Fan Fiction ❯ Coworkers ❯ One-Shot

Please note, I do not own these peoples, I do not know them and I am in no way trying to promote or tarnish their image. This is a fan fiction, written merely to satisfy an idea that been in my head. Ever wonder why Rocky DeSantos and Adam Park seem to always be in each other's company? They're always doing things together and always next to each other. . .this is an attempt to explain why. And, might I remind you, it is a fan FICTION. . .not real!

Coworkers

By Ibonekoen

Eighteen year old Johnny Bosch nervously looked around the set, wondering where he was supposed to go. It was the first day of his new job. He'd been hired by Haim Saban to play Adam Park on his hit show, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Johnny knew that he was one of three actors being brought in to replace the three who had already left the show. It did nothing to dispel the nervousness he felt. He figured he'd been hired mainly because of his extensive martial arts training, but he was eager for the acting experience it would bring him.

Running a hand through his short black curls, he looked around for anyone he recognized. "Hey, you one of the new kids?" a voice called to him. He looked up to see a tall, lanky black-haired young man heading toward him. Johnny thought he looked to be around his age, but he wasn't very good at guessing how old someone was. "I'm Jason Narvy," the guy said, extending his hand.

"Johnny Bosch," Johnny said, shaking the proffered hand. Jason nodded.

"Come on," he said. "I'll introduce you to the others." He led Johnny over to where a couple of sparring mats were set up. A tall young man with shoulder-length brown hair was running through a choreographed fight.

"Hey, Jase, you got a minute?" Jason called to the man.

"Yeah, sure," the man said, coming over. "What's up?"

"Jason David Frank, meet Johnny Bosch," Jason said.

"Hey, man," Jason David said. "You can call me JD so's not to confuse me with Jason here."

"Oh, cool," Johnny said.

"So, you're the new Black Ranger, huh?" JD said. Johnny nodded shyly. "Have you met the others?"

"We're making our rounds now," Jason said. "You're the first one I saw."

"Well, let me be the first to say welcome aboard," JD said, extending his hand to Johnny, who smiled as he shook the proffered hand.

"Thanks," he said.

"Come on," Jason said. "I'll introduce you to my partner in crime." He headed over to a tall, husky young man and slapped his shoulder. "Yo, Paul, meet the newest addition to our happy family."

"Paul Schrier," the guy said.

"Johnny Bosch."

"So, which Ranger are you?" Paul asked, smiling.

"Um, the black," Johnny said. Paul nodded.

"Well, I'm sure we'll get a chance to talk more later," he said. "I can tell Jason is eager to introduce you to everyone, so I'll catch you later."

"Hey, I'm Karan," a pretty ebony-skinned girl said as she walked up.

"Um, Johnny," he said. Karan grinned as she saw Jason.

"I see you've met Jason," she said.

"Karan is one of the new people too," Jason said. "Karan Ashley, Johnny Bosch."

"I'm the new Yellow Ranger," she said.

"I'm the black," Johnny said.

"Have you met Steve yet?" Karan asked. "He's the other newbie."

"We haven't run into him yet," Jason said. "You seen David and AJ?"

"They're around here somewhere," Karan said. "I think I saw David over by the food table. And Amy Jo. . .I think she was at makeup."

"Thanks," Jason said. Karan smiled warmly at Johnny.

"I'll catch you later," she said.

"Sure," Johnny said, nodding.

"Karan's a real sweetheart," Jason said. "We're all pretty nice people, though AJ has her moments when she's a bitch."

Johnny raised an eyebrow. "AJ?"

"Amy Jo," Jason said.

"Did I hear somebody say my name?" Johnny and Jason turned at the sound of a feminine voice and Johnny's eyes widened as he stared at the most beautiful young woman he'd ever seen. Amy Jo Johnson was petite, with shoulder-length brunette hair.

"AJ, this is Johnny Bosch, the last of the newbies," Jason said.

Amy Jo smiled at Johnny. He's kinda cute, she thought, taking in the dark eyes, a hint of an almond shape to them, the black curly hair and the shy smile. He looks kind of young though, the twenty four year old thought. "Nice to meet you."

"Same to you," Johnny said, stunned by her beauty.

"Hey, David!" Amy Jo called to a tall blond. "Come over here and meet our newest Ranger!"

Johnny blushed as the blond came over, smiling easily. "David Yost," he said.

"Johnny Bosch."

"Welcome to the family, Johnny," David said with a smile.

"Hey, where's Steve?" Jason asked. "He's the only one Johnny hasn't met."

"He's around somewhere," David said. "Might be sparring with JD."
"Nah, we just came from there," Jason said, shaking.

"Well, look around," David said, shrugging. "I'm sure he's here somewhere."

"Thanks," Jason said.

"See you around," David said, waving as Jason led Johnny away.

Johnny was so busy looking around, taking in the camera crew and the stunt actors practicing that he never saw the rather well-built young man crossing his path until he'd ran into him. "I'm sorry!" he said quickly once he'd realized what he'd done.

"Hey, it's okay," a friendly voice said. "I'm Steve Cardenas." Johnny stared up into warm brown eyes and found himself suddenly turned topsy-turvy. As he took the proffered hand in his, he felt a tingle run up his arm and he wondered at it.

"Um, Johnny Bosch," he stammered.

"You're the other newbie, huh?" Steve asked, grinning.

"Yeah, I guess so," Johnny said. He mentally kicked himself. What a stupid thing to say, Bosch, he thought.

Meanwhile, Steve ran his eyes over the boy's body. He's definitely hot, he thought. Love those eyes and that shy smile. Man, I think I'll have to get to know you better, my friend.

******

"That's a wrap!" Haim said. It had been a successful day and he was pleased with the choices he'd made for replacements. The three newcomers had a great onscreen chemistry, especially Johnny and Steve. There seemed to be an electrifying connection between the two.

"Hey, what do you guys say we go grab a drink?" JD said. "To initiate in the newbies."

Johnny reddened as he realized they were talking about alcoholic drinks. "I, uh, I can't," he said, thinking about him being underage.

"You don't have to order a beer," Amy Jo said.

"Please come," Karan begged. The deciding factor was Steve. As Johnny's eyes met his, Johnny saw something in them that interested him.

"Um, okay," he said. Steve broke out in a grin and Johnny was struck by how handsome he was.

What is wrong with me? he thought shockingly. I'm not supposed to be attracted to guys.

******

Johnny nervously fumbled with the blindfold around his eyes. "Hey, leave that alone!" Steve said, slapping his hands away from his face.

"Where are you taking me?" Johnny asked miserably as Steve and Amy Jo held onto his hands, leading him. . .somewhere.

"Just wait and see," Amy Jo said playfully.

"Don't feel bad, Johnny," David's amused voice said. "I'm in the same predicament. And, if I'm not mistaken, your birthday is this weekend. The sixth?"

"Yeah," Johnny said, surprised. "How'd you know?"

"Mine's the seventh," David said. "I think the gang has a birthday surprise planned."

"Hey, you two aren't supposed to be talking," Karan said, playfully swapping David's shoulder.

"Okay!" Amy Jo said, clapping her hands together. "We're here!"

"Remove the blindfolds," Steve directed. Johnny blinked his eyes as the blindfold was pulled from his face and he looked around. He saw he was at someone's house, in their backyard. An Olympic-size pool was sprawled out before him, the water inviting. JD stood at a grill in one corner of the patio deck, grilling up an assortment of hot dogs and hamburgers. A beautiful young woman stood beside him, a baby in her arms.

"Hey guys!" he said, smiling. "Johnny, this is my wife, Shawna."

"Hi," Shawna said. Johnny smiled as the baby smiled up at him.

"And that cute little guy in her arms is Jakob," JD said, obviously the proud father.

"He's definitely cute," Johnny said, stroking Jakob's cheek.

"Happy Birthday!" the gathered crowd said. Paul and Jason were among the partygoers.

"We've got cake and ice cream for later," Paul said.

"And presents," Jason said. "Don't forget the presents."

"To hell with the presents," Steve said. "We want the cake!
Everyone cracked up laughing. "Thanks guys," Johnny said. Amy Jo hugged him.

"Anything for our friends," she said.

******

Night had fallen and the party was still going strong. Johnny sat in a lawn chair, a lukewarm half-drank bottle of beer clutched in his hand. He was watching the others dance with each other, noticing how well Karan and David got along. His eyes widened as he watched the two practically make love on the dance floor, their bodies bumping and grinding against each other.

"They're hot, aren't they?" Steve said as he collapsed into a chair beside Johnny.

"Yeah," Johnny said. He had a feeling that Steve was drunk. He'd seen him tossing back beers like they were going out of style.

"You enjoying the party?" Steve asked.

Johnny nodded. "It was nice of you guys to plan this," he said.

"Yeah," Steve said. "Apparently, it's a tradition. Amy Jo said they always try to have some kind of party when a PR cast member has a birthday."

"That's cool," Johnny said.

"Yep," Steve said, taking another swig of his beer. "You're not drinking?"

Johnny regarded the bottle in his hand. "I didn't care for the taste," he confessed. Steve grinned.

"It's acquired, trust me," he said. "JD might have some wine coolers in the fridge in the house." He stood up, pausing as he saw Johnny wasn't also rising. "Come on."

"He won't mind us going into the house?" Johnny asked.

"Nah," Steve said. "Long as we don't mess things up."

Johnny followed Steve into the house, marveling at the interior. "This is a nice place," he said.

"JD designed himself, or so I'm told," Steve said. "Kitchen's this way." Johnny walked into the kitchen as Steve strode over to the refrigerator and pulled it open. "Huh, looks like JD's got quite a selection. What'll it be?"

"Uh. . ." Johnny was at a loss. "Sex on the Beach?" he said, naming the first drink that came to mind.

Steve grinned. "Is that an offer?" He laughed at Johnny's panicked face. "I'm just kidding, dude. Lighten up." He handed Johnny the drink, watching as the younger boy took a tentative sip. Steve grinned as his dark eyes lit up. "You like?"

