Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 08:33:53 -0600 From: marik_jol@hotmail.com Subject: "In Practice Part 1" ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "In Practice" is a follow-up to the previous story "Trust". Same characters, just expands on the budding relationship between Carlos, Zane and Andros. There is four parts to this installment. Power Rangers, Power Rangers in Space, Power Rangers Turbo, AlienRangers, and all characters from the series are trademarks of and copyright by Saban Entertainment. I welcome comments and suggestions. Send to marik_jol@hotmail.com. Thanks Jolan Tru ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "In Practice" Part 1 of 4 Zane and I followed Andros through the halls of the ship. We had just returned from the past, Tommy had learned the first lesson. Now the rest is up to him. I had learned something to. Love is not limited to gender. Before Zane and Andros approached me, I would have never considered it. Shortly after the earth rangers teamed up with Andros, I knew that he had lost something, something valuable and he was different. A familiar difference. I had gay friends in Angel Grove, but who would guess that with a little soul searching and a bit of persuasion. With that thought I looked over at Andros' profile, he seemed worried. Zane had that childish grin plastered on his face as always. I still feel a little uneasy about it. We walked a little further, and Zane grabbed Andros' shoulder right before headed straight into a bulkhead. "Andros, watch out. You're running head first into the bulkhead. That is not a door." He said as Andros shook his head. "Thanks....", Andros mumbled. Zane turned to Andros and cocked his head. He reached out gently, grabbed his chin and turn Andros' head so he faced him. And with his purple eyes stared straight into Andros' ice-blue eyes. They stood not moving and barely breathing locked like that. "Are you ok, Andros?" I got no answer. I shook Zane's elbow. "Zane what's happening?" There was still nothing. When they do that, I feel completely left out. How could our relationship work if I am left out? Not intentionally but due to them being aliens. I waited a few...but they were still locked like that. I decided to head on without them. I had just turned around, my back to them, when I felt a hand on both my shoulders. "Where are you going?" Andros said trying to ease the distraction that toiled in his mind. "Gonna sneak off without us." Zane lilted. I turned. " I figured y'all need to be alone. I felt like a fifth wheel." Andros moved toward me. Ran a hand along the base of my jaw. "You shouldn't feel that way. Zane and I were.... having a discussion." "Andros, Zane," I said. "Don't get me wrong, I care for you both. But when you two do that. I uh...makes me..." I tried to explain. Zane grabbed my hand and laced my fingers and his. "We were not leaving you out. Andros is a little distracted." He said turning his head to Andros. "I'm sorry if we made you uncomfortable. But don't worry I am fine now. When Zane and I.... focus we are able to handle anything. And there is some lingering effects of the last two days." "Ok, but I realize that I will never be able to do that. Never be as close to each of you as Zane is to you and you to Zane. Be with you on such an intimate of a level. I guess this is what it feels like being mute in a way." I explained feeling even worse. "Zane it is time to tell him the rest of what is involved in taking our offer of t'hyla. We are only able to because we are t'hyla bond-mates. But we are also fortunate to be blood to." Andros explained. "You mean if I accept your invitation, t'hy...t'yr..." I started. "I'll be able to be a part of that." "T'hyla," Zane finished with a grin. "Yes, or at least we hope that will happen. None of my people have ever taken a bond-mate that wasn't one of us. This bond allows us to be open, know where each other is at all times, and other things you will learn in time. I turned away from them to keep them from seeing the war going on inside me. I knew then what I need to do. I felt something, I felt something warm in my, and my mind was fuzzy. I pivoted around to look at my two lovers. Something must have surprised them for they straightened. In unison, "His eyes..." "My what?" They both broke into the biggest grins. I was completely dumbfounded. "What!?" I implored them. Andros punched a code into the keypad next to his door. The door slid open. They each grabbed an arm dragged me into the room. "Lights!" Zane called out. Andros pulled a mirror out and handed it to me. "What do you want me to do with this? You two are acting real strange." I said worried that the time travel scrambled something or another. "Look!" Zane said as he held the mirror eye level. I looked at my reflection everything was fine till I noticed my eyes. They were glowing, dark amber. "What, what's wrong with my eyes. My eyes.... Andros yours and Zane's." I stuttered and put the mirror down turning my attention to my friends. Zane's eyes were glowing violet and Andros' an ice blue-gray. "Well that's a good sign. A real good sign. You have started the "rivon", Carlos." Andros said beaming. Zane just winked at me. Andros walked behind Zane and wrapped an arm around his waist. Laid his chin on his shoulder. Took a deep breathe and closed his eyes. In my mind's eye, I was in some sort of netherworld. No body, just a presence. Even though I did not see them, I felt Andros and Zane there with me. Andros, his presence was strong. Zane was a little farther off. A "ghost" of a presence. Suddenly the netherworld faded out. All of a sudden I felt dizzy, I closed my eyes. I felt as if I was falling. Things evened out and I opened my eyes and to my shock I saw...myself. I turned to the left and was cheek to cheek with Zane. I was looking through Andros' eyes. The dizziness was back. When I opened my eyes now, all I could see is the ceiling. I was on my back. I took a deep breath and tried to sit up. There was a pressure on my chest. It was Zane pushing me back down. "I was...uh...looking through Andros' eyes. I saw you and me.....Andros!" Something in the back of my mind burned yet seemed near and far away." Before he could push me back, I sat up, "Andros!" I exclaimed. I swiveled my head. There he was beside me curled up. "Is he ok? What happened?" "Sh...rest.....you need to rest. The reaching was a little tough on him. Andros is ok there was a little feedback on the link he formed with you. You need not worry about being left out. When your eyes started to glow we knew then you would make a full joining. Andros' tried a little prematurely to initiate a link. It worked. I noticed that you had a stronger and will than anybody from KO-35 or human we have met. After he made the link you both stiffened and