[See The Purple Ranger: Part I for disclaimer]

**Thanks to my AWESOME editing team: Jeremy Ray, Luellon and Stacey. Jeremy Ray's physic's class inspired Turbo suggestions gave me the nudge to take Alex on to Turbo. Thanks for the throwing star idea, Luellon.**

Two Become One
By Akiko

Part I

A buzzer signals in the dark and empty Power Chamber. It goes unnoticed as the normal inhabitants are taking a much deserved rest. The silent code confirmed, the docking sequence begins.

"Home sweet home," Alexandra says dreamily as the blue orb of Earth comes into view.

"Purple Ranger, prepare for entering the Earth's atmosphere," a metallic, feminine, synthesized voice advises.

"On my way, Artemis." Alex returns to her pilot's chair and straps in. She reaches for her helmet, then returns it to its holding place.

"Is your helmet malfunctioning, Purple Ranger?" Artemis asks.

"No, just don't want to mess my hair up," Alex answers, pushing a single vibrant lock of purple hair behind her ear.

"Vanity, thy name is woman," Artemis quips.

< P>"I hate it when you philosophize, Artemis. I want to look good for my reintroduction to Earthian society."

"Zeo Ranger IV has been informed of our arrival?"

Alex winces. Artemis knows her too well.

"No, Adam, nor the rest of the Rangers know. I wanted it to be a surprise."

Suddenly, the great, silver, metallic bird begins to quake violently, signalling their entry into the Earth's stratosphere.

"Ooopeen hannngerrr dooorr," Alex commands through rattling teeth.

Lush, green Angel Grove comes into view. Alex blinks back tears of separation.

"Let's give 'em a big hello, Artemis!" Alex says.

A deafening screech pierces the air as the giant owl zord bursts through the cloud cover. They glide effortlessly over the desert towards the Rangers' secret fortress.

"It's so good to be home," Alex says, punching in last minute instructions to the Docking Bay.

Artemis soars towards the opening in the side of the mountain. At the last possible moment, she folds in her wings and extends her feet. The pair slide gracefully into the holding area. Artemis takes a few steps to line herself up next to the Super Zeo Zords.

Alex unhooks her safety belt and bounds out of the cockpit. Without waiting for the ladder to line up to Artemis' head, Alex leaps down to the floor in a streak of purple light. Though she lands gracefully on her feet after the jump, Alex sprawls out, face down on the floor of the Docking Bay.

"Purple Ranger, are you injured?" Artemis asks urgently.

Alex removes a dirt smudged cheek from the floor and answers, "I have never felt better." She puts her head back down, as if trying to give the ground a giant bear hug.

Artemis leaves her be and begins to preen. The grinding sound of metal against metal, interrupts Alex's revelry.

"Man, Artemis, what are you doing?"

"It seems that I have areas that are beginning to rust."

"But Billy had you in a 99% water-free holding area on Aquitar."

"I believe that I accumulated some condensation in my feathers that was not evaporated as we left the Aquitian atmosphere."

"I'll have Zordon and Alpha send some droids down here to give you a good oil bath, okay?" Alex replies, finally pulling herself off the floor. She dusts herself off. "Now, to tell Zordon all about my training on Aquitar. He'll be so impressed. And Trini, too. I wonder if she is home from classes yet?"

Alex has a bounce in her step as she vacates the Docking Bay. She walks briskly down the corridor wondering where to start her story. Alex passes the Training Room, her own reflection in the glass causes her to stop.

"Purple Ranger, power down," Alex says. The purple and white armor melts away to reveal an Earthian girl in Aquitian attire. Alex smoothes the long, flowing black robes over her hips, straightening the gold belt cinching the material. She pushes a few stray locks of wavy black hair into the high ponytail style she had adopted from Delphine. The one exception, the purple lock, brushes her shoulders. "I HAVE changed in the last six months. I've grown, too." Alex looks down at the two inch heeled black boots she had acquired from Cestria. "Will Adam even recognize me?"

Alex begins her walk again. She thinks about Adam, her father, Trini, the rest of the Rangers. Her walk becomes a jog. In a fit of laughter, Alex breaks into a run and comes flying into the Power Chamber. She skids to a stop in the darkened room, when she sees Zordon's empty chamber.

"Yo, yo, yo! We got us an intruder!"

Alex turns around to see what appears to be Alpha coming at her. She runs to the droid and throws her arms around it.

"Dimetria! Help, I'm being attacked by this chick!" it says.

"Alpha? What's with the stupid accent?" Alex says, giving the droid a bear hug.

"ARRRGGHHH! My circuits are overloadin'. Help me!"

"Who are you and how did you get in here?" a white-veiled face lights up Zordon's home.

"Who are YOU? What did you do with Zordon? And what in the hell did you do to Alpha?" Alex asks defensively.

"Are you not also from the planet Inquirius?"

"In-whatty? Look, I don't know what you did to Zordon, but I'm calling the rest of the Rangers," Alex says, getting ready to activate her communicator.

"Did the Rangers not tell you about Zordon's departure?" Dimetria asks.

"No, when did he leave?" Alex asks.

"Dimetria, I think this is the missing Ranger that Zordon was trying to tell us about before they left," Alpha says.

"Yes, I am Alexandra, the Purple Ranger. I've been on Aquitar for the last six months."

"Oh boy, this chick has seriously been out of the loop," Alpha says. "There's been a lot of changes around here lately."

Engrossed in their conversation, Alex doesn't notice the streaks of pink and yellow light that appear a few yards behind her. Kat and Tanya materialize to see a black cloaked figure with long black hair with a shock of purple running through it. Tanya grabs Kat's arm to keep her from speaking.

"NOW!" Tanya yells as the two girls lunge at the intruder. The three girls crash heavily to the floor.

"Divatox!" Kat yells, flipping the intruder over to her back.

"Who?" Alex replies, pushing her hair out of her face.

"Alex?!?" Tanya and Kat exclaim in unison.

"Glad to see you, too. Thanks for the warm welcome," Alex says, rubbing her jarred elbow.

The girls continue to gawk as Tanya gives Alex a hand off the floor.

"Wha-wha-what are you doing here?" Kat stammers.

"I live here, remember?" Alex teases.

"It's good to have you back," Tanya says regaining her composure and giving her former teammate a hug.

"Did Adam and Tanya get back together while I was gone?" the sinister thought sneaks into Alex's mind. She pushes the thought away and answers, "It's good to be home."