"Yeah!" Johnny said.

"Where'd you learn to appreciate Sex on the Beach--the drink?" Steve said. "I thought you didn't imbibe in alcoholic substances."

"My sister Cindy," Johnny said, blushing. "I've heard some of her friends mention it."

"Ah," Steve said, watching him sip his drink. He found his gaze focusing on Johnny's incredibly soft-looking lips and he longed to have a taste. Before he'd really comprehended what he was doing, he'd reached out to Johnny, taking the drink from his hand and cupping his hands on either side of his castmate's face. He saw Johnny's eyes widen just as he closed his, pressing his lips against Johnny's. They were indeed as soft as they looked and quite delectable. Steve moaned as he drew his tongue over Johnny's lower lip. As Johnny gasped, Steve plunged his tongue into the warm cavity, caressing the inside and sliding against Johnny's.

As he realized what he was doing, Steve jerked back, stumbling away. "God, Johnny, I'm sorry," he said. He looked up into Johnny's face and was surprised to see a smoky haze covering his eyes. His breath was coming in short gasps and his cheeks were flushed with excitement.

Johnny's eyes widened as he realized the absence of the mouth plundering his and he blushed. "Please," he whispered, his voice cracking. Steve raised a questioning eyebrow and Johnny cleared his throat. "Please. . .do it again."

Steve could hardly believe his ears. "Excuse me? I think I've had too much to drink," he said. "I don't think I understood your last words very well."

"I asked you to kiss me again," Johnny said softly, gazing at Steve through half-veiled eyes.

Steve nodded. "I. . .thought that was what you said," he said. He stepped forward, taking Johnny's lips in a kiss more passionate than their first.

Amy Jo's eyes widened as she walked into the kitchen to grab some more chicken salad and saw Johnny and Steve in the midst of a heated kiss. Steve had Johnny pressed up against the counter, one hand under his shirt, hiking the material higher up on the younger boy's body. Steve let his kisses trail down Johnny's jaw to his neck. Johnny began to moan as Steve swirled his tongue in the hallow of his neck, an apparently sensitive spot as Johnny went wild in his arms.

"Ahem!" Amy Jo said, having to fight not to fan herself. The two broke apart, crimson blushes rising on their faces.

"Amy Jo!" Steve said. "What are you, uh, doing?"

"We ran out of chicken salad," Amy Jo said. "I came in to get some. What are you doing?"

"Playing a rather stimulating game of tonsil hockey," Steve said, waggling his eyebrows. "Wanna play?"

Amy Jo shook her head, laughing. "See you guys outside," she said, carrying the bowl of salad out of the kitchen.

Johnny and Steve exchanged glances, reading the desire in each other's eyes. "Wanna come back to my place?" Steve asked.

"Yes!" Johnny said eagerly. Steve chuckled.

"Let's go tell our host we're going," he said.

"Um. . ." Johnny said, fumbling for words. Steve nodded, knowing what he meant.

"Relax," he said. "I'll think of something to tell him."

They made their way out to the patio where JD was laughing at a joke Jason was telling. "Hey, JD," Steve said. "Johnny got a little too drunk so I'm gonna take him home."

Johnny tried to stifle his giggle as his eyes met Amy Jo's and he saw the knowing look on her face. "See you later," she said. "Happy Birthday."

"Bye guys," Karan said, waving.

"See?" Steve said as he led Johnny out to his car. "How easy was that?"

"You told them I was drunk," Johnny said. "If any of them had been paying attention, they would have seen that I hadn't drank enough to get drunk."

"Oh, I don't know," Steve said. "Those Sex on the Beaches pack a pretty heavy punch. We'll find out just how drunk you are in a little bit."

******

By the time they got to Steve's apartment, Johnny had to admit that he was definitely feeling the affects of the drink he'd had. He felt. . .lightheaded. "Well, this is it," Steve said, parking his car in a parking lot next to a building. "My lovely apartment building." He led Johnny up to his apartment and let him in.

"Nice trophies," Johnny said, noticing Steve's collection of martial arts trophies.

"Thanks," Steve said. He tossed his keys onto an end table and drew his fingers through Johnny's curls, He stroked his cheek and leaned in to kiss him. Just as their lips met, Johnny began to giggle. Steve stared at him as his giggle turned into a laugh and the laugh into hysterics. Steve watched in wonder as Johnny fell back onto the couch, laughing hard enough that tears were falling down his cheeks.

"Obviously you're what we like to call a giggling drunk," he said dryly as Johnny's laughter died down. His statement set Johnny off again and he shook his head. "Great, we'll never get you stopped laughing." He grumbled as he realized the romantic mood of the evening was shot.

An hour later, Johnny was still laughing, only now Steve was laughing at his antics. "Oh, God, love, if you could only see yourself," he said, shaking his head. "You're gonna wake up with a hell of a headache tomorrow."

"Headache, schmedache!" Johnny said, giggling.

Steve held his hand out to Johnny. "Come here," he said. Johnny took Steve's hand and Steve yanked him down, his torso falling across his lap. "You have any idea what I want to do to you right now?" he whispered as his fingers wove their way through Johnny's hair.

"Kiss me?" Johnny said hopefully, a silly grin on his face. Steve shook his head.

"I want to rip those clothes from your body and fuck you until well past daybreak," he said.

"So do it," Johnny said, his voice suddenly filled with clarity. Steve raised an eyebrow as he regarded the handsome young boy lain across his lap.

"You're serious?" he said. Johnny nodded. "I think it's the liquor talking."

"It's not," Johnny said, sitting up.

"Prove it," Steve said. "Convince me you want to be fucked."

Johnny licked his lips as he kicked off his shoes and maneuvered around to straddle Steve's lap. "Come on, Stevie," he whispered, kissing Steve's mouth. As he trailed his kisses to Steve's ear, drawing his earlobe into his mouth and sucking on his earring, he said, "I want you to fuck me, Stevie."

Steve's eyes fluttered closed as he let Johnny work him, his hips grinding against Steve's rapidly hardening erection. "Oh, jeez, Johnny," he whispered as his lover's fingers massaged his nipples through his shirt. "That's convincing enough."

He nudged Johnny off his lap and stood up, stripping his shirt off in the process. As he tossed it blindly over his shoulder, he looped an arm around Johnny's waist, pulling him close. One hand dove under his shirt and moved upward along his nicely-toned abdomen, pulling the shirt along. Johnny helped him pull the shirt off and toss it aside. Bared to the waist, their mouths met as hands glided over abs, chests and biceps. Nipples were tweaking, belly buttons teased and necks thoroughly kissed and caressed.

Steve's hand trailed down Johnny's back to cup the underswell of his butt. Johnny gasped as Steve gave his butt a firm squeeze. "Let's move this party to the bedroom," Steve said, his voice husky.

"Lead and I shall follow," Johnny said, his eyes ablaze with passion. They left a trail of clothes leading to the bedroom, where Steve gently lowered Johnny to the bed, his lips trailing sensually down his body. He could feel the nervousness in Johnny's body and caressed his soft skin.

"Relax," he whispered. "I'll be gentle."

Johnny gasped as his body was awash with sensations unlike any he'd ever felt. I never knew it could feel THIS good, he thought as Steve's fingers trailed up to pinch his nipples. Johnny cried out as Steve gave one a hard twist. They were rocking together, Johnny thrusting his hips back as Steve plunged forward.

"Oh God!" Steve cried as he came. Johnny's climax followed a scant seconds later and the two collapsed to the bed, aware of a thin sheen of sweat covering their bodies. They cuddled together, their bodies melded spoon-like against one another. Johnny snuggled down into Steve's embrace as Steve placed his cheek in the join of Johnny's neck and shoulder.

"I think I love you," Johnny whispered. Steve chuckled.

"I knew the minute we met I loved you," he said.

******

"Is it just me or is there something going on between Johnny and Steve?" Karan asked Amy Jo one day on the set. She'd noticed that whenever the script called for them to be in a group, Steve and Johnny seemed to migrate to each other's side. When they had fight scenes, the two teamed up.

"Um, there's something going on," Amy Jo said. "If I tell you, will you promise not to say anything? I don't think they're ready for everyone to know."

Karan's eyes lit up. "Girl, you know I won't tell."

"Last month, when we were at JD's for Johnny and David's birthday party, I went into the kitchen to get some more chicken salad," Amy Jo said. "And I caught them in a very, very hot kiss."

Karan's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. "No way!"

Amy Jo nodded. "So. . .I think they're a couple."

"Does anybody else know this?" Karan asked.

"I think JD suspects," Amy Jo said. "Don't say anything."

"Don't worry, I won't," Karan said.

******

"So?" Steve asked after filming for the day had ended. He and Johnny were on the practice mats, sparring.

"So what?" Johnny asked as he bounced from side to side on the balls of his feet, making small jabs at Steve with his fists.

"Have you thought anymore about my offer?" Steve asked as he punched and Johnny threw up an arm to block.

"You mean the offer to move in with you?" Johnny said as Steve ducked his kick.

"Yeah," Steve said, sidestepping Johnny's punch and planting his foot in the middle of the younger boy's back. Johnny stumbled forward as Steve pushed off him, doing a flip and landing on his feet.

"Yeah, I thought about it," Johnny said, feinting to the left and coming up with a hitch kick.

"And?"

"Sure."

Steve stopped for a moment, then doubled over as he completely missed the kick Johnny aimed at his solar plexus.

"Aw, dude, you okay?" Johnny asked as Steve clutched his stomach.

"Yeah, man, I'm fine," Steve said, straightening up and grabbing Johnny's hand.

Johnny managed to deflect his attempt at a throw and tried to reverse it. All he managed to accomplish was knocking both himself and Steve off balance. They both fell together, Johnny landing squarely on top of Steve. He managed to get his hands out in front of him just in time to plant them on either side of his head, stopping his face from colliding into his.

"Oof," they both said, his hands sliding forward, settling his weight onto his forearms.