stood for a second. I could feel and see what was going on only I backed out in time to catch you both. As y'all went limp." Andros took that moment to sit straight up in the bed. Hair trailing behind him, whipping back and forth. His chest heaving and eyes were no longer glowing. "Carlos...!" "Here...I am here." I said. Turning over and moving up next to him. He looked at me and the small flame that I felt in the back of my mind burned hot now. I kissed him fully on the mouth and the fire swelled in me. Zane called us back from our impasse. "You two that's enough for now. Andros," he said, "Andros." Giving the red ranger a little shake. "It worked. He has started rivon." Andros took hold of himself. He looked at me then at Zane. "Obviously." He said pointing to his lap where he had popped a little tent in his uniform. We giggled. "Carlos, what do you feel? How do you feel?" Andros asked. "Fine I think. A little tired. And I do notice one thing different. In the back of my mind there is a flame burning, not hot by any means." I paused. "Somehow when I concentrate on the flame," I closed my eyes and concentrated on the flame. " I feel its you Andros. Somehow that fire is you." I felt a warm cuddly feeling coming from the flame. And a memory of Andros appeared. Told me he loved me. What he said shocked as much as the way he said it. I popped my head up suddenly and looked at him. "Yes, now you and I are t'hyla." He paused to look at Zane. That look again. I nearly felt lost but only for a sec. I could feel Andros, hear Andros. A new flame, a calm one appeared in my mind. When they broke contact, the new flame disappeared from my mind. It was there only a second, but losing it felt like I was losing an arm or leg. "Zane I felt you for a second but it was gone. Why? I thought we, all three of us will be bonded. When that flame left, it hurt." I said looking backward into my mind. "We will be, just be patient". Zane said caressing my cheek "I need to be getting to the bridge. Zane you and Carlos get some rest." Andros said as he left the room. Zane turned to me and ran the back of his hand down my chest and then my stomach. I grinned. "Didn't Andros say to get some rest...." "Andros is a sly devil. I just love him. He is giving us our chance to bond." He said massaging my ever-building tent. "Why doesn't he join us? It doesn't feel right without him here." Zane laid a finger on my lips, "There is a saying on our world, 'We build our bonds one on one, then weave them together as one'. You and I will make a bond, you and Andros already has. Remember the way each bond happens is different from person to person. You and Andros were not touching or even intending on bonding. It was spontaneous. This first step. You understand...trust me.... you do trust us. I know of your difficulties." I turned around. I have never been able to establish a relationship with anyone. I always feel that I can't trust anybody. I have never felt good about myself. And then there was the locker room....I shook my head to throw the thought out. "That's in the past. Its time for me to move on. I trust you and Andros. That does not stop me from being scared." I said. I looked at Zane and it was my turn to caress his cheek. I moved my hand down and laid it in the center of his chest feeling his heart beat. I closed my eyes, removed my hand from his chest. When I opened them I had moved my hands, like a flash of lightening to both sides of his face. And pulled him into the roughest kiss I have ever done. I could feel his shock and he squirmed at first but that subsided and his arms went around me. I came up for air. He had the beginnings of the biggest smile and a slight red blush starting in his cheeks. "Zane you're blushing." I said. Zane never blushes. Thinking about it the only time Andros ever blushed was when we.... he never blushes. He blushed deeper then. He ran his hand behind me and rested it on my hip. "Carlos, do you realize how long I have wanted to be with you. Ever since I came out of my hyperlock chamber. You bewitched me." I interjected feeling a little guilty, "What about Andros?" I put a little space between him and I so I could look him in the eye. "He knows. Andros knew. Shortly after I awoke, we returned to his quarters. Suffice it to say. We made up for lost time." He blushed again. Twice in a row. I giggled lightly. And kissed him lightly. He continued. "I like to hear you happy. I have no worry you will be happy. Well with a t'hyla bonding, your thoughts, feelings, and wants are apparent to the us. In my mind he saw my reaction to you and laughed. He told me he was going to ask you to join him before I regained consciousness. He knew I wouldn't mind. And he's right. I have not seen him so excited. And he was twice as pleased with my reaction to you. And then I regained consciousness and you know the rest." "I see." I said resting my head on his shoulder. We moved to the bed. He undressed me slowly. He was gentle, ever so gentle. I closed my eyes to savor the whole experience. When I closed my eyes I could see and feel Andros. My eyes flew open he wasn't here. That bond is there, is in the form of a little flame. I was fully naked stretched on the bed and Zane was kissing my neck, my nipples, my shoulders...everywhere. His hands roamed, so did mine. His uniform was tight, he was hard and you could see the outline of his dick. No underwear!! I could see the ridges. I remembered what happened the last time I rubbed one of the knobs, right now it is still covered with foreskin. I ram my fingers over the ridges and kneaded with the tip of my finger. His head jerked to me, his eyes glowing. "Oh, Carlos. You learn fast. Those are very sensitive areas. When you do that it fires me up." He continued his attention to my body. But now a bit more aggressively. His attention was returning to my neck. He was licking around my throat. Sucking on my Adam's apple. I had finally separated him from his pants and shirt. His smooth body next to mine. I really wanted this. I did not realize how handsome and sexual Zane was. He was finally laying on me. