Title: A Wonderful Christmas Time
Author: Sreym
Rating: M
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Chapter One
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Wes smiled to himself as he wandered through the gardens on his father’s property, looking for Jen. She wasn’t always easy to find, and he knew she liked her time alone even now, but he doubted she’d mind him dropping in.

He thought about the upcoming holiday, more excited than he’d been about it in a long time. The last Christmas he’d celebrated—though cheered by his and his father’s reconciliation—was dampened by the recent departure of his friends to the future. This year they would all be there together, and joined by some new ones. The Wild Force rangers were unexpected but very welcome additions to their group of friends.

He spotted Jen working out in a small clearing and smiled again. She never stopped, did she? Jen had changed so much, and yet so many things were still the same as before. He watched her a moment, then walked over as she took a break. “Hey, Jen.”

She turned quickly, smiling as she saw him. “Hey,” she said brightly.

Wes grinned. “You ready to take me on yet?”

“You don’t remember last time?” she asked, her eyes sparkling.

“I remember the last few times,” Wes said, grimacing at the memories.

Jen smiled, sitting on the ground and reaching for her drink. “So, what’s up?” she asked, looking up at Wes.

Wes shrugged, sitting down beside her. “Not much. I wanted to ask you if you’d like to go to the Christmas Party we have every year, it’s at the house. Dad wanted to make sure you knew you were all invited.”

“Sounds great,” Jen said. “Who else is coming?”

“I don’t know, just a bunch of my dad’s friends, besides the other rangers,” Wes said. “But it could be a fun time.”

Jen nodded, then paused. “I guess it’s a formal thing, then?”

“Yeah, why?” he asked.

She shrugged. “I don’t have anything to wear, everything’s in the future. I didn’t really have time to pack.”

“That’s okay,” Wes said. “We’ll get you something, there’s plenty of time to go out shopping for everyone.”

“Really?” she asked.

“Of course,” he said. “It’s fine. I have to get a new tux anyway.”

Jen smiled. “I look forward to seeing that.”

“I’ll bet,” he said. “So I guess you’ll be my date, then?”

“Maybe,” Jen said, smiling as she stood up. “Why, do I need one?”

Wes shrugged. “You’ll want one, trust me.” He stood up and took Jen’s hand with a smile. “Come on, let’s go out.”

Katie and Jen roamed the racks of clothing at the store, almost gawking at all the expensive gowns. Jen took another one off a rack and went to the wall mirror, holding it against herself. “What do you think?” she asked.

Katie laughed as she looked over. “Jen, it’s pink!”

“I know, but I really like it,” Jen said.

“It’s not very Christmas-like,” she noted.

Jen shrugged, putting it back on the rack. “Find anything you like?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“As a matter of fact,” Katie said, taking a hangar off the rack quickly. “I did! It’s perfect.”

“If you can wear yellow, I can wear pink,” Jen argued lightly.

“It’s the color of the Christmas star,” Katie countered. She raised a hand as Jen started to speak. “In theory. I know you were about to say the true color of stars and I don’t want to hear it.”

Jen gave her a look, then turned back to the racks, glancing through the other dresses. “So, do you have a date for the party?”

Katie paused, and then shook her head. “Nah, not much of a choice here, you know?”

She nodded. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Yeah,” she said, eyes fixed on the dresses. “It doesn’t really matter.”

Jen was about to speak when Wes came over to them, a bright smile on his face as usual. “How’s it going?” he asked. “It’s been three hours, you know.”

Jen looked at her watch quickly, blinking at the time. “Wow, I didn’t think we’d been here that long.” She shrugged. “Katie’s fallen in love, but I’m not sure yet.”

Wes looked over and Katie held up the dress, smiling. He squinted and held up a hand, laughing. “That’s . . . yellow.”

“Sure is,” Jen said, laughing lightly.

Katie made a face, but laughed it off. “Okay, well it seems we might need some help, Wes.”

It was almost a half-hour later when Katie emerged from the dressing room, a bright smile on her face as she turned and looked in the mirror. The dress was white gold, long a straight, with spaghetti straps on a low neckline, and sequins covering the tight bodice. “Wow,” Katie breathed, her eyes wide. “It’s beautiful.” She looked for a price tag. “How much is it?”

Wes shrugged. “Not a factor, don’t worry.”

“What do you think?” she asked him.

“Perfect,” he said simply. He smiled and went over to her. “Do you like it?”

She nodded. “I really do.”

Wes sat down on the bench and watched her quietly, then frowned slightly as he noticed her eyes dimming a little, something obviously on her mind. “What’s wrong?” he asked quietly.

She paused. “Nothing, it’s just . . . Jen asked about a date, and I was wondering if they were like, required or something.”

“No, not really,” Wes said. “You worried about it?”

“Will anyone care that I don’t have one?” she asked.

Wes shrugged. “You won’t be the only one,” he said. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Seriously?” she asked, looking at him carefully.

He nodded. “Really. I mean, it’s like any other dance, everyone wants to bring a date and all, but it’ll be fine.”

Katie nodded slowly, but he could tell she didn’t feel much better. She turned back to the mirror and looked in it quietly. “There’s no way I can get a date, not here.” She paused. “Not anywhere.”

“There has to be someone,” Wes said.

She looked at him. “I’m not exactly from around here, I don’t know anyone.”

“Well, what about Lucas?” he asked. “He’d go with you.”

She shook her head. “He’s already told me he wants to ask Nadira.”

Wes paused. “Trip?”

“Wes, please don’t make me say it,” Katie said, sighing.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “You know I’d go with you, but—”

Katie laughed a little. “I know, don’t worry about it.”

Wes stood and went over to her, putting his hands on her shoulders gently. “So, you want the dress?”

Katie looked in the mirror again, then nodded slowly. “I really do.”

He nodded. “Then you can have it.” He smiled, squeezing her shoulders. “Go get changed. I’ll pay.”

“Thanks, Wes,” Katie said, turning to look up at him.

Wes smiled again and watched her leave, then turned, finding Jen still looking through the dresses. “Any luck?” he asked, inwardly wondering at how they could take finding one dress each.

“Kinda,” Jen said. “I don’t know.”

“Katie’s found hers,” he said. “I’m gonna go pay, but take your time.” He smiled a little. “You know you’ll look good in anything. Even a pink one.”