"Hello," Steve said, their noses almost touching. Their eyes locked and Johnny lowered his head, closing the distance between them and kissed him. His tongue slipped in Steve's mouth as his arms slid in to close around him. Steve's arms came up from the mat, wrapping around Johnny's shoulders as the passion between them rose.

JD stopped, his eyes widening as he took in the sight on the sparring mats. Steve's knees had risen from the mat, bracketing Johnny's hips as their hands danced across heating skin. "Whoa," JD said softly. "If only the kids could see the Red and Black Rangers now. . ." He cleared his throat, startling the two lovers. "You guys might want to find a slightly more private place than the mats to do that."

"JD!" Steve said in shock.

"Um, hiya JD," Johnny said, blushing.

"Look, you won't tell anybody, will you?" Steve asked. JD shook his head.

"Though this does explain a couple of things," he said. Johnny raised an eyebrow.

"Like what?"

"The fact that Rocky DeSantos and Adam Park seem to always be near each other," JD said, smiling.

******

"I can't believe you're moving with him!" Johnny rolled his eyes as he twirled the phone cord around his finger. He was talking to his sister Cindy, his senior by one year.

"Look, Cindy, it's stupid for me to pay rent on an apartment when Steve and I can share rent," he said.

"Maybe so, but still. . ." Cindy said. "You don't know him. He could be an axe murderer."

Johnny burst out laughing. "Cindy, he's not an axe murderer. Chill out. Look, is Di around?"

"Yeah," Cindy grumbled. "Hang on."

"Hey, Johnny!" twelve year old Diana said. "I saw you on TV! You're awesome!"

Johnny blushed. "Thanks, sis."

"I miss you."

"Miss you too."

"Michael wants to talk to you too."

"Okay, I love you, Di."

"Love you too!"

"What's up, bro?" fourteen year old Michael said.

"Hey, how's it going?"

"Pretty good. Cindy's grumbling about you moving in with that guy."

Johnny sighed. "Tell her to mind her own business. I'm out here, she's not."

"Yeah, you tell her, Johnny!"

"Very funny," Cindy's voice came over the line.

"Hey!" Johnny said, realizing his sister had picked up another extension. "This is eavesdropping!"

"Too bad," Cindy said. "Older siblings have certain privileges. Actually, I came to tell the young'uns they've got homework to be done."

"Awww! I wanna talk to Johnny so more!" Diana called out.

Johnny chuckled. "I'll call you back tomorrow and talk some more."

"Johnny, before you go, I got one more thing to ask," Cindy said.

"Sure," Johnny said. "Bye, Mike, Bye, Di."

"Johnny, are you seeing Steve?" Cindy asked after she made sure the younger siblings had gone into the kitchen, where there wasn't a phone.

Johnny froze as he heard his sister's question. "Um. . ."

"Look, I'm not going to hate you if you say yes," Cindy said. "I'm just curious."

Johnny sighed, knowing he couldn't lie to her. "Yes, I am," he said.

"I hope he makes you happy," Cindy said.

"He will," Johnny said, nodding.

******

"I can't believe Amy Jo is leaving," Johnny said as he and Steve lay in bed, his head on Steve's chest. Steve sighed as he stroked Johnny's curls.

"It's her time to move on, I guess," he said. "Catherine is a sweetheart, though." He was referring Catherine Sutherland, who would play Katherine Hillard, the new Pink Ranger.

"Yeah, and she recognized immediately that you and I are a couple," Johnny said. Steve raised an eyebrow.

"How do you know that?" he said.

Johnny shrugged as he traced his finger around Steve's nipple. "She asked me," he said.

"You're kidding," Steve said. Johnny shook his head. "Actually, I'm not that sad to see Amy Jo go."

Johnny raised his eyebrows. "Why?"

"She wasn't exactly always nice," Steve said.

"Yeah, she had her moments, but she also had moments when she was nice," Johnny protested.

"I wonder who the next to leave will be," Steve mused.

******

"Guys, I've got an announcement to make," Haim said. "I'd like you to meet Nakia Burrise." He indicated an ebony-skinned young girl standing beside him. "She's Karan's replacement."

Johnny and Steve exchanged glances, JD raised his eyebrows and Paul and Jason had startled looks on their faces. "Karan, I didn't know you were leaving," Catherine said, shocked.

"Neither did we," Steve said dryly. Karan blushed.

"Um, I meant to tell you," she said. "I was waiting to find the right time."

"Well, welcome to the Power Rangers family, Nakia," Johnny said, smiling at her. Nakia smiled back. "I'm Johnny, by the way."

"Yeah, I know," she said. "My little niece watches the show. She absolutely adores the Black Ranger." Johnny blushed as Steve elbowed him, a knowing grin on his face.

******

"You and Steve are close, aren't you?" Nakia asked as she and Johnny sat in an outdoor café, having lunch. Johnny glanced up from his salad, a surprised look on his face.

"Yeah, we are," he said.

"How close?" Nakia asked, a smile on her face.

Johnny returned her smile. "I know you want to ask it, so ask."

"Ask what?" Nakia said innocently.

"If Steve and I are seeing each other," Johnny said casually. "And the answer is yes. For two years now."

Nakia's smile widened. "I kinda figured," she said. "You guys have this natural chemistry. You can see it in the way you look at each other."

"Thank you," Johnny said.

"Wonder what the fans would say if they knew the Blue and Green Rangers were an item," Nakia teased. Johnny laughed.

"What they don't know won't hurt 'em," he said, winking.

******

"You're leaving?" Johnny said in surprise. He and Steve stood in the kitchen of their shared apartment, Steve busily stirred a pot of chili.

"Look at me, Johnny," he said. "I'm 22, playing a teenager."

"I'm 20 and I'm playing a teen," Johnny protested. Steve shook his head.

"You've got a baby face, love," he said. "You can pull off being a teen. Me, I look my age." He hesitated. "Besides, I want to focus on my dojo."

"What about us?" Johnny asked, tears glimmering in his dark eyes.

"I'll come visit you," Steve said, touching his dark curls. "It's not like I'm dropping off the face of the earth. My dojo won't be that far away and you can see me." He paused. "And despite what you might think, there will come a day when you gladly leave the show." He stroked Johnny's cheek. "My door's always open to you."

******

"You're getting a shitty writeout," Johnny said, tossing the script for Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie onto the coffee table. Steve shrugged, running a hand through his short hair.

"It's a hell of a lot better than David's," he said. "I mean, come on. . .falling in love with a fish?" He grinned as a small smile flashed across Johnny's face. He knew that Johnny still didn't like the idea of him moving to Valencia to open his dojo. "Besides, it could have been worse."

"Oh?" Johnny said, raising an eyebrow.

"I could have been sent to a peace conference," Steve said innocently. He smiled as Johnny broke out in laughter.

******

Steve opened the door to see a rain-soaked Johnny standing on his doorstep. "Madre de Dios, you're soaking wet!" he cried. "Get inside!" He took a moment to admire Johnny's long locks before jerking the drenched young man into his apartment, quickly divesting him of his sodden jacket and instructing him to take off his shoes. Steve left a trail of soggy clothes behind as he stripped Johnny naked. He directed his shivering lover into the bathroom, where he turned the water on steaming hot.

"Get in," he ordered, pushing Johnny towards the shower.

"C-cold," Johnny said through chattering teeth.

"I wonder why," Steve said sarcastically as he stripped off his own clothes and stepped into the shower. He began to vigorously rub his hands up and down Johnny's arms, trying to chase away the chills enveloping his body.

"You were r-r-right," Johnny said.

"About what?" Steve murmured as he pressed Johnny's back to his chest, relishing in the skin-to-skin contact. God, mi amor, it's been too long, he thought.

"The day coming when I would leave the show," Johnny said, his eyes sliding closed as Steve's hands caressed his body, warming him. "We all did. . .except Blake."

"Shh," Steve said. "We'll talk about it later."

He felt Johnny turn in his embrace, his arms going around his waist as the younger boy's lips pressed against his. Steve moaned into his lover's mouth. "God, I've missed you," he whispered. It had been over two months since they'd last seen each other and Steve had longed for the feel of Johnny in his arms.

"I've missed you too," Johnny said as he let his lips trail down Steve's neck.

"And that's why you just had to come over, even though it's pouring rain outside," Steve said.

"Yep," Johnny said.

"How'd you get so soaked?" Steve asked as Johnny's hands slid down his torso, pinching his nipples before gliding down to cup his fur-lined sacs.

"I walked from the bus station," Johnny whispered, swiping his tongue across Steve's ear before drawing his earlobe into his mouth and sucking on the earring as his hand squeezed Steve's nuts. Steve gasped, suddenly losing the retort that was on the tip of his tongue.

"Oh, the things you do to me, love," he whispered as he felt Johnny press his back into the shower wall. Johnny grinned, the chills suddenly dissipated from his body as he contemplated the treat before him. He drew his tongue across Steve's lower lip, tracing a path across his chin, down his throat and his body to his nipple, which he latched onto. He bit down hard enough to send white-hot lightening shooting straight to Steve's groin, causing him to gasp.

"Mierda," Steve whispered. Somehow they managed to stumble out of the shower and into Steve's bedroom, where Johnny pushed him back onto the bed.

"I love it when you speak Spanish," Johnny mumbled, his hands caressing Steve's body. "It's a serious turn-on."

Steve grinned. "¿Aún cuándo usted no tiene la menor idea lo que digo?"

"Yeah, okay," Johnny said. "No clue what you just said, but I'm definitely turned on."

Steve laughed as Johnny alternately licked and kissed his way down his lover's body. Steve felt a shudder run through him in anticipation as Johnny softly kissed the sensitive head of his cock before drawing the heated rod into his mouth.

"Oh yes," Steve moaned, his eyes fluttering closed as Johnny lightly raked his teeth down his lover's prick. "Lo chupa duro!" His moans were so deep they almost vibrated his body with their resonance as his hand cupped the back of Johnny's head and his hips began to snap forward, fucking the talented orifice wrapped around his engorged member.