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. His arms went around me, his hands playing in my hair. Then all of a sudden he latched on to my hair with both hands, snapping my neck back. And viciously bit me on the neck. As he latched on, fire raced through me. The little fire in my mind left by Andros burned white hot. I bucked into him. My nails dug into his back. His lips moved to my chest and he bit here and there. With each bite I bucked and my hold on him constricted more. We were breathing harder and harder. Raging erections cramped between us. He had been straddling me. I could feel his leg move between mine separating them. Now I was straddling him. Oh my I knew what he was going to do. His arms grabbed my wrists and placed them above my head. I felt a pressure at the entrance to my butt. Slowly, slowly...then all at once he rammed inside me. The pain the fire was burning brighter. It hurt but I didn't notice. There was nothing but him and me. He was pounding me. In and out, in and out. He would roll his hips and emit a moan. His hold loosened on my hands. I placed them around his waist. I summoned the strength and rolled him over. He seemed unaware. I got him on his back, he was still humping me, his eyes closed. I angled my head and noticed a belt laying by my head. I grabbed it and one of his arms then the other. I bound his wrists to the corner of the bed. Amazing doesn't realize what is happening. It's my turn, I thought to myself with an evil grin coming to my lips. I slid off his dick. He noticed that and looked at me. He tried to move his arms and noticed he was unable to move. A big grin spread on his face. I moved down his body. Nibbling here, licking there, and sucking there. When I made it to his dick, I grabbed it ran a finger on the tip. Precum oozing. I licked around the ridges, this made him shake and undulate. I gathered his balls in my mouth and swished. I pushed his legs up to allow me access to his hole. I licked it and plunged my tongue deep in. I was bold now the whole act now enveloped me. This was so erotic. I started fingering his hole in and out he was telling me what felt good. Two fingers now, he had no trouble with that. But when I added the third, I met resistance. I finally got it in. I finger fucked him for a long time. I removed my fingers and crawled up the length of his body where the tip of my dick was at the entrance to his hole. I looked him in the eye. "How bad do you want it." I asked him. He moaned and forced himself to speak, and with a pleading I never knew he had. "Give it to me." At that moment I snapped my hips into him. The entire length of my dick inside him. He whimpered. Then I realized my not be able to handle me I am not small. I stopped moving my hips. And I tapped him; "Did I hurt you?" I was genuinely worried that I did. He opened his eyes, they were purple embers. "Go!" He growled like a madman. I returned to thrusting. Each one harder than the other. I was fixing to come, and so was he from the sound of his breathing. One more and blam. I released inside him. I could feel something warm and sticky gluing us together. He exhaled sharply. I managed to move a hand and release his wrists. And I collapsed into a void. My mind was swirling as I regained awareness. I was dizzy, my eyes closed. I first opened them and saw Andros panting, and grinding into me. Then I fell into a daze again and when I finally opened my eyes it was Zane eyes and face I saw. Finally when I settled into oblivion, a new flame formed not a red one but an ice blue one. I was surprised, and my mind searched the new flame, it was Zane. I could feel his eagerness and fire. The red flame was a contrast, Andros was cool, collected and reserved. But Zane's flame was calm despite his normal hyperness. I finally grinned, and sighed I knew this was right and felt good. What seemed like seconds later, I felt Andros coming down the hall. I heard the door slide open. I could hear Andros, but I knew he was coming minutes ago. And another voice T.J.. I heard Andros make a startled sound and turn trying to block TJ view of the tangled bodies. "Uh T.J., lets continue this later. Ok." Andros told TJ. "Hey what's going on, what....", he trailed off. "Uh....uh." Andros sighed, " I will explain later. Please. We will talk later." "Uhhhh...ok." Andros walked in and the door shut. He activated the lock. I felt the bed move. "Carlos, Zane..." He said stroking my hair and chuckling lightly. I could hear him tinkering the belt still attached to the bedpost. I was able to wake myself. "Uh hi Andros." I said taking inventory on where I was and what was going on. Oh my! I thought. I passed out. I am still inside Zane. I moved pulling my dick out. He stirred. I moved off him and he turned over. "Zane..." I heard him say. But his lips were not moving. I thought for a second that I was still dreaming. I realized I heard him in my head. "Andros...I heard you..." He put a finger to his lips..and then laid a finger on his temple. Oh, I whispered to myself. I formulated the words in my mind as if I was talking to the red flame. "Andros I heard you in my mind.", I said. I felt a wave of pleasure come from the flame. "Great, the bond took....this is why I said you would never be left out. You must have worked the devil out of Zane. He hasn't been this zonked since after he came out of the chamber." He blushed, and I grinned. He looked at me. "I saw what happened the day he came out of the chamber in his mind. And what happened afterward.", I explained. He blushed again, "Move over." I scooted over. He undressed to his boxers scooted under the covers. "Night", he said this time in words. And as in response, Zane let out a big snore. We chuckled and settled for the night. Part II As I tried to fall asleep, my mind replayed the events of the last year. Especially the last three days. I kept thinking to myself "what am I doin" and "I can't do this". Every time I started, I turned my mind's eye to the two flames in the back of my mind. They glowed somberly. Kinda soft and quiet. Just knowing they are there, here and when we are separated soothes me and kinda excites me. I turned over on my side and came face to face with Andros. He is sleeping peacefully. I touched his nose with a finger and felt a small jolt. The purple flame glowed a tiny bit brighter. I could see images, light flashes through my mind. Andros is dreaming and I see it somewhat. Not real pictures but feelings and sensations. If I could feel him this way he must feel me to. I removed my finger to let him sleep. I turned over to look at Zane. His back was to me. The tattoo emblazoned there on his shoulder. I tried to sense his dreams; I tried but couldn't get anything. I leaned up on an elbow, his face was contorted, and he was curled in a fetal position. He's troubled, nightmares it seems one that is strong. I felt sorry for him. Someone so young troubled. I was now feeling very tired; my butt was still a little sore. I turned over on my stomach and drifted off. A loud scream jolted me awake. I realized I did not hear anything. I felt it. Immediate awareness adrenaline rushing. I looked around. Andros was bolt upright. And at Zane's side without any sign of movement. Worry, but no panic in his eyes. His eyes were plastered on Zane. "What's wrong? Is he ok?" I asked Andros. "He has been plagued with nightmares. Since he woke from the hypersleep. They get worse every once in a while. Sometimes when he wakes, it's violent. He thinks that I am trying to hurt him or