She smiled a little. “Thanks.” She turned back to the dresses. Wes watched her a moment and she turned back to him. “I thought you were gonna go pay.”

“You gonna be a while yet?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t hold my breath,” she replied.

“Okay, well I’ll see you later then?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yeah. Bye.”

Wes sat playing chess with Lucas in the small parlor where a few of them were gathered. Not much else to do on a rainy day, and he found himself glad the day was dragging. He wished they all would.

He set a piece down and looked up at Lucas with a small smile. “So, you ask her yet?”

Lucas looked like he was going to feign ignorance for a moment, but he shook his head. “Not yet. I haven’t seen her.”

“You’d better hurry,” Wes warned. “Someone else might ask, you never know.”

Lucas frowned. “Like who?”

Wes shrugged, and then looked over at Trip, sitting in a chair a few feet away. “What about you, Trip?”

He looked up, shrugging a little. “I’m not going with anyone.”

Lucas looked at him. “Come on, there has to be someone you have your eyes on.”

Trip glanced away, shaking his head a little. “No, not really.”

Wes looked at Lucas. “You know, just because your eyes are always all over girls doesn’t mean everyone else’s are.”

“Look who’s talking,” he answered, finally moving his chess piece.

Wes shook his head. “I only have eyes for one,” he said with a smirk. “And you should too, with a dad like she’s got.”

“Who says I don’t?” Lucas asked. He turned as they heard the door. “I think that’s her.”

He looked up and Nadira entered the room, smiling brightly. “Hello,” she sang, coming over to the table. She put a hand on Lucas’ shoulder tentatively.

“Hey,” Wes said, smiling a little and glancing at Lucas.

Lucas shot him a look, but stood slowly. “Nadira, can I talk to you?”

She blinked, but nodded quickly, looking up at him. “Sure. What about?”

He paused. “Let’s step outside.”

Lucas and Nadira left the parlor and went into the hall, and Lucas closed the door behind them quietly. Nadira looked at him curiously. “Well?”

He paused, feeling a nervousness he’d never had when asking someone out. “I was wondering,” he began. “If you would be my date to the Christmas Eve party.”

Nadira looked at him a moment, then a smile broke over her face. “Your date? Of course!” She paused. “Thanks.”

“For what?” he asked, frowning.

“For asking me,” she said simply.

Lucas smirked. “Well, it wasn’t a favor for you, I wanted to.”

She shrugged. “Whatever, you still did.” She rose up on her toes and kissed his cheek gently. “Let’s go.”

He smiled a little and opened the door again, leading her back into the parlor. Wes watched them closely, but he ignored him and sat back down at the chess table. “You’d better not have changed anything.”

“Didn’t have to.” Wes smirked, and Nadira leaned over Lucas’ shoulder. “Who’s winning?”

“I am,” both boys answered in unison.

Nadira frowned and straightened, looking at the others. Trip looked over at them. “Wes is winning. As usual.”

Lucas glared at him. “Thanks a lot.”

“Well I am,” Wes said. “So, what’d she say?”

“What does it look like?” Lucas countered.

Wes just smiled.

“What about you?” Eric was met with Wes’ question as soon as he entered the parlor with some of the others.

“What about me?” he replied, going over to the window and sitting down, opening his folders and sorting through his work.

“You bringing Taylor to the dance?” he asked.

He glanced at Wes, trying to look disinterested. “Why would I do that?”

Wes rolled his eyes. “Come on, already, we know you like her.”

Eric shook his head, turning back to his work. He didn’t even want to think about Taylor, and the last thing he wanted to do was ask her out.

He felt Wes’ eyes on him for a moment longer, then he turned to Cole. “Cole, tell him to ask her, you know Taylor best.”

Cole looked over at Eric. “She’d say yes, she wants you to ask.” He shrugged. “She’ll probably hate you if you don’t.”

Eric looked at him a moment. “She hates me anyway, so what does it matter?”

He laughed. “No, she definitely doesn’t hate you.”

“Come on, Eric,” Wes pressed. “I dare you.”

Eric looked over at him, then shook his head. “Maybe.” He turned back to his work.

“That’s as good as it’s gonna get,” Wes said wryly. He looked at Cole. “You’re asking Alyssa, right?”

“Already have,” he said. “She said sure.”

“What a surprise,” Eric commented dryly, scanning through his papers, his report for Mr. Collins in the morning. He didn’t know why he was even there, it sure made working difficult, but for some reason he minded less than he usual would.

“You should see Danny and Max,” Cole continued. “They’re all over but nobody will go with them. Danny even tried to ask Taylor.”

Eric looked up involuntarily and saw Wes smirk over at him, then turned back. “Is Ransik coming?” he heard Cole ask curiously.

“Nadira will probably drag him there,” Wes answered, grinning up at the girl.

Lucas groaned at the thought, shaking his head. “I hope not. I’ll never get to do anything.”

Nadira leaned over his shoulder. “Just what were you planning on?” she asked.

Lucas looked at her. “Maybe a dance or two! He probably won’t even let me stand next to you.”

“Sure he will,” she said easily. “If I ask him nicely.”

“Ask very nicely,” he said flatly.

Nadira smiled and kissed him softly, then straightened, her hands on his shoulders. Wes smiled up at her. “Never thought I’d see that.”

“Why’s that?” Lucas asked idly, looking back to the chessboard.

“You know the answer to that one,” he stated.

Lucas smirked and leaned back in his chair, absently covering one of Nadira’s hands with his own. “What about your dad?” he asked Wes. “Who’s he going with?”

Wes shrugged. “Some senator or something probably, it’s always someone different. Dad knows everyone.”

“Everyone rich anyway,” Eric put in, not looking at them.

Wes glanced at him, and then shook his head a little, turning back to Lucas. “He’s right, really. Everyone there will be pretty high society.”

Lucas nodded, not at all bothered by the fact as Eric obviously was. “We’ll fit right in, then,” he said.

Wes smirked, then looked at him a moment. “You know, I don’t even know what you guys are in your time.” He shook his head. “I’m guessing you didn’t live in clock towers and do odd-jobs there.”

“Not quite,” Lucas said. He looked at Wes. “You knew we were all in Time Force, obviously.”