Before he could warn his lover, he'd shot his load down his throat. Johnny just smiled as he sucked his partner dry. As Steve recovered from his orgasm, Johnny crawled up on the bed beside him. "Madre de Dios, but you can suck cock," Steve said breathlessly. "No wonder Adam Park's spirit animal was a frog." He chuckled as Johnny blushed. "I love it when you blush. You're so cute when you're embarrassed," he mumbled as he twirled a finger around his lover's nipple, enjoying the soft moans Johnny was making.

Steve rolled Johnny onto his back and drew his lips from his lover's mouth to his neck, automatically finding the sensitive spots he knew would have the young man virtually shooting his load.

"God, you're beautiful," he sighed as his lips moved down to Johnny's nipples, using his lips, teeth and tongue to send Johnny into a writhing frenzy. He explored Johnny's body with his hands and mouth, carefully avoiding his lover's throbbing cock until Johnny was wriggling, trying to maneuver around so Steve would brush against his erection.

"If you want something, love, just ask," he whispered, kissing the inside of Johnny's thigh.

"God, touch my cock!" Johnny cried, tossing his head around on the pillow. Steve grinned deviously and made his way over to his dresser. Johnny watched curiously as he drew something out of his top drawer.

"What are you doing?" he asked as Steve made his way over to the bed, whatever he'd pulled from his drawer hidden behind his back.

"Do you trust me?" he asked.

"Heart and soul," Johnny said without hesitation. He raised an eyebrow as Steve produced four bandanas from behind his back. "What are those for?"

"To restrain your arms and legs," Steve said simply. He caught Johnny's uncertain look. "Babe, if you're not comfortable with this, just say so."

"No," Johnny said slowly. "I. . .I think I'm curious."

Steve grinned. "Well, if you do decide you're uncomfortable, just tell me and I'll stop," he said as he bound Johnny to the bed. Johnny raised his eyes as Steve produced a fifth bandana and moved to blindfold him.

"The pleasure's intensified if you don't see it coming," he assured his lover. "Like I said, if you're uncomfortable-"

"No!" Johnny said quickly. "Go ahead and blindfold me." He fought down the initial panic as his world was floored with darkness. Once he'd relaxed, he was shocked to find everything quiet. Try as he may, he couldn't hear Steve. "Steve?"

Suddenly he gasped as he felt something icy trail down his body from his chin to his abdomen. His gasps increased as the iciness touched his heated rod. Dimly he realized Steve was drawing an ice cube over the surface of his body.

"Aw, screw it," he heard Steve mumble. Johnny blinked as Steve removed the blindfold. "I decided I wanted to see your eyes."

Johnny drew in another breath as Steve wove an icy path up and down his cock. "Oh, God, that feels good," he said, writhing against his bonds. "God, Steve, please make me come."

"Ah, not just yet, my little frog," Steve said, a twinkle in his brown eyes. "I have much, much more in store for you." He produced a bottle of chocolate sauce from behind his back.

"What's that for?" Johnny asked. Steve shrugged.

"I just had a craving for a hot fudge sundae," he said.

Johnny raised an eyebrow. "Why do I have a feeling this is going to be messy?"

Steve grinned. "Don't worry," he said. "I'll make sure to clean up real good."

Johnny gasped as Steve poured chocolate syrup on his chest. "Jeez, that's cold!" he giggled.

"Let's see what I can do about warming you up," Steve said, leaning forward and licking the sauce away. By the time he reached his lover's prick, Johnny was writhing in ecstasy.

"Oh, God!" he cried as Steve licked his cock like a lollipop.

"Nope, just me," Steve joked, winking at the glare Johnny shot him. Johnny raised an eyebrow as Steve took a swallow of Coke before taking him back in his mouth.

"Holy shit!" Johnny shouted, arching up off the bed. The sensation of the cold soda against his hot prick threatened to overwhelm him.

Steve grinned as his lover whimpered for release. "Please, Steve," Johnny begged.

"Patience, love," Steve whispered. "Good things come to those who wait." He untied Johnny's arms and legs, then grabbed a tub of vaseline from his nightstand. "I love you," he whispered as he inserted his well-lubed finger into Johnny, thrusting it in and out. He grinned as Johnny hissed and began working himself on Steve's hand.

"Slow down, love," he said, chuckling.

"Can't," Johnny panted. "Need you."

"Where?" Steve said, a grin on his face.

"Inside me," Johnny said. "Haga el amor a mí, por favor."

Steve raised his eyebrows. "I'm impressed! You speak Spanish!"

Johnny chuckled. "Just a little," he said. "Now fuck me!"

"Your wish is my command," Steve said, grinning as he worked his fingers inside of Johnny, loosening him up. When his lover was ready, Steve thrust in hard, sheathing himself in one of the tightest places he'd ever been in, causing them both to gasp in ecstasy. Steve gazed down in Johnny's smoky eyes, leaning forward to kiss him as he began to thrust into him.

Johnny began to moan as Steve's hand snaked between their bodies to grasp his throbbing member. Wrapping his hands around it tightly, Steve began to jerk his lover off in time with his thrusts. Johnny felt a fire rush through his veins as Steve bit his left nipple. The fire burned hot and fast and began to converge in his cock. Johnny felt his orgasm building from his toes and instinctively knew it was going to be powerful.

Steve began to pump into Johnny harder and fast. He could feel his climax building and knew it would be strong. He felt Johnny's hands caress his body, one latching onto his nipple and the other traveling down his back. He cried out as Johnny simultaneously twisted his nipple and shoved his finger into his ass.

"Madre de Dios!" he shouted, shooting his load into Johnny. His hand stroked Johnny vigorously as he continued to pound into his body. He heard Johnny's moans take a familiar turn and smiled as his lover came explosively.

"Damn, I've missed you," Johnny panted as Steve pulled out and lay beside him, drawing him into his embrace. Steve curled up next to his lover spoon-fashion, his arm locking around Johnny's slimmer waist.

"Me or the sex?" he teased, kissing the join of Johnny's neck and shoulder.

"Both," Johnny said, yawning. "Either."

Steve laughed. "Deberias, amor," he whispered, his fingers stroking Johnny's shoulder. Johnny snuggled down in Steve's embrace, pressing his body against his lover's.

"I love you," he whispered.

"Te amo," Steve said softly.

******

"Man, this movie is going to be great!" Jason Narvy said. He was hanging out at Johnny and Steve's place on a Saturday, discussing the new movie he and Johnny would be starring in. Steve grumbled under his breath, to which Jason raised an eyebrow. "What's his problem?" he said to Johnny, jerking a thumb at Steve.

"He's peeved that I'm going to be gone for four months and he can't come with me," Johnny said, rolling his eyes.

"No sex for you!" Jason teased, laughing as Steve stuck his tongue out.

"Everybody's a comedian," Steve muttered.

"Come on, cheer up!" Jason said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "You've got all weekend to get your lovin' outta your system. We're not leaving until Monday."

******

Steve lay in bed, a cross expression on his face as he lay on his side watching Johnny pack clothes into a duffel bag. It was just a little after 6 AM and Jason was on his way to pick Johnny up before jetting off to their movie set.

"Look, Steve, don't be mad at me," Johnny said, crossing over to the bed and sitting down beside his mate.

"You didn't even discuss this with me, Johnny!" Steve said, rolling onto his other side so his back was to Johnny, who sighed.

"Look, Steve, stop being such a baby," he said. "You knew I wanted to continue acting."

"You still could have told me you were thinking about doing the script," Steve said, hurt.

Johnny groaned, let his head fall forward into his hands. "You are so difficult sometimes!"

"I'm difficult?!" Steve said, rolling onto his back.

"Look, I don't have time for this," Johnny said, gathering up his stuff. "Are you gonna give me a goodbye kiss or be an ass?"

"How 'bout you kiss my ass?" Steve retorted. Johnny sighed.

"Dammit, Steve!" he said. "You're being a baby!"

"Go," Steve said, gritting his teeth. "Make your movie."

"Fine!" Johnny said, throwing his hands up in the air and stomping out of the room. Steve heard the front door of the apartment slam, the sound reverberating through the house. As he heard the door bang, he felt tears well up in his eyes and rolled onto his stomach, pressing his face into Johnny's pillow.

I am not going to cry, I am not going to cry, I am NOT. . .going. . .to. . .cry. Steve cried out in frustration as he felt tears soaking into his lover's pillow.

******

Steve contemplated the shot of tequila in front of him before tossing it back without hesitation. "Wow," said a voice behind him. "Tossing back tequila like it's going out of style. What's your story, stranger? Lover diss you?"

"None of ya damn buzness," Steve said, annoyed to hear himself slurring his words. "Go 'way."

"Oh my God, Steve, is that you?" the woman said, her voice startled.

"Tanya?" Steve said, blinking his eyes.

"My God, Steve Cardenas!" she said. "I haven't seen you since high school!"

"Tanya Davids. . .wow," Steve said. "Imagine running into you in one of the seediest bars in Valencia."

"What are you doing here?" Tanya asked.

"I could ask you the same," Steve said, holding his glass up to the bartender.

"I asked first," Tanya said, sitting down beside him.

"Well, I run a dojo here in Valencia," Steve said.

"But what are you doing here in this bar?"

"Uh. . .drinking away my troubles?"

"And is it working?"

"Yeah. . .for the most part."

******

Steve rolled over onto his back, opening his eyes to stare at the ceiling. "Oh, God, my head," he groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Good morning," he heard a feminine voice say. Rolling onto his side, he stared up in shock at the shapely young woman clad only in one of his shirts.

"Um. . .hello," he said.

"Don't tell me you don't remember last night," she said, smiling.

"Tanya, I remember it," Steve said, visions of the two of them tangled in the sheets running through his mind. Oh, God, Johnny. . . He bit his lip. You're mad at him, remember? a little voice inside him said.

Maybe so, but I just cheated on him. . .