anybody for that matter. He doesn't know what's going on." He whispered to me as he lifted Zane's chin carefully. Zane had his head in his hands, and was sweating profusely. The silver flame was fading and enraging, when it would fade it felt almost gone. I laid my arm around his shoulder. Andros pulled Zane's head down till they were forehead to forehead. They were quiet. The flames in the back of my mind melded together, into one flame. The flame grew hotter and bigger enveloping me. Suddenly I was in a void. Zane and Andros were there. Zane was huddled in a corner. "Andros, where are we?" I asked. "We are in Zane's mind. We need to calm him. I have never seen him this far back. And it seems he pulled you in himself." He explained kneeling by Zane. Zane looked up. And looked at Andros and me. We moved toward him. He backed off. I stopped moving and looked at him. Zane looked a little calmer. "Zane it's us," Andros pleaded. He looked from me to Andros. Fear in his eyes. What, why is he so fearful. What has happened? Andros shot a look at me. I opened myself up. A light shined in his eyes. I moved toward him. I was able to get right on him and placed an arm around his shoulders. He turned his attention from me to Andros. He reached for Andros. We stood there for a second. Then the real world coalesced around us. "Zane, how do you feel?" I asked kissing him on the cheek. "Better," he said his voice low. "I feel embarrassed. I ...I" "Don't....we are a part of each other. If something is wrong with one of the others then we will move heaven and earth to help ya." I said very determinedly and forcefully, surprised when I said that and wondered where did that come from. Andros looked with wide eyes at me. Even Zane seemed a little awed. Then we broke into laughter. "Zane do you want to talk about it?" I asked. "No!" I shrunk back slightly. Andros gave him a stern look that changed to a look of sympathy. "Carlos, I am sorry. No not now." I raised and eyebrow. "That's ok. I understand." This time I did not speak it, I thought it at him. This time his eyes grew, and Andros grinned. Andros turned to Zane, "He is getting used to talking with his mind." He said smiling. He turned to me and placed a finger on my nose. "I felt you last night. You were so curious. And you don't have to worry about mind touching while we are asleep but our minds are open and we pick up everybody else to. Makes for interesting dreams." I blushed. "He is so cute when he blushes," Zane said smiling like his old self. "We need to get dressed. They will be wondering if we abandoned ship." I said deflecting the attention and the lust beginning to boil. I grabbed my clothes and returned to my quarters that I shared with TJ. He is going to have some questions. Zane and Andros are going to meet me on the command bridge. *** I walked through the corridors, feeling my muscles tense and tighten. I smiled to myself wondering what is going to happen now. As I reached the door to my quarters. I realized I am facing my worst trial now, the other rangers. TJ saw something. Now for the first time since yesterday I was worried. I touched the keypad on my door and is slid open. TJ was already up and was getting dressed. He turned at my entrance. "Well did you have a wild night?" TJ asked with an evil grin. I blushed as always deep, and I felt as if I was going to faint. He prodded further. "What's going on between you three anyway? I saw something last night but my eyes and the dark...." I panicked. Should I say something, tell him? I did not know what to do. I just looked at him and I must have been taking a while. "Well you don't have to tell me if you don't want to." He replied to my silence. I immediately thought of Andros, hoping he could understand me. When a voice in my head, smiled and replied. Andros said "Tell him. It's time" I took a deep breath. "TJ, Zane, Andros and I are lovers." There I did it. TJ stiffened and dropped his drink. "Lovers...then I did see what I thought I saw." He blinks a few times. "Hey its cool with me. Maybe you want seem so lonely. Does the other rangers know?" "I don't think so. I think Zane and Andros was going to tell them. I think." A mental nod told me I was right. "I figured they were more than just friends." TJ explained sitting on the bed and putting his socks on. "You don't know the half of it." I said to a bewildered TJ. "Someday you will have to tell me." "No that is something they have to tell you. I can't. But I can tell you this. This is not fleeting.", I said. "Well I don't know if I should tell you this. But I somehow guessed Andros was more than interested in you. The way he looked at you. After Zane woke up, they were too close. And I thought he had moved on past you. You know when you and Andros were trapped in the city with Sylvia. You were fighting the goons and when you were knocked in to next week. He had a look of horror in his face, then a blood rage. I didn't think much of it at the time. And Zane gave you the same look. I was totally confused. You seemed oblivious." "Well it wasn't till after the city incident that they mentioned it." I said. *** I thought back remembering that day about five months ago. I was sitting in the common room eating. Trying to calm down from the fight with Astronemas forces that day. Andros and Zane were sitting at a table over on the other side of the room. They were sitting drinking something and just looking at each other. Zane got up first. And looked down at Andros. Andros gave Zane a long hard look. Zane looked over at me. "Carlos, come join us. We need to ask you something." He called across the room. I went over and sat down. I knew that something was up. Zane sat and tilted his gaze to Andros. Andros paused a second, moved his chair closer to mine. "Carlos, Zane and I was talking about you just a second ago and came to a decision. We have a proposition for you. Now hear us out. What we are going to ask will be the first time happening. But I very much want it to happen. I must tell you that today, I was worried. When Astronema's goons attacked you and knocked you out and you weren't moving, I got scared, that you were...." He said getting the lump out of his throat. All I could think of was vaporizing everybody that was between you and me." He paused seeming uncomfortable. "Zane and I are....how would you say it on earth..." He looked at Zane and Zane looked back equally lost. I popped in, "Lovers..." They looked at me. Then at each other. "I knew. Not at first but I knew. They way you look at each other. Andros, they way you looked when Zane's hyper-tube prematurely opened. If you were worried it would bother me. Don't." I paused somehow knowing that this isn't the reason for them talking to me. "Doesn't bother me. Unlike some other people from earth I am ok with the lover