“Yeah,” Wes said. “Who isn’t, in your time? Your dad could be the president, for all I know.”

“Not quite,” Lucas said, amused. “We don’t have one anyway. But my family was . . . pretty well-off.”

Nadira leaned over his shoulder, her interest obviously peaked. “Meaning . . . ?”

Lucas shrugged, then looked at Wes. “Like you,” he said.

Wes blinked involuntarily, then shook his head, smirking. “Just funny I never knew. Everyone I know could be millionaires and I wouldn’t have a clue!”

“I’m not,” Cole spoke up. “No money in the jungle, and I haven’t needed it here.” He shrugged. “I’m broke.”

“I’m close,” Nadira said, pouting slightly. “Being a teacher doesn’t pay much, and now that I can’t just take what I want, it’s a lot harder to come by money.”

“I’ll bet,” Lucas said. He looked up at her, smiling a little. “Don’t worry, you can have half of my kingdom.”

Nadira giggled and Wes rolled his eyes, nudging Lucas’ arm. Lucas turned back to him and Wes motioned to the board. “Checkmate.”

Taylor sat up in Cole’s favorite tree on the Animarium, reading silently. All anyone was talking about was that stupid party, and that was the last thing she wanted to think about, or hear about. So she’d retreated up there.

She’d been invited, along with the rest of her team, but she’d made up her mind immediately not to go. She’d never liked parties, of any kind really, and this would be among the worst. Formal, large, dancing and dates and champagne. She wouldn’t fit in with those kinds of people, and she had no reason to try to.

Princess Shayla came wandering through, and looked up as she noticed Taylor. “Oh, there you are, Taylor,” she said.

“Hey,” she answered. “What’s up?”

“I’m about to go to the surface,” Shayla said. “To get some things for the party.”

Taylor looked at her a moment. “You’re actually going? Doesn’t seem like your kind of thing.”

“Of course I am,” Shayla said. “Aren’t you?”

She shook her head. “I’m not really into that kind of thing.”

“Why not?” Shayla asked.

“Just not me, that’s all,” she replied. “Is Merrick going?”

Shayla smiled a little, then nodded. “He wouldn’t let me go alone, he’s worried about what might happen.” Taylor smirked and Shayla came closer to her, leaning on the stone wall beside the tree. “If that’s the problem, I know someone looking to ask you.”

Taylor frowned. “That’s not the problem, and Danny already tried.”

“I don’t mean Danny,” Shayla said quietly.

“I know,” she answered shortly. “But I don’t care.”

“You would if you knew,” she said.

Taylor sighed, jumping down from the tree and standing beside Shayla. “Look, Princess, I’m sorry. I just don’t care about dates.”

She paused, then shook her head. “I wish you would stop pretending, Taylor. Everyone knows you aren’t what you say you are.”

Taylor folded her arms. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I know you care,” Shayla smiled. “And I know who you care for.”

Taylor looked at her closely a moment, trying to see if she was really speaking the truth. And, as always, she was. Taylor sighed slightly. “So?”

“So . . .” she began slowly. “Maybe you should ask him to go with you.”

“But I don’t want to go,” Taylor argued. “Besides, I don’t want him to know.”

“What if he asks you?” Shayla asked.

Taylor smirked a little, leaning on the wall. “He won’t, he’s not that brave.” She paused. “And if he did . . . I’d just tell him no.”

Shayla looked at her silently, disbelief clear on her face. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” Taylor said. She frowned. “What? It’s not like he’ll really ask.” The look on Shayla’s face made her chest tighten slightly, and she paused. “Or . . . will he?”

Shayla nodded slowly. “He will.”

She groaned and turned away. “Shit.”

“You still think you’ll say no?” she asked.

Taylor looked back at her, then nodded. “Yeah, I will.”

Shayla sighed. “Taylor . . .”

“I have to,” she insisted.

She paused, then touched Taylor’s arm lightly. “There might not be a second chance with him, you know. He has pride like yours.”

Taylor paused, then looked at her. “I know.”

Trip sighed as he and Katie sat in the parlor quietly, knowing what was on her mind. The same thing that was on his. He looked up at her. “Maybe I just won’t go to the party,” he said slowly.

Katie looked at him, nodding a little. “I’m thinking about that too. I mean, it’s just a party, right?” She paused. “The dress can be returned . . .”

Trip paused. “If we were in our own time, maybe we’d find someone.”

Katie shook her head. “No,” she said quietly. “I wouldn’t, I know that.”

Trip sighed, then turned back to the window and stared out it. “Me neither.”

Wes whistled an absent tune as he headed for the Silver Guardian locker room, looking for Eric. He entered the room and found him at his locker. “Hey,” he said. Eric didn’t look up and Wes went over, slapping his shoulder lightly. “Hey, Eric.”

Eric looked at him. “Yeah?”

“It’s in two days,” Wes noted. “Are you planning on asking?”

He didn’t have to explain. Eric nodded. “Yeah, I am.”

“Anytime soon?” Wes asked with a smirk.

“Today,” Eric said. “I’m heading there now.”

Wes glanced down as Eric fastened his weapon in place. “You think you’ll need that?”

Eric actually smirked a little. “I might have to use it.”

“Love the optimism,” he commented. They left the room and headed down the hall together. “So, you typically procrastinate this long?” he asked.

“I’ve been busy,” Eric said, not looking at him.

“Sure you have,” Wes said.

Eric was silent a moment. “So you think it’s too late.”

Wes looked at him. Eric looked a little nervous, and he smirked, shaking his head. “Nah, probably not. Don’t worry.”

“I’m not,” he said shortly.

Wes nodded and stopped as they left the building and Eric went to his SUV. “Well, good luck.”

Taylor got out of her car and walked up the sidewalk to her house, looking around a moment. She was hardly ever there anymore, always on the Animarium, but for some reason she felt like going home today.

She turned the key in the lock and stopped as she heard a voice say her name. An unmistakable voice. She turned and saw Eric standing on the porch. “How’d you get here?” she asked quickly.

He gave her a slightly amused look. “Drove to the house, walked to the porch.”

She frowned. “I didn’t hear you.”

He shrugged a little. “Old habits.” Then he paused. “Can I, talk to you?”

She nodded, though her heart started beating faster and she gripped the doorknob harder than necessary as she waited for him. “Go ahead.”