Kat continues to gawk.

"Are you okay?" Alex asks Kat while waving a hand in front of the dazed girl's face.

"I thought you were Divatox," she stammers out.

"Okay, somebody please come by on the Clue Bus and pick me up," Alex says exasperated. "I need a scorecard to keep up with all the changes. Did I miss out on anything else important?"

Tanya and Kat look at each other and giggle.

"Right this way," Kat says taking one of Alex's elbows and leading her out of the Power Chamber.

The trio travel down a seldom used corridor to an area that Alex had never ventured into.

"Okay, close your eyes," Tanya says.

Alex looks at her skeptically, but plays along. The two girls lead Alex into an expansive room.

"Okay, you can open them," Kat says, stopping Alex in front of the lit circle where the other Rangers had received their Turbo Powers.

"We're going to play a giant game of Simon?" Alex asks curiously.

"No, silly," Kat says with a laugh. "Watch!"

"Shift into Turbo! Wind Chaser Turbo Power!"

"Dune Star Turbo Power!"

The two girls morph into their new identities. This time it is Alex's turn to gawk at the changes.

"Wow! I'm impressed," Alex says honestly. "The costumes are better, too. I bet it's nice to be able to see for once, right Tanya?"

Tanya laughs. "Let's show Alex the whole thing."

"Power up!" the Turbo Rangers say in unison.

The darkness surrounding them lights up to reveal five cars. The engines of Wind Chaser and Dune Star rev loudly. The girls walk over to the cars.

"This is too cool," Alex says, running a hand over the sleek hood of Wind Chaser. "Let me guess, the red one is Tommy's."

"Yep," Kat answers dreamily.

"Hmm," Alex thinks, "I'll have to inquire more about that later. Wonder if they've become a couple while I was away?"

"And this blue truck is Rocky's?" Alex says aloud.

"Uh, no. We've had another change in the line up," Tanya answers.

Before Alex can inquire about the new Ranger, she notices Desert Thunder.

"And this one must be Adam's," Alex says, her heart beginning to swell. "He IS still on the team, isn't he?"

"Of course," Tanya answers.

"Does Adam know you're back?" Kat asks.

"Not yet." Alex looks down at her watch, trying to make a quick calculation from Aquitian time to Earth time. "I think my dad should be getting home from the base about now. I want to go see him first. Maybe I will drop by the Parks after supper."

In her heart of hearts, Alex really wants to drop everything and teleport directly to Adam no matter where he was.

"I don't want to appear too anxious," Alex thinks. "So much has changed around here in six months. I left a lot of loose ends behind. Adam and I have so much to talk about."

~*~

Part II

"Dad! I'm home!" Alex yells while entering the front door.

Alex walks through the Jamison's empty house looking for her father. Finally realizing that he isn't home, Alex wanders up the stairs to her room. Her room looks the same as it did six months ago.

"Well, Dad took care of the dust bunnies and swept up the shattered glass. I see he replaced my dresser mirror too," Alex thinks.

Pulling down the blinds in her room, Alex pushes a couple of buttons on her communicator. Soon four large duffle bags materialize in her room.

"Thanks, Artemis," Alex says into her communicator.

Artemis responds with an affirmative, "Hoo hoo."

Alex begins to unpack her bags but soon gives up. She wanders around her room looking at old treasures. On her dresser sits a silver frame. Inside is a picture of a young man in uniform, a beautiful woman with wavy black hair, and a little girl staring up at her mother with expectant eyes. It was their last family picture before the illness. Alex blinks back tears that threaten to fall and feels guilty for not remembering this woman.

"You were only four Earthian years old, Alexandra," Callipso told her during one of their many trainings. "Do not feel guilty for not remembering. You had not been alive for very long."

Alex had continued to try every night to find what she believed were her missing synapses. If she could just reconnect the bridges in her memory, she would remember her mother. She would be able to recall their short time together.

A crisp autumn breeze rushes through her open window, pushing the picture off balance. It slides face down on the dresser. The breeze also picks up a paper crane that Trini had made for her. Alex picks it up off her carpet and places it back on her bookshelf next to some more recent photos. Alex smiles as she settles the origami crane in front of the picture of her and Trini. Trini is squinting and Alex has retina burn, but their expressions are priceless.

"I'll give Trini a call tonight too," Alex thinks. "I wonder how she's taking the break up."

That was the worst thing about living on Aquitar. Alex was completely cut off from Earth. No phone. No letters. No e-mail. It took so much energy to contact Earth, that she was forbidden to contact home unless it was an emergency. She had heard about Trini and Billy's break up when Billy had come back to Aquitar with Cestria for water therapy. Alex hadn't even recognized Billy in his aged state. Trini and Billy's relationship had dissolved not too long before that. Alex hadn't heard the whole story, but Billy said that Trini had handed him her communicator and essentially told the Rangers never to contact her again.

"I wish I could have been here for Trini, but I'm not sure how much help I would have been. I wonder if she will see me?

Beside the picture of Trini was Alex and Adam's infamous Homecoming picture. It still had the scratches in it from the first breakdown she had had. Alex reminisces about the wonderful times that the two had shared–riding his motorcycle through the desert, moonlight walks through Angel Grove park, sparring in the Youth Center…

The ringing phone jolts Alex back to the present, but not before the answering machine picks up.

At the beep Alex hears, "Hey, Colonel. It's Mac. Wanted to make sure our golf game at 5:30 was still on. I just called your office and your secretary said that you'd already left for the day. Guess you're waiting for me at the Club. See you in a bit."

Alex glances at her alarm clock.

"Five twenty-five. Guess Dad won't be home for a while after all. I'll go check on Trini and then go to the Parks."

Alex grabs her jean jacket as she walks out the front door. Leaving her Aquitian attire behind, Alex is dressed a little closer to Earthian standards: jeans, a purple t-shirt and Reeboks.

Without a car and unable to justify teleportation, Alex is forced to travel the old-fashioned way–by foot. She doesn't mind though. She looks forward to the time alone to think. The October wind rushes around her face, causing her hair to obstruct her view.

"I should have left my hair up," Alex thinks, trying to get a hold of the onyx-colored mane whipping around her head. "Dad's gonna flip when he sees the purple streak."

Alex enters Angel Grove Park, taking the short cut to the Kwans' house. Alex lopes down one of the big hills to see an Asian guy in a green shirt conversing with a little boy.