So what? the little voice said. Serves him right for leaving without discussing his plans with you first.

"Steve?" Tanya said, waving her hand in front of his face.

"Yeah, I'm listening," Steve said.

"No, you're not," Tanya said. "I asked if you wanted to see me again tonight."

Say no, his conscience said. What are you, nuts?! She's a knockout! Say yes, say yes!

But what about Johnny?

Fuck Johnny! He's not here! She is! Take her, take her!

Steve bit his lip. "Yeah," he heard himself said.

"Good," Tanya said, scribbling a number onto a piece of paper. "Give me a call, handsome," she said, tossing the paper onto his bed.

"You bet," Steve said, watching the swing of her hips as she walked away.

******

Johnny slung his duffel bag onto his shoulder as he pulled out his key and stuck it in the door to his and Steve's apartment. Unlocking the door, he opened it and raised an eyebrow. Laying there on the ground was a pair of purple thong underwear.

"What the hell?" he mumbled as he set his bag down inside the apartment and quietly closed the door. As he stepped further into the apartment, a sinking feeling came over him until he'd reached their bedroom. . .and was met with a shocking sight.

Steve was laying on his back on the bed, a willowy blond straddling his hips. Her nails were raking down his chest as she ground herself against him. Johnny felt his keys slide from his hand to clatter against the tiled floor of the bedroom and Steve jerked as he heard the noise.

"Johnny!" he squeaked.

"Johnny?" the blond said, glancing over her shoulder. "Who are you?"

Johnny licked his lips, tears welling up in his eyes. "I. . .I'm. . ." He suddenly couldn't stand there any longer or he knew he would lose it and start crying. Snatching up his keys, he raced back to the living room, picking up his bag.

"Johnny!" Steve cried, pushing Tanya off of him and pulling on a pair of sweatpants before chasing after the young man.

"Steve!" Tanya shouted as he raced out of the apartment.

"Johnny, please!" Steve shouted, wedging himself between the elevator doors just before they closed.

"Steve, leave me alone," Johnny said, tears sliding down his cheeks, cutting Steve to the quick.

"Johnny, I'm so sorry," he said.

"It's too late," Johnny said, his lower lip quivering. "Just let me go, Steve."

"No, Johnny," Steve said, grabbing him by the wrist. "I can't let you go."

"Then why did I come home to find you fucking a woman?" Johnny said. "A guy, okay. . .but a woman? God, Steve."

"Look, Tanya's an old friend from high school," Steve said. "She means nothing."

Johnny laughed sardonically. "Does she know that?"

"Johnny-"

"Steve, just leave me alone!" Quicker than he could blink, Steve was shoved out of the elevator and Johnny slapped the button to shut the doors.

"Who was that?" Tanya demanded when Steve slunk back to his apartment.

"That was Johnny," Steve whispered, flopping down onto the couch. "He's. . .was. . .is. . .my lover."

"Your lover?" Tanya said, recoiling, a look of disgust on her face. "Oh my God."

"Tanya, calm down," Steve said.

"You're fucking queer?"

"No," Steve said. "I like both girls and guys."

Tanya shook her head. "Hell no," she said.

"It didn't seem to bother you when we were fucking!" Steve said angrily.

"I didn't know!" she said.

"I told you!" Steve shouted, jumping to his feet. "That was one of the first things I told you our first night!"

"Oh, forget this," Tanya said, gathering her clothes. "I am so out of here!"

Steve collapsed back onto the couch, his head dropping into his hands. "Stupid, stupid, stupid! I am so fucking stupid!"

******

Jason Narvy opened his door and raised an eyebrow at the sight on his doorstep. Johnny Bosch, whom he'd just dropped off at his apartment not even half an hour ago was standing in tears on his front stoop. "Hello," he said.

"Hi," Johnny said, sniffling.

"Come in," Jason said, aware of the duffel bag slung over Johnny's shoulder. "What's wrong?" he asked as he shut the door and ushered Johnny over to the couch before going into the kitchen to grab some drinks.

"I found Steve. . .in bed with a-a. . ." Johnny's voice trailed off as he began to cry.

"Another guy?" Jason said, handing him a beer.

"No," Johnny said, shaking his head. "A woman."

"Ouch," Jason said, winching. "Slap in the face."

"How could he do that to me?" Johnny said, sniffling as Jason handed him a tissue.

"I. . .am at a loss for words," he said as Johnny blew his nose. "Look, why don't you talk to him?"

"No," Johnny said forcefully. "He's messed up. Let him seek me out."

"You need a place to stay?" Jason asked. Johnny nodded. "You can crash here if you like."

"Thanks," Johnny said.

******

Jason sighed as he watched Johnny mope around the apartment. "Johnny, there's the phone," he said, pointing to the counter in the kitchen. "Call him."

"No!" Johnny said. It had been a month since he'd stumbled in on Steve with Tanya and walked away. . .and he'd been completely miserable.

"Johnny, you're just making yourself miserable," Jason said. "And quite frankly, you're starting to depress me as well." He sighed, knowing Johnny wasn't listening. "Will you at least sit down? You're making me antsy with all your damned pacing." He watched as Johnny flopped down on the couch, a woeful expression on his face.

Jason shook his head and picked up his cordless phone, taking it into his bedroom and shutting the door. Flipping through his little black book, he found Catherine Sutherland's number and dialed. "Hey, Catherine, it's Jason Narvy," he said upon receiving an answer.

"Hey Jason!" Catherine said. "This is quite a surprise. I haven't talked to you since I left the show."

"Yeah, well, I need your help," Jason said.

"What's up?"

"It's Johnny. He. . .well, look, I don't want to talk about this over the phone," Jason said. "Can you meet me somewhere?"

"Sure," she said. "Are you still living in Valencia?"

"Yep."

"I'll be down there in about an hour. Where shall I meet you?"

"You know where the Little Shop of Coffee is?"

"Yeah, I'll see you in an hour."

"Okay. Bye." Jason hung up the phone and searched for another number.

"Hello?" a male voice answered.

"Uh. . .yeah, can I speak to Nakia?" Jason asked, thrown a bit by the masculine voice.

"Sure, hang on."

"Hello?" a feminine voice said.

"Nakia?"

"Yeah, who's this?"

"Jason Narvy."

"Oh hey, Jase! What's up?"

"Actually, I need your help. Can you meet me in Valencia in about an hour? At the Little Shop of Coffee?"

"Sure. What's going on?"

"Let's just say. . .Johnny and Steve need our help."

"Uh oh. . .trouble in paradise?"

"You could say that."

"Okay, see you in an hour."

Jason hung up the phone and made his way back out to the living room, where he found Johnny asleep on the couch. He raised an eyebrow as he saw Power Rangers Turbo playing on the TV screen. Grinning, he shut the TV off and placed a blanket over Johnny. "I'll be back," he said softly, writing out a note and leaving it on the coffee table.

******

"Nakia?!" she heard an Australian-accented voice call out as she entered the Little Shop of Coffee.

"Whoa, Cat!" she said. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Catherine said. "Wait, don't tell me. . .you got a call from Jason Narvy."

"You too?" Nakia said, sliding into the booth beside her.

"Did he say anything to you?" Catherine asked.

"Just that Johnny and Steve needed our help," Nakia said.

"Great, you guys are here," Jason said, sailing over to their table and sliding in across from the two girls.

"What's going on?" Catherine asked.

"I need you lovely ladies to help me play Amor," Jason said.

"Wait a minute, Johnny and Steve are fighting?" Nakia asked.

"What happened?" Catherine asked, a concerned look on her face.

"Johnny and I went away to film a movie," Jason said. "And apparently, when Johnny came back, he found Steve in bed with another woman."

"Ouch," Nakia said.

"Where's Johnny?" Catherine asked.

"He's crashing at my place," Jason said. "Anyway, he's been there about a month and he is miserable!"

"We've got to figure out how to get them back together," Catherine said.

"Good luck. Johnny won't even call him," Jason said.

"Has Steve called him?" Nakia asked.

"He called a little bit when Johnny first came to stay at my place," Jason said. "But Johnny refused to talk to him, so he stopped calling."

"Bummer," Nakia said.

"Oh yeah," Jason said, nodding.

"I think I might have an idea," Catherine said.

"Well, don't keep us in suspense, girlfriend!" Nakia said.

"Well, it involves locking them in together somewhere," Catherine said, waggling her eyebrows.

Nakia grinned. "I like it already," she said. "Where do we lock them in at?"

"How about Steve's dojo?" Catherine suggested.

"Now wait a minute," Jason said, holding up a hand. "If I can't even get him to call Steve, what makes you think you can get him to go to his dojo?"

"Simple," Catherine said. "We'll tell him something happened to Steve."

******

Johnny glanced up in surprise as the sound of the doorbell ringing echoed through the apartment. Getting up, Johnny walked over to the door, praying it wasn't Steve. Cautiously, he opened the door and peeked out.

"Hey, Johnny, guess who?" a feminine voice said.

"Nakia?" Johnny said in surprise.

"Yep, it's me," Nakia said.

"What are you doing?" Johnny asked.

"Well, I happened to be in town for a surprise visit and thought I'd look you up," she said. "Aren't you gonna let me in?"
"Um, yeah," Johnny said, blushing. "How'd you know I'd be here at Jason's?"

"Well, um. . .actually, Jason mentioned it," Nakia said. "I talked to him last week."

"Oh," Johnny said. "Well, how have you been?"

"Pretty good," Nakia said. She was about to say something else but was stopped by the ringing of the phone. Johnny stared at it, a look of fright on his face. "Aren't you gonna answer it?" she said softly.

"Um, yeah," Johnny said.

"Johnny, it's Jason," he heard his friend's frantic voice say.

"Jason? What's wrong?" he asked, glancing at Nakia, who raised an eyebrow.

"It's Steve," Jason said. "Man, you gotta get down here to his dojo."

"Wait, Jason, what's wrong with Steve?" Johnny asked, his hand tightening on the receiver.