Eric glanced away, and then took a deep breath. “I was wondering, if you wanted to go to the Collins’ party with me.”

He had really asked. Taylor let go of the doorknob and turned to face him. “You mean, like a date?”

“Well . . . yeah,” he said slowly.

She shrugged. “I wasn’t planning on going.” Eric was silent and she continued. “I’m not real big on parties, especially Christmas ones. Not my kind of thing.”

“Yeah, I know,” Eric said. “Not mine either, but I have to go. Boss is the host.”

“Mine isn’t,” she said shortly.

He paused, looking uncomfortable. “Well no, but—I just thought maybe—”

“What?” she asked coolly. “That I’d want to go? Do I look like that kind of girl?”

“Not really” he said.

Taylor paused. “I’m not going.”

He paused, and his voice was a little quieter than usual when he finally spoke. “Okay.”

She looked at him, surprised and slightly pleased at how disappointed he looked. She straightened. “So, you still going?”

Eric nodded. “Like I said, I have to.”

“Well I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding another date,” she said, trying not to sound like she was being nice. But that look on his face made her want to do nothing else all of a sudden.

Eric smirked just a little, but it didn’t reach his dark eyes. “Why’s that?” he asked.

She took her eyes off his and shrugged. “You’re rich, they go for that.”

“What?” She looked up at the shock in his voice, and he laughed humorlessly. “Where the hell did you get that idea?”

“It’s pretty obvious,” she said, shrugging a little. “How else could you have friends like Wes and Mr. Collins?”

Eric frowned. “Wait a minute, is this a problem?”

“I couldn’t care less,” she said easily. “I’m just saying.”

“Well you’re a little confused,” he said.

“Does it matter?” she asked. “Like I said, I don’t care.” Which was a lie, she admitted to herself. She’d actually like to know just what his story was. She paused. “Are you leaving?”

Eric paused, then nodded, his jaw set. “Yeah. I’ll see you.”

She nodded, then turned and went inside as he left the porch. She shut the door and glanced out the window, watching him as he got into his SUV and drove away. Then she sighed, turning and walking away.

“Fuck!” Eric let out as he drove down the road. Why had he even asked? He knew she would say no, why wouldn’t she? That’s why he’d decided not to ask before. But then everyone was so sure she would say yes, he’d actually thought it was possible. He’d really hoped she might say yes.

He stopped at a red light and took a deep breath, shaking his head. He really didn’t want to tell anyone, especially Wes. Maybe he should just say he never asked. But Taylor would probably say something, there was no point denying it.

He hit the steering wheel in frustration. “I should have known.”

It didn’t take long to get back to the CGD base, and he noticed the other guardians pointedly ignoring him. Obviously they picked up on his mood already. Thankfully.

And then there was Wes. Eric steeled himself as his partner approached him. “So, how’d it go?” he asked.

“Fine,” Eric said shortly, not looking at him.

Wes paused. “So she said yes?”

Eric sighed, walking away. “I don’t want to talk about it, Wes.”

“You said no?” Alyssa nearly shouted at Taylor.

She nodded. “Yeah. What’s the problem?”

She stared at her a moment. “Taylor . . . how could you? Why?”

Taylor sighed. “Alyssa, it’s two days before the party. Not only do I have nothing to wear, but I already have other plans.” She shrugged. “Besides, maybe now everyone will believe that there’s nothing going on.”

“Everyone knows you like him” she pressed. “What’s so wrong with admitting it and maybe even starting something?”

She shook her head. “That doesn’t matter. Relationships with people like him can only last so long. I don’t want that.”

“What do you mean?” Alyssa asked. “Come on, someone actually likes you, and you’re just blowing him off?” Taylor looked at her quickly, surprised at the hurt the question brought up, and Alyssa took a breath. “Really, Taylor. How many people have you actually been out with?”

“Plenty,” Taylor said defensively.

“And for how long?” she continued.

“Long enough,” she stated.

“Long enough for them to get to know you,” Alyssa said. “Look, we all love you, but how many guys do? I’m sorry, but you’re . . . different than most girls, you know that.”

“Yeah, don’t remind me,” she said. She paused, sighing a little. “I’m not exactly girlfriend material.”

“You’re intimidating,” she said. “Most guys can’t take it, they don’t want it.”

“I know,” Taylor said shortly.

Alyssa looked at her a moment. “Taylor . . . Eric has seen the worst of you. He started out with it, and you’ve always been yourself around him, maybe even worse. And he likes you anyway, maybe because of it. He knows who you are.”

“I guess,” she said noncommittally.

“So don’t you think that might mean something?” she asked.

“Maybe,” she said. “I don’t know.”

Alyssa put a hand on her arm. “He’s not like other guys, you know that.”

Taylor nodded slowly. “Yeah, that’s pretty obvious.” Alyssa just stared at her, and she shrugged. “I already said no.”

“So take it back,” she said simply.

Taylor looked at her. “I can’t do that.”

Alyssa sighed. “Will you just forget your pride for a few minutes? He did, apparently.” Taylor didn’t answer, and she folded her arms. “Maybe he’s just a bigger man than you.”

Taylor couldn’t hold back a smile as she straightened and looked at Alyssa. “I am so the bigger man.”

“She said no?”

Eric nodded. “She sure did,” he said easily. He sat down on a bench in the locker room and tried not to look at Wes as he put his things away.

Wes was quiet a moment. “Sorry.”

“Whatever,” he said. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Sure it does,” Wes said.

“Look, I don’t care, okay?” Eric said, turning to him.

Wes nodded, then sat down beside him. “Did she say why?”

“She didn’t have to,” Eric said. “Besides, she doesn’t like parties anyway.”

“Maybe that’s all,” Wes said.

“It’s not,” Eric answered, standing up.

Wes paused. “So now what?”

“Nothing,” he said, shrugging. “I’m not chasing after her, she doesn’t want to go. I shouldn’t have even tried.”

“Look,” Wes said quietly. “I wouldn’t give up. She might change her mind.”

“It’s tomorrow, Wes,” he said. “She’s not changing her mind. It’s no big deal, I went alone last year and it was fine.”

“It’s not as fun,” Wes noted.

“It’s fine,” he repeated.