"Adam?" Alex blinks several times. Alex had already embarrassed herself many times on Aquitar thinking that she had seen Adam. She wasn't about to make another scene. "I'm still going through Adam withdrawal."

"So how was the stunt show today, Adam?" Justin asks, sitting down next to Adam on the picnic bench.

"Pretty good. How was school?" Adam replies.

"The same. I wish I could go to work, too."

"Believe me, that time will be here before you know it," Adam says, swinging an arm around his young friend's shoulders.

"Aw, isn't that sweet," Divatox says, peering through her periscope at Adam and Justin. "Adam is just like the big brother Justin never had. Someone to guide him and teach him the right way."

"Gosh, I wish I had a big brother, Auntie D," Elgar comments, stumbling into Divatox.

"You idiot! The whole scene makes me want to wretch! Break it up!"

"You want us to distract the Rangers while you plant a bomb?"

"No, I want to be mean, just for the sake of being mean!"

"But why?"

"B-b-b," Divatox sputters in rage, "Because I said so!"

"Right away, Auntie D!" Elgar answers and mumbles under his breath, "Geez, somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning."

"Tommy said that you were looking for your own apartment," Justin comments.

"Yep. I go sign the contract tomorrow," Adam says proudly. "Finally, my own place."

"Can I come over a lot?"

"Call first."

"Right, you might have girls there," Justin says, nodding his head.

Adam looks surprised. "Have you and Tommy been having any man-to-man talks lately?" Adam says and wonders silently, "Do I really want to open this can of worms?"

Before Justin has a chance to answer, a squad of Piranhatrons materialize in front of the pair.

"Oh, man," Adam comments. "I knew this day was going too well."

"Let's get 'em!" Justin says enthusiastically and sprints off to the fight.

With a sigh, Adam joins the fight. Meanwhile, on the hill, Alex stops and rubs her eyes.

"It's got to be Adam," Alex says. "Nobody fights like he does."

Adam flips over the top of one of the Piranhatrons and nails it squarely in the back. Justin struggles in the grasps of two of the warriors.

"And it looks like he could use my help," Alex says, sprinting towards the melee.

Justin whacks both of his attackers causing them to let go. He runs for another one lining up to attack Adam. Divatox materializes off to the side of the melee, cheering on the Piranhatrons and eating popcorn.

"Oh, I just love a good fight," she says, spilling popcorn as Adam sends a defeated Piranhatron whizzing past its mistress.

Out of the corner of his eye, Adam catches a flash of purple.

"No, it couldn't be," he thinks. Adam ducks, causing two Piranhatrons to collide into each other. "Alex? Hoomphf!" An attacker punches Adam in the stomach while he is distracted.

Justin is going down fast. Two Piranhatrons hold him upside down by the legs and walk him towards Divatox.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Divatox sneers, leaning over so she can look Justin in the eye.

"Let me go!" Justin thrashes around, blood rushing to his face.

A defiant tapping on Divatox's shoulder blade causes the Pirateress to turn around. She sees a young woman standing defiantly in front of her with her arms crossed.

"Why don't you pick on someone a little closer to your own size, sister?" Alex says.

"Oh, look. I have a groupie," Divatox says, reaching her hand out and picking Alex's purple strand of hair out of the rest. "The difference is, I make this look GOOD," Divatox quotes.

Alex grabs Divatox's outstretched arm and, with a yank, twists it behind her back.

"Now. Let the boy go," Alex says, increasing her grip on Divatox's arm.

Divatox nods and the Piranhatrons toss Justin towards Adam. Adam breaks Justin's fall to the grass.

"If we could get rid of the girl, we could morph and kick some serious butt," Justin says.

"But she…," Adam's comment is left unheard as Justin recklessly runs towards the battle again.

"See, I'm a reasonable Pirate," Divatox says in sickly sweet voice. "NOT!" Divatox rams her boot heel into Alex's shin.

Alex releases Divatox and hops up and down, grabbing her painful leg. A couple of well-placed punches sends Alex flying through the air. She lands heavily on the grass next to where Adam is beginning to stand up again.

"Alex?" Adam says, still not convinced that he isn't seeing things.

"Fancy meeting you here," Alex jokes, trying to regain her composure. "What happened to your hair?"

"I could ask you the same."

Divatox's wicked laugh interrupts their homecoming. With a growl, Alex pounds her palms on the grass and pushes herself up to her feet.

"Now, I'm mad." Alex straightens her t-shirt and adds before running off, "Get rid of Junior so we can morph."

"But he…," Adam begins too late once again. "Oh for Pete's sake. SHIFT INTO TURBO! DESERT THUNDER TURBO POWER!"

"ADAM?!?!" Justin and Alex exclaim in unison, looking at one another.

"Would you two just morph and get it over with!" Adam says exasperated.

The two strangers eye each other skeptically.

"Power Ranger 6, Purple!" Alex is the first to begin the incantation.

"Mountain Blaster Turbo Power!"

Alex stares in disbelief as Justin begins to grow.

"Now, let's kick some butt," Adam says and charges at the Piranhatrons.

"HIYAH!" Justin flies through the air and into a group of Piranhatrons.

"NO! Not another Ranger!" Divatox screams and stomps her feet.

Alex stretches out her hand, palm turned upwards. With a wicked laugh, she collapses in her fingers until they are closed into a fist.

"Huh? What?" Divatox exclaims as her paper box of popcorn collapses magically in her hand. Tiny, crushed kernals slide through her fingers like sand and litter the ground. Divatox proceeds to throw a tantrum.

Alex pulls the staff off of her belt and opens it to its full length. "Hiyah!" Alex yells as she flips over a squad of Piranhatrons. She lands gracefully in front of Divatox. She swings the staff around dramatically for effect and then brings it down inches away from Divatox's head.

"Now, you were saying?" Alex asks.

"I don't know who or what you are, but we are NOT finished. Mark my words." Divatox steps backwards. In an instant she dematerializes taking the Piranhatrons with her.

"Yes!" Justin says. "Cowards! Come back and finish what you started!"

"Enough, Justin," Adam says, grabbing Justin's shoulder. "We fight because we have to, not because we like to. Commit that to memory."

"Okay," Justin answers deflated.

"So are you going to introduce me to your young friend, Adam?" Alex asks when she joins the guys. She glances around and then adds, "Power down."

All three Rangers morph back into their street clothes.

"I can't believe you're back." Adam grabs Alex in a bear hug. The pair cling together until Justin clears his throat.

