Rocky gasped.

"As you said, it's a fair question. If men can be interested in observing two females engaged in sex, why can't the reverse hold true?"

"I think you'd have one of three responses: strongly against, turned on by it, and it- depends-on-the-situation," Tanya said.

"What would your response be?" Billy prompted.

"I'm not sure. I'm trying to picture what would have gone on if it had only been the four of you out there when Amadan's spell took a hold--the four of you caressing and kissing each other, on the verge of physical consummation then being interrupted...."

"Don't be gross," Rocky muttered.

"Even if they had been forced, the spell would have had to work on something," Kat reminded Tanya as she, too, tried to imagine the scene and found it strangely appealing.

"So then the four of them would be sitting around here trying to figure out why they wanted to fuck whom," Tanya said baldly, trying to repress a smile.

"Tanya!" Kat gasped at her choice of words.

"I hadn't considered it in that light," Billy murmured.

~*~

"So, what's your take on this one?" Tommy asked Kim privately.

"I'd probably fall in the it-depends category," she answered, yawning.

"Oh?"

"The thought of two guys doing it doesn't do much for me personally, but if it turned you on to do it with Adam or someone, I suppose I wouldn't have a problem with that."

"Any particular reason why you picked Adam?" Tommy wondered.

"I don't know. I guess 'cause he's kind of cute--I like his hair."

"How about it, Rocky; who would you most like to fuck: Adam, Billy, or Tommy?" Tanya pursued.

"I'd rather go find a sheep or something," Rocky snorted.

"That's not an option."

"Well, if you, Kat and Kim were in the same boat, who'd you like to do?"

"Guys, why don't we call it a night," Tommy interjected as the conversation was rapidly getting out of hand. He found the fact that he was rather curious to know who would chose whom more than a little unsettling.

"Yeah," Kim agreed. "We've had a full day, and we're heading on to the temple tomorrow.

Let's get some rest while we can."

The group split up into three subsets. Adam and Kat pulled off to one side, discussing things between themselves before drifting off to sleep. Rocky and Tanya were still going at it over the topic of who would screw which member of the same sex, and Tommy, Billy and Kimberly made up the last clique. Kim had settled down, resting her head on Tommy's leg, and soon drifted off to sleep. Tommy absently stroked her body as he sat with Billy by the fireside.

"She pulled us through again," Billy murmured, favoring Kim with a warm look.

"She sure did," Tommy agreed, smiling down at her as he stroked her hair. "This was a pretty tough one, too."

"I'll say. It was difficult discussing some of the things that came up, but I felt that if Kimberly was brave enough to be honest about her sexuality then I could, too. Although, you nearly blew it with your comment regarding her enthusiasm. I think if Kimberly had backed down from that, we would have lost everything we worked so hard to achieve."

"I didn't mean to embarrass her so much. It's just that when we're fooling around, she's so uninhibited. I knew she was kind of self-conscious about it but not to that extent." A pensive silence followed, and the two noticed that Tanya and Rocky had finally given up their debate and gone to sleep.

"Now that Rocky is comatose, I'm curious to find out what your perspective on same sex coupling is," Billy inquired. "You didn't say much during the conversation."

"I was afraid Tanya would lay into me the way she did Rocky," Tommy laughed.

"By protesting so vociferously, all Rocky managed to do was pique Tanya's curiosity. I believe she may have interpreted his defense mechanism as either homophobia or interest disguised as disinterest."

"I've never noticed that Rocky was particularly intolerant about that sort of thing. A little childish at times but never hateful or anything like that."

"I would like to know if Tanya managed to weasel an answer out of him," Billy said with amusement.

"How would you have answered Tanya?" Tommy wondered.

"I would have approached the subject in terms of physics rather than personal preference."

"Physics?"

"Size. If I'm going to be sodomized, I would prefer the organ to fit my aperture. From what I can ascertain, both Adam and Rocky are more compatible with my physiology; however, Adam seems to be the more mature of the pair--ergo, I would have selected him."

Billy was perfectly composed as he delivered his answer, and Tommy was simply astounded. "How do you do that?" he gasped.

"Do what?"

"Discuss really embarrassing stuff like this as if it was no big deal. Don't you feel at all uncomfortable?"

"Sure I do. I hide my discomfort by taking refuge in my expanded vocabulary. Kim called it 'going thesaurus.'"

"So the longer the sentences and the bigger the words the more uncomfortable you feel?"

"Something like that," Billy admitted sheepishly. Tommy smiled and chuckled slightly. "So, who would you have selected?"

Tommy endeavored to follow Billy's example of composure as he answered. "I probably would have said you simply because we've known each other the longest. I think that the two of us could've dealt with it more easily than either Adam or Rocky."

"Also a valid way of viewing the situation," Billy agreed.

"And you never really answered my question. You said you'd prefer to be done by Adam, but you never said who you'd prefer to do."