thing." I added. "While Zane was unknown to you and the other Rangers, I felt like I was losing myself. I nearly lost my mind before I ran into some rogue stowaways in the engine room. Until I met the dark longhaired individual with the curious accent. I was feeling for you the way I feel for Zane." He looked at Zane and Zane winked at him. "And when Zane awoke and we were able to "catch" up I realized. I could possibly love you and Zane. Zane knew what I felt. And it was his idea to talk to you. Well I would," he paused, "Zane and I would like to ask you to join us." He said laying a hand on mine. Zane looked at me eagerly. I looked at the hand and back at Andros then Zane. I was shell-shocked. This wasn't what I expected but in a way I knew. "Oh...oh...don't get me wrong. I am flattered that you consider me. But I am not into that. You are my friends.", I said moving my hand and shifting uncomfortably in my chair. I leaned back and looked at them. The urge to leave was strong. Andros pleaded with me, "Consider it. Please consider it. By the look in your eye, you are uncomfortable and that is the last thing I wanted. Consider it. I won't ask again or mention it." He said getting up and leaving. Zane looked at me and then at Andros going through the door. He shook his head and got up to follow. He never mentioned it again. Everything went back to normal or near normal. There would be times that I was talking to one of the rangers or going about my duties around the ship and Andros was out of eyeshot. I would notice him looking at me with an unreadable expression. The look tore me up. Zane gave me similar looks but also gave Andros confusing looks. Yet he was better at hiding his expressions. Despite Zane being one of the most emotional and energetic rangers. He seemed to have a better, more seasoned control. There was something about those looks they gave me. It didn't make me uncomfortable with them but with myself. It was a challenge that I had to deal with when I was younger. I thought I was over it. I would catch myself going over scenarios and possibilities of their proposition. Dreamt, and daydreamed about his proposition for months. I never thought I would ever have considered it. Then it was my turn to worry and ponder lost possibilities. Andros was seriously hurt. And deep down I knew I could not live without him or Zane. While he was recovering, I would go to the simulator, punch up a quiet lake and sit trying to figure out what I should do and how to deal with the confusion and the sudden longing I had. He finally recovered. And I finally made my decision. I decided to take Andros and Zane up on their offer. I called Andros to tell him I needed to talk to him alone. He was a little shocked that I called. I asked him to meet me in the simulator. He just looked at me and nodded. I waited. I made my mind up as I called him. I was actually going to tell him I couldn't. But his eyes, and in my mind I played back all our times together. And I realized then that I felt similarly. He and I and Zane would have to go slow. The door opened to the simulator. I kept my back to him. "Andros..." I started. "Carlos, I know what your gonna say...we don't want to pressure you. I have a feeling I should not have listened to Zane. I should not have mentioned it. I know the idea makes you uncomfortable. Just I hope this won't change us being friends." He said his voice trembling. When I didn't say anything or turn around, I heard the rustle of his flight jacket as he turned to leave. "Yes....Yes" Was all I was able to say. I heard and almost felt his surprise. Maybe I did. I turned around to see him, he had a cute shocked expression. "What?....Carlos." He said keeping his distance. "Yes...yes. I would like to be with you and Zane." Hearing myself say that shocked me more than what happened next. I just walked over to him and kissed him. I knew he didn't expect that. I broke away and grinned. He chuckled. "I'm sorry...", I said. "Where did that come from? And don't me sorry." He asked with his hands on my shoulders. "I've wanted to do that, since....well never mind. I need to tell Zane." I began. "He already knows." I turned to look and see if Zane is hiding somewhere in here. I wouldn't put it past him. I grinned inside. "Where is he?" I asked. Zane took a second and closed his eyes when he opened them he stated, "In the messhall, eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich." "Huh?" I said. He grabbed my hand, and started to lead me out. I asked where we were going. "Andros where are we going." "To get Zane, he must be thoroughly beside himself now. It wasn't just me who loved you. Zane had a crush since he met you. He also has a little one on TJ too." He explained. "Speaking of TJ, I would rather that we keep this under wraps for now." I said hoping he would not take it wrong. He looked at me, grinned and nodded. Zane was delighted. Said he hoped they never pushed me. I told him they hadn't. I had a few demons to deal with. Then two weeks later, our mission to find Tommy. And the rest is current history." I said explaining to TJ. "Wow," he said digesting the thought that Zane had a crush on him. "That Tommy mission, really confused me." "Me too, but after we returned I knew why it was important. I don't know how to explain it. But it was important to Tommy and in reverse me." TJ laughed. Happy for his friend and a little surprised. "Get dressed we need to get back up there." "Yeah." I said movin for the head. I stopped for a second, my bum sure smarted. "You ok," he started. Then something hit him, and he blushed so bright that even through his dark skin it showed. I blushed in response. He chuckled and waited for me. "Oh by the way, we knew. I mean the rest of the rangers figured it out. Not too long ago." He gave me a crooked grin. My response was a slight glare. I blushed and he received a towel in the face. Part III TJ and I walked toward the lift. I watched TJ from the corner of my eye. Zane may be right. TJ is cute, nice chest. Mentally through some cold water on myself. We made it to the bridge. Cassie and Ashley were already at their stations mulling around. Andros was messing with something. He didn't see me come in. but he said aloud. "Hey TJ, Hey Carlos." TJ said, "Hey Andros, where is Zane?" Something in TJ voice made Andros' ears turn crimson. He turned to look at him. TJ winked at him. Andros just gave me a silly grin that I laughed at. It drew Cassie's and Ashley's attention. They looked at us and then at each other. At that moment Zane walked in, my back was to him. But I knew it was him, despite the fact he thought at Andros and me exactly what he was going to do to us tonight. Andros found something on his panel that was very interesting. I just acted as always. Kinda closed my eyes and shook my head