"So you're the girl from the hologram that Adam watches all the time," Justin says.

"Not all the time." Adam gives Justin a perturbed look to shut him up, but never releases Alex. "I was watching some of your old training holograms that Zordon made. You know, to learn some new techniques."

Nobody buys the story, but they politely let it drop anyway.

"Um, Adam? You're breaking my ribs," Alex says.

Adam immediately releases her and tries to regain his composure.

"You know what I would love?" Alex asks with big eyes. "One of Ernie's juicy cheese burgers, french fries and a Cherry Pepsi. I'm tired of being a vegetarian and I never want to eat another piece of seaweed for the rest of my life!"

"Alex, Ernie left. Jerome–you know, Lt. Stone–runs the Youth Center now," Adam says.

Alex sighs in frustration. "Let's all go to the Youth Center and get a burger–my treat. But you have to fill me in on EVERYTHING I missed. No more surprises."

"Allright!" Justin says, his mouth watering. "By the way, I'm Justin–the new Blue Ranger."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Alex, the Purple Ranger."

"Okay, it all started when Rocky had an accident…," Justin begins.

"No, no. We've got to go back even further," Adam says. "About a month after you left the Gold Ranger started showing up."

"Gold Ranger? Who's that?" Alex asks.

"Was."

"Was?"

"Trey was the Gold Ranger, then Jason took the power."

"Jason? Who's Jason?"

"Jason Lee, the original Red Ranger."

"Never met him," Alex says.

"He was on the original team with Trini."

"Oh, Trini. Let's see if she wants to join us for burgers."

"Trini is gone, Alex," Adam says. "We think she is in Florida with Kimberly, but she hasn't contacted any of us since she left."

Alex grabs her head with both hands. "I'm getting a headache. Okay, one more time from the top, please."

"Wait a minute," Alex says, stirring her Cherry Pepsi with her straw. "So, Trey was the Gold Ranger, but he lost his power to Jason. Jason was the Gold Ranger, and then he lost his power back to Trey. So, what does that make Jason now?"

"A Ranger twice removed?" Adam jokes with a shrug. "Seriously, Jason has gone to Korea to study Tae Kwon Do with a master."

The conversation abruptly stops when Jerome comes to their table with a huge tray of food.

"Alex, it's so good to have you back," Jerome says, placing a plate piled high with fries in front of her. "When did you get back from Scotland?"

"Scotland?" Alex says, looking at Adam for help.

"Yeah, I was telling Jerome about your trip to the highlands to visit very distantly related relatives of the Jamison clan," Adam nods encouragingly.

"Oh, yeah," Alex plays along.

"How's Billy doing?" Jerome asks, placing plates in front of Adam and Justin.

"Fine," Alex says generically and adds, "he's done wonders for Great Uncle Hamish's sheep shearing machine. You know how Billy loves to build things."

Jerome looks confused. "Adam said Billy was doing chemical work in your Uncle Clyde's brewery."

Alex gives Adam an exasperated look, but adds, "That too. Busy guy, that Billy. Ooh, could I get some ketchup for my fries?"

Jerome leaves to fetch a bottle.

"You hate ketchup on your fries," Adam says.

"Uncle Clyde? How many Scotsman do you know named Clyde?"

"I had to think on my feet."

"You better fill me on the rest of the details of my life in the highlands," Alex says and takes a huge bite of cheeseburger.

Distracted with other customers, Jerome doesn't bring the bottle of ketchup until the end of the meal. By that time, Alex and Adam had agreed on their stories.

"Here you go," Jerome says. "Oh dear. I'm too late."

"That's okay," Alex says. "The food was fantastic! So what else is new at the Youth Center. Boy, have I missed this place."

"Not too much. Ernie's Youth Programs were such a big success, that I've decided to continue with them. Look…." Jerome grabs a picture off the wall behind them. "Remember this?"

The Rangers peer at the photo. It is a shot of Adam and Alex after one of their first classes. Adam and his group of gi-clad students pose next to Alex and her ballerinas-in-training. Alex and Adam share a glance, both remembering that their first date happened not too long after that photo was taken.

"I hope we can re-recruit you," Jerome says to Alex.

"Let me get settled in a little, and I'll get back to you."

"We have a Halloween Party tomorrow night here for the kids of the orphanage. Kat and Tanya have planned an elaborate party for them. Will we see you three there?" Jerome asks.

"Nah," Justin says, pulling himself up. "I'm too old for Halloween."

"Since when?" Adam asks, realizing that the act is for Alex's benefit.

"Oh, I LOVE Halloween," Alex says. "I like dressing up and becoming someone else for the night."

"I heard Tanya say she was making Marshmallow fluff sandwiches for the event," Adam says, knowing Justin had a weakspot for the gooey treat.

"Well, maybe I will go for just a little while," Justin says reluctantly and adds, "to support Kat and Tanya, of course."

"Of course," Adam says facetiously.

"Great. Could you two come early?" Jerome points at Alex and Adam.

"Tomorrow is Saturday, so I'm scheduled to do the first two shows," Adam says. "Luckily, that means I don't have to do the eight and ten o'clock shows."

"Sure. Tomorrow night will be fine," Alex says.

"Are you going to wear your stunt show costume?" Justin asks.

"Not hardly," Adam says.

"Why?" Alex asks.

"It's just a little to revealing."

Alex makes a mental note to definitely go check out the stunt show now.

"If you all are finished, I need to start closing up. It's already gone nine o'clock," Jerome says.

"You've got school tomorrow. Don't want to get you into trouble with Miss Adela," Adam says to Justin. "I'd better take you home before she gets worried."

"Awww," Justin whines. "How is Alex going to get home?"

Adam stops to think. "I left my bike here earlier. I could take Justin home and then come back and get you."

"What's she going to do for a half an hour?"

"That's okay." Alex leans into the table and whispers, "I'll teleport home once we're outside."

Adam grabs Alex's coat for her and the trio leave the Youth Center.

"Justin, why don't you go warm up the bike." Adam tosses Justin the keys.

Flabbergasted at his stroke of luck, Justin runs off before Adam has a chance to change his mind.

"Can I pick you up tomorrow night?" Adam asks and quickly adds, "Seems you are on the way and all."

"Sure, I'd like that," Alex answers and quickly adds, "If it won't mess up any plans you had."

"No plans," he answers. No date. Adam knows what she is really asking.