Wes paused, shaking his head. “I really thought she’d say yes.”

“Just drop it, okay?” Eric said sharply.

“Sure,” Wes said. “Sorry.”

Jen looked at herself in the mirror for the hundredth time that day, and smiled to herself. The dress she’d finally decided on fit her perfectly, she loved it. Dark red, a low neckline and spaghetti straps, the skirt came a few inches above her knees. She hadn’t shown Wes yet, but she knew he would be impressed.

“Jen?”

She turned at Wes’ voice, but her breath caught in her throat as she saw who stood there. She stared in shock as she saw Alex standing in the doorway, looking extremely out of place in his Time Force uniform. “Alex?” she said slowly. “What are you doing here?”

He paused a moment, glancing away, and then back at her. “Is this a bad time?”

“No,” she said quickly. “Of course not, come on in.” She watched as he entered the room, shutting the door quietly behind him, and motioned to a chair. He sat down and she noticed his eyes on her dress. “It’s for a party,” she explained.

Alex nodded. “It’s very nice.”

She smiled slightly and sat down on the bed, watching him. “So . . . why are you here?”

He was quiet for a long moment, not looking at her. Then he finally looked up. “I came to . . . I wanted to see you again.”

Jen blinked in surprise. “Is, that all?” Alex nodded and she frowned. “Why?”

“We thought you were dead,” he said quietly. “When I found out what happened . . . well, I was going to wait until you came back, but—I couldn’t. Captain Logan gave me permission to come back for a day or two.”

“Oh,” she said, unsure of what else to say.

“I’m sorry if I shouldn’t have come,” he said seriously.

“No, it’s fine,” she said quickly.

Alex nodded, standing up. “I should go.”

Jen stood and took his arm. “Alex, really, stay. I want you to.” She paused. “Maybe you could even come to the party tonight.”

“No,” Alex said quickly. “I don’t want to—”

“I’m sure Mr. Collins would let you come,” she continued. “I’d like you to be there, we—have a lot to catch up on.”

Alex paused. “What about Wes? He won’t be too happy with the idea, I’m sure.”

Jen shook her head. “Don’t worry, he’ll be fine. Stay for a while.”

He was quiet a moment, and then nodded slowly. “All right then, I’ll stay. For a little.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

He nodded, then frowned slightly. “Jen?”

“Yeah?” she asked.

“We’re . . . all right now, right?” he asked. “You don’t still . . .” He took a breath. “Jen, have you forgiven me?”

Jen smiled. “Alex?”

“Yes?” he asked quietly.

“Call me Jennifer,” she said.

Alex smiled.

Wes looked up as someone entered the room, and his chest tightened as he saw Alex standing there. “Alex?” he asked slowly, his mind already swimming with thoughts of what might be wrong.

They all looked over, and no one spoke for what felt like forever. Then Alex nodded slowly. “Hello.”

Cole frowned and leaned over to Lucas. “Who is he?” he asked.

“That’s Alex,” Lucas replied quietly. “He’s . . . a friend, from the future.”

Cole nodded and Wes stood up, going over to Alex and offering a hand. “Good to see you again. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine,” Alex said. He paused, and his voice was low when he spoke. “Wes, Jennifer said she didn’t mind me being here, but . . . if you don’t want me to stay, I won’t. I don’t want to make a big deal of this.”

Wes shook his head. “No, it’s okay.” He looked at Alex a moment. “Did something happen? I mean, why are you here?”

He didn’t answer for a moment. “After what happened, with Jennifer, I—well, I wanted to come see her.”

He nodded slowly. “I understand. We were all pretty upset about that.” He smiled a little. “Come on in, you can meet everyone.”

Alex nodded. “Thanks.” He stepped into the room, glancing at the others and looking more uncomfortable than anything as they all looked at him. He nodded to Lucas. “Hello.”

“Hey,” he answered.

Cole stood quickly and stuck out a hand. “Hey. I’m Cole.”

Alex shook it. “I’m Alex.”

Trip grinned, waving a hand. “Hey, Alex.”

He looked up and gave a slight smile as he noticed the boy. “Hi Trip, how’s it going?”

“Great,” he answered.

Wes pulled up a chair and Alex sat down, then Wes did the same. “So, uh, how are things going in the future?” he asked.

“Fine,” Alex answered shortly. He paused. “Are, things going well here?”

Wes nodded. “Yeah, pretty much.”

They were all silent for a few minutes, then Jen came in, straightening her jacket and smiling a little as she saw them all. “Hey guys.”

Wes smiled, more out of relief than anything. “Hey Jen,” he said. “Where’ve you been?”

“Just getting things ready for the party,” she replied, coming over and sitting down on his other side.

Wes looked at Alex. “Hey, are you coming to the party?”

Alex looked at him. “Am I welcome?”

“Of course,” he said easily.

He paused. “I don’t really have anything to wear anyway, I only brought my uniform.”

Wes shrugged. “You can borrow one of my suits, we’re the same size.”

“Really?” he asked.

“Yeah,” he said. “We’re identical, remember?”

“No,” Alex clarified. “I mean, you’ll lend me one?”

“Sure,” he said. “I have a dozen.”

He paused, then nodded slowly. “Thanks. I don’t need a date or anything, right?”

Wes smirked a little. “No, thankfully. We’ve had some issues with that lately. Lucas and I had the easiest time of it, I think.”

Alex glanced at Lucas. “Who are you going with?”

Lucas paused, glancing over to where Nadira sat across the room. “Nadira,” he said quietly.

Alex’s eyes widened just slightly. “Seriously?”

He nodded. “Yeah, it’s no big deal.”

Alex paused, then nodded. “Okay.” He looked at Wes. “So, how are you and your father doing?”

“Great,” Wes said, a little surprised at the question. “Never been better.” He paused. “You’ve never really met him, have you?”

Alex shook his head. “No, not really.”

“You’ll have to meet,” he said. “He’ll like you. He’s wished he could thank you ever since I told him what really happened that day.”

He shrugged a shoulder slightly. “It wasn’t much. But I would like to meet him.”

Wes smiled a little, looking at him a moment. “Alex . . . are things, okay between us? I mean, I feel like we should talk about what happened.”

Alex looked at him. “There’s nothing t say anymore, Wes.” He paused. “But . . . I don’t blame you for what happened. Not anymore.”