"Same answer for the same reasoning as you. Adam and I have a lot in common; I think he and I would have been able to deal with the consequences of our actions had such a event come to pass."

"You know, it's funny, but Kim said she'd pair me and Adam up," Tommy confessed.

"I could see that--from her perspective. That arrangement fits her sense of aesthetics. She does seem rather fond of long hair--at least from what I observe of her behavior with you."

"You can say that again. Man, she really gets into playing with my hair."

"And I infer from your statement earlier that you find it equally stimulating."

"Uh huh."

"I was wondering about something; your comment on voyeurism... do you consider yourself one, and if so, was that the impetus behind your suggestion that Kimberly fellate me to remove the poison from my system?"

"At the time, there wasn't anything behind the suggestion, but now... I'm not so sure."

"Oh?"

"I can't believe I'm going to admit this, but I really wish I could have been there when she did it."

"How did you come to realize that you derived so much pleasure by merely observing Kimberly?"

"I sort of discovered it that first afternoon she and I started fooling around. She had been standing under the waterfall, acting like she was taking shower and playing with herself. Oh, man, Billy; that was too awesome. When Kim's aroused, she gets this look on her face--a sort of glow... I can't describe it, but wow! It's the look she gets whenever she's going down on me--like she's really into what she's doing. It's a look that turns my knees to jelly. You should know what I'm talking about; she had that look when she did you...."

"Do I ever," Billy sighed, then he paused. "Wait a minute; you just said that you hadn't watched Kimberly do me." Tommy suddenly looked uncomfortable as the truth dawned on Billy. "Unless... not the first time but the second! You saw Kim the night she gave me the second blowjob; you were only pretending to be asleep."

"Don't tell Kimberly I know, okay?" Tommy requested. "I really didn't mean to, but I sort of woke up when she got up to go to you, and once I saw what she was doing, I couldn't help myself. Damn, but that was incredible! You have no idea how hard it was for me to just lay there and pretend to be asleep! Did Kim say anything to you about why she did it?"

"No, I was hoping you might be able to tell me."

"You have me there." Tommy favored Kim with a soft smile as he brushed the hair out of her face. "So, what did you think of the second blowjob--since you were in your right mind that time, if you don't mind me asking."

"It was awesome, better than I had ever imagined it would be," Billy sighed wistfully. Then, he caught a glance at Tommy's astounded expression, and even the thesaurus failed him.

"I take it that you've imagined Kim doing something like that to you before?" Tommy asked, amused by Billy's discomfiture.

"Yes," Billy admitted after a considerable pause. It seemed to be the night for confessions of all sorts. "At one point, I was very strongly attracted to Kimberly. I used to fantasize about bringing her into my lab and laying her out on the counter and...." Blushing furiously at his boldness, he took a deep breath before continuing. "However, she never showed that sort of interest in me, and to be honest, I was more comfortable with our platonic relationship than I think I would have been otherwise."

"But sometimes you still think about the counter, huh?" Tommy concluded. Billy shrugged sheepishly, and Tommy's grin broadened. "Well, the next time you imagine Kim's in your lab, you'll have a whole new dimension to add to that fantasy."

"Will I ever!" Billy shivered at the memory of her mouth wrapped around his throbbing phallus. Then, he recovered himself. "You... don't mind, do you?"

"That you fantasize about Kim? No. If I was bothered by it, I'd probably be mad at half the male population of Angel Grove High."

"What about the fact that she did me a second time?"

"It's weird, but that doesn't bother me either. I'm more curious as to why than anything else. I keep meaning to ask her, but I'm not even sure she really knows what she did. She looked an awful lot like she was sleepwalking."

"That's quite a thing to do while sleepwalking," Billy murmured, and both men sighed deeply at the memory. When the silence had become too heavy, Billy drew the conversation back to the topics discussed earlier. "So, what's your take on the girl/girl question? Would you like to see Kim with another woman?"

"Sure," Tommy agreed. "Although, I'm not sure which appeals to me more: Kim pleasuring another woman--she looked so into it when she was doing you that second time--or Kim being on the receiving end. Sometimes I get so caught up in watching her reactions to what I'm doing to her that I forget to keep it up." Billy chuckled at him, and Tommy simply shrugged. "What can I say? I really get off on watching her enjoy herself."

"Do you think Kim would ever do something like that?"

"I don't know--not that I'd ever ask her to. Something like that's completely different than wanting to see her with another guy; she'd have to want to do it for herself. I kind of doubt she would, though. She gets really wild when she's horny, but doing another woman is probably too kinky even for her."

"Is she really all that uninhibited when fully aroused?" Billy wondered. "It's hard to picture her like that. She's so... cute."

"Trust me, she is absolutely amazing. There was this one time, when you all were asleep and she and I were on watch together...."

If the two young men had not been so engrossed in their conversation, they would have wondered about the grin that slowly spread over Kimberly's face.