They stand staring at each other for a moment trying to decide what to do next.

"Um, well, I guess I'll teleport home now," Alex says, feeling like a total moron.

"Tomorrow at 7?"

"Sure," Alex says and teleports away.

Justin overrevs the engine of Adam's bike. Adam snaps back to attention.

~*~

Part III

Adam revs the engine of his bike while stopped at the traffic light leading into Alex's subdivision. A group of costume-clad, teenaged girls pull up in a convertible beside him. They point at him and giggle. One girl whistles and the car errupts in laughter.

"I really should have worn a looser pair of jeans," Adam thinks. He shifts nervously in his seat, wishing that the light would change. He pushes up the sleeves of the black leather jacket he'd borrowed from Kai–an actor from the stunt show.

The cat calls and giggles continue until the light mercifully turns green. Adam makes a break for it. Relieved that the girls aren't following him, Adam slows down in Alex's subdivision.

"It wouldn't be good to run over any trick-or-treaters."

He pulls into the Jamison's driveway and turns off the engine. Adam removes his helmet and pulls a comb from his back pocket.

"I'm never going to be able to get all this gunk out of my hair." Adam combs his hair back into a ducktail. He sees a little girl in a pink tutu in his mirror.

"Adam!!!" The little girl breaks away from her father's grasp and runs to Adam. She attaches herself to his leg.

"Hi, Katja. Long time, no see," Adam says and then adds with a polite nod, "Mr. Petrosky."

"It has been a long time," Adam thinks. "I haven't seen them since the funeral."

"Um..um…Adam…guess what?" The five-year old stutters. "I'm trick-or-treating. Papa said I could be a ballerina, just like Mama was." Katja twirls around for added effect. "What are you?"

Adam kneels down on one knee to be on Katja's eye level. "I'm a greaser. Can't you tell?" He turns up the collar of the leather jacket and gives Katja his best Billy Idol-like snarl.

"No," she answers honestly.

Adam shrugs.

Mr. Petrosky laughs and says in a thick, Russian accent, "Katja, it is getting late. Let's go to Alexandra's door and then we need to go home."

"I'll take her," Adam volunteers.

Katja grabs Adam's hand and the unlikely pair head up the Jamison's walkway. Katja squeals as Adam swings her up the steep steps. Adam rings the doorbell.

"You have to say 'Trick or Treat,'" Katja informs Adam.

"Okay," Adam answers in mock seriousness.

"Really loud, okay?"

Adam nods, trying not to laugh.

The door creaks slowly open to the Jamison's darkened house. Eerie haunted house music plays in the background. A tall, thin shadow darkens the doorway. Then it steps into the light from the porch.

"DIVATOX!" Adam pushes Katja behind him and takes a defensive stance.

"No, Adam, you're supposed to say 'Trick or treat,'" Katja fusses at him.

Divatox flips on the hallway light and bursts into hysterical laughter.

"Alex!" Katja squeals.

"If you could see the look on your face, Adam," Alex says between gasps of air. She lifts up the makeshift crown/eyepiece that Tanya had crafted for her and wipes her eyes.

"Don't be scared, Adam," Katja says, taking his hand. "I'll protect you."

Still giggling, Alex comes out with a bowl of candy.

"Wow, you guys look great." Alex holds the bowl down for Katja. Katja digs in with furor.

"You are just a little too close to the real thing," Adam says, hoping that his heart will soon be returning to a normal rhythm.

"Part of the costume is from…Scotland, and Tanya pulled the rest of it together for me."

"Very convincing. Thought we were going to get an unscheduled visit from the Power Rangers tonight."

"Power Rangers?" The words trigger a memory in Katja. "Um… um…guess what? I MET a Power Ranger one time."

"I remember," Alex says. "We had our picture taken with the Black Ranger, remember?"

"Uh huh," Katja answers and then spots a Hershey bar buried in the bottom of the bowl. She persues it.

"Yeah, too bad you missed him, Adam," Alex says, with a knowing look.

"Yep, what a shame. But it was sure nice of you to give me your copy of the picture of the three of you," Adam plays along.

"You didn't believe me. I had to prove it to you."

Adam remembers the day clearly. He had purposefully run into Alex that day. He had overheard Alex telling Billy of her babysitting assignment–taking Katja to the Cherry Blossom Festival in the park. The organizers had been really surprised when a Power Ranger made an impromptu appearance to meet and greet fans.

"Hey, you still owe us a cotton candy," Alex teases. "As I recall, you were gone thirty minutes and you still came back empty-handed."

Adam shrugs. He had pulled a Clark Kent-to-Superman behind one of the port-a-johns.

"That was before even Alex knew I was a Power Ranger," Adam thinks.

Mr. Petrosky yells something in Russian from the sidewalk.

"Okay!" Katja answers and finally decides on a package of M&Ms. "Thank you, Alex."

"You're welcome, sweetie." Alex kneels down and gives Katja a hug. "I'll come visit you soon, okay?"

"Will you bring your tutu?"

"Yes, I'll bring the tutu."

"Goodie!" Katja bounds down the steps and races over to her father to add the prize to her bulging bag.

"Goodnight, Mr. Petrosky, Katja." Alex waves.

They return her wave and walk off. Alex watches them walk halfway down the block.

"Are you okay?" Adam asks, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah. I still feel bad for them though," Alex says sadly.

"Me too. But there was nothing we could do."

"I know, that's what Callipso told me at least 100 times."

"You've got to stop beating yourself up over it."

"We should get going," Alex says, purposefully trying to change the subject.

After depositing the bowl back inside, Alex meets Adam at his bike.

"Now, THIS I missed." Alex climbs on behind Adam and instinctively wraps her arms around him.

"Me too," Adam thinks as he starts the bike.

Alex immediately lets go, wondering if it is still appropriate for her to cling to Adam. They roar off down the street, Alex's cloak flying out behind them. Alex grabs onto Adam again to keep from falling off the bike.

"Safety is more important than being appropriate," Alex justifies to herself.

Adam smiles as he feels her arms wrap around him again. He purposefully cuts the corner sharper than truly necessary.

"Wow, you guys look great," Kat says as Adam and Alex enter the Youth Center. Kat wears a pink satin flappers costume complete with a white fringe skirt and an outrageous feathered hat.

"Dig those heels, Tommy," Alex comments as Tommy arrives with a bag of ice for the bubbling punch. He had dug out his Disco-fever costume, complete with the two inch platform shoes.