Wes smiled. “I’m really glad.”

Katie sighed to herself as she looked out the window absently, wishing she didn’t feel so miserable about the whole thing. Trip had come to terms with it, and she’d been to plenty of parties alone before, what was her problem? This one would be no different than the others, it was no big deal.

Maybe it was together with the realization that soon they would have to leave and go back home, but she’d been finding herself in a worse mood with each of the past few days. She tried not to let it show, but she knew she was failing.

She stood and left the parlor, going back to the guest room she was staying in. Just because she was unhappy didn’t mean she had to make everyone else the same.

Eric got home that night and locked the door, going to his room and changing out of his uniform, into a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt. He hung up his uniform and went to the kitchen, getting out a beer and sitting down at the table, drinking it slowly, and thinking.

About Taylor, mostly. He couldn’t get her out of his mind at all anymore, it was driving him crazy. What was it about her? He should just forget about her, but he knew he couldn’t. He had almost pressed her to come with him, asked her again, tried to persuade her, but he convinced himself not to. He wasn’t going to make a fool of himself in front of her. She said no, he would leave it at that. She was never going to feel the same way he did.

Of course she wouldn’t, he thought quietly. Why would she? Why would anyone, for that matter? He was an ass, everyone told him so, she couldn’t possibly like him even if she tried.

Eric looked up as he heard a knock on the door. He stood slowly and went to it, glancing out the window. It was Taylor. He quickly unlocked the door and opened it, hoping he didn’t look too anxious.

She stood there in front of him, not saying anything, just looking at him silently. Eric leaned against the doorframe and looked at her uncomfortably. “Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” she answered.

Eric paused. “What’s going on?”

“Not much,” she said shortly.

“Okay,” he said slowly. “So, what are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to you,” she said.

He nodded. “Do you want to come in?” he asked hesitantly.

She paused, then nodded. “Sure.”

Eric stepped aside and Taylor entered the house. He shut the door and watched quietly as she glanced around absently, and suddenly felt uncomfortable. For the first time in a long time, he wished he had more to show.

He passed her and gestured to the other room. “Come on in and sit down.”

“Thanks,” Taylor said, following him. She sat down on the couch as he sat on the other side. “I didn’t know you had birds,” she commented, looking at the pair in the cage.

Damn, couldn’t they have been in the other room? “Uh, yeah, I do,” he said slowly.

“I have a cat,” she noted. “She’d eat them.”

“That’s . . . nice,” he said. He watched her closely. There was something on her mind, something she was trying to say, but it wasn’t coming. “Taylor?” he asked. “What exactly are you here to talk about?”

She turned to him, pausing a moment. “Okay, I’ll get to it. The thing is . . . I want to go to the party with you.”

Eric blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah,” she said shortly. “That’s all.”

“Why’d you change your mind?” he asked, leaning back and frowning slightly.

She raised an eyebrow. “Do you really expect me to answer that?”

“Well,” he said. “Who says my offer still stands?”

“Come on, Eric,” she said.

He looked at her a moment. “You know, I think that’s the first time you’ve called me that.”

“Well, it’s your name, isn’t it?” she asked impatiently.”

He shrugged. “You usually think of something a bit more colorful.”

“It usually suits you better,” she said sharply. “Look, I just decided to go to the party and I figured why go alone? Okay?”

“I thought they weren’t your thing,” he pressed. “How come you want to go now?”

She sighed. “I just . . . had a talk with Alyssa, and she convinced me to give you a try.” Eric raised an eyebrow and she continued. “You know it might work out, or something.”

“You don’t sound too convinced,” he noted.

“Well I’m not,” she said. “God, why should I be?” She stood. “Look, if you don’t want to go with me, fine. I don’t care. I’ll see you later.”

Eric stood quickly and took her arm. “Taylor, wait. I’m—I’m sorry.” He paused. “I don’t blame you for not seeing a future with me, and I don’t blame you for saying no when I first asked you. I just want to know why you changed your mind.”

She stared at him a moment. “Why won’t you just let it go?”

“I want to know,” he said simply. “And I think I deserve to.”

Taylor pulled her arm away, sitting back down on the couch. “I don’t know why I changed my mind. I guess I just decided to go with it.” She paused. “Look, I’m not very good with relationships. They tend to, well, fail. We don’t get too far before he realizes who I am, and then it’s over. I got sick of it, so I decided I was done with it all.”

Eric nodded slowly. “But, you’re willing to give it another try now?” he asked, not quite daring to think she might say yes.

She nodded quietly, then looked up and met his eyes. “So does the offer still stand?”

“Yeah,” he said, still too doubtful to let himself sound happy about it.

Taylor nodded again, standing. “Good. I have to go.”

“Why?” he asked, following her as she went to the door.

“I don’t have anything to wear,” she said. “I gotta grab something.”

Eric opened the door for her and leaned on it a moment. “Wouldn’t happen to be a dress, by any chance?”

Taylor smirked. “Don’t count on it.” She paused. “Pick me up at five.”

He nodded. “Yes ma’am.”

She smiled. “That’s ‘sir’ to you.”

Lucas entered Nadira’s room the next morning and found her sitting on the bed quietly, staring at her hands folded in her lap. “Hey,” he said. “How’s it going?”

“Fine,” she replied.

“You okay?” he asked, looking at her closely as he went over. “You seem pretty down.”

“Yeah, I’m okay,” she said flatly, not looking at him.

Lucas sat beside her on the bed, getting concerned as he saw the look on her face. “Come on, what’s the matter?”

“Really, Lucas,” she insisted. “It’s no big deal.”

“Nadira . . .”

“Okay.” Nadira faced him, hurt in her eyes as she looked in his. “Yesterday when Alex came in, and he asked you who your date was . . . and you said it was me . . . well, you sounded like you didn’t want to tell him. Like you were embarrassed to be going with me.”

“Shit, I didn’t mean for it to sound that way,” he said quickly.

“Was it that way?” she asked.

“No,” he answered. “Of course not.”

“Then why?” she insisted.

Lucas paused, thinking back to the moment. He looked away, but shook his head a little. “Because . . . all right, I admit it. I’m—I was embarrassed.”

“I knew it.” She turned away.