"H-he's hurt," Jason said. "Just get your ass down here! Pronto!"

"O-okay!" Johnny said. "Nakia and I are on our way!"

"What's going on?" Nakia asked.

"Steve's hurt," Johnny said, grabbing his keys off the counter. "Come on!"

******

Nakia had barely shut the engine off before Johnny jumped out of his Mustang, taking off across the parking lot, headed for the dojo. "Johnny, wait up!" she called. He'd urged her to drive, since his hands were shaking so badly he could barely hold onto the keys.

"I can't!" he said, surging through the doors of the dojo. "Steve needs my-" His voice was suddenly cut off by the sounds of locks tumbling into place and he whirled around to see both Nakia and Jason standing outside the glass door of the dojo. Jason was holding a key in his hand, wiggling it around.

"I kinda figured you'd show up sooner or later," a voice said behind him and he felt himself freeze. "How'd they lure you here?"

"S-Steve," he said, turning to face his lover.

"Hello, Johnny," Steve said quietly, his eyes downcast.

"I see that you're okay," Johnny said. Steve raised his head.

"They told you I was hurt?" he said.

"Jason said you were in trouble," Johnny said, licking his lips.

Steve nodded. "Told me the same thing," he said. "And then, when I got here. . .Nakia locked me in."

"Hello, boys," said an Australian-accented voice. Both men turned to see Catherine Sutherland blocking the entrance.

"Cat," Steve said. "Nice to see you."

"Cat, what's going on?" Johnny asked. "Let us out of here."

Catherine shook her head, shielding the door with her body. "Not until you boys kiss and make up."

Steve scoffed. "Fat chance of that happening," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Then I guess you two will have to stay locked here in this dojo forever," she said. Steve and Johnny exchanged worried glances.

"You wouldn't really keep us locked in," Johnny said.

"Oh yeah?" Catherine said, raising an eyebrow. "Just try me." With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the dojo, locking the door behind her.

"She's not serious," Steve said. "She can't keep us locked in here." Johnny raised an eyebrow. "She'll be back," he assured the younger boy.

******

"They're still in there?" Nakia said in amazement three hours later. Jason and Catherine nodded.

"They aren't talking," Jason said. "Steve's doing a kata and Johnny's meditating."

"Great," Nakia said. "Some plan this has turned out to be."

"Well, I didn't know they wouldn't talk!" Catherine said helplessly. Jason patted her shoulder.

"It's okay," he said.

******

"Man, I think Cat was serious," Steve said. "It's been almost three hours and no sign of them."

Johnny sat with his back to Steve, his legs folded underneath him. His dark eyes were closed and his head bowed. Steve sighed. "Look, Johnny, would you just talk to me?"

"What's there to talk about?" Johnny asked softly.

"I'm sorry," Steve said.

"I don't want to hear it, Steve," Johnny said, shaking his head.

"Look, Johnny, I was drunk," Steve protested.

Johnny laughed. "Not that night," he said, a hurtful tone in his voice. Steve thought he heard tears in Johnny's voice as well and the thought panged his heart.

"Johnny, I never meant to hurt you," he whispered, kneeling behind his lover and best friend, hesitantly placing a hand on his shoulder. When Johnny didn't shrug away from his touch, he gently squeezed. "Please, Johnny. . .you have no idea how torturous this month without you has been."

Johnny scoffed. "What happened to your lady friend?"

"She wasn't too kosher with the thought of me having you as a lover," Steve said, his fingers weaving through Johnny's hair. "Give me another chance, Johnny. I was a total dick. You're right. . .I was being a baby. And I never should have even looked at Tanya." He gently kissed the side of Johnny's neck. "Please, baby. I'm lost without you."

Johnny glanced over his shoulder, staring up into Steve's brown eyes and he saw tears shimmering in the younger man's eyes. "Please don't cry," he whispered, using his thumbs to gently wipe away Johnny's tears.

"Why?" Johnny asked. Steve bit his lip.

"Because. . .part of me was so angry with you, Johnny," he said. "If you had just talked it over with me ahead of time, I would have taken time off from the dojo and gone with you. I could have asked Brett to take over and it could have been a vacation for both of us."

Johnny shook his head. "That's still no reason to cheat on me," he said.

Steve sighed. "You're right," he said. "It's not." He sighed as he rose to his feet and walked a few steps away from Johnny. "Maybe we should just try to be friends for a while."

"We both know that's not what you really want," Johnny said softly.

"Of course it's not," Steve said. "But I don't know how to make you see that I love you."

"By not cheating on me?" Johnny suggested sarcastically. Steve closed his eyes, biting down on the retort waiting on the tip of his tongue. He didn't need to piss Johnny off anymore than he already had.

He opened his eyes as a plan formed in his mind. "Give me a chance to make this up to you," he said, spinning to face Johnny, who raised an eyebrow.

"And how do you plan to do that?" he said.

"You'll see," Steve answered. "Just. . .meet me back here tonight at. . .say. . .seven?" Steve said.

Johnny chewed on his lower lip, thinking. "Okay," he said.

Steve grinned. "You won't regret it, love, I promise," he said, going to the door and rapping his knuckles on the glass.

"Did you make up?" Catherine said, slipping inside and using her body to push the door closed again.

"Sort of," Steve said. He leaned close to whisper in her ear. "I need your help to plan a romantic evening for me and Johnny."

Catherine nodded. "Okay," she whispered back. "Johnny, you're free to go," she said, stepping out of the way of the door. Johnny shot both of them a curious look as he slipped out of the dojo.

"Come on, Johnny," Nakia said, looping her arm through his. "Let's go get a bite to eat."

"Sure," Johnny said, looking perplexed as Catherine and Steve leaned close into a huddle.

"Hey, Nakia," Catherine called. "Steve and I need your expertise."

Nakia sighed, dropping Johnny's arm. "Looks like I'm needed," she said, sighing as she tossed Johnny the keys to his Mustang.

"You can take me out to lunch," Jason offered, smiling as Johnny chuckled.

"Let's go," he said.

******

Steve nervously wrung his hands as he paced the length of the main room of the dojo. "What if he doesn't come?" he asked Catherine, who was putting the finishing touches on the table set up in the corner of the room.

"Steve, will you relax?" she said, holding a lighted match to the wick of the candle seated in the middle of the table.

"I'm just nervous," Steve said. "I mean, what if I screw this up?"

Catherine placed her hands on his shoulders. "Steve, take a deep breath," she said. Steve did as she instructed. "Now slowly release it through your mouth." She watched as Steve followed her directions.

"Thanks," he said. "I feel better."

"You'll do fine," Catherine said.

"Hey, I just saw Johnny's Mustang pull up," Nakia said, running into the dojo from outside. "And damn, does he look nice."

Catherine grinned. "Let me guess. . .he's wearing black," she said.

"Uh huh," Nakia said, fanning herself. "He looks good enough to eat."

Steve smiled. "He always did look good in black. I think that's why Saban chose him to be the Black Ranger."

"Good luck," Nakia said, squeezing his hand.

"Thanks, guys," he said. He felt his mouth go dry as the front door opened and Johnny stepped inside. Steve's eyes traveled over his form, taking in the nice khaki pants and the simple black silk turtleneck. "Damn, but black is definitely your color."

Johnny blushed. "Hi, Steve," he said softly.

"Thank you for coming," Steve said. Johnny looked past him at the table, set for two, with candles burning in the middle.

"You made me dinner?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," Steve said, looking at the table. "Um. . .well, actually I had some help."

Johnny nodded. "So, do we eat or stand here staring awkwardly at each other?"

"How about a dance?" Steve suggested. Johnny raised an eyebrow as his lover walked over to a stereo and turned on the CD player.

"Okay," he said as Steve selected a track from the CD and played it. Johnny raised an eyebrow as he recognized Usher's U Got It Bad.

Steve held out a hand to Johnny, who hesitantly took it, gasping as Steve tugged on his arm. Pulling him close, Steve locked an arm around his slim waist, his fingers entwining with Johnny's.

Johnny's breath was coming out in gasps as Steve's fingers stroked his back. "Please, Steve," he whispered.

"What?" Steve said softly. Their eyes met and Steve could read the desire hidden in Johnny's dark orbs.

"Please don't tease me."

"I'd never do that," Steve said. "Unless you asked me."

"Then you honestly do care for me?" Johnny whispered.

"Of course," Steve said. Johnny hugged him close.

"Promise me you'll never cheat on me again," he said.

"I promise," Steve said, running his fingers through Johnny's hair.

"And I promise to talk to you about my plans," Johnny said. He leaned forward, his lips brushing across Steve's in a kiss that spoke of a month of pent-up passion. Steve moaned at the intensity of the kiss, reveling in the closeness of his lover.

"I love you, Steve," Johnny whispered, his nimble fingers already working Steve out of his shirt.

"Not as much as I love you," Steve said, divesting him of his shirt. Together they rid themselves of the rest of their clothes as Steve maneuvered Johnny back into the private training room, where he'd lain blankets on the floor earlier.

"So much for dinner," Johnny joked as Steve nibbled at his neck.

"Who needs food when I've got you?" Steve said as he set about feasting on Johnny's body, causing the younger man to writhe beneath him.

******

"Ladies, our work is done," Jason said as he, Nakia and Catherine sat in a little diner, eating.

"We make a pretty good team," Nakia said.

Catherine grinned. "Maybe we should open up a dating service," she said.

"That's not a half-bad idea," Jason said.

"I wonder what Johnny and Steve are doing," Nakia mused.

Catherine grinned, reminiscent of the cat who'd eaten the canary. "Hopefully each other," she said.

"Why, Cat!" Jason said. "I never knew you were such a naughty girl."

"You have no idea," Catherine said, winking.

******

"Johnny?" Steve whispered as he twirled the black curls around his finger. Johnny lay snuggled down in his arms, a layer of blankets covering them.

"Hmm?" Johnny mumbled, his eyes closed as he burrowed down into Steve's embrace.

"Marry me."