The friends laugh as Tommy does his best John Travolta pose.

"Alex, why don't you go hang these spider webs behind the coffin over there. Adam, help Tommy clear the dance space in front of the sound system. Tanya will be here with the kids any minute now," Kat delegates.

Everyone dutifully goes about their tasks. Alex slips behind the table with the cardboard coffin on top. She turns her back to it and begins stretching the synthetic spider webs over the picture frames. Alex doesn't notice that the inhabitant of the coffin has resurrected. He slides the coffin top off silently and sits up. He stealthily reaches out his hand and latches onto Alex's arm.

Alex is abruptly turned around. "Holy….cow!" Alex yells as she comes face to face with a hissing, blood-dripping-from-his-fangs vampire. "Rocky?"

"Hey, Alex," Rocky mumbles. He spits out his teeth and says more clearly, "Welcome back. Man, this stuff is nasty."

Rocky grabs an orange napkin from a nearby table and wipes his mouth. He sticks out his tongue and wipes the fake blood off it too. Alex giggles at the sight.

"It's good to see you, Rocky." Alex gives her friend a hug. "Adam told me about the accident. How's the back?"

"Better. I still have another month of physical therapy, but I'm getting stronger."

"How do you feel about no longer being a….well, you know?" Alex asks softly.

"At first, I was really bummed. But now, I'm cool with it. It's kinda nice not being interrupted all the time. Though, my creative story telling skills have been getting a little rusty."

"What are you doing now, after graduation?"

"I've opened my own dojo and I take a couple of business classes at the community college. I really like having a life again, and a steady girlfriend, Melissa." Rocky's eyes twinkle as he says her name. "Though I'm sure my life is boring compared to yours. What about you?"

"I don't know where I am. I didn't finish my classes, so I couldn't graduate. I guess I'll have to go back to AGHS.

"You're going to AGHS, too?" Justin is the first kid through the door. He makes a bee-line to Rocky. "Hi. I'm Batman," Justin does his best imitation, while swinging his cape dramatically in front of his face. "Maybe we'll have some classes together and we can eat lunch together and we can hang out…."

"Then again, maybe I'll work on getting my GED," Alex jokes, though she is seriously considering the latter now.

"Justin!" Tanya yells from the doorway. "You're supposed to wait outside with the rest of the kids."

Tanya has a tiger-striped unitard on with matching ears and tail. She had teased her hair out into a giant mane and striped it. Kat had helped her apply the makeup to complete her costume.

Justin grumbles.

"Now!" Tanya commands, putting one hand on her hip.

Justin grumbles again but speeds off and out the door.

"In the box, DeSantos," Tanya orders.

"Yes, ma'am!" Dracula salutes and pulls the coffin lid over himself.

"Lights! Music!"

Alex turns off the overhead lights. Tommy turns on the strobe light and Adam turns on the Halloween music.

"And now, the kids." Tanya makes a dramatic gesture to the door. A few seconds later a swarm of screaming children of different sizes and shapes run in for the games and activities Tanya and Kat had orchestrated.

Two hours later, as the kids' party begins to wind down, Alex and Adam fall heavily into chairs at a nearby table for a much needed rest. They hear a blood curdling scream as Rocky gets another unsuspecting victim.

"So…where to begin…," Adam says uncomfortably.

"Hmm, where did we leave off? I'm kind of foggy on that," Alex replies, fidgeting in her seat.

"I believe that before you left for, ahem, Scotland, you slapped my class ring back in my hand and said something to the effect of you needed some time to find yourself and that I shouldn't be tied down to someone so mentally unstable."

"Oh," Alex replies, realizing why she'd repressed that memory.

"So, did you find yourself?"

"Mostly. I had a lot of time to think about things. As much as I enjoyed my lessons there, I found myself getting very lonely."

"Billy didn't comfort you?" Adam says in the most innocuous voice he can find, though he knows that it is a loaded question.

"Honestly, I didn't see much of Billy. At first I avoided him. I was angry with him for breaking Trini's heart. When I finally made peace with that, he was so involved with Cestria that he didn't have time to spend with me."

"I'm surprised that you didn't settle down with a fish of your own," Adam pointedly teases.

"Well, Cestria did try to set me up a couple of times. They were total disasters," Alex answers truthfully. She leans into the table and says quietly. "I'm too emotional by Aquitian standards. I think I scared the males off or at least intimidated the hell out of them. I'm not sure which. Besides, the thought of snuggling up with a fish isn't exactly appealing. I found that I prefer the company of males of the human species, more specifically of the Asian persuation."

Adam looks away embarrassed by the confession, but slightly comforted at the same time.

"You two aren't quitting on us yet, are you?" Tanya pulls up a chair at their table.

"Just taking a breather," Alex answers, hoping that Tanya is planning to leave soon so that they can finish their discussion.

"Good," Kat says as she and Tommy join the trio. "The real party starts at 10 o'clock, after the kids leave."

"Allright!" Rocky mumbles through his fake fangs and flops down beside Tommy. "It can be a Halloween/Homecoming party for Alex. I can't wait for you to meet Melissa. I think you'll really like her."

"There goes our private discussion," Alex thinks.

Adam gives her an apologetic look, obviously thinking the same thing.

"That would be great," Alex tries to appear gracious.

The party cranks up a couple of notches after the children leave and the other teens arrive. Alex enjoys catching up with AGHS friends and acquaintances. Rocky proudly introduces her to Melissa, and then leaves to get them some punch.

A tiny periscope pops out of a glass of punch on a nearby table. On the other end, Divatox spies on the party. She spots Alex conversing with a group of students.

"How dare she mock me!" Divatox hisses.

"They say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, oh Great One," Porto tries to calm his mistress.

She doesn't buy it and snaps, "Shut up, you big marshmallow! RYGOG!"

"Yes, my Queen," the monster waddles up from behind.

"Rygog, I want you to find out everything there is to know about this new Ranger. She has to have a weakness," Divatox says, fiddling with her purple strand of hair. "Porto, start building a monster. And this time, it better be a good one."

"Ooh, ooh, what about me, Auntie D?" Elgar says, raising his hand and jumping up and down.

Divatox sighs in annoyance. "Just stay out of my way. I have a plan to defeat the Rangers and Demetria, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let that little psi-powered wench ruin it."