slightly. I heard him yelp quietly, and turn to put a hand on his rump and look behind him. He threw Andros a look. Though I heard his response to Andros, I thought at him, "Your evil. Teasing us and we have an audience. Or we would take you right here and now." Andros must have picked that one up. Because he chuckled and thought a picture both of us of his fingers tickling the ridges on Zane's dick. Then the three of us couldn't hold it back we were literally rolling on the floor laughing. "Ok what's up? You two, and should I now say three, are acting real strange. Come, come do tell. We are at a loss here." Cassie started. Ashley picked up. "You three look like the cat that ate the canary." Andros looked at Zane, "You tell them." Zane looked at Andros, "Nope you tell them." They continued that way for few secs. And I was a pile of nerves. I will tell them I decided. But how? I know. I walked up and stood between Zane and Andros. I grabbed Andros and planted a kiss, so full and deep. That he staggered back into the chair behind him, when I released him. I immediately turned and did the same to Zane. Zane fell back and landed on his ass on the floor. TJ's eyes were grinning. But the girl's eyes were round as saucers and they weren't breathing. "Yall ok," I said to them. "In answer to your question. Zane and Andros are together and I am with both of them. I mean "with"." I emphasized the "with" part. Understanding and comprehension passed over their eyes. I grinned big. But were they surprised? When they recovered from the little scene and looked at us. And in unison, "Finally, you tell us." "You know how hard it is to pretend that we did not know a thing." Ashley said. Cassie piped in, "Yeah. We were waiting for yall to say something." "Hey was I the only one not to know until this morning." TJ sounded a little hurt but playfully hurt. Alpha turned and looked at us. "I knew." Zane, Andros and I laughed at that. "Maybe we were not as discrete as I thought." Andros thought. "Zane discrete, yeah right. Now you will tell me that Santa is the Easter Bunny." I said with a playful jab at Zane. Zane's response was to slap me on the butt. "Can't be discrete with that around?" I blushed. Andros looked at him with a tolerating glance, his arms crossed. "What?" Zane said with feigned innocence. Zane and Andros held hands and I put my arms around them. That was the day that Andros found out that Astronoma was his sister. Andros left to find his sister and came face to face with hordes of her evil creatures and her, his sister. I went after him. Nearly got myself killed. But we got Andros back or so we thought. Part IV Zane and I were in his quarters. We were worried. Andros had locked himself in his room. He was lost in despair. Imagine finding out that your sister was your worst enemy, in our case Astronema. We were shocked, but more concerned for Andros. He hadn't eaten in days, won't talk to us, and has his mind closed off so we cannot help him. With him retreating so far within himself there was very little we could sense of him. When we could feel him his anguish would filter over our link. "What are we gonna do, Zane? What?" I cried. "I don't know. But we have to do something. This has to stop. We have tried to talk to him, get him out and distract him but he needs to get this out of his system." He stopped and closed his eyes. " Hmmm. I think we have something to try. We may need to use a bit more brute force. We need to go to his quarters." He grabbed my hand and drug me out of the room. Soon we were in front of his door. We pressed the signal button numerous times, asked him to go to the mess hall. Finally he came over the speaker and said he's not hungry. Zane shook his head. I started to speak. But he placed a finger to his lips. He grabbed both of my hands. And closed his eyes. We slowly moved into that netherworld that I was getting more familiar with. "Zane why are we here. We tried this before.", I said. "We are going to try to do this together. We need to let him know we aren't gonna give up and that he is not alone. He has us." We started to call for him telling him that we miss him and we won't to help him. We were being as open as we could. I opened myself up all the way. Something I have never done. "Zane, Carlos, I haven't been myself. I miss y'all to I just can't get it out of my mind." Andros said from behind us. "I lost her once, found her then lost her again." We turned around. He was standing behind us. We ran over to him. Gathered him into a group hug. He was weak. "Let us in. We want to help you. We feel lost without you. I can feel your deep sadness. But this will not take the place of your sister but we are here. We're with you. Just let us know how we can help. We will do everything we can.." I pleaded. I was near tears. "Carlos is right. Andros, how long have we known each other she is my sister to. I hurt. Let me in. We have always been there for each other. And now it is not just us. We have Carlos." Zane replied. Andros just looked at us and we could see a tear form. He crumpled to the ethereal ground. Zane and I moved at once to try and catch him but he had removed himself from the bond. Zane and I were literally thrown out of the group mental bond. When we came to in our bodies, we staggered. Braced ourselves on the wall. We looked up to see Andros standing at the door. Tears streaming down his face. We went in to his room the door shut and we healed. Andros never completely healed he still goes through times he gets down and depressed. He will now let Zane and I shore him up. He finds refuge in our bond. Part V Andros seemed to be doing better. I was relieved that he was more like himself. I learned that he is a little more impetuous than before. But I love him none the less maybe even more. Zane was off on a mission himself. He had been gone for weeks. He would contact us every so often. I know Andros misses him and so do I but we have an advantage, the link. As our relationship progressed so did the strength of the bond. I did not have to focus as hard. It became as necessary and common as using your hand to reach for something. He will be back. If we need him, he will be here. He said he would come and visit some time today. I was so excited. He contacted me and wanted to surprise Andros. Zane was coming home today, only for a short bit. I didn't know when Zane would get a chance to come back again. So I decided to tell them I want to be a permanent part of this relationship tonight. I was setting a surprise. I was making dinner for us. And tonight we could all be together. As I was setting up the table. Ashley signaled me over the com. "Carlos, lets go get a burger. Everybody needs a break." I look back down to the table. And looked at the chronometer I have enough time. I could finish after we