“Nadira, I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I really am. I mean, this was fine when it was just us and our friends and stuff, but then Alex showed up, and things changed.”

“Why?” she asked again, staring at the floor.

“Because Alex isn’t just one of my friends,” he tried to explain. “He’s not really my friend at all, he’s a superior officer. He has a grudge against all mutants, especially your dad. I mean, he killed Alex after all, what should he think?” He paused, taking a breath. “Alex has high standards for everyone, especially us rangers, and we never have been able to meet them. Him finding out that I was with you, it’s just . . .” He sighed. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“I think I do,” she said quietly. “I understand just fine. “You’re ashamed of me.”

“No, it’s not that,” he said. “It’s just—”

“Lucas, you told me what it was,” she cut in angrily. “You didn’t want him to know because you were ashamed.” She shook her head. “I should have known.”

“Nadira . . .” he began. “I’m so sorry, I really am. I didn’t know it would bother you so much.”

“Of course it bothers me!” she snapped. “Why shouldn’t it? You know, I really thought you cared about me. But I guess your reputation means more to you.”

“No, that’s not true,” he said quickly. “I did tell him, didn’t I?”

“He could barely hear you!” she shouted, meeting his eyes steadily.

“I said I was sorry,” he said. “What more do you want?”

“You really think that will make it better?” she asked.

“No,” he said calmly. “I guess it won’t. But I don’t know what else to say. I was wrong for feeling that way and I’m wrong for feeling the way I do now, but . . . there’s nothing I can do. I should be proud just to know you, I should tell everyone I see that I’m with you, and I will if it’ll help, but I screw up sometimes, okay?”

Nadira looked at him a moment, her face softening just a little. “I—I’m sorry,” she said slowly.

Lucas almost smiled. “No, look, I’m apologizing. I’m just doing a really bad job of it. I was wrong, that’s all I can say. Now how can I make it up to you?”

“I don’t know,” she said slowly.

“Well, if you figure something out let me know, okay?” He paused. “Um, if you don’t want to go tonight . . . or we could just go as friends, if you want.”

She shook her head. “No, I want to. I really do.” She smiled a little. “Look, I know it’s not going to be easy being together . . . I guess I just didn’t expect such a rough start already.”

“Me neither,” he said, smiling a little. “But don’t worry, we’ll be all right.” He thought a moment. “But if you don’t mind, how about not telling your dad we had this conversation, okay?”

Nadira smiled slightly. “Okay.”

Alex approached the room where the girls were dressing slowly, knocking lightly on the door and waiting a moment for an answer. It opened and Katie stood before him, already in her gown but otherwise unprepared. “Hey,” she said, surprised. “Alex. What are you doing here?”

“I came to talk to you,” he said. He glanced past her but none of the other girls were around. “I have to ask you something.”

She frowned. “Okay. What is it?”

He paused. “Well, I was wondering if . . . you might like to be my date to the party tonight.”

Katie stared at him for a moment. “Are you serious?”

“Of course,” he answered.

She smiled brightly. “Thank you so much, Alex!” She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly, and her eyes sparkled as she pulled back. “You have no idea how much this whole stupid thing has been bothering me.”

“I had an idea,” he admitted, smiling a little. “But it’s my pleasure. I’ll come back in an hour or so?”

“Great,” she said.

He nodded, then turned and left the room, smiling to himself.

Wes tied his tie and looked at himself in the mirror, frowning yet again. “I can’t get this.”

“Don’t expect me to,” Eric replied, standing beside him, arms folded as he watched, amused. “I’m not wearing one.”

“You have to,” Wes said. “It’s a black tie affair, that’s what it means.”

“Fuck it,” he answered shortly.

Wes looked over as Alex entered the room. “Hey. You can grab one of the suits on the bed, I got a few out so you could choose.”

“Thanks,” Alex said. He took one and changed into it, straightening the jacket meticulously. “I’ve never worn one of these before,” he commented absently.

“Really?” Wes asked. “Wow, that’s crazy.”

Alex shrugged. “I wear my uniform all the time.”

“I wore a suit when I was just a baby,” Wes said. “Couple months old.”

“That’s about when I started wearing the uniform,” he said with a slight smirk. He came over to the mirror and tied his tie easily.

“So how come you can do that and I can’t?” Wes asked.

“It’s not that hard, Wes,” Eric said, smirking a little. He brushed out a crease in his shirt and straightened. “I’d better go get Taylor.”

Wes grinned. “I’m glad she finally came to her senses.”

“Me too.” Eric put on his jacket. “I’ll see you guys.”

“Yup.”

Eric left the room and went downstairs, out of the house and to his SUV. Mr. Collins had allowed him to use it, though he was off-duty. A good thing, since he had no car of his own.

He got to Taylor’s house and pulled up in the driveway, getting out and walking to the door, pressing the chime. He waited on the porch for a few minutes, and then pressed it again.

“I’m coming!” called a voice from inside. The door opened a few minutes later and Taylor stood before him. “Ready?”

Eric paused, looking at her carefully. She wore a knee-length, strapless yellow dress and her hair was down, curling around her face. An earring sparkled in each ear and the heels she wore brought her almost to his height. “You look . . . great,” he said lamely.

Taylor smirked, leaving the porch and heading down the sidewalk. “Thanks.”

He followed her and got to the SUV first, opening the passenger door for her. “Really, you do.”

She got in and looked at him. “You don’t look half-bad yourself,” she said. He went around the vehicle and got in the driver’s seat, starting it up, and she glanced around the interior. “They let you use this?”

Eric nodded. “Yeah. Mine’s, in the shop.”

Taylor nodded quietly, and they spent the rest of the ride in silence.

Wes sat on the small couch in the hall with the other guys, none of them daring to check on the girls but all of them anxious. Finally Phillips came up to them. “The ladies are ready for you,” he said.

Wes smiled, standing up. “Let’s go.” They went down the hall and into the open doorway, and Wes felt his breath catch as he saw Jen standing there. She turned and smiled as she saw him, and he went over to her. “You look amazing,” he said quietly.

“Thanks,” she said, looking down at herself. “You like it?”

“Yeah!” He took her hand, unable to wipe the grin off his face. “Well . . . let’s go.”

Nadira stepped up, arrayed in all her splendor of sequins and glitter, smiling brightly as she went over to Lucas. His eyes widened slightly, and his smile was one of both happiness and amusement. “You look great,” he said.