Johnny's eyes flew open and he bolted up into a seated position. "Repeat that," he demanded, his gaze boring into Steve's.

"I asked you to marry me," Steve said. Johnny nodded.

"I thought that was what you said," he said. "How?"

"We could go to Vermont," Steve said. "They have a civil union which homosexual weddings legal." He ran a hand over Johnny's chest. "Or we could just exchange rings. Or maybe get matching tattoos."

"Matching tattoos, huh?" Johnny said, raising an eyebrow. "Of what?"

"Red and black claddaghs?" Steve suggested. "Or maybe an ape holding a frog?"

Johnny raised an eyebrow. "An ape holding a frog?"

"Yeah," Steve said, enfolding Johnny in his embrace and kissing his neck.

"Let me think about it," Johnny said, turning to face Steve.

"Take all the time you need," Steve whispered, trailing his finger across Johnny's cheek.

******

"Hey babe," Nakia said, kissing Johnny's cheek as she sat down across from him. He'd invited her to lunch and she'd gladly accepted. It had been nearly two weeks since the three's matchmaking attempt to get him and Steve back together and Nakia was eager to find out if their efforts had really worked.

"I guess I should be thanking you, Cat and Jason," Johnny said, running his left hand through his hair.

"Hey, you're wel. . .come. . . " Nakia's voice trailed off as she caught a flash of red and black on the inside of Johnny's wrist. "What's this?" she asked, grabbing his wrist and turning it up to reveal an Irish claddagh, the red heart clasped by black hands and topped by a red crown outlined in black. The tip of the heart was pointed towards Johnny, indicating he was taken.

Johnny blushed. "Um. . .a tattoo?"

"Smartass," Nakia said. "But why a claddagh on your wrist? And why red and black?"

Johnny's blush deepened. "Well, Steve's got one too. And red and black are our favorite colors."

"Not to mention your Power Ranger colors when you first joined the show," Nakia said, grinning. "Did you guys exchange vows?"

"Not yet," Johnny said. "We're, um, we're going to visit my parents soon. After we talk to them, we'll have a little ceremony and invite all our friends."

"Well, you know I'll come," Nakia said, squeezing his hand.

"Thanks," Johnny said, returning her smile.

******

Johnny fidgeted in the passenger seat of Steve's Jeep, tapping his fingers against the dashboard. Steve's hand drifted from the gear stick over to Johnny's knee, squeezing gently.

"You nervous?" he asked.

"How'd you guess?" Johnny said dryly.

"Your fidgeting was a dead giveaway," Steve said with a smile, his hand trailing up to rake through Johnny's hair. "What's wrong, love?"

"I'm afraid of what my parents are gonna say," Johnny said quietly. As Steve stopped for a red light, he leaned over and kissed Johnny.

"We'll worry about it when we get there," he said. "But. . .if they should be less than supportive of us, I don't want you to jeopardize your relationship with them."

Johnny shot an inquisitive look at his partner. "Say what?" he said.

Steve sighed. "I mean, if I have to, I'll just not come around your family."

Johnny shook his head. "Steve, I'm not gonna let you do that," he said. "Either they accept us together or both of us walk. It's you and me, all for one and one for all."

Steve grinned as he kissed Johnny again. "I love you."

"I know."

******

"Well, here we are," Johnny said nervously. He licked his lips as he fumbled to unbuckle his seatbelt. Steve chuckled and lightly smacked his hand aside, unfastening the stubborn belt.

"Just relax," he said, kissing Johnny's temple. As they were getting out of the Jeep, the front door of the Bosch house was thrown open and a teenaged girl ran out.

"Johnny!" 19 year old Diana Bosch cried, running up to her brother and hugging him.

"Hey, Di!" Johnny said, returning the hug. He saw her gaze travel to Steve and her mouth drop open. "Diana, this is Steve Cardenas. Steve, this is my little sister, Diana."

"Wow!" Diana said. "You're Rocky DeSantos!"

Steve grinned. "Guilty as charged."

"Come on," Diana said, tugging her brother into the house. "Everybody's waiting inside. Even Cindy's over here."

"Wow," Johnny said, swallowing nervously. "The whole family, all in one place."

"Calm down," Steve said, squeezing his shoulder. Johnny and Steve followed Diana into the house, where Johnny was immediately pounced on by his mother.

"Whoa, who is this stranger standing in our living room?" Johnny's brother Michael said, grinning as he stepped forward to hug him.

"Long time, no see," Johnny said. "How have you been?"

"Pretty good," Michael said.

"Are you still living in LA?" his sister Cindy asked as she hugged him, her eyes flicking to Steve, who smiled.

"Uh, no," Johnny said. "I'm actually sharing an apartment in Valencia."

"Who's your friend, Johnny?" Eun-Jo Bosch, his mother, asked.

"Mom, this is Steve Cardenas," Johnny said.

"Nice to meet you," Steve said, kissing Eun-Jo's hand.

"And this is my dad," Johnny said. Christopher Bosch stared suspiciously at Steve for a moment before shaking his proffered hand.

"Who are you sharing an apartment with, Johnny?" Christopher asked.

Johnny shifted nervously, scratching behind his right ear. "Um. . .Steve," he said. Cindy smiled knowingly as Michael and Diana exchanged glances.

"It is very nice of Steve to let you live in his apartment," Eun-Jo said, smiling. Chris raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," Chris said. "Very nice."

Johnny licked his lips. "Um, Mom, Dad, I have a confession to make," he said. Suddenly Cindy's hand snaked out to grasp his wrist, turning it upward to reveal the tattoo.

"What's this?" she said. Johnny reddened.

"Well, um. . ." he stammered.

"Kinda looks like a tattoo," Michael said. "I might be mistaken though."

"A tattoo?" Chris said.

"Does Steve have one too?" Cindy asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Guilty as charged," Steve said sheepishly, showing the matching tattoo.

"You know it's customary for certain couples to get matching tattoos in lieu of rings," Cindy said matter-of-factly.

"What are you trying to imply, Cindy?" Chris growled, his eyes narrowed.

Cindy shrugged. "What do you think, Daddy?" she said.

"Um. . .your implications are correct, Cindy," Johnny said. "Mom, Dad, Steve and I are very much in love with each other."

"What?!" Chris shouted, startling the occupants of the room.

"Chris, calm down," Eun-Jo said softly.

"Calm down?" Chris said. "My son is gay and you're telling me to calm down?"

"Shouting about it won't change things, Dad," Cindy said, casually buffing her nails on her shirt.

Michael looked at her. "You're pretty calm about all this," he said quietly. Cindy shrugged.

"I've known about it for years," she said. "I was just waiting for Johnny to get up enough courage to tell Mom and Dad."

"You've known for years?" Diana whispered, her eyes wide. "How'd you know?"

Cindy smiled. "Remember when Johnny called back in '95 to tell us he was moving with Steve?" she said.

"Yeah," Michael and Diana said together.

"You've known since then?" Michael asked.

"Wow. . .how come I didn't know?" Diana said.

"Di, you were 12," Cindy said.

"Good point," Diana said, nodding.

"I can't believe this," Chris said, pacing the living room. Johnny and Steve stood side by side, Johnny's hand clutching Steve's tightly.

"Chris, please," Eun-Jo said. "We must discuss this in a calm manner."

"There's nothing to discuss, Mom," Johnny said. "I love Steve and if Dad can't accept that. . .then I'm sorry."

"Johnny, don't do this," Steve whispered. "Don't create a rift in your family."

"It's too late," Johnny shot back. "If Dad can't accept us together, then he'll live with the knowledge that he pushed me away."

Chris drew a hand through his hair. "This. . .is going to take some getting used to," he said finally.

"We stand by whatever decision you choose to make, Johnny," Eun-Jo said, patting his arm. Johnny breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good," he said. "Um. . .we're going to talk to Steve's parents. . .and. . .we were maybe thinking about having a little ceremony where we exchange vows and stuff."

Chris raised an eyebrow. "I thought that was illegal," he said.

"Not in Vermont," Cindy said.

"Like I said, this is gonna take some getting used to," Chris said.

******

"That went a lot better than I thought it would," Johnny said that night. They were curled up in Johnny's bed in his room. His mother had insisted on them staying the night before they headed out to Idaho, where Steve's parents lived. His father had reluctantly agreed to let the two sleep in the same room.

"Christopher, they're both consenting adults," Eun-Jo had chided.

"Besides, Pop, they've been sharing a bed for six years now," Cindy had said, waggling her eyebrows at Johnny, who had glared.

"What do you think your parents are gonna say?" Johnny asked, looking up at Steve.

"I don't know," he said, shrugging. "I think they might be a little more laid back than your parents. . .though your mom seemed pretty cool with it."

Johnny smiled. "Easterners are more comfortable with the idea of homosexuality. After all, love knows no gender to them."

"Good point," Steve said. "Wish everyone thought like that."

Johnny turned onto his stomach, straddling Steve's hips. "They also believe that sex is the ultimate way to tell someone you love them," he said, bending down to kiss Steve.

"Oh yeah?" Steve said, raising an eyebrow as he grinned.

"Uh huh," Johnny said. "Shall I 'tell' you how much I love you?"

"Please do."

******

"Drive careful," Eun-Jo said as she hugged Johnny.

"Of course, Mom," Johnny said as he hugged his older sister.

"Give Dad some time," Cindy whispered as she kissed his cheek. "He'll come around."

"I know," Johnny said softly. "Thanks for your support."

Cindy grinned. "What are sisters for?"

As Johnny hugged Diana, Steve tapped his watch. "I hate to break this up, but we got a long drive ahead of us and we need to hit the road," he said, grinning sheepishly.

"I love you guys," Johnny said as he picked up his bag.

"Call us," Eun-Jo said.

"I will," Johnny said, squeezing her hand. He turned to his father. "Bye, Dad."

"Don't. . .be a stranger," Chris said softly.

******

"Did your dad ever say anything about us?" Steve asked as they drove along the freeway.