get back. "Yeah, let me get dressed and I will meet ya." I headed to the dresser, picked out what I was going to wear, dressed and found the cologne that Andros gave me. I reached for a rubber band to pull my hair back, looked in the mirror and grinned at myself. I put the band back on the table. I will leave my hair down Zane and Andros both like it down. We were going to Adelles. We sat down to the table after ordering our burgers. Andros sat beside me and I saw him wrinkle his nose and grin real big at me. I patted him on the hand. I leaned over and whispered to him so the others couldn't hear. Even though they knew, it was habit to still be discrete. "Hey when Zane gets here. Get him and meet me in my quarters." He nodded. I felt him prod me mentally trying to "shake the package". "Nu huh..." I said wagging a finger at him. I said this aloud, the others heard me. TJ just broke into a big grin. Our burgers arrived and we plowed into them, we were chatting and eating happily. The basket of fries was on the other side of the table. Andros looked at it and it started to move toward him. I elbowed him, and gave him my usual stern look. He reached out and picked a fry and winked. I sighed. He is hardheaded. He then sent a mental message to me acknowledging his stubbornness. The television was on and the news was on and there was a special report. The news broadcast said there was trouble in the city, the psycho rangers. We transported out and morphed. We engaged the psychos. The battle was rough. The black psycho was strong. I would block and swiftly he would find and opening. I was on the ground numerous times. I looked over at Andros and he was taking a beating. I got mad stood back up and piled into the black psycho with hope I could turn my attentions and help Andros. Next thing we all knew was the floor. The psycho rangers were draining our memories and experiences. As they did that panic filtered over the link from Andros. Suddenly there was a gaping hole in the wall. Zane! He was on the blaster bike. He fired the lasers. The psycho rangers were retreating. I lay there on the ground trying to gather myself. I felt a pair of hands on me. "Carlos, you ok." Zane said. He was looking at me then at Andros. Andros was already on his feet. "Let's get back to the ship." Zane said. We transported back. Once on the ship we changed into our uniforms. Zane had his black uniform on. He looked so good in that uniform with his platinum hair. I shook my head to clear my mind so I could get back to the matter at hand the psycho rangers. "We need to do some reconnaissance. Zane head to the market. Ashley and I will head to the mall. The rest of you stay here and monitor us and the sensors." Andros said. TJ and I went to the bridge. I got on one of the scanners. I broadened the scan. A blip. "TJ, come here. I found them. They are attacking...everywhere." I said perplexed. Cassie spoke up, " Yeah they are hitting innocent people. Why?" "We need to warn Zane." TJ said as he opened a channel to Zane. He really didn't need to because I already had without using a communicator. At that time Andros and Ashley showed up holding something in their hand. "We know why they are attacking in that fashion. We cannot use the communicators. They pick up on it." Andros explained. "Damn," TJ exclaimed. "What?" "I just called Zane." TJ submitted. Andros looked at a console and I closed my eyes to see if we could check on Zane. The fire was quiet calm and only an ember. This meant he was either asleep or unconscious. And without him being awake we could not track him. "TJ and I will go get him. Remember no communicators or even morphing." They left. But before he turned around. Andros looked at me and nodded his head. I nodded back. He was acknowledging what I already knew. Zane was alive but unconscious. I hurried. I was already searching, fear sprang up. Andros came back shortly and brought truth to our fears. I was half listening. "I found him. In the old Library." "Let's go." Part VI We showed up at the library running as fast as we could then we ran headfirst. Into a forcefield. "Damn," TJ said as he reached for his morpher. Andros grabbed his arm and reminded him that they can't morph. "How about a decoy?" I said. We sent the voyager vessels to distract them while we morphed. We broke through the field. And was heading into a dead run toward the buildings. But we were to slow the psycho rangers were right in front of us. This battle was taking a toll. We are not nearly strong enough. But Zane! When I had a chance between the onslaughts I noticed that his flame burned brighter then brighter. I heard his voice in my head. "I'm fine....don't worry about me." He said in my mind. "We need help....badly...." Was all I could muster for the moment. And that was it. I swung my head in Andros' direction. He apparently heard the same thing. We continued. But they were too strong. We were on the ground. This was it. Then I heard Zane's voice. I tried to lift my head and couldn't. The end didn't come. The psychos were gone. Zane had made it over to us. He helped lift Andros to his feet. I felt a deep thorough probe in my mind. It was Zane, I answered back that I was fine. We made it back to the ship. Tended our wounds. We ate and rested. Continued our vigil for the evil rangers. But it was quiet. It got late into the night and TJ was going to continue to scan. Everybody's back was to us. I reached up and wrapped my arms around Andros' waist. He turned his head to me and kissed me on the ear. "Andros, take a break and come to my quarters." I told him. He looked at me. "Not now, we need to find a way to get rid of those menaces." "I know. But we need to rest. And I need to talk to you and Zane. We nearly lost Zane and anyone of us could have been history today. And what I need to tell you can't wait. You can either come willingly or I can manhandle you." I said forcefully. "Hmmm....manhandle me," he said grinning. He turned and we left for my quarters. I sent a mental invitation to Zane. We reached my quarters, Zane hadn't showed yet. But I felt he was near. Andros went in first. And then I. And guess who was already there. Zane, he was dressed in a tight, soft blue spandex shirt, black pants, and those damnably nice boots he wears. He looked at us, "I am overdressed." He didn't seem too bothered by that. He was always somewhat of a flashy dresser. I grabbed one of Zane's hands and one of Andros' and guided them to the small couch...the bed would be too tempting. I told them to sit. Zane sat first and Andros sat close to him, one hand on his knee and part of his back leaning against Zane's ample chest. I stood before them quiet just staring at them. They stared back. "I wanted to say this tonight after dinner," I started pointing to the table setting I started this