“Thank you,” she said, eyes sparkling as she took his arm and gazed up at him.

Wes smiled to himself, and then looked over as Katie came out, and Alex met her. “You look wonderful,” Alex said quietly.

“Thanks,” she said, blushing slightly.

Wes looked her over, grinning. “Katie . . . gorgeous!”

“Thanks, Wes,” she said, smiling.

Phillips looked into the room. “Master Wes, are you ready? The guests are entering and you really should be there for the greeting.”

Wes nodded. “Thanks, I’ll be right there.” He looked at Jen. “Ready?”

“Yeah,” she said.

They left the room and met up with Eric and Taylor as they were coming down the hall. “You’re late,” Wes remarked with a smirk.

“No we’re not,” Eric said, scowling.

Jen looked at Taylor. “You look really nice,” she said.

“Thanks,” Taylor said. “So, where do we go?”

“This way,” Wes said, starting down the hall. “You two can come right after me and Jen.”

They got to the top of the stairs and Wes looked down at Jen before they started in. She looked so beautiful. The moment couldn’t be any more perfect.

Jen laughed slightly as Wes took the fork from her hand yet again and replaced it with another. “This is so confusing,” she said, shaking her head.

Wes smiled. “Just watch me.”

“I am,” she said with a smile. “But I’m not watching what fork you use. How’d you learn all this stuff, anyway?”

“What do you mean?” he asked. She gestured around and he shrugged. “I grew up like this, it’s pretty normal for me. I had to take etiquette classes even so it’s second nature.”

“I can’t even spell that,” Jen joked lightly.

“Me neither.” His eyes twinkled.

“This is really nice,” she said. “I wish we could do this kind of thing more often.”

“Well, maybe next time—” he began, but quickly cut himself off, looking down a moment before putting on a small smile again. “Never mind.”

“I’m sorry,” Jen said quietly. “I shouldn’t have said that. Let’s just forget about it, okay? For now.”

Wes nodded. “Okay.” He smiled, and this time it reached his eyes. “Next course, we use this fork.”

She smiled a little. “Okay.”

After dinner they all gathered in the ballroom, a place most of them didn’t even know existed. Music was already playing and it wasn’t long before couples started dancing. Lucas offered a hand to Nadira hesitantly. “May I have this dance?”

Nadira smiled, but looked over her shoulder at her father. “What do you think?” she asked, smiling.

Ransik smiled a little, giving a nod. “Go ahead, dear.”

Lucas nodded to him uncomfortably. “Thanks.” He grabbed Nadira’s hand and led her to the floor. “I told four people at dinner about you,” he noted.

Nadira laughed lightly. “Did you really?”

He nodded. “I told you I would.”

She paused. “Do you think I over-reacted about the whole thing?”

Lucas shook his head. “Not at all, I’m glad you told me.” He paused. “Now I realize what I was doing, and how I really feel.”

“You’ve only known me a few weeks,” she said. “How can you know how you feel?”

“I don’t know,” he said slowly. “I just do.” He smirked. “And I think it’s safe to say I’ve known you a little longer than a few weeks.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” she said. “But I was kinda hoping you’d forget about that.”

“Never will,” he said. “I’ll always love to think of our first date.”

Nadira smiled. “That hardly counts.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Next time, you write a poem about me.”

Taylor watched Cole and Alyssa attempting to dance together and couldn’t help but laugh slightly. Alyssa was trying to teach him but it wasn’t going so well. Not that Eric would be much better, probably.

She looked up as he came over and stood beside her. “You dance?” he asked.

Taylor shrugged, not looking at him. “Sometimes. You?”

“A little.” He looked at her. “Do you want to?”

She looked at him. “Sure. Why not?” She walked with him onto the floor and took his hand, resting her other on his shoulder. They began to dance slowly and she looked up at him. “You’re not bad.”

He smirked. “Right. I know enough not to embarrass myself, that’s about it.” He paused, watching her a moment. “You do look really nice, Taylor.”

She smiled a little despite herself, looking away. “Thanks,” she said. “And . . . thanks for letting me come with you after all.”

“I was kind of hoping you’d change your mind,” he admitted. Then he was quiet for another minute. “Do you think, maybe you’d like to go out sometime after this?”

Taylor smiled, then nodded. “Yeah, I think we should.”

Katie looked at the man before her as they danced silently. “I didn’t know you could dance,” she commented.

“I can’t,” Alex said, amused. “Can’t you tell.”

“You’re doing good,” she said.

“I’m faking it,” he stated.

Katie smiled. “You know, it’s really nice to see you like this. You’re so . . . happy.”

“It’s been a while,” he said. “Things have changed. But, it’s nice for me too, believe me.”

She paused. “So you’re doing okay?”

Alex nodded. “I’ll be fine.” He paused, then took a slight breath. “It helps too, to know none of you hate me anymore.”

“We didn’t, hate you,” she said slowly. “Really. We were just a little—upset with you.”

He shook his head, smirking. “Don’t even try, Katie. I know I acted.”

“Think of it as forgotten,” Katie said with a smile.

“Thanks,” Alex said quietly.

“So,” she continued. “Are you having fun?”

Alex smiled. “Yeah, I am.”

Wes led Jen out onto the balcony after a couple hours of dancing, getting some air before starting again. Jen smiled as she took a deep breath of the fresh air. “It’s beautiful out here.”

Wes looked out over the balcony. “I guess it is. I never really noticed before.”

She sighed. “Everything feels so perfect tonight.”

He smiled, going to her side. “I have something for you,” he said, taking out a small box from his pocket and handing it to her.

Jen took it and opened it slowly, lifting the lid off. Her eyes widened as she saw the necklace inside, made of sparkling diamonds and rubies. She looked up at Wes. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

He smiled again. “I know you like pink, but I thought these were nice. You know, to remember me by.”

She nodded slowly, blinking quickly as her eyes moistened and taking off the necklace she wore to replace it with the other. “Thank you so much,” she said. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Thanks works fine for me,” he said. He leaned over and kissed her slowly. “I love you, Jen.”

“I love you too,” she said. “Merry Christmas, Wes.”

“Merry Christmas.”

--

12/23/03—12/27/03