Alex sees Adam standing off to the side looking pensive and slightly bored. Rocky walks up to Adam and gives him some advice. Adam still looks doubtful. Rocky elbows him and nods in Alex's direction. Adam gives in.

"Um, Alex," Adam interrupts and asks shyly, "Would you like to dance?"

"Sure," Alex answers and excuses herself from the latest group of curious AGHS students.

"Adam is going out on a limb tonight," Alex thinks, knowing how much Adam despises fast dancing.

The music abruptly stops and "Two Become One" by the Spice Girls comes on. They notice Rocky standing by the deejay. He gives Adam thumbs up and encouraging nod.

Alex and Adam stand looking at each other, both wondering what is the appropriate distance to dance with each other. They finally decide on half way between platonic and up-close-and-personal.

"Thanks for saving me back there," Alex says, looking up at Adam with her big blue eyes. "If I have to tell the Great Uncle Hamish story one more time…."

Adam chuckles.

"Ah, the smile returns," Alex teases. "You looked bored earlier."

"I didn't want to monopolize your time," Adam says unassumingly and looks away shyly.

Alex's heart begins to melt. It takes all her self-control not to let the words "Do you still love me?" spill off her lips. Instead, she politely probes, "So what have you been up to since I was gone? Besides what Justin already told me."

"Working for the stunt show mostly. I spar with Rocky occasionally. I've been working with Tanya on her form." Adam notices Alex's concerned expression and quickly adds, "And Kat too, when Tommy is busy. The girls are really coming along, but they prefer a kickboxing style over karate or kung fu."

Alex nods, though her question wasn't completely answered.

"Did you mean socially?" Adam asks innocently, purposefully tormenting Alex.

"Uh, no," Alex answers uncomfortably. "None of my business."

"You're dying to know, aren't you?" Adam teases.

"Not in the slightest," Alex lies.

"Because you will be pumping Kat and Tanya for all the details later, right?"

Alex winces. "Are you sure you aren't the one who is telepathic?"

Adam laughs and confesses, "No, I didn't exactly stay home and cry in my rootbeer while you were gone."

"Did you find someone special?"

"Would I be here dancing with you if I had?"

"Point taken."

"Being a Ranger has a tendency to kill one's love life."

"Ran out of excuses for why you had to leave unexpectantly?"

"Exactly."

"Thanks for coming out tonight, everyone," Jerome says as the song ends.

"I guess that's our cue to leave," Adam says, though he doesn't let go.

"Want to come back to my house and talk?" Alex says, feeling that they are finally making progress.

"Sure."

The pair put their conversation on hold and say their farewells. They arrive at Alex's house a short time later. Alex gets off the bike and hands Adam her helmet. The porch light suddenly comes on. The pair see the front door open and Col. Jamison standing in the doorway. Alex gulps as her dad taps his watch disapprovingly.

"What time is it?" Alex asks.

"Twelve-thirty," Adam answers.

"Uh, oh. I was supposed to be home a half an hour ago."

"Maybe we should talk tomorrow," Adam notices the perturbed look he is getting from Col. Jamison and decides not to press his luck.

"Can we get together tomorrow?"

"I have to work."

"Can I call you? I don't know what my dad has planned yet," Alex asks shyly.

"Do you still remember my number?"

Alex taps her temple with her index finger and then walks backwards towards her house. "Good night."

Col. Jamison herds Alex into the house. He gives Adam a nod, the scowl on his face not diminishing. The Green Ranger hightails it out of the driveway. He berates himself for being a chicken all the way home.

~*~

Part IV

"Hiyah!" Adam's foot slams into the Egyptian tomb robber. The robber explodes into a cloud of gold glitter, and Adam recovers the coveted Pharoah's staff. The crowd roars with approval. Adam gives the actor a hand off the ground, and the cast takes a bow. They leave the stage with the crowd still going.

Adam retreats backstage to the dressing rooms. The actors high five each other and congratulate themselves on a good show. Only Adam sits silently, removing his Egyptian-style stage makeup.

"Alex said she was going to call, but she never did," Adam thinks. "This isn't a good sign."

Adam places his helmet on the stand and runs a hand through his thoroughly smashed curls.

"Hey, Park!" Kai yells. "PARK! There's a young lady outside asking for you."

The room immediately falls silent, all eyes on Adam. Adam stands up, realizes that he is still wearing the Egyptian skirt, and immediately sits back down. He rifles through his gym bag looking for his pants, too self conscious to go parading around in spandex shorts.

"C'mon, Park. It's not good to keep a lady waiting," Kai ribs his friend.

The other actors join in on ragging on the youngest cast member. Adam hops up and down on one leg trying to get his jeans on and locate his shoes simultaneously.

"She's a real beauty too, guys," Kai informs them as Adam madly looks for his other shoe. "Long black hair, creamy white skin, a killer figure, fragile…delicate, like an orchid."

"No, fragile and delicate are two words that definitely don't describe Alexandra. Let's just say that she's more than meets the eye," Adam answers, shoes finally on.

"Oh, really?" Kai says, raising an eyebrow. "Well, when she's ready to move up to the Major Leagues, give her my number."

The actors laugh and whack Adam on the back as he leaves.

Adam gets goosebumps as soon as he walks out the door–unsure if it is the cool autumn air or the sight of Alex that elicits the response. Alex turns to face Adam. She wears a short, tailored, purple tank dress with a short white sweater draped over her shoulders. Her hair cascades over her shoulders in ebony waves.

"You were fantastic," Alex greets Adam, her shy smile causing his heart to skip a beat.

"Thanks. I didn't know you were coming tonight."

"Tommy told me you were performing tonight. I wanted it to be a surprise."

Adam continues to stare.

"When you're done, would you like to go get something to drink?" Alex asks.

Adam wonders if she means staring or getting changed.

"Sure, give me a minute to finish getting changed," Adam decides and adds as an after thought, "Would you like to come back to my apartment? You'll be my first guest. Tommy helped me move in this morning."

Alex pauses for a second, but then agrees.

"Great!" Adam says. "I'll be back in a minute."

Adam walks back to the dressing room with a bounce in his step.

"Would you like to come back to my apartment?" Kai imitates Adam when he returns. "Geez, Park. You could be a little more creative. That's the oldest pick-up line in the book."

The actors get another laugh at Adam's expense. Adam flushes but doesn't answer. He changes into a button-down shirt and gathers his belongings. He rushes out the door to a chorus of cheers and cat calls.

"Ready to go?" Alex asks, having overheard the entire conversation.