morning. "But after nearly losing you," I said looking at Zane, "now is best. We have been together for a bit now. At first I was a little uncomfortable, this is terribly frightening to me, I am an insecure person anyway. But our relationship strengthened me and helped my resolve. When we are separated. I constantly think and worry about both of you. You Zane are bold and incorrigible." As I said this the put a hand to his chest in mock indignation. Andros poked him in the chest with an elbow. "Andros, you are not left out. You are impetuous, and at times extremely stubborn and hard headed." He raised an eyebrow at that. It was Zane's turn to lightly knock him on the head. Andros slapped him on the leg. "Despite that, I can't live without you. Hell who would keep you safe and in line. Remember after we came back from the Tommy mission. You told me to consider this an engagement of sorts. I want to change that. Make it more official, and more.....permanent." There I said it. I looked expectantly at them. They just sat there. "Zane, I win. Ante up." Andros said turning to Zane. "Ok, ok don't rub it in." Zane responded. I was shocked and confused. I just poured my heart out, essentially asking both to marry me. And they are reclaiming bets. "What in the hell are you talking about?" A little hurt in my voice showed. "Zane and I noticed you have been acting strange and oddly introspective. We were curious. We could have mentally figured it out. But you have learned to block, when you need to and we also decided that we would let you tell us. Well Zane bet me you were just worried, and I thought maybe you were considering our offer. I guess I won." Andros said with a huge grin. I just chuckled and threw myself on them in the middle of the couch. I tickled Zane through the thin shirt. We wrestled for a bit. Zane lifted my chin and planted a big tongue filled kiss on me and Andros was kissing my neck. "I guess I could take that as a yes." I piped in coming up for air. "Hell yes!" They said in gasps. Andros broke off his assault on my neck. And signaled Zane's' attention. "I will be right back. I need to get something from my quarters." And out the door he went. I was running my hands up and down Zane's chest feeling the ripples. His nipples were getting hard I played with them a little. He had removed my uniform jacket. Luckily Andros got back at the time he did otherwise he would have to restrain Zane and I from ravaging each other. He was carrying a box. My hand was on the small of Zane's back. I felt his muscles tighten slightly. I felt a bit of pain, loss, and happiness directed at the box and the happiness toward me. For the first time in a while Zane look vulnerable and so did Andros. From the pictures and fragments of memory I picked up whatever was in the box belonged to their parents. Andros opened it and I looked at its contents. On a bed of purple velvet, was small earcuffs. I looked at Andros and he nodded his head. I picked one up carefully. I looked at it. It was silver with what looks sigils wrapped together to form a circle. Purple inlayed stone with an ice-blue outer crest and what looked like freshly inlayed gold. Purple for Zane, ice blue for Andros, and apparently gold for me. I was awed. "The one you are holding was our mothers." He said as Zane took one. "Zane has the one of our father. And the one left is the one never used. Our parents never took the option or ever completed the t'hyla." "We wear these cuffs like humans use wedding rings. But we do not need ceremony. What is needed is willing and destined partners as we are." He finished attaching the cuff to his left ear. I attached mine and so did Zane. All of a sudden I felt a sharp but quick poke at the site where I had clipped. My hand flew up to rub the area. Bur Zane caught my arm. "Carlos, it has attached itself. The bonding is now complete." I saw little drops of blood welling up on their ears. He let me go and I gingerly felt the clip and gave it a slight tug. Yes, it is permanent. I hit a button on the head and the wall went reflective. It looked good. I saw Andros and Zane come up behind me. They each ran an arm over my shoulder and laid their chin near an ear. "Time for the honeymoon!!!!" Zane yelled throwing Andros and I on the bed. We were a tangle of naked arms and legs in a heartbeat. We explored each other as if it was the first time, and by no means is it the first time. Andros and I were able to get Zane on his back. Andros was working on his zipper and I was slowly removing his tight shirt. I found a nipple and bit down roughly. His hips bucked sending his already engorged dick down Andros' throat. Andros took it in stride. He spread Zane's' legs and worked on his hole. I had stripped and straddled Zane's' face. He was sucking on my foreskin. My dick grew to record proportions. I humped his face. He took it all the way. His purple eyes shining up at me. I suddenly felt Zane tense. Andros had shoved his member up Zane's chute all in one push. Andros had never entered Zane in all of our lovemaking sessions. Zane's eyes were closed. He was enjoying himself. I was knocked out of my reverie as a hand grabbed my hair and savagely pulled my head back. A rough pair of lips found mine. Andros was a wild man. This excited me even more. Usually Zane played that roll. Andros dragged me around behind him and leaned further on Zane. Zane had wrapped his arms around Andros. Leaving Andros' hole unprotected. I took the initiative. I piled Andros. He moaned nearly a scream. He picked up my rhythm. Zane was moaning. I was enraptured. A blur came over my mind. Flashes of Zane's face, then Andros, then me. Through Zane's eyes I could see me humping Andros. And through Andros' the love and familiar bond he had with Zane and the newly formed bond with me. The gold flame that represented me in each of their minds. We were in that netherworld, it was spinning into whirlpool the flames engulfed, danced and melded together forming a new flame with a light blue core, golden mantle and a purple corona. It flared. And I felt myself blow in Andros. A mix scream and moan emitted from the three of us. We collapsed. And moved to separate sides of the bed. Andros and I turned over till we each had our head on Zane's chest. He was breathing deep and shallow. He was stroking my hair, running his fingers through my long black hair. I was playing with one of Andros' hands that rested on Zane's naked, hairless stomach. Mentally I sent a wave of intense joy, which was met with equally intense returns. "Now that we are a permanent trio. Who's quarters do we move into?" I looked into Zane's eyes. I could see them wrinkle at the corners. And in unison. "Andros'!" We eventually defeated the psycho rangers. But we were in for a bigger adventure....Marriage!!!! to be continued.......