"No," Johnny said, putting his feet up on the dashboard. "Mom said she'd talk to him. And Cindy told me she'd work on him."

Steve eyed Johnny's propped-up feet with distaste. "You do realize if I were to slam on the brakes right now, you'd snap both your legs?"

Johnny scowled as he lowered his feet. "The thought hadn't really crossed my mind," he said. He grinned as Steve winked at him.

"Just don't want to see those pretty legs getting smashed," he said.

"Ah, but I'd be flat on my back for a couple of months," Johnny said, waggling his eyebrows. Steve raised an eyebrow.

"Do you know how hard it is to have sex when both of your partner's legs are encased in plaster?" he asked. Johnny started to laugh.

"Not really," he said.

Steve shrugged. "Me neither."

Johnny burst out laughing. "Are you nervous?" he asked once he'd quieted down.

Steve shrugged. "Not really," he said. "My parents are pretty laid back people. Besides, my dad's brother is gay."

"When did you discover you were gay?" Johnny asked suddenly, startling Steve with the question. He grinned as he flicked on his turn signal, changing lanes.

"Well, I was fourteen," he said. " I had a friend, James. We called him Jamie. . .anyway, he was gay and attracted to me. After much persuasion, I let Jamie kiss me. We. . .ended up sleeping together and I found I liked it."

"I see," Johnny said, nodding.

"But I also like being with a woman," Steve said, sighing. "But I'm more than happy to spend the rest of my life with you." Johnny grinned. "What about you?"

"I used to hear a little voice inside me telling me that it was okay to look at guys," Johnny said. "Made it a pain in the ass to take a shower in gym class. I was so afraid of letting my eyes stray and linger too long."

"And you never told anyone?" Steve asked.

Johnny shrugged. "I never had someone that I thought would understand," he said. He glanced over at Steve. "Did you really fall in love with me the moment you saw me?"

"Hell yes," Steve said. "Those dark eyes, nice body, that shy smile. . .how could I resist?" He grinned as Johnny blushed. "And, of course, can't forget that adorable blush."

"You made me nervous," Johnny said sheepishly.

Steve raised an eyebrow. "I made you nervous?" he said.

"Yeah. . .I was attracted to you, but trying to fight it 'cause I didn't think I was supposed to like guys."

Steve ran his hand through Johnny's hair, tickling the back of his neck. "Well, I'm glad you realized it was okay," he said.

******

Steve grinned as he glanced over at the sleeping Johnny. Damn, he looks so angelic, he thought as he unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over to gently kiss Johnny's cheek. He grinned as Johnny groaned and turned his face towards him. "Hey, sleepyhead," he said softly. "We're here."

"We're here?" Johnny repeated, blinking his eyes against the sleepiness threatening to overwhelm him.

"Yep," Steve said. "Ready to meet mi familia?"

"I s'pose," Johnny said, unfurling himself from the ball he'd curled into to go to sleep.

"They're really nice people," Steve said, getting out of the jeep. "Come on," he said, walking around to the passenger side and holding his hand out to Johnny.

"Steve?" a female voice said as Steve pushed open the front door of his house and stepped in.

"Krista!" Steve said, grinning as he scooped the petite girl up into a hug. Her chocolate brown eyes widened as she saw Johnny standing behind Steve.

"Oh my God!" she cried, her hand flying to cover her mouth. "Adam Park!"

"Adam Park?" another female voice from inside the house shouted. Johnny looked up as he heard the sounds of footsteps thumping against the stairs.

"That would be my sister Adriana," Steve said, grinning.

"Oh wow," Adriana said. "You're Johnny Yong Bosch!"

Johnny blushed. "Pleased to meet you," he said, offering his hand.

"Wow," Adriana said, shaking his hand. "Um, my name is Adriana."

"And this is my sister Kristabella," Steve said, indicating the petite girl hiding behind him. "Nice to meet you too, Kristabella," Johnny said.

"You can call me Krista," she said. "Everyone else does."

"Where's Alejandro and Roberto?" Steve asked.

"Out back," Adriana said, rolling her eyes. "They're playing basketball.

"Steve!" Krista said, grabbing her brother's wrist. "You've got a tattoo!"

Steve grinned. "For an eighteen year old, you're pretty observant," he said, winking.

"A tattoo. . .wow," Adriana said, whistling. She was 21, the same age as Johnny's brother.

"Where's Momma and Dad?" Steve asked.

"Is that my hijo I hear?" an accented voice said. Steve's grin widened as he sprinted over to the woman.

"Mama!" he said, enveloping her in a bear hug. Julia Cardenas laughed at her son's enthusiasm.

"And who is your friend, Steven?" she asked, seeing Johnny standing awkwardly in the door.

"Mom, this is Johnny Bosch," Steve said, drawing Johnny forward. "Johnny, this is my mom."

"Hi," Johnny said, smiling bashfully. Julia returned the smile.

"He's a lot cuter in person," she said to Adriana.

"Told ya, Momma!" Adriana said, smiling smugly.

"Where's padre?" Steve asked.

"Outside with the boys," Julia said.

"Well, um, I need to talk to you and him," Steve said, uncharacteristically blushing under his mother's scrutinizing gaze.

"Jesus!" Julia called out the back door. "Your son is here!"

"You're kidding?" a young boy said, running into the house. "Steve!"

"Hey, Alejandro!" Steve said, ruffling the sixteen year old's shoulder-length brown hair. "You need a haircut, man."

"No way, dude!" Alejandro said, shaking his head. "This is cool!"

"Hey man," his brother Roberto said, stepping into the room.

"Roberto, Alejandro," Steve said. "This is Johnny Bosch."

"Hey," Alejandro said. "You're the former Black Ranger and Green Zeo Ranger!"

"Don't forget Turbo!" Adriana said, glaring at Alejandro.

"Son!" a middle-aged man said as he entered the room, his arms extended.

"Papa!" Steve said, hugging the man. "Papa, I want you to meet Johnny Bosch. Johnny, this is my dad."

"Hello, sir," Johnny said, shaking Jesus' hand.

"Nice tattoo you got there, hermano," Roberto commented casually. Alejandro's eyes lit up.

"Wow!" he said. "You got another tattoo?" Steve already had a cross on his left shoulder.

"Why a claddagh knot?" Adriana asked, wrinkling her nose.

"Isn't a claddagh knot the Irish symbol for love, loyalty and friendship?" Krista asked.

Steve sighed. "Yeah," he said. "Um, Mom, Dad, sibs. . .Johnny and I are in love."

"Whoa," Alejandro said. Julia and Jesus exchanged smiles.

"We know," Julia said. Steve's mouth dropped open.

"What?" he said.

"We've known, Steve," Jesus said.

"Sweetheart, we've known since you said you were gonna ask Johnny to move in with you back in '95," Julia said.

"Seriously?" Steve asked. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"We were waiting for you to get up the courage to tell us," Jesus said. "Johnny, you're a welcome addition to this family."

Johnny blushed. "Thank you, sir."

"Wow," Alejandro said. "My brother's got a boyfriend."

"Are you okay with that?" Steve asked nervously.

"I always wondered why Rocky DeSantos and Adam Park always seemed to be together," Krista said, grinning.

Adriana rolled her eyes. "We know, we know," she said. "Every time we watch Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, she makes a point of mentioning every single time Rocky and Adam are next to each other."

"So, you guys are really okay with this?" Steve asked.

"Yes, hijo," Julia said, cupping his face in her hands. "We are fine with this."

"As long as you're happy," Jesus said. Steve turned to his brothers and sisters.

"And you guys?" he asked.

"Like Pop said," Alejandro said. "As long as you're happy."

"Yeah," Roberto said. "I agree with Alejandro and Dad."

"Me too," Adriana said. Krista grinned at her oldest brother.

"I just have one question," she said.

"What's that?" Steve asked.

"When's the wedding?"

******

"Will you please stop fidgeting?" Catherine chided Steve as she attempted to straighten his bowtie.

"I can't help it," Steve said, biting his lower lip.

"Well, you better stop before I send you to a peace conference," Catherine said, grinning.

"Oh no, anything but that," Steve said in mock horror. "Nothing could be worse than that."

Catherine grinned evilly. "A one-way all-expenses-paid trip to Aquitar?"

"Okay, that's worse," Steve said, chuckling.

"You've got no reason to be nervous, hermano," Alejandro said.

"Marriage is a big step, Alejandro," Jesus said quietly. "It is perfectly natural to be nervous."

Steve took a deep breath. "I think I'm ready."

******

Johnny drew in a breath and then blew it out. "Just relax," Jason said, grinning as he stood beside his friend. They stood in the center of an elaborate garden, a small waterfall behind them. Johnny grinned as Steve took his place beside him.

"You look as nervous as I feel," Steve joked. Johnny smiled as the minister stepped up into place.

Nakia, Catherine and Jason traded grins as the couple exchanged vows. Their friends and families watched Steve placed a simple gold band around Johnny's finger. Johnny looked up into Steve's, grinning as he slipped a matching ring onto Steve's finger.

"You may now kiss," the minister said, smiling.

******

Steve wandered out onto the balcony overlooking the Acapulco beach to see Johnny leaning against the railing, staring up at the stars. They were in the middle of their honeymoon.

"Just two more days and then it's back to our humdrum lives," Steve said softly, handing Johnny a glass of wine.

Johnny grinned as he sipped the tart liquid. "My life won't be humdrum," he said, reaching out to caress Steve's cheek. "Not with you in it."

Steve caught Johnny's wrist, holding his hand in place as he turned his face to gently kiss his palm. "You don't regret this, do you?"

Johnny looked into Steve's eyes, reading the uncertainty in those chocolate orbs. "Of course not," he whispered, setting his glass down and stepping closer to slide his arms around Steve's waist.

"I just wanted to be sure," Steve mumbled, closing his eyes as Johnny's hand slipped under his shirt to caress his belly.

"Come on," Johnny said softly, dancing back into the room, pulling Steve with him. "Let me show you just how sure I am."

The End