Adam slams the dressing room door closed to drown out the noise.

"Yep. If I'd known you were coming, I would have brought the bike. It's only a five minute walk from here. If you don't mind."

"Not at all. We can enjoy the sunset."

The pair walk in silence for most of the stroll, both desperately trying to find the words to express how they feel.

"Here it is," Adam says, pulling out his keys. "It's kind of a mess, boxes everywhere, but it's my home. Let me direct you straight to the Park Porch while I pick up a couple of things."

Adam grabs Alex's left hand and places his other hand like a blinder on the side of her head. Adam leads her briskly through the living room part of his studio apartment and out onto the porch.

"If you tilt your head sideways and squint really hard, you can see the mountain where the Power Chamber is," Adam directs Alex's sight to a far off mountain. He reluctantly releases her hand. "Let me go get rid of any incriminating evidence."

"'Long as you get the Playboys off the coffee table, and the underwear off the door knob, that's enough for me."

Adam walks back inside laughing. He scurries around moving boxes and putting his few possessions in order. He walks back to the porch door but stops before going out.

"Okay, it's got to be tonight," Adam thinks. "I've got to tell her. I've got to be strong and stick to my guns. I have to set an ultimatum. Either we are together or we aren't."

The breeze russles Alex's skirt around her legs and picks up strands of her hair. Adam sighs, his resolve slipping away.

"Life is so unfair. Why does the one who causes me so much pain have to be so addictive? Maybe tonight is not a good time to bring things up. I'll wait until tomorrow. Things are going so well tonight. She does look like an orchid. Stop it, Adam! That's your hormones talking. Listen to your brain for once. You've had six long, lonely months to think about your relationship. Don't let her break your heart another time. Now it is time to play by your rules."

Adam takes a deep breath to strengthen his defenses and heads out on the porch.

"Alex, I…"

"Look," Alex interrupts, taking Adam's hand and drawing him to the edge of the porch. "The sun is just now slipping behind Power Ranger Mountain. That's one thing I really missed on Aquitar–the sunsets. Matter of fact, I missed a lot of things while on Aquitar."

Alex drops Adam's hand but stands closer to him. Her shoulder blade brushes against Adam's chest. The smell of flowers wafts up from Alex's hair. Adam closes his eyes and inhales deeply.

"That yearning ache is returning," Adam thinks. "How can one woman cause me so much pain?"

"Good night, Artemis," Alex says as the sun completely disappears and the first star of the night shines brightly. "I spent a lot of time with Artemis while on Aquitar. Neither of us could do much swimming, you see. We spent hours together, just talking. You must think I'm nuts conversing with a machine. But it's like Billy and Trini placed part of their souls in Artemis when they created her."

They stand in silence until the breeze picks up again. Alex shivers, but Adam's veins are on fire.

"So can I see Chez Park?" Alex asks, pulling her sweater tighter around her exposed shoulders.

"Entre-vous," Adam says, with a dramatic arm gesture.

"Wow. I am impressed," Alex says, surveying the small candle-lit apartment. "It's…"

"Spartan," Adam answers for her.

"No, spacious."

"I have no couch. I have a futon matress for a bed and none of my dishes match. But I have a killer sound system." Adam turns on the stereo and sets it at a low level.

"I'd say you have the perfect bachelor pad."

"My next paycheck goes to buy lamps. Lack of overhead lighting may be chic, but it sure is convenient."

"And here I thought you were just trying to be romantic."

"Maybe I won't buy lamps after all," Adam answers and leads Alex over to the future living room area. "I'd offer you a chair, but I don't have any. How about a pillow on the floor?"

Alex kneels down gracefully, tucking her skirt around her knees.

"Can I offer you something?" Adam asks.

"Sure."

Adam walks over to the refrigerator and surveys its contents. "I have water, two eggs, batteries, film and some ketchup."

"A virtual smorgasborg," Alex teases. "Water will be fine."

"Good thing I'm going home tomorrow. Mom will feed me."

"I thought you were Mr. Independent?"

"I am." Adam kneels down beside Alex, balancing two glasses of water. "Besides, Mom said she'd do my laundry while I was there."

"You're hopeless," Alex says, shaking her head.

"What? I'm letting her do the Mom thing. She likes washing my dirty socks."

Alex doubles over with laughter. "I've missed your sense of humor. Aquitians are so stiff."

"Yours too. Nobody makes me laugh as much as you."

They stop laughing and become serious. The light of the candles flicker in Alex's blue eyes.

"I felt out of place on Aquitar," Alex says soberly. "Not just physically. I felt like I was missing something. I guess that's why I spent so much time with Artemis. She helped fill that void. At night, I would look out my porthole at the vast ocean. The water looked calm and peaceful. I wished that I felt that way. I realized that of all the things I missed, I missed not having someone to share my Aquitian experience with."

"What about Billy?"

"He was so wrapped up in his life with Cestria that he didn't have time for me. Some nights, he didn't even come back to his room. He assimilated into Aquitian society easily. I never did."

On the radio, the beginning strands of "Two Become One" by the Spice Girls filter through the room.

Candle light and soul forever.

A dream of you and me together.

Say you believe it.

Say you believe it.

"Does this have anything to do with you being a 'tactile creature?'" Adam asks.

Alex takes a drink of water and thinks. "Yes. I missed the hugs of my friends, the way my dad always kisses my forehead when he tells me goodnight." Alex pauses and then adds, "The way you kiss me."

Come a little bit closer, baby.

Get it on, get it on.

'Cause tonight is the night when two become one.

Adam leans over and lightly brushes Alex's lips with his own.

Alex slowly opens her eyes. She reaches out and gently caresses Adam's face with her finger tips. "I've missed you so much."

Adam takes her hand in his. He exposes her palm and tenderly kisses it and then her wrist. "I've missed you, too."

Adam pulls Alex towards him until they are kneeling in front of each other. Alex looks up at him with expectant eyes. Summoning all the self control he can muster, Adam leans down and lightly brushes her lips again. Alex's heart pounds and her breathing stops.

Set your spirit free.

It's the only way to be.

Adam removes the sweater from around Alex's shoulders and places it behind him. Alex's exposed skin seems to glow in the candle light. Adam kisses her ear, then her neck and then a muscular shoulder. His breath on her skin causes a burning sensation to flood Alex's senses. Adam traces her clavicle bone with his thumb to its origin, stopping to kiss the indentation above. He slides his ha